07-09-14 Press Release - City Council Moving forward

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CommonCouncil - «. FY South : - • NEWS RELEASE Date: Wednesday,July 9,2014 From: Council President Oliver J. DavisoA Contact: 876-6938 SOUTH BEND CITY COUNCIL STAYS FOCUSED AND IS MOVING OUR CITY FORWARD As of next Monday's South Bend Common Council meeting [July 14, 2014] the Council will have acted upon thirty-two (32) ordinances and sixty-(68)resolutions.Of those 110 public hearings on proposed ordinances and resolutions,we have reviewed: 4 38 tax abatement requests were heard by the Community Investment Committee chaired by Council Member Gavin Ferlic which are bringing jobs and residents to South Bend 4 17 zoning requests were heard by the Zoning and Annexation Committee chaired by Council Member Tim Scott which focused on land use planning 4 4 vacation of public way requests were heard by the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee chaired by Council Member Henry Davis,Jr.which have addressed public safety concerns Some of the other City Council items have included: • Spring 2014 paper bag initiative- in cooperation with the City Administration • On February 10, 2014, passing an ordinance which improved the precious metals and scrap metal regulations which now include electronic reporting of transactions—with the Mishawaka Common Council following South Bend's leadership on this matter when they passed a similar ordinance this past Summer • On February 10, 2014 adopting a resolution endorsing the "Spring Forward" initiative to deter blight,vandalism and theft utilizing the collaborative efforts of many with the use of artistic boarding • On February 24,2014 passed an ordinance approving an Interlocal Agreement with TRANSPO to participate in a compressed natural gas fueling facility so that South Bend would be a leader on such an initiative • On March 23,2014 the 2n°Annual Schuyler Colfax Day celebrations were held highlighting our City Cemetery initiatives • On April 14, 2014 passed new regulations addressing donation boxes in collaboration with many non-profit and for-profit organizations to help eliminate blight • On May 28,2014 passed a comprehensive animal and pet ownership care and control regulation ordinance under the leadership of Council Member Valerie Schey who collaborated with many organizations and individuals • Under the leadership of Council Members Tim Scott, Karen L. White and Derek D. Dieter, who sponsored the Chronic Problem Property ordinance regulations, and the close working relationship with South Bend .Police Officer Keenan Lane, is bringing pro- active and positive results to areas throughout the city which have had ongoing nuisance and public safety concerns • Multiple walking tours of the neighborhoods by the Residential Neighborhoods Committee chaired by Council Member Karen White and the Health and Public Safety Committee chaired by Council Member Derek D. Dieter which included Council Member Tim Scott and Dr.Fred Ferlic who have interacted with many residents who have voiced concern about quality of life issues just to name a few of the items we are addressing for the advancement of the City of South Bend.