06-27-73 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 27, 1971 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) benefits to residents of South Bend, Clay and German Townships. She indicated that the residents of South Bend, Clay and German Townships would all be affected, and the residents from the township did not want to be annexed and the city residents wanted their problems solved before annexing more land. She did not think the city could take care of another area when the problems were not solved within the city. She cited a case of a woman living 20 blocks from the County -City Building who did not have city services. She indicated that there were other areas that have been annexed for 25 years and sewers, water and sidewalks are not yet available. She stated that, for some time, she had been trying to get the views of the people present at the meeting across to the Council and the administration. She talked about the nature center that was passed by the Council a few weeks ago, and indicated that the County Council has been referred to as a "penny- pinching Council" and this is what the people wanted. She felt there could be a reduction along the lines without annexation. A student from LaSalle High School stated that he felt the Council was totally bored with the pro- ceedings. He indicated that he had moved away from South Bend and did not want to be annexed. He felt the Council was gullible in accepting the figures handed to them. Mr. James Engdahl, 52486 Bamford Drive, indicated that he wanted to hear remarks from the Council members on their reasons for the proposed annexation. He felt the annexation was without repre- sentation, and he wanted to hear the Council's personal and professional feelings. Chairman Newbur indicated that the Council members would speak after the public hearing was concluded. Councilman Taylor indicated that he wanted to compliment the speakers. He indicated that he 'thought Mr. Manion was a good and passionate man and a great American and a fantastic speaker. He wanted to make that remark to Mr. Manion in public. He then indicated that he was not a technician and was only speaking as a councilman. He stated that he had had access to all the figures pre - sented at the hearing. He expressed hope of putting annexation in some proper perspective for Sout Bend and the - metropolitan area. He realized that 142 annexations did not mean anything to the Clay (Township residents, but annexation has taken place that many times. He stated that, if South Bend had chosen never to annex, he could not picture what kind of a mixed -up community the area would 'be. He mentioned that some people might think of the annexation as a power play, but he reminded the audience that a Common Council, under matters of annexation, operates under state law and not (city -made laws. He also indicated that the Council had been told many times by the state'legisla- tors that something would be done regarding annexations and it had been talked about in the legislature for years and years. He guessed that, at every annexation hearing, the state legislators speak about the problem. Councilman Taylor indicated that, regarding the impounded taxes, the Council saw fit to impound taxes on a three -year basis in this case. He expressed the feeling that he wanted a community to have as much voice as possible in its affairs, and he stated that there is so much power going to the federal level because local officials will not stand up to the problems of a community, and he felt the Council was trying to solve the problems of the community. He stated that the differences of opinion could not be reconciled at a meeting such as the one being had on the annexation. He mentioned that he had to do what he thought was best for the city as a councilman, regardless of outside pressure. He stated that, if the area was annexed, the people would still have the right to take the annexation to the courts for a final decision. He indicated that, as a Republican, the issue had been a non - partisan matter and that he had not been elected to undermine the Democrats in office. He concluded by stating that there was no political advantage to the annexation. Council President Nemeth commended the administration for its presentation on the ordinance and thanked the other speakers for their remarks and comments. He indicated that he respected the township's position and was hopeful that the township and residents in turn respected the Council's position. He stated that he must do for the city what he thought was right. He said it took Council action to get the legislators to discuss urban- suburban problems. He wondered what a 60- day delay would accomplish and indicated that the Council had waited 18 months and nothing had been done. He hoped that the township and residents would respect the Council's position even though they disagreed. Councilman Szymkowiak indicated that the Clay Township annexation was a "tough" annexation. He felt he had a responsibility to the citizens of South Bend, as well as to the Clay residents. He stated that perhaps some day the Clay residents would be citizens of South Bend; however, at the present time, he could not see South Bend annexing the Clay area. He felt South Bend was a nice city to live in and, naturally, it would have problems. He felt the city had a good administration, and he stated that it takes money to give the people what they want. He con - cluded by stating that the Council tried to give the taxpayers a dollar's worth of service for every dollar spent. Councilman Parent indicated that he would like to work cooperatively with the Clay residents. He stated that they are a part of the South Bend community socially and economi- cally; however, they did not want to become legally a part of that community. He indicated that the annexation would never have been brought about if the Clay area had not been a part of the community. He stated that, if a delay was what the people wanted, a delay could be obtained by litigation, and he concluded that the courts would then made the decision regarding the annexation. Councilman Serge indicated that he had reservations concerning the annexation, and.he felt there should be further study done. He felt the administration had not had the necessary amount of time to prepare the facts and figures concerning the annexation. He felt a delay would give the admin- istration and the Council the proper time and the proper figures. Chairman Newburn thanked the speakers and audience for cooperating. He stated that he wanted to work for the people and it was a very difficult job because there are such a vast number of needs. He knew there was a concern for the Clay residents on crime and he appreciated their fears. He felt that charity began at home. He felt the township should be a part of South Bend; however, he stated that the city's problems should be solved before Clay Township's are included. Councilman Miller made a motion that the ordinance go to the Council as favorable, as amended, seconded by Councilman Kopczynski. The motion carried. (Councilmen Serge, Szymkowiak and Newburn opposed.) (There being no further business to come before the Committee of the Whole, Councilman Miller made a motion to rise and report to the Council, seconded by Councilman Horvath. The motion carried. ATTEST: �e.r.�. � ��vvwv� -v✓ CITY CLERK ATTEST- CHAIRMAN