HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-11-10 Community Relations Committeep.
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COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE 01-11-10
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Jr.; David Varner;
Karen L. White; Ann Puzzello
Other Council Present: Derek Dieter; Tom LaFountain; Tim Rouse;
Oliver Davis
Others Present: Amy Hill; Nick Scheu; Ryan Fenstermaker;
Gary Gilot; Randal Byrd; Dave Fleckner
Agenda: Presentation Young Professionals Network
Snow Removal South Bend Housing Authority -Adjacent City-
Owned Property
Chairperson Henry Davis following through with his effort to create partnerships
that encourage forums to inform and educate called the committee meeting to
order. Councilmember Henry Davis stated his aim was to improve
communication and encourage community involvement. To that end he
introduced three representatives from the Young Professionals Network a
Chamber sponsored group for Young Professional's ages 21-39 whose mission
is to develop and empower local Young Professionals. Amy Hill speaking for the
group provided a handout (attached) outlining the Young Professional's mission
and activities. Amy said the Young Professional's were looking for more
involvement with local government. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand
suggested the possibility of serving as citizen members of the Council's
committees. Chairperson Henry Davis suggested the possibility of setting up
roundtables between the Council and Young Professional's to share ideas. After
brief discussion of the Young Professional's thanked the Community Relations
Committee for starting the process.
Moving to the second agenda item, Chairperson Henry Davis explained the
perceived need to improve snow removal from sidewalks adjacent to South Bend
Housing Authority properties. Councilmember Henry Davis said he was not
looking to assign blame or point fingers; but simply looking for ways to improve
sidewalk snow-plowing. Recent heavy snow made it dangerous or near
impossible for elderly or disabled residents to safely use the sidewalks. A
resident Randal Byrd so testified. He told of having to use the street to walk
around creating a dangerous situation. Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand said current
statutes need to be reviewed not having been addressed since 1962. Gary Gilot
outlined city efforts during snow emergencies. Cooperative snow removal efforts
among departments and priority requirements were discussed. South Bend
Housing Authority maintenance manger Dave Fleckner too spoke of equipment
and manpower restrictions while recounting their "good faith" procedures.
Councilmember Rouse cautioned against just having a "feel-good" meeting
without results. Before closing, Chairperson Henry Davis said he was merely
looking to find a better approach.
There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time,
Chairperson Henry Davis adjourned the meeting at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Henry Davis, Jr., Chairperson
Community Relations Committee