08-28-00 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 28, 2000 Councilmember King stated that he is the volunteer co- chairman of the South Bend Downtown Partnership who is working on revitalizing the downtown and what goes on on South Michigan Street has a significant effect on the downtown and the effort to clean up that area will have an effect on the downtown. For that reason alone he is in favor of this bill but also because it is the right thing to do. Councilmember King informed those present that the Council meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month and conducts public business. He noted that not many people attend those meetings even though the things that the Council acts on at these meetings have as much effect on the quality of life in the community as this issue. He encouraged the individuals present to maintain the passion that they have developed for `this issue and share it with other issues and attend the meetings and help the Council make good decisions and do the right thing for the community every time they meet. Councilmember White thanked members of the City administration, the Mayor, Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand, South Gateway Association, the City At and especially Councilmember Ujdak for their efforts. She rioted that the Council has spent a great deal of time in reviewing this issue and has looked at all sides both for and against. She stated that she supports this ordinance because she knows it is the right thing to do. Councilmember Kirsits thanked City Attorney John Broden, the City administration, Mr. Staffelbach, Mr. Sergio, Mr. Frick and Mr. Mangan. He stated that one of the things that has been on his mind is the corruption issue that is connected to this particular industry. He rioted that the people that use these businesses are not stake holders in the community as they come from outside the City. He stated that it is really important that this ordinance be passed. He further stated that some things have been left out of this ordinance 'that other communities have in theirs such as licensing of employees as well as video cameras that document who goes into a book store. He stated that he believes this is a good solid ordinance. Council President Pfeifer noted that she agrees with all that has been said by the Council but wanted to tell everyone present that she agrees with what Councilmember King said that not only should those present tonight be at the Council meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month but they also need to get involved with their neighborhood associations and neighborhood partnership centers because they need volunteers. The real work is done everyday in all neighborhoods with a handful of volunteers. President Pfeifer commended Councilmember Ujdak for all his long hours spent on this issue and noted that the Council was not going to jump into something without thorough research and she commends Councilmember Ujdak for that. Councilmember Uj dak noted that this has been a very long process and that the research given to the City from the Citizens for Community Values, the Council attorney and the City's legal department is voluminous. What the Health and Public Safety Committee tried to do was to examine all the issues. The Council's sole purpose was to consider and develop legislation to make sure this was a sound piece of legislation. He noted that some questions may be answered in a Court of law. Councilmember Ujdak further noted that the South Gateway Association, the Citizens for Community Values and the City are all here for the same purpose and that is to help the City, each other and the neighborhoods. He noted that there are problems on all sides of town. What is important is that something constructive has come out of all efforts put forth and that is the bill being considered tonight. Councilmember Ujdak noted that he had a concern regarding the state pre- emption law but is content with the changes that were made in the language with the filing of the substitute bill. If there is an item in the ordinance that is stricken due to state law it probably will only be one line. Councilmember Ujdak stated that he will be supporting the bill this evening and he also encouraged all those present to attend future Council meetings. Councilmember Coleman made a motion that the substitute version of this bill as amended be sent to the full Council favorably. Councilmember Kelly seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. RISE AND REPORT Councilmember Varner made motion to rise and report to the full Council following a brief five (5) 1 r