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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-24-10 Common Council Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING MAY 24, 2010 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, May 24, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Council President Dieter and the Invocation and Pledge to the Flag were given. ROLL CALL COUNCILMEMBERS: Present: Derek D. Dieter 1st District, President Thomas LaFountain 3rd District Henry Davis, Jr. 2nd District Ann Puzzello 4th District, Chairperson Committee of the Whole David Varner 5th District Oliver Davis 6th District, Vice-President Al “Buddy” Kirsits At-Large Timothy Rouse At-Large Karen L. White At-Large OTHERS PRESENT: Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand Council Attorney John Voorde City Clerk Janice I. Talboom Deputy City Clerk Mary Beth Wisniewski Chief Deputy REPORT FROM THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES To the Common Council of the City of South Bend: The sub-committee has inspected the minutes of the May 10, 2010 meeting of the Council and found them to be correct. Therefore, we recommend the same be approved. s/Derek D. Dieter s/David Varner Councilmember White made a motion that the minutes of the May 10, 2010 meeting of the Council be accepted and placed on file. Councilmember Puzzello seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. SPECIAL BUSINESS RESOLUTION NO. 4028-10 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, PUBLICLY COMMENDING, HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE RICH LIFE AND ENDURING LEGACY OF THE LATE ROSS K. STEPHENSON , Whereas the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, recognizes that a very special former Riley High School football player and graduate, Ross K. Stephenson, passed away on April 27, 2010; and , Whereas following his academic and football career at Eastern Illinois University, Ross Stephenson served with valor under the command of General George S. rd Patton, Jr. in the 3 Army during World War II, where he was awarded a Bronze Star and six battle stars for courageously fighting for the Allies; and 1 REGULAR MEETING MAY 24, 2010 Whereas, following his return to the United States, Ross Stephenson began his coaching and teaching career at Bloom High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois; went on to serve with passion and distinction as a South Bend Central football coach and Athletic Director from 1947 through 1970 while also teaching Health and Driver’s Education classes; and was an integral part of the “Bears Fabulous Fifties” which have provided many memories for generations to cherish; and Whereas, after Central was phased out, Coach Stephenson’s special skills earned him a position at LaSalle High School as a football coach from 1970-1972; he then became the Physical Education Coordinator for the South Bend Community School Corporation until he joined the football staff at the University of Notre Dame under Head Coach Dan Devine which included being a scout for Notre Dame’s 1977 National Championship Football Team. , Now, Therefore, be it resolved by the Common Council of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. On behalf of all of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council hereby publicly commends honors and will remember forever, the special life of Ross K. Stephenson, a highly-decorated, dedicated, caring and extraordinary individual. Section II. The South Bend Common Council recognizes that words cannot capture the heartfelt expressions of thanks which it wishes to convey, especially to Jane, Ross’ beloved wife of 68 years; his five children - Jamie, Julie, Martha, John and Mary; his eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Coach Stephenson has left behind so many wonderful times to remember. May these special memories and the countless individuals who were touched and positively influenced by Coach Stephenson be a tribute to this kind and special leader who helped shape the South Bend community for generations to come. Section III . This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Council and approval by the Mayor. st s/Derek D. Dieter, 1 District s/Al “Buddy” Kirsits, At Large nd s/Henry Davis, Jr., 2 District s/Timothy A. Rouse, At Large rd s/Thomas LaFountain, 3 District s/Karen L. White, At-Large th s/Ann Puzzello, 4 District th s/Dr. David Varner, 5 District th s/Oliver J. Davis 6 District s/Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney th Attest: Adopted this 24 day of May, 2010 s/John Voorde, City Clerk s/Stephen J. Luecke, Mayor of South Bend Councilmember Derek Dieter, 1829 Portage Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this Resolution by first offering his comments and then reading the Resolution in its entirety and presenting it to Mr. Jim Powers on behalf of the Stephenson Family. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. There was no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this Resolution. 2 REGULAR MEETING MAY 24, 2010 Mr. Jim Powers, 18585 Fall Way, Granger, Indiana, thanked the Council on behalf of the Stephenson Family. He stated that he knew Ross Stephenson for over 60 years and that his son married one of Ross’ daughters. He stated that Ross was just a “Great” guy. Additionally, Councilmember Rouse shared his memories of Mr. Stephenson at Central High School. Councilmember Varner made a motion to adopt this Resolution by acclamation. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried. RESOLUTION NO. 4029-10 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, PUBLICLY CONGRATULATING SERGEANT RONALD NOWICKI OF THE SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR HIS EXEMPLARY WORK IN SOLVING A LOCAL BANK ROBBERY WHICH RESULTED IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION BY THE FBI FOR HIS ACTIONS , Whereasthe Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, notes that in calendar year 2009 there were 96,699 police dispatches and calls for service in the City of South Bend, Indiana; and Whereas, the Council recognizes that the South Bend Police Department has an ongoing commitment to top level training and technology, and have developed many meaningful partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies which have fostered strong ties and many cooperative efforts among the agencies; and Whereas,a shining example of just one of these cooperative efforts formed among these several law enforcement agencies involved a bank robbery which occurred at the Teachers Credit Union located at 1930 Ireland Road in the southern area of South Bend, on December 7, 2009; and Whereas,in light of the exemplary and dedicated efforts of Sergeant Ronald Nowicki, a 16-year veteran of the South Bend Police Department, who conducted a joint investigation of the bank robbery with agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana, three (3) suspects who were taken into custody without incident, and will be brought to justice for last December’s holdup-style robbery. Now, Therefore, be it resolved, by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, , Indianaas follows: Section I. On behalf of all of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council hereby publicly congratulates and honors SERGEANT RONALD NOWICKI, a 16-year veteran of the South Bend Police Department for coordinating the apprehension of the three (3) bank robbery suspects, all of which were arrested by the FBI, and recently indicted on federal bank robbery charges by a federal grand jury. As a result of Sgt Nowicki’s skills and dedication, and his work with FBI Agents Tim Theriault and Tom Weber, and their joint investigative efforts, the residents of the City of South Bend, Indiana, can feel much safer as a result of their actions. Section II. The South Bend Common Council honors Sergeant Nowicki, and believes that he is most deserving of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s special recognition for his efforts. The Common Council is most grateful for all law enforcement personnel who are dedicating their careers to preserving and protecting the citizens and businesses of our community. 3 REGULAR MEETING MAY 24, 2010 Section III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Council and approval by the Mayor. st s/Derek D. Dieter, 1 District s/Al “Buddy” Kirsits, At Large nd s/Henry Davis, Jr., 2 District s/Timothy A. Rouse, At Large rd s/Thomas LaFountain, 3 District s/Karen L. White, At-Large th s/Ann Puzzello, 4 District th s/Dr. David Varner, 5 District th s/Oliver J. Davis 6 District s/Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney th Attest: Adopted this 24 day of May, 2010 s/John Voorde, City Clerk s/Stephen J. Luecke, Mayor of South Bend Councilmember David Varner, 1306 Clayton Drive, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this Resolution by reading it in its entirety, offering his comments and presenting it to Sgt. Nowicki. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. Chief Steve Richmond, Division Chief Investigative Division, 701 W. Sample Street, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this Resolution. Chief Richmond thanked Sgt. Nowicki for his dedication to the Department. There was no one else present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this Resolution. Councilmember Dieter made a motion to adopt this Resolution by acclamation. Councilmember White seconded the motion which carried. Sgt. Nowicki thanked the Council for this honor of this Resolution. He stated that this was a joint effort in apprehending the suspects and commended the cooperative efforts by everyone involved. RESOLUTION NO. 4030-10 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, PUBLICLY COMMENDING THE JOHN ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL’S MOCK TRIAL TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2010 INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION TH AND FOR ACHIEVING THE EAGLE’S 10 CONSECUTIVE INDIANA CHAMPIONSHIP Whereas, the Indiana High School Mock Trial Program is designed to “stimulate & encourage a deeper understanding & appreciation of the American legal system” where students are given the opportunity to “acquire skills in critical thinking and reasoning, oral advocacy, team work and citizenship”; and Whereas, through mock trials based on a hypothetical case, high school students gain an understanding of society’s approach to dispute resolution and justice through an experiential learning opportunity where they can acquire skills in critical thinking and reasoning, effective communication, team work and citizenship involving a hypothetical case where mock trial team members compete in actual courtrooms and display their knowledge; and 4 REGULAR MEETING MAY 24, 2010 Whereas, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, is especially proud to recognize that the John Adams High School Mock Trial Team has won the Indiana High School Mock Trial State Championships in 1997-1998, 1998-1999, 2000- 2001, 2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2007- 2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010; and Whereas, the Common Council would especially like to publicly recognize each of the members of the 2009-2010 John Adams High School Mock Trial Teamcalled “Mark it Zero” under the direction of Judith Overmyer, the teacher at John Adams who oversees this outstanding program, Coaches Erin Linder, John Scanlan and Lucas th Burkett; for representing the State of Indiana at the 27 National High School Mock Trial Championship held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania May 6-9, 2010; and thanks each of these talented “Team Indiana” Adams students: Geeoffrey Burdell Peter Doyle Elena Jensen Toby Stoner Matt Caponigro Czesia Eid David Kern Now, Therefore, be it resolved, by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. On behalf of all of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council hereby congratulates each and every member of the 2009-2010 John , Adams High School Mock Trial Team their program’s organizer and sponsor, Judith Overmyer, and coaches Lucas Burkett, Erin Linder, and John Scanlan for winning the th 2009-2010 Indiana High School Mock Trial Championship, making this the 10 consecutive championship won by the Eagles teams. Section II. The South Bend Common Council believes that the hard-work, discipline, and dedication of each of these especially dedicated and talented students to be excellent role models for all students throughout our state; and each team member has brought the highest of honors to themselves, their family and friends, John Adams High School, the South Bend Community School Corporation, and all of the residents of the City of South Bend, Indiana. The Council hopes that the Adams Eagles will be representing the State of Indiana in next year’s national competition in Phoenix, Arizona. Section III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Council and approval by the Mayor. st s/Derek D. Dieter, 1 District s/Al “Buddy” Kirsits, At Large nd s/Henry Davis, Jr., 2 District s/Timothy A. Rouse, At Large rd s/Thomas LaFountain, 3 District s/Karen L. White, At-Large th s/Ann Puzzello, 4 District th s/Dr. David Varner, 5 District th s/Oliver J. Davis 6 District s/Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney th Attest: Adopted this 24 day of May, 2010 s/John Voorde, City Clerk s/Stephen J. Luecke, Mayor of South Bend Councilmember Tom LaFountain, 1224 Longfellow, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this Resolution by reading it in its entirety, offering his comments and presenting it to the members of the team. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. Gary Kern, a parent of one of the students on the team spoke in favor of this Resolution. He stated that this team is made up of very talented, very nice people. They represented 5 REGULAR MEETING MAY 24, 2010 John Adams High School as well as the City of South Bend and the State of Indiana in Pennsylvania at the 2010 Indiana High School Mock Trial Competition in a very respectful manner. He congratulated them on their accomplishments. Judith Overmyer, Sponsor, John Adams High School, spoke in favor of this Resolution. She noted that they have been champion runners-up for several years. She stated that the students this year are only juniors and tied with four (4) other states. She stated that these students are very dedicated and take great pride in their work preparing for this competition. She stated that they are an elite team who she said will be representing the Adams Eagles next year and to look for them competing in Phoenix. Czesia Eid, Peter Doyle, and David Kern, members of the 2010 John Adams High School Mock Trial Team gave a brief synopsis of their case that was presented at the competition. They thanked the Council for this honor. Councilmember LaFountain made a motion to adopt this Resolution by acclamation. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICES There were no Reports from City Offices at this time. RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE The Council did not resolve into the Committee of the Whole, there were no bills for Public Hearing at this time. PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no bills for Public Hearing at this time. BILLS – THIRD READING There were no bills for Third Reading at this time. RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 4031-10 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 2629 FOUNDATION DRIVE AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A (5) FIVE-YEAR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR VALUE PRODUCTION, INC. WHEREAS, a petition for personal property tax abatement consideration has been filed with the City Clerk for consideration by the Common Council of the City of South , Bend, Indiana, requesting that the area commonly known as 2629 Foundation Drive South Bend, Indiana, and which is more particularly described as follows: A parcel of land in the Southwest Quarter of Section 28, Township 38 North, Range 2 East, St. Joseph County, Indiana and which has Key Number 25-1010-0400.12 be designated as an Economic Revitalization Area under the provisions of Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1 et seq., and South Bend Municipal Code Sections 2-76 et seq., and; WHEREAS, the Department of Community and Economic Development has concluded an investigation and prepared a report with information sufficient for the Common Council to determine that the area qualifies as an Economic Revitalization Area under Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1, et seq., and South Bend Municipal Code Sections 2-76, et 6 REGULAR MEETING MAY 24, 2010 seq., and has further prepared maps and plats showing the boundaries and such other information regarding the area in question as required by law; and WHEREAS, the Community and Economic Development Committee of the Common Council has reviewed said report and recommended to the Common Council that the area qualifies as an Economic Revitalization Area. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: SECTION I. The Common Council hereby determines and finds pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-4.5 et seq., that: a. The estimate of the cost of the new manufacturing equipment is reasonable for equipment of that type; b. That the estimate of the number of individuals that will be employed or whose employment will be retained by the Petitioner can reasonably be expected to result from the proposed installation of new manufacturing equipment; c. That the estimate of the annual salaries of those individuals that will be employed or whose employment will be retained by the Petitioner can be reasonably expected to result from the proposed installation of new manufacturing equipment; d. Any other benefits about which information was requested are benefits that can be reasonably expected to result from the proposed new manufacturing equipment; and e. The totality of benefits is sufficient to justify the deduction requested. SECTION II. The Common Council hereby determines and finds that the proposed new manufacturing equipment can be reasonably expected to yield the benefits identified in the Statement of Benefits as set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of the Petition for Personal Property Tax Abatement Consideration and that Statement of Benefits form completed by the petitioner, said form being prescribed by the State Board of Accounts, are sufficient to justify the deduction granted under Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-4.5. SECTION III. The Common Council hereby accepts the report and recommendation of the Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Community and Economic Development Committee's favorable recommendation, that the area herein described be designated as an Economic Revitalization Area for purposes of personal property tax abatement and hereby makes such a designation. SECTION IV. The Common Council determines that such designation is for personal property tax abatement only and shall be limited to two (2) calendar years from the date of the adoption of this Resolution by the Common Council. SECTION V. The Common Council hereby determines that the property owner is qualified for and is granted property tax deduction for a period of (5) five years. SECTION VI. The Common Council directs the City Clerk to cause notice of the adoption of this Declaratory Resolution for Personal Property Tax Abatement to be published pursuant to Indiana Code 5-3-1, said publication providing notice of the public hearing before the Common Council on the proposed confirming of said declaration. 7 REGULAR MEETING MAY 24, 2010 SECTION VII. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Common Council and approval by the Mayor. s/Derek D. Dieter Member of the Common Council Councilmember Rouse, Chairperson, Community and Economic Development Committee, reported that this committee held a Public Hearing on this bill this afternoon and voted to send it to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Mr. Nevin Siqueira, President, Value Production, Inc., 2629 Foundation Drive, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Mr. Siqueira advised that Value Production is a modern production machining facility. He stated that they provide one-stop shopping for design, prototypes, and production, and it is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company. He stated that they have been in business since 2000 and manufactures products for use in the aerospace, automotive, medical, and commercial markets. The company will purchase a new, Swiss lathe, 2 Mazak horizontal machining centers and a pallet control center for their custom manufacturing needs. He noted that the project will invest $1,500,000. Mr. Siqueira advised that they currently have 26 employees; 25 full time; 1 part-time; of that 1 African American; 3 Hispanic; 4 Asian. Of the 26 employees 6 are female and 20 are male. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this Resolution, Councilmember Puzzello made a motion to adopt this Resolution. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. BILLS – FIRST READING BILL NO. 25-10 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 6 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO TAX ABATEMENTS This bill had first reading. Councilmember Rouse made a motion to refer this bill to the Community and Economic Development Committee and set it for Public Hearing and Third Reading on June 28, 2010. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 26-10 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 17, ARTICLE 2, OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADJUST SEWER RATES AND CHARGES INCREMENTALLY THROUGH 2013 This bill had first reading. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to refer this bill to the Utilities Committee. No date was set for the Public Hearing. 8 REGULAR MEETING MAY 24, 2010 UNFINISHED BUSINESS REPORTS FROM AREA PLAN COMMISSION BILL NO. 18-10 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 220 S. TAYLOR STREET COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT #2 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Varner made a motion to refer this bill to the Zoning and Annexation Committee and set it for Public Hearing and Third Reading on June 14, 2010. Councilmember White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to come before the Council at this time. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR COMMENTS FROM MR. MIKE WEIDAS REGARDING THE WEST SIDE Mr. Mike Weidas, 2905 Dunham Street, South Bend, Indiana, spoke regarding the deterioration of the West Side of the City of South Bend. He stated that the West Side Pride had died. He stated that he lives between Sample Street and Western Avenue. There are so many vacant or abandoned homes that have not gotten any attention. He advised that the grass has not been mowed this year, burned out homes that either boarded up or in need of being boarded up. Sidewalks broken and overgrown with grass and weeds, pit bulls on front porches on make shift leads. He stated that he tries to push a stroller down the sidewalk but cannot because of the deplorable condition. He walks with a cell phone and sometimes a hand gun. He stated that there are loud parties every night. He stated that he commends the South Bend Police Department for their prompt response to these parties and defusing these situations. He urged the Council Members to get in their cars are drive around his neighborhood to see the deteriorating conditions. COMMENTS FROM MS. IRIS OUTLAW REGARDING STREET WORK BEING DONE IN HER NEIGHBORHOOD Ms. Iris Outlaw, 2902 Bonds Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, spoke regarding the street working being done in her neighborhood from Elliott down to Olive Street. She stated that they have been working diligently on it and really appreciate what they are trying to do. However, it appears that work is only being done approximately two to three times a week. She would like to see the project done and finished. She stated that her main concern is replacing the sidewalk that was taken out in front of her home. She stated that when it rains there is a lake that forms in front of her house. Ms. Outlaw stated that she invests a lot of money on her shoes and unless the City is going to replace her shoe wardrobe every time it rains, she would like the curbs put back in front of her home. Ms. Outlaw stated that she sent pictures to Councilmember Henry Davis to distribute and place on file in the Office of the City Clerk. COMMENTS FROM MR. GEORGE REESE REGARDING CURBING IN FRONT OF HIS HOME Mr. George Reese, 2506 Prast Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana, stated that there is approximately 100 yards of curbing that has been taken out. He would like get as much curbing put back on their street as possible. 9 REGULAR MEETING MAY 24, 2010 COMMENTS FROM MR. ROBERT REESE REGARDING THE KENNEDY PARK CSO PROJECT Mr. Robert Reese, 2506 Prast Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he stays with Mr. George Reese who just spoke prior. Mr. Reese advised that he spoke with the Mayor’s Office today and spoke with Lynn Coleman, stated that they are living in a prison with all the street work being done, the fire department and paramedics would not be able to get down his street to help him. Mr. Reese stated that he has epilepsy and on occasion has had to call for an ambulance. Mr. Reese stated that only a helicopter would be able to get to their home because of all of the construction equipment blocking the alleys and streets. He stated that they don’t have any where to park their cars and just recently an elderly neighbor parked her car near her home and was towed because they said she was blocking the alley. He urged the Council for a solution. COMMENTS FROM MS. SUSAN MAHONEY REGARDING PUBLIC ACCESS MICHIANA (PAM) Ms. Susan Mahoney, 1920 Charles Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is a member of Public Access Michiana (PAM). Ms. Mahoney advised that they sent a budget proposal to the South Bend Common Council on May 10, 2010 as well Mishawaka, Elkhart and St. Joseph County requesting a total of $150,000 from all those entities together to get Public Access Television Station back on the air. She stated that public access was broadcast on Channel 99 and they would like to have that station back on the air. She stated that the type of programming that they are looking at is public, educational and governmental programs. She stated that there is the internet and cable television, but that is filtered and does not allow for the public to get their opinions viewed. She stated that there is a professional group called Community Media and they will be holding an Alliance for Community Media and she will be attending in July. She stated that there are approximately 3,500 public access stations across the country. Ms. Mahoney advised that they are planning to bring a professional from the Kalamazoo, Michigan area or the Ft. Wayne, Indiana area that currently work in public access television to make a presentation to Council along with the Indiana University at South Bend’s American Democracy Program to discuss what Public Access Television is all about and what it can do for a community. COMMENTS FROM MR. DAVID WHITE REGARDING STREET LIGHT OUTAGES AND PROBLEMS AT THE CONVENIENCE STORE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Mr. David White, 2514 Prast Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana, spoke regarding the street lights being out in his neighborhood and the problems that they are experiencing at the convenience store. He stated that his wife works and gets home late at night. He worries for her safety just walking from the car to the house. Mr. White stated that the problems with the convenience store are that there are people coming and going all hours of the night and day and trash that comes from the store. He noted that snack wrappers, paper, trash etc. was being thrown in his yard from people who shop at the store. Mr. White stated that for now he would like to see the street light fixed. He understands that the convenience store issue is going to take some time, but wanted the Council to know what was going on there. COMMENTS FROM MR. GEORGE LANE REGARDING CITIZENS FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF GOVERNMENT IN FAVOR OF PUBLIC ACCESS MICHIANA (PAM) Mr. George Lane, 2504 Division Street, Mishawaka, Indiana, stated that he is CEO/Chairman of Citizens for the Accountability of Government. He stated that he used to be the President of Public Access Michiana (PAM), however, he relinquished that position because the by-laws stated that he could not be involved in politics. He stated that he supports Ms. Susan Mahoney from PAM and their request for funding to reinstate a public access television station. He stated that he has been very active for public access television for the last three years. Mr. Lane’s advised that he understands and has been told by Council Member Rouse that the City Council has no authority to appropriate funds for this and that only the Mayor can appropriate monies. Mr. Lane stated that when 10 REGULAR MEETING MAY 24, 2010 he talked with Mayor he said that if the Council came to him to ask for an appropriation of fund for Public Access Michiana that he would seriously consider it. He stated that he believes what the Mayor said because he said directly to his face. He stated that he has faith in this Council and considers all members to be very fine public servants. He stated that the Michiana Community needs public access. He urged the Council’s Information and Technology to pursue this issue. COMMENTS FROM MS. VICTORIA WHITE REGARDING THE CONVENIENCE STORE IN HER NEIGHBORHOOD Ms. Victoria White, 2514 Prast Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana, spoke regarding the convenience store in her neighborhood. She stated that she fears for her children to play in their own yard because there have been shootings at that location. She stated that there are obvious drug deals that happen there all hours of the day and night. Ms. White stated that she is concerned that if the City pursues to close the store like it has in the past, it will just reopen and continue to operate illegal activity. She pleaded to have this business closed permanently. COMMENTS FROM MS. PAT SMITH REGARDING THE UNUSED TENNIS COURTS AT KENNEDY PARK Ms. Pat G. Smith, 817 O’Brien, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she has a vision for the unused tennis courts at Kennedy Park. She would like to see a basketball court put in its place. She stated that the children in her neighborhood like to play basketball and they had a portable basketball hoop in the street that was in violation of the city code and the Department of Code Enforcement removed it. She said that it used to drive her crazy however, she would like to see a solution since the children will be out of school for the summer. She stated that she is willing to help clean up the park and tennis courts to get them ready to be converted to basketball courts. She stated that some gates might need to be installed and some city money might have to be spent. She would like to see the basketball courts open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Ms. Smith thanked Councilmember Henry Davis for inviting her down here tonight. COMMENTS FROM MR. ARTHUR FORBES REGARDING HARASSMENT AGAINST TAXI CAB DRIVERS Mr. Arthur Forbes, 422 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend, Indiana, owner, Blue Ribbon Taxi, stated that it is unfortunate that after showering accolades on a member of the South Bend Police Department earlier this evening, he is here tonight to show a darker side of the force. He stated that South Bend Police Department harasses and intimidates taxi drivers while they are in downtown South Bend at night. He regrets having to shed light on this issue however, he felt compelled to come here tonight and agrees with Councilmember Rouse who stated that the Council is the sounding block for the citizens of South Bend. He stated that this is just one example of the bureaucracy. Another example is dealing with the City of South Bend’s Engineering Department. Mr. Forbes stated that he has made several pleas to them for taxi stands in the City of South Bend. He stated that he can provide documentation on the dates that they were at the Engineering Department. Mr. Forbes stated that just recently the harassment and intimidation by the South Bend Police Department has reached a new level, his partner received a ticket for sitting in private parking lot. He stated that he is trying to change the perception of taxi community in the City of South Bend. He stated that is evident in their membership with the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce and involvement in various civic events. He stated that they are members of the community who work and are raising their families here. He stated that the requests for implementing taxi stands are for both the safety of the drivers as well as those members of the community namely the many Notre Dame Students that use their services. Mr. Forbes reiterated that he can provide documentation on the dates that they were in the Engineering Department and had a sit down meeting with the Mayor and his Assistant Lynn Coleman and employees of the Engineering Department. He asked the Council for their help and assistance in resolving these matters. 11 REGULAR MEETING MAY 24, 2010 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, President Derek D. Dieter adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m. ATTEST: ATTEST: ____________________________ ____________________________ John Voorde, City Clerk Derek D. Dieter, President 12