HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-18-08 Council Rules CommitteeCOUNCIL RULES
The April 18, 2008 meeting of the Council Rules Committee of the South Bend Common Council
was called to order by its Vice-Chairperson, David Varner at 1:30 p.m. in the Council's Informal
Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance include: Council Members, David Varner, Derek Dieter, Ann Puzzello,
Karen White, Tom LaFountain
Others present: Nancy King, John Voorde
Topic: Rescheduled interview with Nancy King regarding her application for Council Appointment
to the South Bend Redevelopment Commission.
In Council Member Tim Rouse's absence, Vice-Chair David Varner began the meeting by
introducing Nancy King who thanked the Council for the re-schedule. Council Member Varner,
having opened the meeting to questions of Ms. King from those present, recognized Council
Member Ann Puzzello. Council Member Puzzello asked Nancy why she sought the appointment.
Nancy responded that she recognized the Redevelopment Commission's central role is deciding
how to best pursue revitalization of the city with precious limited resources of money and land.
Council Member White asked where she thought efforts of the Commission should be focused?
Nancy said the consensus shown in "City Plan" should be implemented. Namely a continuation
of the entryway corridor development, the near West Side recently bolstered by the pending Kroc
Center, and the near east side augmented by the N.D. involvement in the Eddy St. Commons
project. Council Member Derek Dieter asked Nancy King to grade the Redevelopment
Commission efforts to retain and nurture development so far. Nancy King responded that she
would give it mixed reviews. While it was nice to see efforts to retain Baker Daniels be successful
other areas like the Studebaker Corridor need more work. She noted the need for teamwork
among the city, the Chamber, Project Future, and the private sector to maximize the measurable
outcomes of scare resources.
Council Member Karen White asked Nancy to describe her feelings of how the Commission and
the Council should interact. Nancy said the Indiana Code spoke to a cooperative and
collaborative role between the Commission and the Council. After brief discussion Nancy sensed
a level of frustration with the current relationship on the part of the Council.
Council Member Tom LaFountain asked whether the Redevelopment Commission should be
married to "City Plan." Nancy said while she thought it important to have a "vision", it was just as
important to be flexible. Communication, of course, was seen as the key.
Council Member David Varner concurred there needs to be flexibility. He cited a need for a
realistic prioritized approach.
Nancy pointed out that she had managed people and resources for over 40 years. Again, vision
was seen as necessary; but just the same a person's foot needed to be planted firmly on the
ground. She felt a candidate needed commitment and good judgment. She said she would
accept the responsibility with, no preconceptions; she would work hard, and try to work with
others.
Respectfully Submitted,
~___,Q ~o ~ !may ~ -
ouncil Member David Varner, Vice-Chairperson
Council Rules Committee