05-28-96 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MAY 28, 1996 DEVELOPMENT FUND; AND $350,670 FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCOME TAX FUND This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Council Member Luecke reported that the Personnel and Finance Committee had met on this bill and recommended it to the Council favorable. Jeff Rinard, Deputy Controller, made the presentation for the bill. He indicated the General Fund request was for the remodeling of the old fire station on Olive Street to be used for the animal control program, the CCDF request was for the police vehicle and cages for the animal control program; the EDIT funds was the City's share of a 4.9 million dollar Toll Road interchange project in the Blackthorn area, improvements in the Meade Street area and various downtown improvements. Gary Aretz, 1553 Wildflower presented a petition asking the City to reopen negotiations with the Humane Society, and halt any further capital investments for the animal control program. Joyce Boaler, 1606 Hillsdale Road, indicated the administration was using the pretext of saving taxpayers money to justify taking over animal control. She indicated she was concerned about the quality of care the animals will be receiving. Mary Wadsworth, director of the Humane Society, indicated the decision not to stay with the Humane Society was made strictly from a financial standpoint, however, the City has already exceeded their budget, it cannot be done for $180,000. Jackie Walorski, 1342 Roelke, past director of the Humane Society, indicated at the end of the year the City's program will cost much more than $180,000. Gunner Jensen, 1920 Rockne Dr., spoke against the City's animal control program. He indicated the petition that was presented had over 2,000 signatures, and asked how many more they needed to get action on this matter. There was a lengthy discussion on number on the pros and cons of the program. Council Member Kelly made a motion to recommend this bill to the Council favorable, seconded by Council Member Luecke. The motion carried. BILL NO. 37 -96 A BILL CREATING A DIVISION OF ANIMAL CONTROL WITHIN THE GENERAL FUND AND FUNDING SAID DIVISION BY DECREASING THE DIVISION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT 1996 BUDGET BY $180,872 This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Council Member Luecke reported that the Personnel and Finance Committee had met on this bill and recommended it to the Council favorable. Jeff Rinard, Deputy Controller, made the presentation for the bill. He indicated this was a transfer of funds in the Code Enforcement budget to establish a division of Animal Control. Joyce Boaler, 1606 Hillsdale, indicated she objected to this bill. Gene Oakley, 2614 York Rd., indicated he took offense to the fact that Bill No. 36 -96 was tied together with other appropriations. Jackie Walorski, 1342 Roelke, thanked the Council for their efforts. She indicated what has happened here is a joke. Mary Wadsworth, Director of the Humane Society indicated there is no question that the City can do animal control, but they cannot do it for $180,000. Council Member Kelly made a motion to recommend this bill to the Council favorable, seconded by Council Member Luecke. The motion carried. BILL NO. 30 -96 A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA REMOVING THE SOUTH BEND WATER WORKS FROM THE JURISDICTION OF THE INDIANA UTILITY REGULATORY COMMISSION PURSUANT TO I.C. 8- 1.5 -3 -9 -1 This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to