03-23-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 23, 2009 ND COUNCILMEMBER HENRY DAVIS, JR – 2 DISTRICT Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. stated that he is very proud to represent the citizens of ndnd the 2 District. He noted that the boundaries for the 2 District are Mayflower Road and Western Avnue and go all the way east to Lincolnway and Bronson Street, basically the core of downtown South Bend. He stated that there are five schools located in the district as well as two recreational centers, MLK Center and the Charles Black Recreation nd Center. He stated that located in the 2 District are several senior living facilities, St. Joseph Tower, Karl King Tower, Edison Homes as well as the Robinson Apartments. He stated that they are looking forward to the LaSalle Square Senior Housing coming soon. He stated that he serves on several of the South Bend Common Council Standing Committees. He stated that he is the Chairperson of the Community Relations Committee, Vice-Chairperson Community & Economic Development Committee as well as a member of the Public Works & Property Vacation Committee, Information & Technology Committee and Health & Public Safety Committee. Councilmember Henry nd Davis, Jr. stated that this year will be the second year for the 2 District Block Party, held at Monroe Circle in conjunction with the High Rise on Western Avenue. He advised th that this year will be the 5 year for the Annual Back to School Haircut Event. This event allows children to receive a back to school haircut and get them excited and looking forward to the first day of school. He stated that he was able to charter a bus to take high school students to the 100 Black Men College Fair in downtown Chicago. He stated that there were over 200 college representatives to help assist high school students in selecting a college that would best fit their likes. He stated that he also was privileged to participate with the South Bend Community School Corporation to see a New Tech High School in Napa Valley, California. He stated that he participated in a Youth Flag Football League partnered with the South Bend Parks & Recreation Department. He stated that he has had several area youth, high school students and college interns during the summer months. He stated that they were working on community relations projects ndnd for the 2 District. He stated that the 2 District will be the recipient of another Weed & Seed Program along the Lincolnway West Area. He stated that he is working with the Administration from Washington High School to get a new bus stop and drop off area located behind the school to the north. He stated that if you are ever near the school during the morning or afternoon hours for drop off and pick-up of students the area along Washington Street and Summit Drive is dangerous and too congested. So they are working together to design a new route to make drop off and pick up of students much nd safer. He stated that the residents of the 2 District are exciting for the opening of the New Bendix Health Center which will be partnered with Memorial Hospital; St. Joseph Hospital and the City of South Bend. He stated that they are looking forward to the expansion at the Coveleski Stadium. He noted that the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center has enhanced their outdoor basketball facility. He noted that Royal Adhesives on West nd Washington Street is expanding providing more jobs and growth in the 2 District. Treadstone LLC., located on Sheridan Street is expanding it facility. He also noted that the Engman Natatorium will become a branch of the Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) Civil Rights Heritage Center in the fall of 2009. He noted that they are looking forward to all the new businesses coming into the City of South Bend and those that are expanding their companies to create growth and jobs for the residents of the City. He also commended Sue Solmos from the Redevelopment Department who is working with the Monroe Park Neighborhood Association to redefine that neighborhood and working to make sure that the housing stock goes back and becomes prominent again. RD COUNCILMEMBER TOM LAFOUNTAIN – 3 DISTRICT Councilmember LaFountain advised that he always describes his district by neighborhoods. He stated there is Bercliff Estates; River Park; Sunnymede; East Wayne; rd Twyckenham; Main Street; Ewing Avenue. He stated that the 3 District is one of the smallest districts, but is probably the most heavily populated. He stated that as he looked at the notice for this meeting he stated that he thought of this meeting being for informational purpose such as what is the Council going to do in regard to public safety; fiscal responsibility and prioritizing city resources. He stated that he chairs the Personnel & Finance, this is his second year. He noted that his first year was trial by fire; it was his 4