01-26-15 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 26, 2015 03 -15 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL TO VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTIES: ALL PUBLIC ALLEYS AND STREETS BOUNDED BY KEMBLE STREET ON THE WEST, THE NORFOLK & SOUTHERN RAILROAD (OLD PENN CENTRAL RR) ON THE NORTH, SCOTT STREET ON THE EAST AND INDIANA AVENUE ON THE SOUTH ALL IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to continue bill until March 91h. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. 59 -14 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING SECTION 6 -37.1 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE ADDRESSING VACANT BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND REGISTRATION Councilmember Dieter made motion to continue bill until February 9'. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. 66 -14 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 20, ARTICLE 7, OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADDRESS SNOW REMOVAL PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made the motion to hear substitute bill the motion seconded by Councilmember Varner. Councilmember Varner, member of Public Works and Property Vacation Committee, reported that this committee met this afternoon and there is no recommendation at this time due to lack of a quorum. Presenter of this bill Eric Horvath, Director of Public Works office on the 13`h Fl. County -City Bldg. Eric Horvath states that the changes before the Council includes clearance conditions, even and odd numbers which makes it much more simpler to get the job done. Other changes include clarification on the language. Councilmember Oliver Davis, states when did the fine amount change and is the increase necessary, if it wasn't been previously enforced at all. Eric states he's not as interest in the fine amount as he is with the components of safety and being able to get the job done. Councilmember Dieter, asked who is responsible for enforcing and is the manpower available /equate to do so. Eric states yes the Ordinance is written in such a way that all agencies are able to enforce for flexibility sake. Councilmember Henry Davis, states a person that absolutely cannot respond to the requirement, how will this be handled. Council Attorney Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, states that's what the current appeals process is in place for situations as such. Councilmember Karen White, ask City Clerk, John Voorde, would you briefly explain the appeals process. John Voorde briefly explains the process then goes on to state that the appeals forms are available in the Office of the City Clerk, open from Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:45pm. 3