HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-04-11 2011 South Bend Common Council OfficersSouth Bend Common Council
NEWS RELEASE January 4, 2011,11:00 a.m.
South Bend Common Council Elects Officers for 2011 - Dieter Elected
Council President for 3rd Time �.
Contact: Derek D. Dieter, Council President 532 -2200 or 235 -5 82
At last evening's Organizational Meeting of the South Bend Common Council, 1St District Council
Member Derek D. Dieter was re- elected as Council President for calendar year 2011. 2nd District
Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. was the sole vote in opposition. President Dieter has served as 1st
District Council Member since 2004; and is well -known for maintaining a hot -line for loud music /loud
noise complaints from citizens. 2011 will be the Yd consecutive year with Dieter as President.
6"' District Council Member Oliver J. Davis was unanimously re- elected as Vice - President. Vice -
President Davis served as the Council's Vice- President in 2009 and 2010; and has served as 6"' District
Council Member since 2008.
Council Member at Large Timothy A. Rouse was unanimously elected Committee of the Whole
Chairperson and will conduct all hearings on proposed ordinances which come before the Council this
year. Rev. Rouse has served on the Council since 2005. He replaces 0' District Council Member Ann
Puzzello who is completing her 5"' term on the South Bend Common Council.
President Dieter noted that "....2010 was a phenomenal year. Public safety has, and will continue to be
the top priority in the City of South Bend. The Council is dedicated to risking South Bernd a safer
city': He emphasized that the Council's commitment to public safety was reflected in successful wage
and benefit negotiations last year with the South Bend Fire Department and the South Bend Police
Department.
President Dieter cited improved bond ratings for the City, resulting from good fiscal decisions. In
2010, Standard & Poor's upgraded the City to AA- from A+ and Fitch Ratings gave South Bend an AA+
rating. President Dieter thanked the citizens of South Bend for providing their input and support on many
fiscal issues, and in helping the Council and the City Administration set realistic priorities. This resulted
in sound financial practices and improved accountability to the taxpayers.
President Dieter sees the city budget as the Council's next priority, along with overseeing all city
departments to assure that city services are being maintained and upgraded when possible. Despite Mayor
Luecke beginning a lame -duck year, the Council will continue to voice their ideas and suggestions with
the City Administration so that all options are explored. Some of the key topics will include:
January 4, 2011 News Release- page 2
• The first order of business will be to finalize the City of South Bend tax abatement ordinance.
Under the leadership of Council Member Tim Rouse, Community and Economic Development
Chairperson, local tax abatement policies and procedures are being carefully reviewed. so that job
creation is a top priority
• Implementing attendance policy and greater accountability for Council Members. Currently there
are no tracking mechanisms in place in the City Code.
• Improving cominunications and seeking better accountability of TIF and redevelopment monies,
which are under the control of the Redevelopment Commission. The stopping of the proposed
Chase Tower Project by the Council last Fall is one of the hest examples of why this is a top
priority.
• Upgrading city -wide policies and procedures on the use of cell phones, Blackberries, and other
hand -held devices at all public meetings by City officials and employees
• Improving telecasting of Council Committee meetings and City Council meetings. At the end of
2010, all Committee meetings, Informal Meeting and City Council Meetings were made available
on the internet for the public.
• Continuing to improve the city budget process aimed at seeking better participation by the general
public. Last year the Personnel and Finance Committee, under the leadership of 3`d District
Council Member Tom LaFountain, held nine (9) meetings on the proposed city budget. This is just
one example of the hard -work and dedication of the eleven (11) Council Committees.
President Dieter also noted that Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand was unanimously re- appointed as Council
Attorney for 2011. This will mark her 37th year of service to the Common Council.
The City Council is energized for a very productive 2011. The Council welcomes South Bend
residents to call their Council Members so that their voices will be heard.
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