01-08-73 Council Meeting Minutes

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+.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ i REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 8, 1973 Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend met in the Council Chambers of the County -City Building on Monday, January 8, 1973, at 8:00 p.m., Council President Peter J. Nemeth presiding. The meeting was called to order and the Pledge to the Flag was given. Councilman Taylor asked to be recognized and said he wanted to welcome some students from Jackson High School in the audience. They represent classes in Sociology and Government. Councilman Nemeth welcomed Mrs. Barbara Byers, new Deputy City Clerk. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmen Serge, Szymkowiak, Miller, Parent, Taylor, Kopczynski, Horvath, Newburn and Nemeth. ABSENT: None. Councilman Horvath made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole, seconded by Councilman Taylor. The motion carried. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend met in the Committee of the Whole on Monday, January 8, 1973, at 8:06 p.m., with nine members present. Chairman Odell Newburn presided. ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6 "BUILDINGS" OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND TO REQUIRE THAT CERTAIN TYPES OF BUILDINGS BE CONSTRUCTED IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THEY ARE ACCESSIBLE TO AND FUNCTIONAL FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND AGED. This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above ordinance, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Councilman Roger Parent made the presentation for the ordinance. Mr. Parent said that last year Mr. Robert Swanson, President of the Michiana Chapter of the National Paraplegia Foundation, asked that the Council study the problem of barriers in buildings as they affect the handicapped. The Council referred the matter to the Urban Redevelopment Committee. Mr. Parent is Chairman of the Committee and the members are Councilmen Miller, Newburn, Serge and Taylor. The Committee held meetings to study existing regulations and determine what was needed. One out of ten persons is physically handicapped in one way or another. The existing State Building Code applies only to buildings funded with public funds. This kind of an ordinance would be helpful in making the building rules and regulations more pertinent. The Urban Redevelopment Committee prepared the first draft of an ordinance and mailed it to 50 architects, builders, interested organizations and individuals. A public hearing was held to get individual input into the ordinance. A Technical Committee was formed composed of architects and handicapped persons and this Committee held meetings to rewrite the first draft of the ordinance. The Technical Committee feels that the ordinance before the Council tonight should be passed with some amendments. Councilman Parent then moved that the ordinance be amended as follows: Section 6 -19 General (b) Add No. (14) checkout lanes and turnstiles. (c) Delete. Add a new sentence as follows: Privately supported schools, cultural centers, art facilities, museums, theatres, movie houses and buildings with similar purposes. (k) Substitute the word "facilities" for "garages." (k) (1) Substitute the word "facilities" for "garages."