HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 Zoning and Annexation IsouTx e.
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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
KAREEMAH FOWLER, CITY CLERK
ZONING &ANNEXATION FEBRUARY 25, 2019 4:20 P.M.
(ORGANIZATIONAL)
Committee Members Present: Oliver Davis, John Voorde, Gavin Ferlic, Jo M. Broden
Committee Members Absent: None
Other Council Present: Regina Williams-Preston, Karen White, Jake Teshka, Tim
Scott, Sharon L. McBride
Other Council Absent: None
Others Present: Kareemah Fowler, Graham Sparks, Bob Palmer
Agenda: Organizational Meeting
Committee Chair Oliver Davis called to order the Organizational Meeting of the Zoning and
Annexation Committee at 4:20 p.m.He introduced members of the Committee and proceeded with
the meeting.
Organizational Meeting
Committee Chair Davis stated, Last year we had a really busy year, which is great because that
means development is going on in our City. As we already have kicked off this year, we have a
very exciting year with development coming again. Again, I will be serving on the Area Plan
Commission. The big decision we will have to make is if the City of South Bend stays or if they
make our own. There are advantages and disadvantages to all the different changes happening in
our City Council and our Mayor. So, I wonder if this is the best time. We are grateful we are going
to at least wait until the end of the year to start with whatever decision we make. How we handle
that of course its yet to be discussed. Those are the key issues coming before us now. There are a
lot of different zoning changes that we look at. A key thing on my heart is, as we look at these
special exceptions, that is a big thing we have to look at. When we have situations like group
homes and other things, are there enough things in the current laws where people can look at
instead of always having to look at special exceptions? Those issues are already challenging
enough, no matter where they are, ok? But, when they always bring in a special exception, it
magnifies it to a level that is beyond belief, as we all can feel. So, I really want to take a look at
that and see when it comes down to issues of any kind of populations we have seen in a challenging
situation, is there enough in our current zoning laws that cover that? Or,will we always have to be
in special exception issues? That is the key thing I'm hearing from people.
Committee Chair Davis then opened the floor to Committee and Council Members.
INTEGRITY SERVICE! ACCESSIBILITY
JENNIFER M.COFFMAN BIANCA L.TIRADO JOSEPH R.MOLNAR
CIIIEF DEPUTY/DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS DEPUTY/DIRECTOR OF POLICY ORDINANCE VIOLATION CLERK
EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 1227 W.Jefferson Blvd.I South Bend,Indiana 46601 I p 574.235.9221 If 574.235.9173 I www.southbendin.gov
110 CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK
Committeemember John Voorde stated, I'm just interested in the financial implications of whether
we are going to set up our own Commission.
Committeemember Jo M. Broden stated, I think we've come a long way, both the Council and
community as well as myself as a first (1S) timer, in financial knowledge and awareness kind of
how the whole thing comes together. I think, to your point about special exceptions and things,
they are really tough decisions,but I would like to find a way to kind of demystify the zoning and
annexation in ways that are educational. I know Council benefitted from someone coming in from
Indianapolis and doing a training. But I think something similar to really carve out some of the
key concepts and issues. Also, where do good planning principles come from? How does that get
to how we make our determinations and what criteria we are allowed to, by law, look at. I mean,
some of that is a whole educational piece that I would like to see us maybe do something as
intentional as we've done with finance. Setting something on a quarterly basis that takes people
through that process. As a community, I think we benefit from that shared understanding of our
various roles. I don't think this was mentioned but the re-writing of our whole Code and making
that more user friendly. I think that is a huge thing on our agenda. Infrastructure related to those
projects is a huge issue.
Committee Chair Davis stated,Along with all of that, I would like to have some type of follow up.
In our last Council meeting, we heard from those residents over near Portage Prairie. To me, that
came through zoning and to find out a lot of the things they had talked about during the process, I
would like to know if we vote on things,they do it. It was very disheartening to hear all that. That
was frustrating.
With no further discussion, Committee Chair Davis adjourned the Organizational Meeting of the
Zo '. , - d Annexation Committee at 4:28 p.m.
' es - tfu y Submitted,
Oli - avis, Committee Chair
EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION I INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.92211f 574.235.9173 TTD 574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov
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