12-13-04 Council Meeting Minutes

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t .. REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 13,2004 On the 5th Day of Christmas, that we engage St. Joseph County in conversation along with the City of Mishawaka as they attempt to create sewer districts in unincorporated areas of the County plagued with septic problems. Both Cities have much to offer the county; we should all sit down and talk about it. On the 6th Day of Christmas, that we continue to meet with City, Council and State Officials to try and help ease the property tax burden that has hit out city so hard. We must also exercise due diligence with our own city budget to make South Bend an affordable place to live. On the 7th Day of Christmas, that we sit down with developers,builders, economic development and the Council to discuss infill housing. It's a wonderful thing, it can be a money make for private builders and it helps the tax base. However, we should make sure it fits the neighborhood. Building for the future is wonderful, planned obsolescence is not. On the 8th Day of Christmas, that we meet with parks, economic development and developers that want to build large-scale residential development to set goals or standards to provide green space or small playgrounds. One of the great things about our old city is the fore site to incorporate neighborhood parks. We should envision that for the "new" city also. On the 9th Day of Christmas, we should look at offering tax incentives to those that want to take rental properties in the city and convert them back to private owner occupied residences. Many, but all, rental properties have a detrimental effect on neighborhoods. At one time tax abatement for infill housing was considered radical,but now is a successful tool. Let's skip the demolition and see it we can fix it now by providing more home ownership options. On the 10th Day of Christmas, a wish to my comrade and sitting neighbor Council At Large Sean Coleman good luck in his new job in the County Treasureis Office. Nevertheless, he won't need it, because he is good at everything he does. In addition, hope whoever replaces him will bring the same energy,passion and commitment to South Bend that he has for the past sixteen years. On the 11th Day of Christmas, A thank you to the Council for the spirited discussions and votes we have had the last several months. Continued 9 to 0 votes may mean were bored or maybe not dealing with important issues. 7-2, 6-3 and 5-4 votes are sometimes good for an elected body, it means many different views are being heard which is why we are elected. As my brother-in-law once said after a Thanksgiving family "blow" up a little bad blood is good for the family now and then. It makes up appreciate our differences and love each other more. Regardless of where the vote falls, I know we all care about our city. On the 12th Day of Christmas, that we all continue to work hard, enjoy our differences so the vision of City Plan can make the City of South Bend a model city. RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE At 7:18 p.m., Councilmember Coleman made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Puzzello seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Coleman, Chairperson, Committee of the Whole, presiding. Councilmember Coleman noted that this is the portion of the meeting in which members of the council meet as the Committee of the Whole in order to hear presentations and public comment on bills that are presented for ordinance consideration. Each bill that will be heard tonight will have a Public Hearing and after the hearing on each bill, the committee will vote on the disposition of the bill, which typically is sent to the full Council with either a favorable or an unfavorable recommendation. He noted that the South Bend Municipal code requires that the Chairperson describe the procedure for the hearings. The Committee operates in accord with the Council Rules and Procedures and 6