02-23-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2009 Councilmember’s Oliver Davis, White, Rouse and Henry Davis express their displeasure with the way Mr. Spier handled this situation. The advised that at the last Council meeting Mr. Spier was advised to contact the Weymon’s to discuss a possible resolve. However, they felt that the issue at hand was not properly address. Mr. Spier apologized to the Weymons and the entire Council. He reiterated that he had sent a letter to the Weymon’s and asked for them to call him with any questions regarding the letter and map. Mr. Spier then advised that Mr. Brian Miller from Weiss homes was to contact the Weymons’ as a follow up. Mr. Spier asked for a continuance of this bill until the March 9, 2009 meeting of the Council. He stated that he would set up a meeting th date and time with Mr. & Mrs. Weymon and Councilmember Puzzello, 4 District, and anyone else who would like to meet to discuss a resolution to this vacation. Councilmember Dieter made a motion to continue this bill until the March 9, 2009 meeting of the Council at the request of the petitioner. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 05-09 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING $43,500.00 FROM COUNTY OPTION INCOME TAX (COIT) FUND #404 TO PROVIDE RENT SUPPLEMENT TO THE FAMILY VIOLENCE/SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT Councilmember LaFountain, Chairperson, Personnel & Finance Committee, along with Councilmember White, Chairperson, Personnel & Finance Committee reported that these committees met jointly this afternoon and it was the consensus of the two committees to send this bill to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember LaFountain disclosed that he used to work for Mr. Dvorak in the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, Division of the Family Violence/Special Victims Unit and after discussion with Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand it was determined that no conflict exits on this issue. th Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, 14 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Mayor Luecke advised that The Family Violence/Special Victims Unit (FV/SVU) is a valuable community resource, located in South Bend, which, among other things, helps victims of family violence obtain civil protective orders. Unfortunately, the FV/SVU’s full funding ended December 31, 2008, and while FV/SVU procured a funding grant in 2009, it does not cover the FV/SVU’s rent for its building at 711 E. Colfax Avenue. Mayor Luecke stated that this bill would allow for the appropriation of $43,500 to cover half the FV/SVU’s rent expense in 2009. Mayor Luecke also stated that this ordinance represents an effective partnership with St. Joseph County government which is sharing with South Bend half the 2009 rental expense of the FV/SVU. th Mr. Michael Dvorak, St. Joseph County Prosecutor, 60 Judicial Circuit, St. Joseph th County, Indiana, 7 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana. Mr. Dvorak stated that the activities of the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office directly impact public safety and the welfare of our community and as such affect the quality of life for citizens in all parts of the County, including constituents in South Bend. Mr. Dvorak advised that throughout his administration, he has made efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of complex investigations, including those of rape/sexual assaults, domestic violence, and child abuse. He stated that he has worked with the South Bend, St. Joseph County, and Mishawaka Police Departments to reorganize the “STOP Unit” into the Family Violence/Special victims Unit. The FV/SVU includes 25 3