12-08-03 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 8, 2003 THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO ENHANCE REGULATION OF ALARM SYSTEMS This bill had first reading. Councilmember Varner made a motion to refer this bill to the Health and Public Safety Committee and set it for Public Hearing and Third Reading on January 12, 2004. Councilmember Kuspa seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. UNFINISHED BUSINESS BILL NO. 72 -03 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1314 CALIFORNIA AVE. IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Coleman made a motion to strike this bill from consideration at the request of the Petitioner. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to come before the Council at this time. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR COMMENTS BY MR. JOHN SWANSON CONCERNING CITY WIDE YOUTH CENTER Mr. John Swanson, 1321 West Washington Street, South Bend, Indiana, informed the Council that he was not present at the last Council meeting because he was involved in the round up at the Always Open gas station which is open twenty four (24) hours a day. Mr. Swanson stated that he and his family were involved and as he has said before people do not have any place to go. If a center or a gym were open twenty four (24) hours a day then they would go there. Council President White informed Mr. Swanson that of all the individuals arrested in this round up only three (3) individuals were minors and the rest were over twenty -one (21) years of age. She thanked Mr. Swanson for coming to the Council meetings and noted that the Council appreciates his comments in regards to his concerns about some type of athletic functions for youth. COMMENTS CONCERNING TAX BILLS Mr. Donald Black, 26123 Brush Trail, stated that he lives in the County but owns several rental properties in South Bend. He stated that with the recent tax increases he is frightened and has had his tenants call him. He asked the Council to call state representatives and ask for some exemption on the property taxes to help out renters. He noted that he will have to increase the rent for his tenants and that Portage Township got hit hard with this increase which is not fair to the residents. Mr. Jerry Watts, 1416 North Main Street, Mishawaka, Indiana, informed the Council that he is a landlord but is concerned about what is happening to all property owners in South Bend. He noted that the older residents who have lived in the same home for many years will face foreclosure because they cannot afford the high taxes. He informed the Council that he called Indianapolis and was told that the high taxes are the County's fault. The County has told him that it is the State and the City's fault because that is who spends the money. He asked that the Council send a Resolution to the state and county. Mr. Watts stated that every one of his properties went up one hundred fifty per cent (150 %) and noted that renters comprise fifty per cent (50 %) of the intercity. -37-