03-25-74 Council Special Meeting Minutes

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SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 25, 1974 SPECIAL MEETING (CONTINUED) this. He read a letter written by Mr. Blad dated January 16, 1974, regarding the soil and collaps of structures built on the land and the amount of money needed to "de- muck" the land in order to make it suitable for residential or commercial structures. He felt the area was a "breadbasket" and should not be done away with. He stated that there was a real problem in bringing the area into the city. Within the city, only small truck farming and gardening was allowed. He felt this was impossible to do. Mr. Roper wondered about the spraying needed for the crops and the problem it would cause to residents living near the area. He felt the area was not conducive to be used for industrial, commercial or residential purposes. He asked that the 2,289 acre tract be excepte from the annexation. Mr. Richard Wasoski, 21943 Auten Road, read a letter submitted by the President of the Township Trustees Association to the Common Council, opposing the annexations unless it could be shown the annexations would equally benefit the citizens of the City of South Bend and the citizens of the affected area proposed to be annexed. He felt a great deal of land was being wasted for construction of large and expensive buildings, and the farms were diminishing greatly. He felt the city should be made attractive so people would want to move into the city without being forced to. Mr. John Lindstaedt, President of the St. Joseph County Fair Tax Association, residing at 54756 North Charles, expressed the feeling of the association that the people in the outlying areas should be given the right of a referendum vote on annexations. The association supported the residents of the townships and the residents of the City of South Bend i opposing the annexations. Ms. Margaret Hunkeler, 51188 Portage Highway, felt the townships add their part to the city through the environment they were preserving. She did not feel that the annexations would benefit the city or the township residents. She stated that the Area Plan Commission was supposed to be a body that helped the entire county, as well as the city; however, she felt the Area Plan Commission always talked about what was needed for the city only. She stated that, as a school teacher, she had always stressed that the people live in a democracy. She felt that the people would fight strongly for protection of their homes, rights and liberties. She felt that, when no concern was shown to people about their destiny, there were court fights and litigation and additional expenses. Dr. Helen Calvin, 103 South Eddy Street, stated that, within the last five years, there has always been a section of the county being threatened by pro- posed annexations. She talked about preservation of the farm lands and the amount of undeveloped property in the city. She asked that the Council look carefully at both ordinances and vote no. Mr. Keith Gillette, 19491 East Brick Road, stated that many minority groups "clamor for their rights" and their rights are given them. He stated that the residents of the townships were a minority group fighting for their basic rights. He felt the city was over- extended now. He felt this was basic to the whole question. Mr. Robert Ehninger, 50759 Orange Road, indicated that he was a farmer in the proposed area to be annexed, and this was his way of life. He hoped the area could be kept as farmland for the benefit of all persons in the city and outlying areas. Mr. Julius Farkas, residing on Portage Highway, talked about the pledge to the flag that was given at the start of the meeting and "freedom and justice for all ". He stated that the townships wanted t vote on the annexation. Mr. Charles Menyhart, 54760 Mayflower Road, stated that he had property in German Township and more property in the City of South Bend, and he felt he would be faced with nothing but more taxes in the city and the township. He talked about the South Bend Public Transportation Corporation and mentioned that the corporation was losing money. He talked about the money lost by the city on the parking garages and the failure of the trash program to operate on its own revenue. He asked that the empty stores along Michigan Street be filled. He concluded by stating that the annexations would be the Council's responsibility and he asked them to serious consider the matter. Mr. Ray Milliken, 54933 Quince Road, indicated that he was not in favor of the annexations because he felt it would not be of benefit to the city or the township. He felt the problems in the southeast side of the city should be corrected before the Council attempted to annex more land. Mr. Paul Rudbeck, 21275 Cleveland Road, talked about the growth of the airport and the fact that the people, some time ago, did not want additional growth with the National Guar Armory. He stated that part of the annexation was due to the expansion of the airport. He felt an expansion to the industrial area was needed but there were locations for that already without annexing more land. Mr. Lee Holcomb, 51180 Orange Road, talked about the services to be provided to the residents of the township. He stated that the services of sewer, water, fire and police protection were already available in the townships. He felt the city was abusing the civil rights of the residents of the township. He felt the city should concentrate on improving the city befor annexation of more land. Mr. Parker complied with Council President Nemeth's request for an explanation to Mr. Bratton's remarks about petitions for annexation. He stated that the law calls for 510 of the land owners to petition for annexation and then Council action is taken on the petition. He stated that one - eighth of the perimeter of the land must be contiguous; therefore, there are problems with petitio for annexations. He stated that petitions for annexation are usually for smaller areas, and many times the petitioners are barred from coming into the city if the area is not contiguous to the ci Council President Nemeth stated that the Council recognized the responsibility of the city in tryi to make a correct determination on the annexation proposals and dealing with a course of action to be taken on all other problems. He stated that the Annexation Committee has done much research and study on the large annexation. He stated that the Council has also discussed the matter. He appreciated the willingness of the people to cooperate in the matter, and he felt the Council woul try to do what is best for the majority of the people. Councilman Kopczynski made a motion that both annexation ordinances be referred to the Annexation Committee for further study, seconded by Councilman Parent. The motion carried. Council Presiden- Nemeth announced that the membership of the Annexation Committee would be expanded to include all Council members. Councilman Kopczynski made a motion to recess, seconded by Councilman Horvath. The motion carried and the Council recessed at 7:30 p.m.' Reconvened at 7:45 p.m. ORDINANCES, FIRST READING ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE REGULATING SALARIES PAID TO CITY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES. This ordinance had first reading. Councilman Miller made a motion that the ordinance be set for public hearing and second reading on April 8, 1974, seconded by Councilman Kopczynski. The motion carried. APPOINTMENTS TO CRIME COMMISSION Councilman Miller made a motion to appoint Mr. Howard Goodhew, Miss Virginia Guthrie, Mr. Dean Johnson and Mr. William R. Henke to the South Bend Crime Commission, seconded by Councilman Taylor The motion carried.