06-22-09 Common Council Mintues - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 22, 2009 Councilmember Puzzello explained the procedures to be followed for tonight’s meeting in accordance with Article 1, Section 2-11 of the South Bend Municipal Code. Councilmember Puzzello stated that a brochure may be found on the railing in the Council Chambers explaining those procedures. PUBLIC HEARINGS BILL NO. 41-09 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ESTABLISHING AN HISTORIC LANDMARK FOR THE STRUCTURE AND REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 113 LAUREL STREET, IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Kirsits, Chairperson Zoning & Annexation Committee, reported that this committee held a meeting this afternoon and it was the consensus of the committee to send this bill to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Catherine D. Hostetler, Director, South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Commission, 227 West Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Ms. Hostetler advised that based on the Historic Preservation Commission’s Local Landmarks Criteria as adopted by the Common Council, the site at 113 South Laurel can be recommended to the Common Council for designation as a Local Historic Landmark by the Historic Preservation Commission. The building meets the criteria in at least three areas: 1. Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship which represents an architectural characteristic or innovation. 2. Its suitability for preservation. 3. Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance. Ms. Hostetler noted that the building fulfills criteria #1 as an excellently preserved example of the Free Classic architectural style. The house was constructed in 1903 and possess its original building materials and windows. This home is rated Notable in the 2005 City of South Bend Interim Survey of Historic Sites and Structures. The interior of the home has been completely restored. She added that the building fulfills criteria #2 by the integrity of its original construction with only minor alterations. Alterations are limited to enclosure of the rear first storey porch and its second storey sleeping porch and a new front porch balustrade. The building fulfills criteria #3 by its association with its builder, Clement Smogor. Clement Smogar emigrated from Poland in 1882 at the age of 6. He became involved with the lumber business in 1897 and in 1912 established the Smogor Lumber Company. He was also the president of Elkhart Lumber and Supply Company and was connected with his father’s company, A. Smogor and sons Coal and Builders’ Supply. In addition to being a prominent lumberman he was also a banker. He was active in the organization of the People’s State Bank and served as its president. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Dieter made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. BILL NO. 42-09 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE 2