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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-10-08 Common Council Minutes REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2008 Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana met in the Council Chambers of the County-City Building on Monday, March 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Council President Rouse and the Invocation and Pledge to the Flag were given. ROLL CALL COUNCILMEMBERS: Present: Derek D. Dieter 1st District, Chairperson Committee of the Whole Henry Davis, Jr. 2nd District Ann Puzzello 4th District David Varner 5th District Oliver Davis 6th District Vice-President Al “Buddy” Kirsits At-Large Timothy Rouse At-Large President Karen L. White At-Large Absent: Thomas LaFountain 3rd District OTHERS PRESENT: John Voorde City Clerk Janice I. Talboom Deputy City Clerk Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand Council Attorney Absent: Mary Beth Wisniewski Chief Deputy REPORT FROM THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES To the Common Council of the City of South Bend: The sub-committee has inspected the minutes of the February 25, 2008 and March 3, 2008, meetings of the Council and found them to be correct. Therefore, we recommend the same be approved. s/Timothy A. Rouse s/David Varner Councilmember Puzzello made a motion that the minutes of the February 25, 2008 and March 3, 2008 meetings of the Council be accepted and placed on file. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. SPECIAL BUSINESS RESOLUTION NO. 3838-08 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, PUBLICLY COMMENDING SAXOPHONIST DANNY LERMAN AND WISHING HIM THE BEST FOR HIS “HOMETOWN CELEBRATION” CONCERT IN SOUTH BEND ON MARCH 22, 2008 1 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2008 Whereas, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, recognizes that South Bend, Indiana, has been the home of thousands of diverse, caring and multi- talented individuals; from the early beginnings when Alexis Coquillard established a trading post on the St. Joseph River; to the many contributions of the Studebaker brothers and the Olivers, to Schuler Colfax becoming President Ulysses S. Grant’s Vice-President; and Whereas, the Common Council acknowledges that South Bend’s Dave Lerman, Steel Warehouse Company’s CEO, who oversees, along with brothers Mike, Bill, Ted and Gerry more than a $530 million enterprise which employs more than 600 employees; along with his wife, Barb Lerman, are the parents of Danny Lerman, who is fast becoming an international jazz musician; and Whereas, the Common Council is proud to acknowledge that South Bend Riley High School graduate, a member of the RHS Class of 1980, Danny Lerman, took center stage last August in South Bend at the TGIF: Music in the Gardens where his music was “infused with rap rhythms, vocal spice, and world-beat flavoring all merging into a Lermanesque panache”; at the Bert and Etta Liss Memorial Summer Concert on the Green sponsored by the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley; at the Great American Salon Series held at the South Bend Regional Museum of Art; at a University of Notre Dame Hockey Game where Danny played the National Anthem on the ice where he th showed his skating skills; and on March 25, Danny will play the National Anthem at the Chicago Bulls NBA game at the United Center; and Whereas,Danny Lerman has toured extensively throughout the United States with some of his stops including Chicago’s legendary Backroom, New York’s Greenwich Village, and the Baked Potato in Los Angeles; with Danny always taking time to perform concerts in South Bend nursing homes and at the Ronald McDonald Houses for seriously ill children and their parents; and Whereas, on February 26, 2008, Danny Lerman’s 3rd album, Meow Baby, was released which features him playing alto and soprano sax where he incorporates Latin, South African, Middle Eastern and World Music nuances and rhythms from his travels and performances in Turkey, Israel, Holland, South Africa, Venezuela and Mexico; this follows his album Danny’s Island which was released in 1999 which made it to the top 20 on Radio & Record’s contemporary jazz chart and was a #1 single in Chicago; and his st 1 CD Do You Feel? which was released in 1992 on the Steel Warehouse Records label; with Danny’s compositions also being featured in the movie soundtracks “Wedding Bell Blues” and Kill Me Later”. Now, Therefore, be it resolved, by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. On behalf of all of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council hereby publicly commends and congratulates South Bend’s Danny Lermanfor sharing his extraordinary musical talents with all of us, and for his heart- warming contributions to enriching the lives of South Bend residents living in nursing homes and for those facing medical challenges. Section II The South Bend Common Council hereby declares Saturday, March 22, 2008, as “Saxophonist Danny Lerman Day”in South Bend, Indiana, and encourages everyone to support him in his Hometown Concert to be held that day in downtown South Bend. Section III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Council and approval by the Mayor. 2 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2008 st s/Derek D. Dieter, 1 District s/Al “Buddy” Kirsits, At Large nd s/Henry Davis, Jr., 2 District s/Timothy A. Rouse, At Large rd s/Thomas LaFountain, 3 District s/Karen L. White, At-Large th s/Ann Puzzello, 4 District th s/Dr. David Varner, 5 District th s/Oliver J. Davis 6 District s/Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney th Attest: Adopted this 10 day of March, 2008 s/John Voorde, City Clerk s/Stephen J. Luecke, Mayor of South Bend Councilmember Kirsits, 722 Marquette Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this Resolution by first offering his comments and then reading the Resolution in its entirety and presenting it to Mr. Lerman. Mr. Lerman thanked the Council for this honor. He stated that he is very humbled by this resolution. He noted that at his performances he has a song “Summer in a Hummer” and he likes to share with the audience “What does he and Hummer have in common?” He replies that they were both born in South Bend, Indiana. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. Mr. Corliss L. Winds, 131 S. Pin Oak Drive, Apt. A-1, Mishawaka, Indiana spoke in favor of this resolution. Stated that she is speaking on behalf of Mr. Richard Kennedy, Administrator, St. Joseph Care Center. She stated that St. Joseph Care Center was honored to have Mr. Lerman perform at the Care Center, last year. Residents at the Center still, to this day, talk about what a wonderful performance Danny gave and how he captivated their spirits. Ms. Winds thanked Mr. Lerman for his kindness and generosity. There was no one else present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this Resolution. Councilmember Puzzello made a motion to adopt this Resolution by acclamation. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried. RESOLUTION NO. 3839-08 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, OFFICIALLY REQUESTING PRESERVE AMERICA COMMUNITY DESIGNATION FOR THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Whereas, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, recognizes that on October 31, 2007, bipartisan legislation was introduced authorizing two (2) complementary historic preservation grant programs---Preserve America and Save America’s Treasures; with First Lady Laura Bush serving as the Honorary Chairperson of both programs; and Whereas, the Common Council notes the Preserve America Initiative “encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural and natural heritage” and has the goals of creating opportunities for “a greater shared knowledge about the nation’s past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of our communities”; and Whereas, South Bend was first platted as a town on March 28, 1831; became the permanent county seat of St. Joseph County on May 12, 1831; and officially became a city in 1865; and 3 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2008 Whereas, South Bend has a very rich cultural and historical history---from its early occupation by the Miami and Potawatomi Indiana tribes; early initiatives of European settlers such as Pierre Navarre, Alex Coquillard and Lathrop M. Taylor; the manufacturing giants of the Studebaker brothers & the Olivers; to being an “active under ground railway” with many South Bend residents, such as John Auten, serving in the Union Army, and Schuler Colfax serving as Vice-President with President Ulysses S. Grant; and Now, Therefore, be it resolved, by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. On behalf of all of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council hereby requests that South Bend, Indiana, be designated as a Preserve America Community. Section II. The South Bend Common Council believes that the Preserve America Initiative is compatible with our city’s best interests and goals related to historic preservation; would improve our city’s ability to protect and promote its many historical resources; and should join such Indiana communities as Lafayette, Irvington Neighborhood in Indianapolis, Crown Point, Bedford, New Albany, New Harmony, Madison and Monroe County as Preserve America Communities in the State of Indiana. Section III. The Common Council pledges to protect and celebrate our rich cultural and historical heritage; pledges to use our historic assess for economic development and community revitalization; and encourages all persons to experience and appreciate the countless local historic resources offered through educational and heritage tourism. A brochure about our many Historic Districts and their locations is attached. Section IV. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Council and approval by the Mayor. st s/Derek D. Dieter, 1 District s/Al “Buddy” Kirsits, At Large nd s/Henry Davis, Jr., 2 District s/Timothy A. Rouse, At Large rd s/Thomas LaFountain, 3 District s/Karen L. White, At-Large th s/Ann Puzzello, 4 District th s/Dr. David Varner, 5 District th s/Oliver J. Davis 6 District s/Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney th Attest: Adopted this 10 day of March, 2008 s/John Voorde, City Clerk s/Stephen J. Luecke, Mayor of South Bend Councilmember Varner, 1306 Clayton Drive, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this Resolution by first offering his comments and then reading the Resolution in its entirety. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. Ms. Amy Herdman, Historic Preservation Commission Staff, thanked the Council for this honor. She stated that this a win/win program for the City of South Bend. There was no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this Resolution. Councilmember Puzzello made a motion to adopt this Resolution by acclamation. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried. 4 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2008 RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Council President Rouse stated that there were no Public Hearings and therefore the Council would not be resolving into the Committee of the Whole PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no Public Hearings to come before the Council at this time. RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 3840-08 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS VACANT LAND IN THE AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT AREA AS AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A SEVEN-YEAR REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR OLIVE CLEVELAND PARTNERS LLC WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, has adopted a Declaratory Resolution designating certain areas within the City as Economic Revitalization Areas for the purpose of tax abatement consideration; and WHEREAS, a Declaratory Resolution designated the area commonly known as vacant land in the Airport Economic Development area, South Bend, Indiana, and which is more particularly described as follows: Kidders Olive Road Minor Subdivision Lot 2 and which has Key Number 025-1011-018601, as an Economic Revitalization Area; and WHEREAS, notice of the adoption of a Declaratory Resolution and the public hearing before the Council has been published pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-2.5; and WHEREAS, the Council held a public hearing for the purposes of hearing all remonstrance’s and objections from interested persons; and WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the qualifications for an economic revitalization area have been met. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: SECTION I. The Common Council hereby confirms its Declaratory Resolution designating the area described herein as an Economic Revitalization Area for the purposes of tax abatement. Such designation is for Real property tax abatement only and is limited to two (2) calendar years from the date of adoption of the Declaratory Resolution by the Common Council. SECTION II. The Common Council hereby determines that the property owner is qualified for and is granted Real property tax deduction for a period of seven (7) years, and further determines that the petition, the Memorandum of Agreement between the Petitioner and the City of South Bend, and the Statement of Benefits comply with Chapter 2, Article 6, of the Municipal Code of the City of South Bend and Indiana Code 6-1.1-12 et seq. 5 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2008 SECTION III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Common Council and approved by the Mayor. s/Timothy A. Rouse Member of the South Bend Common Council Ms. Jamie Ruiz, 202 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana, CB Richard Ellis, as Agent for Olive Cleveland Partners, LLC, made the presentation for this bill. Ms. Ruiz advised that Olive Cleveland Partners, LLC are a local investor developer that has created a development a certain properties and have purchase 3507 Olive Road, which is consider Phase I of this project, which is currently 100% occupied. They have purchase the vacant land behind Phase I from a west coast investment group, so they are bringing the ownership locally now. The developer saw this project as a positive investment, due to the increasing demand for modern bulk space which has clear heights of 30’. She noted that more and more warehouse distributors need that clear height. This will be a new product for South Bend and it will be 208,000 square feet. Ms. Ruiz noted that the initial project was supposed to be 104,000 square feet, but with the interest in the property the developer decided to increase the square footage. Ms. Ruiz stated that hopefully this development along with the Portage Prairie Development will bring in Chicago businesses to the South Bend Area and create even more spin off business for South Bend. The toll road and the airport are fabulous for this location and they hope to see more businesses coming this way. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time Councilmember Dieter asked about the property that they are building onto the Westside and how many acres does that contain. Ms. Ruiz stated that it is 11.7 acres. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this Resolution, Councilmember Puzzello made a motion to adopt this Resolution. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of eight (8) ayes. BILL NO. 08-20 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3445 WILLIAM RICHARDSON DRIVE AS AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A FOUR (4) YEAR REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR JADE ELEPHANT HOLDING, LLC (LAKE MICHIGAN MAILERS, INC.) BILL NO. 08-21 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3445 WILLIAM RICHARDSON DRIVE AS AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A FIVE (5) YEAR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR LAKE MICHIGAN MAILERS, INC. (JADE ELEPHANT HOLDING, LLC) 6 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2008 Councilmember Varner made a motion to combine these bills for purposes of Public Hearing. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. RESOLUTION NO. 3841-08 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3445 WILLIAM RICHARDSON DRIVE AS AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A FOUR (4) YEAR REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR JADE ELEPHANT HOLDING, LLC (LAKE MICHIGAN MAILERS, INC.) WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, has adopted a Declaratory Resolution designating certain areas within the City as Economic Revitalization Areas for the purpose of tax abatement consideration; and WHEREAS, a Declaratory Resolution designated the area commonly known as 3445 William Richardson Drive, South Bend, Indiana, and which is more particularly described as follows: Lot Numbered Fourteen (14) as shown on the recorded Plat of the Toll Road Industrial Park Section 6, recorded April 7, 1989 as document number 8908570 in the Office of the Recorder of St, Joseph, County, Indiana. and which has Key Number 25-1013-021111 presently, as an Economic Revitalization Area; and WHEREAS, notice of the adoption of a Declaratory Resolution and the public hearing before the Council has been published pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-2.5; and WHEREAS, the Council held a public hearing for the purposes of hearing all remonstrance’s and objections from interested persons; and WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the qualifications for an economic revitalization area have been met. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: SECTION I. The Common Council hereby confirms its Declaratory Resolution designating the area described herein as an Economic Revitalization Area for the purposes of tax abatement. Such designation is for Real property tax abatement only and is limited to two (2) calendar years from the date of adoption of the Declaratory Resolution by the Common Council. SECTION II. The Common Council hereby determines that the property owner is qualified for and is granted Real property tax deduction for a period of four (4) years, and further determines that the petition, the Memorandum of Agreement between the Petitioner and the City of South Bend, and the Statement of Benefits comply with Chapter 2, Article 6, of the Municipal Code of the City of South Bend and Indiana Code 6-1.1-12 et seq. 7 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2008 SECTION III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Common Council and approved by the Mayor. s/Timothy A. Rouse Member of the Common Council RESOLUTION NO. 3842-08 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3445 WILLIAM RICHARDSON DRIVE AS AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A FIVE (5) YEAR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR LAKE MICHIGAN MAILERS, INC. (JADE ELEPHANT HOLDING, LLC) WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, has adopted a Declaratory Resolution designating certain areas within the City as Economic Revitalization Areas for the purpose of tax abatement consideration; and WHEREAS, a Declaratory Resolution designated the area commonly known as 3445 William Richardson Drive, South Bend, Indiana, and which is more particularly described as follows: Lot Numbered Fourteen (14) as shown on the recorded Plat of the Toll Road Industrial Park Section 6, recorded April 7, 1989 as document number 8908570 in the Office of the Recorder of St, Joseph, County, Indiana. and which has Tax Key Number 25-1013-021111 presently, as an Economic Revitalization Area; and WHEREAS, notice of the adoption of a Declaratory Resolution and the public hearing before the Council has been published pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-2.5; and WHEREAS, the Council held a public hearing for the purposes of hearing all remonstrances and objections from interested persons; and WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the qualifications for an economic revitalization area have been met. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: SECTION I. The Common Council hereby confirms its Declaratory Resolution designating the area described herein as an Economic Revitalization Area for the purposes of tax abatement. Such designation is for Personal property tax abatement only and is limited to two (2) calendar years from the date of adoption of the Declaratory Resolution by the Common Council. SECTION II. The Common Council hereby determines that the property owner is qualified for and is granted Personal property tax deduction for a period of five (5) years, and further determines that the petition complies with Chapter 2, Article 6, of the Municipal Code of the City of South Bend and Indiana Code 6-1.1-12 et seq. 8 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2008 SECTION III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Common Council and approved by the Mayor. s/Timothy A. Rouse Member of the Common Council Mr. David C. Rhoa, President, Lake Michigan Mailers, Inc., and a managing member of Jade Elephant Holding, LLC, 3777 Sky King Blvd., Kalamazoo, Michigan, made the presentation for this bill. Mr. Rhoa advised that Lake/Michigan Mailers Inc. /Jade Elephant Holding, LLC are proposing to develop a 4.75 acre site to include construction of an approximate 13,000 square foot mail assembly and document processing facility. Mr. Rhoa stated that they anticipate breaking ground this month and expect to be in operation September 2, 2008. The facility will also serve as a “hot site” for disaster recovery for Lake Michigan Mailers’ document creation and mail assembly operations located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In addition, the site will serve as a sales facility and customer training site for customers located in northern Indiana. The estimated cost of the building is $720,000. The site is currently owned by Ancon Construction Company, Inc. He noted that Jade Elephant Holding will purchase the site who will in turn lease the site to Lake Michigan Mailers, Inc. Lake Michigan Mailers will own the equipment placed on the site. He noted that they intend to hire eleven (11) people from the South Bend Area. Of which five (5) will be full-time and six (6) will be part-time. Mr. Rhoa noted that the total investment is around $2.1 million dollars and within five (5) years anticipate the facility to be larger than it is currently at 13,000 square feet. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. Councilmember Dieter made a motion to adopt Bill No. 08-20. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of eight (8) ayes. Councilmember Dieter made a motion to adopt Bill No. 08-21. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of eight (8) ayes. BILL NO. 08-22 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, EXPRESSING ITS SUPPORT FOR THE RETENTION OF THE COUNCIL ATTORNEY FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2008 THROUGH 2011 ON A CONTRACTUAL PART-TIME BASIS Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to continue this bill until the April 14, 2008, meeting of the Council. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. BILLS – FIRST READING BILL NO. 13-08 FIRST READING ON A BILL AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1302 HIGH ST. SOUTH BEND, IN 46616, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT 3 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 9 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2008 This bill had first reading. Councilmember Puzzello made a motion to refer this bill to the Area Plan Commission. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. BILL NO. 14-08 FIRST READING ON A BILL AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR FIVE (5) PROPERTIES LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF WESTERN AVENUE AND LOMBARDY DRIVE LYING IMMEDIATELY SOUTH OF THE INTERSECTION AND IMMEDIATELY NORTH OF 450 LOMBARDY DRIVE, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT 6 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA This bill had first reading. Councilmember Puzzello made a motion to refer this bill to the Area Plan Commission. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. BILL NO. 15-08 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING $794,576.67 WITHIN FUND 209 FOR THE PURPOSE OF REDEVELOPMENT OF THE STUDEBAKER-OLIVER PROJECT AREA This bill had first reading. Councilmember Varner made a motion to refer this bill to the Community and Economic Development Committee and set it for Public Hearing and Third Reading on March 24, 2008. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. BILL NO. 16-08 FIRST READING ON A BILL TO VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTIES: THE ALLEY TO BE VACATED IS DESCRIBED AS THE FIRST NORTH-SOUTH ALLEY WEST OF FRANKLIN STREET RUNNING FROM THE NORTH LINE OF THE CONRAIL RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY ON THE SOUTH TO THE NORTH LINE OF THE PLAT OF SAMUEL L. ND STULL’S 2 ADDITION TO THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, SAID DISTANCE BEING APPROXIMATELY 1,210 FEET AND HAVING A WIDTH OF 7 FEET, ALSO THE FIRST EAST- WEST ALLEY SOUTH OF BROADWAY STREET AND WEST OF FRANKLIN STREET LAYING BETWEEN LOT #48 OF SAID ND SAMUEL L. STULL’S 2 ADDITION TO THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, AND LOT #61 OF ST SAMUEL L. STULL’S 1 ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF MYLER, SAID DISTANCE BEING APPROXIMATELY 153.5 FEET AND A WIDTH OF 14 FEET This bill had first reading. Councilmember Varner made a motion to refer this bill to the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee and set it for Public Hearing and Third Reading on March 24, 2008. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight ayes. 10 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 10, 2008 UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business to come before the Council at this time. NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Oliver Davis thanked Councilmember Karen White for attending the Rum Village Neighborhood Association meeting. Ms. White stated that the meeting was well attended and that the association would like to have a list how many vacant homes are in their neighborhood and a list of the homes that are scheduled to be torn down. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated that he had the opportunity to attend with the Grants and Planning Committee of the Transpo Board, in Washington, D.C. to meet with Congressman Joe Donnelly along with staff of Senators Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar. Councilmember Davis stated that they talked about the relocation of the Transpo Garage to the Studebaker Corridor and begin construction in April 2008. President Rouse reported that several members were in attendance to honor Ms. Gladys Muhammad. He stated that they celebrated her birthday and her community accomplishments. President Rouse stated that he delivered on behalf of the South Bend Common Council a proclamation to Ms. Muhammad. President Rouse also reported that the St. Joseph County Waste Management Board met and there were two items that were noted. The first is that the board is accepting quotes for curbside pickup contracts for 2009. The second item is that it was approved to hire a consultant to do a study on wages for staff members of the St. Joseph County Waste Management Board. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR COMMENTS FROM MR. LARRY WILLIAMS ON SEWAGE PIPES Mr. Larry Williams, 420 Grandview Street, South Bend, Indiana, (574-232-9972) stated that he is speaking to the Council tonight because he is in the process of beautifying the northwest and the northeast corner of Linden and Grandview Avenues. Currently there is water that runs up and down the streets at that intersection. Mr. Williams stated that he was told that he needs at least 300’ of sewage pipe that needs to be run. He stated that he would like to build at that location and would like the Council to help him with this vision. He noted that the City has undertaken many projects in beautifying the City and he would like that vision to continue on the Westside. Mr. Williams noted that this intersection is a heavily traveled route and he would like to be a leader in getting this intersection revitalized. This topic was assigned to Councilmember Varner, Chairperson of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee and Councilmember Henry Davis, Chairperson, Community Relations Committee. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, President Rouse adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m. ATTEST: ATTEST: ____________________________ ____________________________ John Voorde, City Clerk Timothy A. Rouse, President 11