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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-11-16F-H z w H z w a H w a a U a a 0 x z 0 0 U r, H U y N O � qo ° AIE LVNIJUGM Qaf1mlNOo o -� I < I ¢ I ¢ 91 0Z `SZ Awvflxvf iiix l Cim,41.LNOD 0 00 W) 9I0Z `SZ A2IWIMW '11,LNfl QMMIMOD 00 0 o a a v z z z z z z z z z a > o o o w a REPORT OF SUB - COMMITTEE ON MINUTES TO THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND: THE SUB - COMMITTEE HAS INSPECTED THE MINUTES OF THE January 11, 2016 MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND FOUND THEM TO BE CORRECT. THEREFORE, WE RECOMMEND THE SAME BE APPROVED: TIM AVID VARNER APPROVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL ON: January 25th, 2016 ATTEST: CLERK FOWLER U� Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana met in the Council Chambers of the County -City Building on Monday, January 11, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Council President Tim Scott and the Invocation was given by John P. Warren, Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, and Pledge to the Flag were given. . ROLL CALL COUNCIL MEMBERS: Tim Scott Regina Williams- Preston. Randy Kelly Josephine Broden Dr. David Varner Oliver J. Davis John Voorde Gavin Ferlic Karen L. White OTHERS PRESENT: Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand Adriana Rodriguez Kareemah Fowler Jennifer Coffman Alkeyna Aldridge Joseph Molnar 1 st District, President 2nd District 3`d District 4th District 5th District 6th District, At -Large At Large, Chairperson Committee of the Whole At -Large Council Attorney Legal Research Assistant City Clerk Chief Deputy Clerk Deputy Clerk Clerk Executive Assistant REPORT FROM THE SUB - COMMITTEE ON MINUTES Councilmember Karen White made a motion that the minutes of the December 14th, 2015 and January 4th, 2016 meetings of the Council be accepted and placed on file. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. SPECIAL BUSINESS Council President Scott announced that there would be no portion of the meeting for the public to comment on Bill 01 -16 regarding the sale of Elbel Golf Course. The Council would announce meetings at a later date for public input on this issue. BILL NO. 15 -104 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND INDIANA, PUBLICLY THANKING CATHERINE D. HOSTETLER, DIRECTOR OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY FOR HER ELEVEN (11) YEARS OF LEADERSHIP Councilmember Oliver Davis presented and read the resolution in support of Catherine D. Hostetler. He expressed his gratitude for all the work Catherine has done to preserve the history of South Bend and specifically mentioned the work they did together on helping preserve the South Bend City Cemetery. The Councilmembers also each thanked Catherine for her service to the city and wished her luck in retirement. Catherine D. Hostetler thanked the Councilmembers and accepted the resolution on behalf of the Historic Preservation Commission and all the homeowners who live in Historic Districts who have worked with them during her time. She credited the homeowners for the renaissance appearing now in our city and is looking forward to what is coming next for South Bend. No one from the public spoke in opposition or in support of the measure. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to approve Bill No. 15 -104. Councilmember John Voorde seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. ELECTION OF VICE - PRESIDENT Councilmember John Voorde nominated Councilmember Oliver Davis for the office of Vice President. Councilmember Randy Kelly seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. SWEARING -IN OF CLERK FOWLER'S DEPUTIES Kareemah Fowler, in her duties as City Clerk, swore in both Jennifer Coffman and Alkeyna Aldridge for the positions of Chief Deputy Clerk and Deputy Clerk respectively. SPREADING OF THE RECORD OF THE 2016 STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE SOUTH BEND COMMON COUNCIL 2016 COMMON COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEES COMMUNITY INVESTMENT COMMITTEE Oversees the various activities of the Department of Community Investment. This Committee reviews all real & personal tax abatement requests. Gavin Ferlic, Chairperson Oliver Davis, Member Regina Williams- Preston, Vice - Chairperson Randy Kelly, Member COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE Oversees the various activities of the Office of Community Affairs and is charged with facilitating partnerships & ongoing communications with other public and private entities operating within the City. Regina Williams- Preston, Chairperson Gavin Ferlic, Member Randy Kelly, Vice - Chairperson Karen White, Member COUNCIL RULES COMMITTEE Oversees the regulations governing the overall operation of the Common Council, as well as all matters of public trust. It duties are set forth in detail in Section 2 -10.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code. Tim Scott, Member Dr. David Varner, Member Jo Broden, Member Karen White HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Oversees the various activities performed by the Fire and Police Departments, EMS, Department of Code Enforcement, ordinance violations, and related health and public safety matters. John Voorde, Chairperson Oliver Davis, Member Karen L. White, Vice - Chairperson Jo Broden, Member INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE Oversees the various activities of the City's Division of Information Technologies in the Department of Administration & Finance so that the City of South Bend remains competitive and on the cutting edge of developments in this area. Reviewing and proposing upgrades to computer systems and web sites, developing availability & access to GIS data and related technologies are just some of its many activities. Tim Scott, Chairperson Gavin Ferlic, Vice - Chairperson Dave Varner, Member Karen White, Member PARC COMMITTEE (Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts & Entertainment) Oversees the various activities of the Century Center, College Football Hall of Fame, Coveleski Regional Stadium, Morris Performing Arts Center, Studebaker National Museum, South Bend Regional Museum of Art, Potawatomi Zoo, and the many recreational and leisure activities offered by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Randy Kelly, Chairperson Dr. Dave Varner, Vice - Chairperson Oliver Davis, Member John Voorde, Member 2016 COMMON COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEES PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE Oversees the activities performed by the Department of Administration and Finance, and reviews all proposed salaries, budgets, appropriations & other fiscal matters, as well as personnel policies, health benefits & related matters. Karen L. White, Chairperson Gavin Ferlic, Vice - Chairperson Regina Williams- Preston, Member John Voorde, Member PUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY VACATION COMMITTEE Oversees the various activities performed by the Building Department, the Department of Public Works & related public works & property vacation issues. Jo Broden, Chairperson John Voorde, Vice - Chairperson Randy Kelly, Member Gavin Ferlic, Member RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE Oversees the various activities & issues related to neighborhood development & enhancement. Karen White, Chairperson Jo Broden, Vice - Chairperson Regina Williams- Preston, Member John Voorde, Member UTILITIES COMMITTEE Oversees the activities of all enterprise entities including but not limited to the Bureau of Waterworks, Bureau of Sewers and all related matters. Dr. David Varner, Chairperson Randy Kelly, Member Oliver Davis, Vice - Chairperson Regina Williams- Preston, Member ZONING AND ANNEXATION COMMITTEE Oversees the activities related to the Board of Zoning Appeals, recommendations from the Area Plan Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission, as well as all related matters addressing annexation and zoning. Oliver Davis, Chairperson Gavin Ferlic, Member John Voorde, Vice - Chairperson Jo Broden, Member SUB - COMMITTEE ON MINUTES Reviews the minutes prepared by the Office of the City Clerk of the regular, special and informal meetings of the Common Council and makes a recommendation on their approval/modification to the Council Tim Scott Dr. David Varner REGULAR MEETING January 11, 2016 2016 COMMON COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEES TIM SCOTT, 1sT District Council Member PRESIDENT Information and Technology, Chairperson Council Rules Committee, Member Sub - Committee on Minutes, Member REGINA WILLIAMS - PRESTON 2nd District Council Member Community Relations Committee, Chairperson Residential Neighborhood Committee, Member Community Investment Committee, Vice - Chairperson Personnel & Finance Committee, Member Utilities Committee, Member RANDY KELLY, 3rd District Council Member PARC Committee, Chairperson Community Relations Committee, Vice Chairperson JO BRODEN, 4TH District Council Member Public Works & Property Vacation, Chairperson Residential Neighborhood Committee, Vice - Chairperson Community Investment Committee, Member Public Works & Property Vacation, Member Utilities Committee, Member Council Rules Committee, Member Health & Public Safety Committee, Member Zoning & Annexation Committee, Member DR. DAVID VARNER, 5TH District Council Member Utilities Committee, Chairperson Information & Technology Committee, Member PARC Committee, Vice - Chairperson Council Rules Committee, Member Sub - Committee on Minutes, Member OLIVER DAVIS, 6TH District Council Member Zoning & Annexation Committee, Chairperson Community Investment Committee, Member Utilities Committee, Vice - Chairperson Health & Public Safety Committee, Member PARC Committee, Member GAVIN FERLIC, AT LARGE Council Member Chairperson, Committee of the Whole Community Investment Committee, Chairperson Community Relations Committee, Member Information & Technology Committee, Vice - Chairperson Public Works & Property Vacation, Member Personnel & Finance Committee, Vice - Chairperson Zoning & Annexation Committee, Member KAREN L. WHITE, AT LARGE Council Member Residential Neighborhood Committee, Chairperson Community Relations Committee, Member Personnel & Finance Committee, Chairperson Information & Technology Committee, Member Health & Public Safety Committee, Vice - Chairperson Council Rules Committee, Member JOHN VOORDE, AT LARGE Council Member Health & Public Safety Committee, Chairperson Residential Neighborhood Committee, Member Public Works & Property Vacation, Vice - Chairperson PARC Committee, Member Zoning & Annexation Committee, Vice - Chairperson Personnel & Finance Committee, Member REGULAR MEETING REPORTS OF CITY OFFICES January 11, 2016 Representing the city administration will be Mayor Pete Buttigieg. The Mayor spoke to the Council at this time. He congratulated the newly elected officers of the Council and said he looked forward to working with all nine (9) members going forward. Mayor Buttigieg wanted to express his appreciation, and the appreciation of the entire administration, in the work the Council handles. He also highlighted that this year is full of more positive opportunities for the City of South Bend than he has seen during his lifetime in terms of growth. He stated he will keep his remarks brief due to the State of the City address coming up very soon but wanted to take this time to welcome the new Council and City Clerk. RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE At 7:18 p.m. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, Chairperson, presiding. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic explained the procedures to be followed for tonight's meeting in accordance with Article 1, Section 2 -11 of the South Bend Municipal Code. PUBLIC HEARINGS BILL NO. 81 -15 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 5603 F J NIMTZ PARKWAY, THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF F J NIMTZ PARKWAY AND MOREAU COURT AND PROPERTY NORTH OF AND ADJACENT TO 3575 MOREAU COURT, SOUTH BEND, IN COUNCILMANIC DISTRIC NO 1 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to continue this bill until the January 25, 2016 meeting of the Council. Councilmember Dr. David Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 80 -15 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL TO VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: FIRST E/W ALLEY NORTH OF CALIFORNIA AVE. BETWEEN SHERMAN AVE. AND THE NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to continue this bill until the January 25, 2016 meeting of the Council. Councilmember Tim Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 78 -15 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 6 -10 (D) (2) OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE ADDRESSING PLUMBING EXCAVATOR FEES CHARGED BY THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT Councilmember Karen White, Chairperson, reported the Personnel and Finance Committee met and sends this bill to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation. REGULAR MEETING January 11, 2016 Charles Bulot, Building Commissioner 125 S. Lafayette Blvd., served as the presenter for Bill 78 -15. Mr. Bulot reported that a previous bill was passed favorably by the Council approving the increase of some fees for the Building Department. Due to an error, the fee for excavators was left out of that bill. This ordinance would rectify that error and raise the rate from one hundred dollars ($100) to one hundred and twenty five dollars ($125). There were no questions from the Council for Mr. Bulot. No one from the public spoke in opposition or support of the bill. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Dr. David Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 82 -15 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, ESTABLISHING A POLICE AID PROGRAM AND FUND Councilmember Karen White, Chairperson, reported the Personnel and Finance Committee met and sends this bill to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation. John Murphy, City Controller with offices on the 12th Floor of the County City Building, spoke as the petitioner for this bill along with Lt. Chris Voros. Mr. Murphy reported this ordinance formally authorizes the police buy account which has been in operation for a few years very successfully. He reported the account is audited by the State Board of Accounts who at the most recent audit recommended this account be formally authorized by an ordinance. There were no questions from the Councilmembers. No one from the public spoke in support or opposition to the bill. Councilmember Karen White 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 nine (9) ayes. RISE AND REPORT Councilmember Karen White made a motion to rise and report to full Council. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend reconvened in the Council Chambers on the Fourth Floor of the County -City building at 7:24 p.m. Council President Tim Scott presided with nine (9) members present BILLS — THIRD READING BILL NO. 78 -15 THIRD READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 6 -10 (D) (2) OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE ADDRESSING PLUMBING EXCAVATOR FEES CHARGED BY THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT This bill had third reading. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to pass this bill. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried. The bill passed by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. REGULAR MEETING January 11, 2016 BILL NO. 82 -15 THIRD READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, ESTABLISHING A POLICE AID PROGRAM AND FUND This bill had third reading. Councilmember Karen White made a motion to pass this bill. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried. The bill passed by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. RESOLUTIONS BILL NO. 15 -106 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1915 BENDIX DRIVE, SOUTH BEND, IN 46628 AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A (2) TWO -YEAR VACANT BUILDING TAX ABATEMENT FOR APPLETREE ASSOCIATES, LP Councilmember Regina Williams Preston made a motion to continue this resolution until the January 22nd, 2016 meeting of the Council. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which passed with a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 16 -01 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA KNOWN AS LOT 4 PORTAGE PRAIRIE MINOR #5, SOUTH BEND, IN 46601 AS AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A TEN (10) YEAR REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR ONTARIO PARTNERS, LLC Chris Fielding, Community Investment with office on the 141i Floor of the County City Building, served as the presenter for this resolution. He reported this resolution is for an one hundred and sixty five thousand (165,000) square feet building of which seventy five thousand (75,000) square feet is going to be used to house Pepsi and ninety thousand (90,000) square feet will be used for industrial spec space. Ontario Partners are proposing total investment of 7.8 million dollars with the creation of fifteen (15) jobs. The total taxes to be abated over the ten (10) year period are eight hundred and fifty thousand ($850,000) dollars and the total taxes to be paid will be one million five hundred and fifty two thousand ($1,552,000). Paul Phair, Holladay Properties 227 S. Main Street Suite 300, served as the petitioner for this resolution. He thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak before them and stated they are building a one hundred and sixty five thousand (165,000) square foot building of which forty percent (40 %) is already preleased by Pepsi Distribution and another ninety thousand (90,000) square feet for the attraction of a new company coming to South Bend or a company in South Bend expanding. He stated this is a continuation of the Northwest side of South Bend as a growing business and transportation area. There were no questions from the Council. REGULAR MEETING January 11, 2016 No one from the public spoke in support or opposition to the resolution. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt this resolution. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which was carried. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Karen White wanted to make the note that the presentation of the tax abatement figures was done in a clear and concise manner by Community Investment and she appreciated the format. Council President Scott agreed with her. BILL NO. 16 -02 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA COMMONLY KNOWN AS 301 EAST SAMPLE STREET, SOUTH BEND, IN 46601 AS AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A FIVE (5) YEAR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR MOSSBERG & COMPANY, INC. Chris Fielding, Community Investment with office on the 14th Floor of the County City Building, served as the presenter for this resolution. He stated this resolution would help Mossberg & Company spend approximately four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) on new equipment to expand the capacity of their current plant and this equipment will add at least two (2) new jobs. The total taxes to be paid over the five (5) year period will be forty two thousand dollars ($42,000) and the total taxes to be abated will be nineteen thousand dollars ($19,000). Jean Crumlish, 301 E. Sample Street, served as the petitioner for this resolution. She reported this tax abatement would help Mossberg to reinvest in their current business specifically in their binding area. There were no questions from the Council. No one from the public spoke in support or opposition to the resolution. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt this resolution. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which was carried. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. BILLS FIRST READING BILL NO. 01 -16 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROVING THE DISPOSTION OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 26595 AUTEN ROAD, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46628 This bill had first reading. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to refer this bill to the Parks Committee and set for Public Hearing and Third Reading on February 8th, 2016. Councilmember Dr. Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 02 -16 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, ESTABLISHING A NEW NON - REVERTING UNSAFE BUILDING FUND #219, TRANSFERRING EXISTING FUNDS, AND AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 14 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNCIPAL CODE REGULAR MEETING January 11, 2016 This bill had first reading. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to refer this bill to the Personnel and Finance Committee and set for Public Hearing and Third Reading on January 25th, 2016. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 03 -16 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3620 DEAHL COURT, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 1 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA This bill had first reading. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to refer this bill to the Area Plan Commission and then Zoning and Annexation Committee and set for Public Hearing and Third Reading on February 22nd, 2016. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 04 -16 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3101 AND 3113 LINCOLNWAY WEST, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 2 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA This bill had first reading. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to refer this bill to the Area Plan Commission and then Zoning and Annexation Committee and set for Public Hearing and Third Reading on February 22nd, 2016. Councilmember Dr. Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 05 -16 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPORVING FEES FOR NUISANCE ABATEMENT SUCH AS TRASH, DEBRIS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIAL REMOVAL, AND FOR REMOVAL OF WEEDS AND RANK VEGETATION PURSUANT TO THE INDIANA UNSAFE BUILDING LAW This bill had first reading. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to refer this bill to the Health and Public Safety Committee and set for Public Hearing and Third Reading on January 25th, 2016. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 06 -16 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROVING FEES FOR SECURING AND DEMOLISHING STRUCTURES PURSUANT TO THE INDIANA UNSAFE BUILDING LAW This bill had first reading. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to refer this bill to the Health and Public Safety Committee and set for Public Hearing and Third Reading on January 25th, 2016. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. REGULAR MEETING UNFINISHED BUSINESS January 11, 2016 BILL NO. 72 -15 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND REQUESTING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3055 EDISON ROAD, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO 4 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to refer this bill to the Zoning and Annexation Committee and set for Public Hearing and Third Reading on January 25, 2016. Councilmember Dr. Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Council President Tim Scott asked the Chairman of the Parks Committee to set two public meetings regarding the sale of Elbel Golf Course before the Public Hearing on February Stn, 2016. Mr. Scott asked that one of the meetings be in the Council Chambers during Council and let the administration present their reasoning for wishing to sell the golf course and allow the Council to ask them their questions regarding the sale. He also asked his fellow Councilmembers to send Randy Kelly, Parks Chairperson, those specific questions by January 18th, 2016. He also asked that the second public meeting after that be somewhere in the 1St Council District. Councilmember Randy Kelly responded that he would do just that and stated since we are moving the Public Hearing to February 8th, 2016 we can have Community Investment come and present their case to the Parks Committee on January 25th, 2016 and ask for public input on the matter at that time as well. Council President Tim Scott reported that at the last Council Meeting the Council requested that a letter be sent to the Superintendent of South Bend School Corporation as well as the President of the School Corporation asking for the Council to have a representative on the search committee which will select the next Superintendent of South Bend School Corporation. Mr. Scott stated they did send that letter and are waiting for a reply. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked if all of the contact information for the Councilmember has been updated. Kareemah Fowler reported yes they have been. Councilmember Oliver Davis said then he encourages the public to get that contact information from the Clerk's Office and email the Councilmembers any questions about the Elbel sale they may have to allow the Councilmembers more time to do their homework regarding this issue and be more prepared for those future meeting. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic wanted the let the public know that the Parks Committee meeting on January 25th, 2016 will start approximately between 3:30 P.M. and 5:30 P.M. and will not be the full Council meeting at 7:00 P.M. that night. He also wanted to reiterate that will not be the only opportunity for public input on the issue in addition to the full Council meeting on February 8th, 2016. Council President Scott said hopefully the Parks Committee hearing will be placed on the back end of that time frame close to 5:00 P.M. so more members of the public are available to come. Councilmember Randy Kelly said that time will be published ahead of time as well. NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Oliver Davis stated in the coming week there will be another request to pass a resolution regarding the burial site of Schuyler Colfax to bring the site up to the standard of burial sites for former Vice Presidents of the United States like other cities have done. He also reported that on Wednesday January 13, 2016 at the Rum Village Center the Rum Village Neighborhood Association will be having a meeting at 6:00 P.M. to discuss the homeless development by the Heritage Fund. He stated the Council's part to play in that development has REGULAR MEETING January 11, 2016 already happened but he encouraged people to contact him before the meeting before hand for any questions they may have. PRIVILEDGE OF THE FLOOR Jesse Davis, P.O Box 10205 South Bend IN, welcomed the new Councilmembers and voiced his support for tiny houses which he thinks is an affordable housing option in South Bend. He also reported he- has heard much discussion about tiny houses being a solution for the homeless and that he will be back numerous times regarding this issue and hopefully change some of the ordinances or zoning issues that are stopping the development of these tiny houses. Samuel Brown, 222 East Navarre St., South Bend, welcomed the new Councilmembers and gave a brief update on the MLK street renaming project. He stated it is going a little slower than he wanted but it is going to get done. He reported they are doing a lot of research before the project gets done but on his end he doesn't understand the people who don't see the importance of naming a street after Martin Luther King because his record speaks for itself. Nicki Stillson, 62555 Poppy Rd. South Bend, spoke in support of the tiny house program and is one of the founding members of Michiana Tiny House Enthusiasts. She wanted to make the Council aware of the growing desire for tiny houses, both mobile and permanent, in South Bend. She wants the Council to amend the code and ordinances to allow for tiny houses. She gave multiple benefits of tiny houses including attracting a wide range of people not just millennials but also the retirement population, filling vacant lots in South Bend and lots that are too small for normal houses, and helping South Bend become a city looking towards the future. She reported other cities across the nation have already made this work and it can be done. April Lidinsky, 536 S. Sunnyside Ave South Bend, she wished to thank everyone on the Council for their service and expressed her excitement for the new faces on the Council. She also came in support of the tiny house movement as she teaches about them at IUSB. She stated she thinks tiny houses can help move South Bend forward and thinks a good idea is doing a pilot program for tiny houses downtown so people can see what they look like and how they work. Anna Shirk, 33415 Pleasant St. South Bend, spoke in support of tiny houses and how they promote smart sustainable living. She thinks ordinances currently make it very difficult to own a tiny house. Tiny houses can help millennials have affordable housing and deal with the vacant lot problem at the same time in addition with the homelessness problem. She spoke also about the environmental benefits that tiny houses bring. She asked the Councilmembers to please exchange contact information with her after the meeting. Jennifer Betts, 511 S. St. Joseph St. South Bend, welcomed the new Council to 2016 and thinks this can be a great year for new and engaging ideas to come to South Bend such as tiny houses but other wonderful ideas as well. Margaret Pfeil, 511 S. St. Joseph St. South Bend, wanted to welcome the new Council and stated from the standpoint of social ethics the parks in this area helps reduce violence. She stated studies have shown residents having access to green space helps reduce violence and should not be viewed in a purely economic framework. Andrew Tucker, 127 S. 34`" Street South Bend, stated he works as an ecologist at a nonprofit in South Bend. He wanted to express his thoughts on how the city can work with natural areas. The first is public ownership and maintenance which can be achieved with working with nonprofits and local universities. A second model is partnership with a land trust with experience in supporting natural areas. Although land trust and private entities they operate in ways that promote the public good such as maintaining trails and other community positives. He stated these models help engage citizens and keep them in their communities. Kristi Haas, 3808 Clydesdale Dr., wanted to reiterate the idea that natural areas supported by the city provide more than simple financial value to the city. REGULAR MEETING January 11, 2016 Council President Scott also reported that the Council has ten standing committees that are accepting applications currently for citizen members. Citizen members have to live in the city limits of South Bend and can find the applications online at the city website and also with the City Clerk's Office. He also stated all public records are online and the Council meetings are streamed online and the old meetings are on YouTube as well as the public broadcast on the Public Access Channel. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, President Tim Scott adjourned the meeting at 7:59 P.M.