05-11-15 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MAY 11, 2015 to come in under that. Councilmember Davis responded there is obviously a plan in place for rezoning, my question is are we in conversation with those being affected by this as to what will be happening in the next 4-5 years. Is the zoning conducive to the area or will it force others out? Chris responded it will be more conducive as it will expand parking. If anything the church which is limited now to parking will have access to more afterwards, which would help them out. Councilmember Davis responded I’m pushing on this as this is in my District. We spent a lot of time on developing that area to ensure what the area will look like in 5 years. I’m not sure if that will delay the zoning or would be a condition of approval. I am interested in the next steps. Councilmember Dr. Ferlic stated didn’t you explain this during the committee meeting? (Chris responded that he did) Councilmember Davis asked what that had to do with anything. Councilmember White stated in terms of Councilmember Davis’ concerns I do recall having that conversation. I think we should have the Church Grandfathered in so they wouldn’t lose their zoning and their location. Can we have that in writing? Chris responded there are no plans on file with the contractors as we are being proactive, so when the developers do come we don’t have to delay development 4-6 months to wait on approvals but we will be more than happy to put that in writing. Councilmember White asked if the church was made aware of the rezoning and if they had gotten any responses? Council Attorney Cekanski-Farrand responded that they were notified as they are within the 300 radius. Angela Smith stated there was no-one present at the meeting nor did they receive any calls or notifications on opposition. Councilmember White requested can we document this conversation so that it does not have a negative impact on the church, Council Attorney is there anything that we can do? Council Attorney Cekanski-Farrand stated that doesn’t fall within their written commitment. If there is going to be a significant change they would need to come back through the Council. This is now all Public Record. You can request additional communication between the department and the Council. th Petitioner Chris Fielding, Department of Community Investment, Offices on the 14 floor – We are trying to accomplish the rezoning for the requested area. This is one large parcel between the cul-de-sac and the synagogue to have the same zoning on that block. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Councilmember Davis interjected before the vote, I can’t believe we’ve gone through all those changes if we are not doing anything. I’m not opposed to redevelopment, I am just more comfortable with having a conversation with the land owners before doing anything further. I just don’t want us to run in to a brick wall three years down the road. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Schey seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of six (6) ayes and one (1) nay by Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. 22-15 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AND AMENDING CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 2 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY ADDRESSING ABATEMENT REGULATIONS ADDRESSING TALL, GRASS, WEEDS, NOXIOUS WEEDS AND RANK OR OVERGROWN VEGETATION AND FURTHER AMENDING SECTION 16-61 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE ADDRESSING PENALTIES th Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to continue bill for May 26 back to the Health and Public Safety. Councilmember Schey seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes. RISE AND REPORT Councilmember White requested a motion to rise and report to full Council. So moved by Councilmember Schey. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes. 3