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REGULAR MEETING <br />MAY 26, 2015 <br />workers labor hours, lighting... If you are unable to quantify that then let's wait, but I will still <br />be looking to find out what those numbers are. Aaron replied I am unable to answer that <br />question right now, as we are still putting the spread sheets together. I am curious to find that <br />out too, I would have to get back to you on that one. <br />Councilmember Dr. Ferlic — I would like to congratulate Kathryn on the fundraisers for the River <br />Lights Project. She was able to obtain $800,000 in contributions. I was at the $7,500- $15,000 <br />range that I was asking and only got turned down eight (8) times. Otherwise it was $7,500 and <br />above due to Kathryn's efforts. We now have two (2) tax abatements both residential and a hotel <br />as a result of events like this. Thank you Aaron you deserve kudos on a job well done. <br />Councilmember Dr. Varner — I would like to also thank everyone that was involved. I almost <br />brought Aaron to tears when I told him how well everything was going. With regards to the <br />lighting of the river, how do we continue that? Does it grow or does it evolve? Aaron responded <br />that the River of Lights will evolve into a park. We were selling $50 rings as a part of it; so that <br />will come later on this summer. The possibilities are endless in terms of architectural lighting. <br />Councilmember Oliver Davis —Thank you, I truly enjoyed myself out there with my daughter. <br />Do we see anything happening 4" of July? There was talk that we could never have an ethnic <br />festival, due to security, with this event being successful why not be able to reopen that to an <br />annual thing? Aaron responded we have a program already setup for certain Holidays including <br />the 4" of July in terms of lighting. As far as the festival, I'm not sure if we have the resources to <br />do it every year but is something we can look at. Councilmember Davis replied I don't mind the <br />investment as it gives us something to do or else people will go to Chicago or Detroit. Kathryn <br />responded I think the great thing you are pointing out, is how we plan for other activities and <br />events in our community. We do need to sit down and figure out something that will be feasible <br />for us to do. <br />Councilmember Mr. Ferlic — Congrats Kathryn for doing this with private investment. Thank <br />you Aaron for working on this. This was incredible what you pulled off especially from an all - <br />volunteer basis. <br />Councilmember White — Again, congratulations it was a great event. I appreciate the diversity <br />throughout the event. I would like to recognize the volunteers, public safety, city administration, <br />and everyone that made this possible. It shows when we come together as a community we can <br />pull off anything as we are committed to the City of South Bend. <br />Council President Scott — I agree with everything already stated. I look forward to seeing the <br />financials from the event as well. I have new copies of the proclamation as the other ones got <br />rained on. <br />Kathryn Roos —The last person I would like to recognize is Rob DeCleene, (Visit <br />SouthBend/Mishawaka) he was on our Executive Committee. He did a tremendous job on <br />marketing and promoting the event with giving his expertise. Thank you. <br />Councilmember Oliver Davis — Have you done studies on what other cities are doing when they <br />have their annuals? Aaron responded it is interesting to see where we are compared to other <br />cities. It is a dying breed as some cities such as Chicago and Mishawaka do not have them <br />anymore. So it was incredible to know that we could pull something like this off. <br />Councilmember Davis inquired it would be nice to see if we can do this biannually instead of <br />waiting another (25) twenty -five years as I would like to still be around. <br />Eric Horvath, Public Works Director, Offices on 13" Floor — Quick update on the Curb and <br />Sidewalk Program. The one scheduled for the city crew was sent out today which should stay on <br />schedule. The second program for homeowners has been rolled out and we have one of those <br />already complete. We currently have twenty on the list, and is growing in demand. We are <br />bidding out other work for curbs and sidewalks which we will be advertising on July 9' and <br />rewarding to those on July 14th. As a separate bid we will have the Perry Project. We received <br />proposals today on that, all of that goes through State approval and will happen this fall. We are <br />currently out for request for proposals for Lincoln and Perley schools for next year. <br />E <br />