HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-28-10 Community Relations CommitteeCOMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE 6-28-10
The June 28, 2010 meeting of the Community Relations Committee of the South Bend Common
Council was called to order by its Chairperson Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. at 5:07 p.m., in
the Informal Meeting Room, 4th Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend,
Indiana
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Jr., David Varner, Karen White, Ann Puzzello
Other Council Present: Derek Dieter; Tim Rouse; Oliver Davis; Tom LaFountain; Al
"Buddy" Kirsits
Others Present: Mayor Luecke, Gary Gilot, Aladean DeRose, Rita Kopala,
Jeff Parrott, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Marty Wolfson,
Tom Price
Agenda: Update - Xavier School Zone - Gary Gilot
Chairperson Henry Davis, Jr., called upon the Director of Public Works, Gary Gilot, to give an
update to Council on the meeting with the Xavier School of Excellence in particular and school
zone issues in general. Mr. Gilot addressing the perceived safety issue for school children at
Xavier said the flashing lights suggested along Main Street might result in giving the kids a false
sense of security. Gary said the City agreed to work with Xavier to model the safest most cost-
effective method for drop-off and pick-up. He assured the Council he would provide a progress
report. Chairperson Henry Davis said the larger issue beyond Xavier was possible safety issues
created by the elimination of so many crossing guards. He wondered if school safety was being
thoroughly and effectively evaluated. Gary responded saying trying to anticipate safety problems
was learning process. The City would continue working with schools, public and private to find
workable solutions given the limited financial resources of the City. During the Council discussion
portion Councilmember White most prominently, along with Chairperson Henry Davis, Jr., and Al
"Buddy" Kirsits, urged continued collaboration with the School Corporation, school principals, and
neighborhood organization to address, devise, and thoroughly implement school safety systems.
Chairperson Henry Davis, Jr. closed the meeting asking Gary Gilot to continue outreach to the
community and to provide progress or status reports regularly to Council
There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time, Chairperson Henry
Davis adjourned the meeting at 5:32 p.m.
Res ectfully Su itted,
Henry Davis, Jr., Chairperson
Community Relations Committee