02-10-03 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 2003 when looking at any expansion and building project and this project is no exception. Neighborhood participation and inclusion in this and all expansion plans are both welcome and encouraged. As stated, the neighborhood has been actively involved in this process along with Mr. Aranowski whom she thanked for his help and support. Ms. Salle noted that the people that make up this great community serve as their patients, employees and medical staff. She further noted that the hospital must grow so that they have the necessary resources to provide the services that are needed here in South Bend so that this community can have access to the best care possible. She stated that she hopes the Council will agree and vote favorably for this proposal. Mr. Rick Rice, Chairman, Memorial Health Systems, 17320 Summer Lake Court, Granger, noted that he has served as a volunteer on the Memorial Hospital Board/ Memorial Health System over the last twelve (12) and believes in the community. One of the most important aspects of good community life is healthcare. Fifteen (15) years ago more than fifteen percent (15 %) of the people would leave the community for healthcare. Now it is less than five per cent (5 %). Memorial views themselves as a community asset because they are owned by the community. They have no stockholders, they are not owned by a private corporation, they are owned by the community and their mission is very simply to serve the community. The expansion and the rezoning being asked for is only in response to the needs of the community and is being done to bring better health care to the community. People in this community get good health care but to provide for that Memorial needs to expand. In conclusion, Mr. Rice stated that he speaks as a volunteer, as someone who is committed to this community and committed to good health care. He requested that the Council support the rezoning. Mr. William Hostetler, 708 North St. Joseph Street, South Bend, Indiana, noted that he lives right across from where this development is going to take place. He praised Mr. Aranowski and Mr. Foti for being very cooperative and for allowing the neighbors to have a dialogue. This is one of those partnerships between City government, the hospital and a neighborhood. He noted that they live in an historic district which they are proud of They love their homes and they like living in South Bend. The hospital has achieved everything that they wanted to achieve but by making a few concessions that did not affect their plan, they were able to come into partnership with the neighborhood. He stated that they are hopeful that they will have a say in the development of the architectural plan so it fits better into our neighborhood. There was no one else present wishing to speak in favor of this bill and there was no one present wishing to speak in opposition to this bill. Councilmember Aranowski thanked the neighborhood for their feedback and for knowing that Memorial needs to grow. He also thanked Memorial for showing their sensitively to the neighborhood. This open communication between the neighbors and the hospital is a great example of balancing urban development and neighborhood preservation. Therefore, Councilmember Aranowski made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning the second substitute version of this bill. Councilmember Coleman seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. BILL NO. 89 -02 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL AMENDING THE