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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-26-06 Community & Economic DevelopmentCommunity and Economic Der-elopment Committee 2446 South Bend Common Council The June 28, 2006 joint meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by Committee Member, Council Member Ervin Kuspa at 3:30 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, City Attorney Charles Leone, Citizen Member Martin Wolfson, Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Ken Fedder, Phil Faccenda, Jr., Bernie Feeney, BiII Schalliol, Phil Panzica, Community and Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, Nick Witwer, City Clerk John Voorde, Mrs. Kopola, Don Inks, City Controller M. Catherine Fanello, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Kuspa noted that in light of the Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson of fihe Committee not being present, that he would chair the meeting. He noted that the Committee members include Council Members: Kelly, PUzzello, Kirsits, Citizen Member Martin Wolfson and himself. Bill No. 06-59: Council Member Kuspa called for a presentation on Bill No. 06-59 which would provide preliminary approval of the issuance of economic development revenue bonds to finance certain economic development facilities and provide that certain preliminary costs be reimbursed from the proceeds of such bands. Philip J. Faccenda, Jr., an attorney with offices at 100 North Michigan in downtown South Bend made the presentation. He noted that Kenneth P. Fedder, the attorney the South Bend Economic Development Commission and the plant manager were also present. Mr. Faccenda stated that the resolution allows the federal tax laws to apply for PEI/Genesis, lnc.ITuliptree Associates, LLC Project. The cost of the project is projected to be $9.8 million. The Plant Manager stated that their corporate headquarters for this global company are located in Philadelphia. South Bend would be the only distributor in North America. They are growing at 20% per year. They purchased twenty (20) acres by Cleveland Road, noting that they wanted to stay close to the airport and UPS. They ship about 1,000 shipments daily. The new location will also be on a bus line which will be a benefit to some of their employees. He noted that they make electrical connections for several industries. Phil Panzica circulated some photos of the proposed site. Community and Economic Development Committee June 26, 2Q06 Page 2 Mr. Fedder noted that they would be back later in the year with an actual ordinance, if the inducement resolution is adapted today by the Council. He highlighted that the liability and obligation of the South Bend Economic Development Commission, the City Council and the City of South Bend is limited solely to the good faith efforts to consummate the proceedings and issue such bonds, and that there would be no liability incurred by these entities. The proposed bands are special and payable solely from the funds addressed in the documents and would not result in an indebtedness to the city. In response to a question from Council President Rouse, it was noted that their current building is 73,000 square feet and that it is 20-25 years old. In response to a question from Citizen Member Martin Wolfson, it was noted that as a result of the requested action that the petitioner would qualify for a lower tax rate. Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Mr. Wolfson that Bill No. 06-59 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Bill Nos. 06-62 and 06-63: Council Member Kuspa then called for presentations on Bill No. 06-62 which is a five (5) year personal property tax abatement requested by PEI Genesis, Inc., located at 4747 West Cleveland Road; as well as Bill No. 06-63 which is a eight (8) year real property requested by TulipTree AssociateslLLCIPEI-Genesis, Inc., located at 4747 West Cleveland Road. Bill Schalliol of the Community and Economic Development Department referenced that there was a June 19, 2006 report prepared by Sharon Terrell far Bill No. 06-62 (copy attached); and that there was a June 19, 2006 report prepared by Sharon Terrell for Bill No. 06-63 (copy attached). TulipTree Associates, Inc. will purchase twenty (20) acres to build a new manufacturing facility and then lease it to PEI-Genesis, Inc. The building will be 142,400 square feet initially but could be enlarged to 350,000. The projected costs of this is $7.25 million. New equipment proposed to be purchased and installed included conveyors, glue machines, insertion machines, rockers, loaders, ovens, test equipment, automatic baggers, mold machines & tools; and related logistical distribution equipment and information technology equipment. Twelve (12} new permanent jobs would be created with a new annual payroll of Community and Economic DeveEopment Committee June 26, 2006 Page 3 $340,00, while maintaining 140 jobs and four (4) PT jobs with a current annuai payroll of $3.7 miilion In response to a question by Mr. Wolfson, Nick Witwer of Community and Economic Development stated that MetroNet will service the area with an extension. The cost of the extension is $381,000 and will be paid from Airport TII=. Don Inks stated that this expansion is part of along-term expansion plan. In response to questions from Mr. Wolfson, Mr. Panzica stated that they reviewed twenty-four (24) site locations before selecting the Cleveland Road location. His company has been in the architecturallconstruction industry for 51 years and believes that based on his experience 65-75% of the jobs would utilize union trades. Mr. Inks stated that they look at the contracts used in the past and the quality of the contractors and determined that the paint allocation given was correct. Because of the uncertainty of wages they received 1 point less {8 of (9} as a result of this uncertainty. Mr. Wolfson voiced concern over the general ordinance provisions and hoped that the goals, objectives and purposes of the tax abatement ordinance would again be discussed. Council President Rouse stated that he appreciated the comments made, however based on the current ordinance criteria, the petitioner appears to meet the standards. 1=ollowing discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Mr. Wolfson that Bili No. OB-62 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Kirsits then made a motion, seconded by Mr. Wolfson that Bill No. 06-63 be recommended favorably to Council The motion passed. Bilf No. 46-64: Council Member Kuspa then called for a presentation an Bill No. 06-64 which is a five (5) year residential tax abatement requested by Austin J. Hickey for 6140 Bridgeton Lane. Community and Economic ©evelopment Committee June 26, 2006 Page 4 Bill Schalliol of the Community and Economic Development Department referenced that there was a June 19, 2006 report prepared by Sharon Terrell for Bill No. 06-64 {copy attached). The project would include the construction of asingle-family home at the site at a projected cost of $350,000. J. Bernard Feeney of Lang, Feeney & Associates, lnc., with offices at 715 South Michigan Street in downtown South Bend made the presentation. He noted that a tax abatement for this property was previously approved by the Council. The area in question is vacant land and there are 5_g acres left in the development. Council President Rouse questioned the language on page 2, Section II of the resolution and inquired which condition would be met by the Petitioner. Mr. Feeney stated that it would be paragraph A, which addresses "unimproved" parcels, Discussion on the criteria in this section then took place with Dr. Varner noting that a development in Deerfield which prior to the tax abatement paid $1,000 in taxes and now is paying over $12,000. The Cauncii Attorney noted that the tax abatement ordinance calls for the Council to review its provisions in calendar years ending with an even number. Thus discussions should take place this year on any text amendments to the ordinance. Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Mr. Wolfson that Bill No. 06-64 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kuspa adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Ervin Kuspa, Member Community and Economic Development Gommittee Attachments Joint Meeting of the Utilities Committee and the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee 2006 South Bend Common Council The June 26, 2006 joint meeting of the Utilities Committee and the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order at 4:16 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Public. Works Director Gary Gilot, City Attorney Charles Leone, Don Inks, Community and Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, Citizen Member Gene Pendl, City Clerk John Voorde, Mrs. Kopola, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. It was noted that the members of the Utilities Committee include Council Members Kirsits, Kuspa, Puzzello and Pfeifer; and Citizen Member Gene Pendl; and that the members of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee include Council Members Varner, Pfeifer, Dieter, Puzzello and Citizen Member Kurt Youngs. Bill No. 'f 9=Ofi; The Joint Committee meeting was called to hold a public hearing on Bill No. 19- 06 which would amend Chapter 17, Article 2, Division 5, Section 17-29 of the South Bend Municipal Cade addressing authorization to enter into special rate contracts for sewer service. Public Works Director Gary Gilot provided a copy of a one-page email sent this afternoon to Council Members Kirsits, Puzzello, Pfeifer and Kuspa (copy attached); and reviewed the same. Dr. Varner, a sponsor of Bill No. 19-06 along with Council Member Kirsits noted that a proposed substitute version of the Bill was sent to the Council and emailed to the Administration (copy attached). He stated that it is his belief that the state statutes grant rate approval to the Council and that the final authority rests with the Council. The Bill is proposed in light of the lack of the public nature of the current process and that he believes that there should be an ongoing justification for any reduction in cost in light of the subsidy which results. Dr, Varner added that all should be eligible for consideration based on written policies; that there should be ongoing accountability and the right to public input on such requests to justify cost savings, and as of today we have not seen the benefits. Joint Committee Meeting of the Utilities Committee and the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee June 26, 2006 Page 2 Mr. Gilot stated that the Common Council does have rate-making authority. He noted that the University of Notre Dame is "big enough to go into business for themselves"; and that they have voluntary separated their sewers. Council President Rouse stated that the issue is one of who has the final rate authority. He hoped that the parties could collaborate together in addressing this. Dr. Varner noted that the City of South Bend is under a judicial consent degree which mandates that we must take actions to have a clean river. He noted that Mr. Gilot is an excellent manager, however all large entities requesting or receiving special rate consideration should be required to justify such requests. He voiced concern that too often the city gives out benefits without getting anything in return. He stated that he recalls that the university separated their system back in the 1970's. If the university would construct their own system it would have to be one which could address 80,000 since that number of persons attend an average football game; and the rate and flow would not be based just on the number of students and staff. Council Member Pfeifer asked the City Attorney about the legal issues involved. Mr. Leone stated that a government may not impair contractual rights based on its action. He noted that both Notre Dame and New Carlisle having existing special rate contracts which were entered into based on current municipal code provisions, He then review the "Legal Department Draft" of the ordinance (copy attached) The Council Attorney stated that she agrees with Mr. Leone that a city may not by legislation or other actions impair contractual rights. She then read from the proposed substitute bill the language, noting that there is nothing in the substitute bill which would impair any contractual rights. She also noted that the governing Indiana law addressing municipal sewage works set forth in Indiana Cade 36-9- 23 does address the Council's authority to "establish just and equitable fees for services" in this area. Dr. Varner again stressed that the rate making authority rests solely with the Common Council, and that no where in the state law does it give this authority away. Council Member Pfeifer stated that there should be a sharing of information of facts and figures so the "Council can see the whole picture". She noted that she sees a "lack of continuity" when a Bill is introduced earlier in the year and then not heard again until later. Joint Committee Meeting of the Utilities Committee and the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee June 26, 2D06 Page 3 Council President Rouse stated that the general public has the right to know the facts. Council Member White noted that the process appears to be complicated and that there are many issues involved. She noted that other users should have the opportunity to make their case far special rate consideration. Mr. Gilot stated that the agreement with the university sets forth in its preamble seven (7) areas which are addressed. The Council Attorney asked Mr. Gilot about the "BPW annual Council update on utility operations" noted in today's email, since she has checked with the Office of the City Clerk and she could not locate any filings of this type. She also suggested that perhaps Mr. Gilot could send copies of the Notre Dame and New Carlisle contracts to the Council, along with copies of all minutes of public meetings when such contracts were approved, so that the Council could review them. Mr. Gilot stated that the annual review is part of his annual report for the Department of Public Works, and that he would provide copies of the requested documents. Counci! Member Kirsits stated that he would like all Council Members to have the opportunity to vote on the proposed substitute Bill, and stated that with three (3) Council Members missing today, that perhaps the Bill should be continued. Council Member White suggested that there should be a special meeting on the ordinance if it is continued perhaps on anon-Council meeting night. Following discussion, it was suggested that there be a joint committee meeting on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 3 p.m.; and that the public hearing before the South Bend Common Council be held on July 24tH Council Member Kirsits added that he does not believe that "`we are that far apart". He commended Mr. Gilot for his efforts and that he would like to see a process in place perhaps similar to tax abatement where the city administration review the requests and sends an informational packet to the Council and then the Council has the final authority to adopt or not adopt a resolution. There being no further business to come before the joint committee meeting the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Joint Committee Meeting of the Utilities Committee and the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee June 26, 2006 Page 4 Respectfully submitted, Council Mer-rrb~rAl "Buddy" Kirsits, Chairp rson Utilities Committee ~~ ~ ` ~~, ' ~ ~~.. ~~ Council Member David Varner, Chairperson Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Attachments Public Works and Property Vacation Committee 20Ufi South Bend Common Council The June 26, 2006 joint meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member David Varner at x:10 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Counei[ Members Pfeifer, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Public Works Director Gary Gilat, City Attorney Charles Leone, Citizen Member Martin Wolfson, Citizen Member Gene Pendl, Community and Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, City Clerk John Voorde, Mrs. Kvpola, Don Inks, City Controller M. Catherine Fanello, Jamie Loo of the South Bernd Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-1=arrand, Council Attorney. Dr. Varner noted that the Committee consists of Council Members Pfeifer, Dieter, Puzzello, Citizen Member Kurt Youngs, and himself as Chairperson. He further noted that a quorum of the Committee was not present and therefore presentations would be for informational purposes only. Bill No. 37-06: Don inks of Economic Development made the presentation. He noted that the Bill would approve an appropriation of $51,700 from Fund 601 Parking Garage Fund to cover the costs of replacing fans from the basement of the Leighton Garage; repairing areas which were damaged from an accident; and would provide funds for a contract to have a design study conducted on a sensor system to activate fan usage and thereby reducing utility costs. Council Member Pfeifer inquired about how the city found out about the carbon dioxide problems in the Leighton Garage. Mr. Inks stated that they monitor all garages and it was detected. Dr. Varner inquired as to whether the parking garage replace of fans issue was addressed as an emergency by the Board of Public Works. Mr. Inks stated that he does not believe it was, but perhaps the Redevelopment Commission was involved. He stated he would check and report back an this issue. Dr. Varner noted that since there was oat quorum, no official action would be fiaken. Public Works and Property Vacation Committee June 26, 2006 Page 2 There being no further business to come before the Committee, Dr. Varner adjourned the meeting at 4:'i6 p.m. Respectfully submittesJ, ~ ~~._~w~._a.~. Council Member David 1~"arner, Chairperson Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Attachments .Joint Meeting of the Utilities Committee and the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee 20€16 South Bend Common Council The June 28, 2006 joint meeting of the Utilities Committee and the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order at 4:16 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Raom. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, City Attorney Charles Leone, Don lnks, Community and Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, Citizen Member Gene Pendl, City Clerk John Voorde, Mrs. Kopola, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-1=arrand, Council Attorney. It was Hated that the members of the Utilities Committee include Council Members Kirsits, Kuspa, Puzzello and Pfeifer; and Citizen Member Gene Pendl; and that the members of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee include Council Members Varner, Pfeifer, Dieter, Puzzello and Citizen Member Kurt Youngs. Biil No. 19-©6: The Joint Committee meeting was called to hold a public hearing on Bill No. 19- 06 which would amend Chapter 17, Article 2, Division 5, Section 17-29 of the Soufh Bend Municipal Code addressing authorization to enter into special rate contracts for sewer service. Public Works Director Gary Gilot provided a copy of a one-page email sent this afternoon to Council Members Kirsits, Puzzello, Pfeifer and Kuspa (copy attached}; and reviewed the same. Dr. Varner, a sponsor of Bill No. 19-06 along with Council Member Kirsits noted that a proposed substitute version of the Bill was sent to the Council and emailed fio the Administration (copy attached). He stated that it is his belief that the state statutes grant rate approval to the Council and that the final authority rests with the Council The Bil! is proposed in light of the lack of the public nature of the current process and that he believes that there should be an ongoing justification for any reduction in cast in light of the subsidy which results. Dr. Varner added that all should be eligible for consideration based on written policies; that there should be ongoing accountability and the right to public input on such requests to justify cost savings, and as of today we have not seen the benefits. Joint Committee Meeting of the Utilities Committee and the Public Works and Properky Vaeatiar~ Committee June 26, 2006 Page 2 Mr. Gilot stated that the Common Council does have rate-making authority. He noted that the University of Notre Dame is "big enough to ga into business for themselves"; and that they have voluntary separated their sewers. Council President Rause stated that the issue is one of who has the final rate authority. He hoped that the parties could collaborate together in addressing this. Dr. Varner noted that the City of South Bend is under a judicial consent degree which mandates that we must take actions to have a clean river. He noted that Mr. Gilot is an excellent manager, however ail large entities requesting or receiving special rate consideration should be required to justify such requests. He voiced concern that too often the city gives out benefits without getting anything in return. He stated that he recalls that the university separated their system back in the '197D's. If the university would construct their own system it would have to be one which could address 80,000 since that number of persons attend an average football game; and the rate and flow would not be based just on the number of students and staff. Council Member Pfeifer asked the City Attorney about the legal issues involved. Mr. Leone stated that a government may not impair contractual rights based on its action. He noted that both Notre Dame and New Carlisle having existing special rate contracts which were entered into based on current municipal code provisions, He then review the "Legal Department Draft" of the ordinance (copy attached) The Council Attorney stated that she agrees with Mr, Leone that a city may not by legislation or other actions impair contractual rights. She then read from the proposed substitute bill the language, noting that there is nothing in the substitute bill which would impair any contractual rights. She also noted that the governing Indiana law addressing municipal sewage works set forth in Indiana Code 36-9- 23 does address the Council's authority to "establish just and equitable fees for services" in this area. Dr. Varner again stressed that the rate making authority rests solely with the Common Council, and that no where in the state law does it give this authority away. Council Member Pfeifer stated that there should be a sharing of information of facts and figures so the "Council can see the whole picture". She noted that she sees a "lack of continuity" when a Bill is introduced earlier in the year and then not heard again until later. Joint Committee Meeting of the Utilities Committee and the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee June 26, 20p6 Page 3 Council President Rouse stated that the general public has the right to know the facts. Council Member White noted that the process appears to be complicated and that there are many issues involved. She noted that other users should have the opportunity to make their case for special rate consideration. Mr. Gilot stated that the agreement with the university sets forth in its preamble seven (7) areas which are addressed. The Council Attorney asked Mr. Gilot about the "BPW annual Council update an utility operations" noted in today's email, since she has checked with the Office of the City Clerk and she could not locate any filings of this type. She also suggested that perhaps Mr. Gilot could send copies of the Notre Dame and New Carlisle contracts to the Council, along with copies of all minutes of public meetings when such contracts were approved, so that the Council could review them. Mr. Gilot stated that the annual review is part of his annual report for the Department of Public Works, and that he would provide copies of the requested documents. Council Member Kirsits stated that he would like all Council Members to have the opportunity to vote on the proposed substitute Bill, and stated that with three (3) Council Members missing today, that perhaps the Bill should be continued. Council Member White suggested that there should be a special meeting on the ordinance if it is continued perhaps on anon-Council meeting night. Following discussion, it was suggested that there be a joint committee meeting on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 3 p.m.; and that the public hearing before the South Bend Common Council be held on July 24t". Council Member Kirsits added that he does not believe that "we are that far apart". He commended Mr. Gilot for his efforts and that he would like to see a process in place perhaps similar to tax abatement where the city administration review the requests and sends an informational packet to the Council and then the Council has the final authority to adopt ar not adapt a resolution. There being no further business to come before the joint committee meeting the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Joint Committee Meeting of the Utilities Committee and the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee June 26, 2006 Page 4 Respectfully submitted, _..., ~, .~._.,__ Council Membet-'Al~"Buddy" Kirsits, Chairp. rson Utilities Committee ~ ~~ f ~ ~-~~ Councii Member David Varner, Chairperson Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Attachments Health and Public Safety Committee 2006 South Bend Common Council The June 26, 2006 joint meeting of the Heaith and Public Safety Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karen L, White, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Raom. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, City Attorney Charles Leone, Dan Inks, Community and Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, Deputy City Attorney Jeff Jankowski, City Clerk John Voarde, Mrs. Kapola, City Controller M. Catherine Fanello, Jamie Loa of the 5oufh Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member White noted that members of the Committee who were present included Council Members Kuspa, Varner and herself. Bill No. 35-06: Council Member White called for a presentation on Bill No. 35-06 which would transfer $2,400 from the Council's Personnel Services Fund to the Council's Promotional Expenditure Fund and then appropriate the monies. Council President Rouse made the formal presentation. He Hated that he sponsored the proposed ordinance so that the monies could be used to sponsor ten {10) youth positions at $30 each far an 8-week Summer Camp being held at the Martin Luther King Center. He noted that this project would be consistent with the top goal identified by the Council at their retreat of making South Bend a safer city. If the proposed ordinance is passed, the monies would be sent to Ark Angels consistent with the city's accounting procedures. Council Member White inquired haw many youth are attending the Summer Retreat since the article appeared in the South Bend Tribune. Council President Rouse stated that he did Hat know, however he was aware that both St. Joe and Memorial Hospitals were sponsoring youth for the camp. He added that a representative from Ark Angels would be here this evening who could answer that question. He noted that the camp began an June 12tH Dr. Varner noted that if the Council can help out, that that would be a good thin, however normally such funding would come from the Department of Community and Economic Development grant programs. Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 35- 06 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Health and Public Safety Committee June 26, 20fl6 Page 2 Miscellaneous Business: Council Member White noted that each Council Member should have received a draft of a proposed brochure addressing "Promoting Public Safety in South Bend: Noise, Curfew, Fireworks, Panhandling, Solicitation, Loitering" which emphasizes "Safety First When Having Fun in South Bend" (copy attached}. Council Member White noted that public safety concerns are especially important in light of the Summer months and children being out of school. She stated that ongoing discussions with South Bend Community School Corporation representatives need to continue, especially in Tight of the violence this past weekend. She stated that the Council needs to continue to work with the City Administration and the entire community in making South Bend a safer city. Council Member Pfeifer stated that there is a need to meet with neighbors so that the city is aware of what they are going through. Council Member White suggested that the City Administration and the South Bend Police Department should be included in such meetings. She further noted that discussions must continue as a result of the Council's community plunge, quality of life concerns as well as the many housing concerns which have been raised. She also voiced concern that the Committee's citizen member has only attended one (1} meeting this year. Council Member Kuspa stated that the real issue is that too many persons have no respect for life. He stated that it is fine to meet, but when a person has no respect for themselves or others, that is the real problem we are facing. He commended President Rouse in sponsoring the Bill to transfer money so that ten (10) youth may attend a youth camp at the Martin Luther King Center, since each of Chase youth will get some direction for their lives. He stated that persons must respect themselves and others, and that this task will be very difficult. Council Member Kirsits suggested that perhaps something like Crime Stoppers could be initiated, since money talks. He stressed the need to get guns off the streets. Dr. Varner stressed that the Prosecutor's Office need to be involved if any program is to be successful, noting that Chicago has such a program. He also suggested that the Council contact the US Attorney's Office to see if they would get involved. Health and Public Safety Committee June 26, 2006 Page 3 President Rouse suggested collaboration at the federal level since their penalty provisions are much more effective than the state law provisions with regard to crime and in particular guns. Council Member Pfeifer noted that most judges do not like to come to community meetings, however she believes that they should also be included. Mayor Luecke stated that he is working with the state and federal officials with regard to several programs, and is also pursuing federal grant monies. Council Member White stated that she would like the Council included in such discussions since crime is a community-wide issue which impacts everyone. Dr. Varner brought to the Council's attention the aerial map which is now hanging in the Council's Informal Meeting Room which shows the route of the proposed South Bend Railway line. He added that he biked the route and that there are several neighborhood areas which would be impacted. He also noted that MACOG is in the process of sending a letter addressing "environmental justice issues" as well as safety concerns. He gave a copy of a recent Kiplinger Letter to the Mayor which addressed railways and their economics. Council Member Pfeifer stated that the "proposed brochure is wonderful", but also suggested that perhaps all of the Council's various brochures could be put into one binder. She suggested that an the 2d page that their be a clip art of pre- teens which reflect more diversity, and that a firefighter should be added to the front page. Following discussion, Council Member Kuspa made a motion, seconded by Dr. Varner that the proposed brochure be approved with the suggested changes to pages 1 and 2. The motion passed. Council Member Kuspa inquired whether any other Council Members were receiving complaints about the portable basketball hoops. Gary Gilot stated that they cannot be in right-of-ways or encroach such areas. Council Member White inquired who enforces this, and was advised by Mr. Gilot that Code and Engineering do such enforcement. Council Member Kirsits noted that he has received several complaints about how late playing on the courts at Marquette and Kennedy takes place. Health and Public Safety Committee June 26, 2006 Page 4 Mayor Luecke stated that the Administration plans to file in the near future a proposed ordinance which wouid prohibit charitable solicitation in street intersections. There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 5:28 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Karen L. bite, Chairperson Health and Pubiic Safety Committee Attachments