HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 Annual Report - Zoning & Annexation Committee9011,
Annual Report of the Zoning and Annexation Committee
Of the South Bend Common Council
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Date: December 2, 1011
To: The South Bend Common Council
The Office of the City Clerk
From: Council Member at Large Al "Buddy" Kirsits, Chairperson
Zoning and Annexation Committee
Introduction:
With this being my last official Annual Report of the Council's Zoning and Annexation Committee, I
hope that it will be my best. I am filing this report on behalf of the Z & A Committee, pursuant to § 2 -10
(i) of the South Bend Municipal Code. It highlights some of this year's Z & A activities involving zoning
and special exception requests affecting the land use decisions in our city.
Committee Membership:
This year's Committee members included:
At Large Al "Buddy" Kirsits, Chairperson P District Council Member Thomas LaFountain, Member
6t" District Council Member Oliver Davis, Vice -Pres. 5 "' District Council Member Dr. David Varner, Member
Unfortunately, no one from the public voiced interest in serving on this Standing Committee as a citizen
member this year.
Duties and Responsibilities:
As noted in the South Bend Municipal Code, the Zoning and Annexation Committee is charge with the
following duties:
"Oversees the activities related to the Board of Zoning Appeals, recommendations from the Area Plan Commission and the
Historic Preservation Commission, as well as all related matters addressing annexation and zoning".
Meetings:
Like last year, the Zoning and Annexation Committee, was one of the most active of the Council's eleven
(11) Standing Committees. As of the date of this report, our Committee has met fifteen (15) times with
another committee meeting scheduled for Monday, December 12, 2011.
2011 Annual Report of the Zoning and Annexation Committee — page 2
Zoning and Annexation Brochure:
Our Committee continued to utilize zoning brochure prepared in conjunction with the Council Attorney.
The brochure has been an effective tool for the public on the following topics:
Annexations
Written Fiscal Plans
Rezonings Special Exceptions
Historic Landmarks and Districts
References to the governing local regulations codified in Chapter 21 of the South Bend Municipal Code;
and also provides references to the governing state laws in the Indiana Code.
Annexations:
I believe that there are many items which should be addressed to improve our local annexation
procedures. I would recommend consideration of the following:
1. That in January of each year, the Zoning and Annexation Committee be presented with the
City Administration's goals and objectives for the upcoming calendar year with regard to
proposed annexations.
2. That at the Z & A Committee meeting addressed in # 1 above, that a map of the City of South
Bend depicting all of the annexations approved for the prior year be clearly indicated and
shared with the Committee for review and discussion.
3. That when a "Fiscal Plan" is proposed with an accompanying Resolution for Council adoption,
that the projected costs for police and fire services [including the formula used in calculated
the anticipated costs] be clearly addressed. This has been an ongoing point of concern of both
Council President Dieter and myself that too often the projected costs do not realistically
address the actual costs of such public safety services.
Improving Reporting Mechanisms:
An annual written report from the Building Commissioner which addresses among other things:
A summary of compliance and enforcement efforts for the prior year
Any proposed changes which may be contemplated to help improve the city's zoning ordinance:
It has been truly been a pleasure to serve as Chairperson of the Zoning and Annexation and overseeing
land use decisions for the City of South Bend. Thank you.
Respect s;bmitt
Al "Buddy" Kirsits, airpe s
Zoning and Annexation Committee
cc: John Byorni, Area Plan Executive Director
Chuck Bulot, Building Commissioner