HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-24-04 Public Works & Property Vacations Committee Report
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
The May 24, 2004 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee was
called to order by its Chairperson,Dr. David Varner at 4:47 p.m. in the Council Informal
Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter,Pfeifer,White, Kelly,Puzzello,
Varner,Kuspa,Coleman and Kirsits; City Clerk John Voorde,Mayor Stephen Luecke,Police
Chief Thomas Fautz, Community and Economic Development Executive Director Sharon
Kendall,City Controller Rick 011ett,Rita Kopola,members of the South Bend Fire Department,
and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney.
Dr. Varner noted that the Committee consists of Council Members Kirsits,Pfeifer,
Coleman and himself.
Dr. Varner noted that he called the Committee meeting so that there could be an informal
discussion of the information recently received by the Hall of Fame representative. He noted
that last Tuesday, several of the Council Members met in groups of three with Mr. Fallon. By
the very fact that these were all separate meetings,not every one always has the same impression
of their discussions. Dr. Varner noted that Mr. Fallon asked that certain items be held
confidential which he will honor.
Dr. Varner stated that twelve(12)years ago the city was told that"they won something"
when the College Football Hall of Fame was moved to South Bend. "What we won and what we
got are two(2)entirely different things". He believes that the NFF and the City of South Bend
should be more of a partnership. Mr. Fallon stated that all that the NFF had to do was"follow
the contract"; and that they were not accountable to the Common Council. He noted that his
group met with Mr. Fallon for close to two hours. He speculated that Mr. Fallon knows that he
has a good deal, despite the fact that the Hall is struggling financially. He noted that Mr. Fallon
stated that they do not have to help South Bend"because we have a contract".
Council Member Kirsits noted that he forgot to ask Mr. Fallon about the Kick-Off Classic
football game,which could be used to help defray the ongoing costs of running the Hall.
Mayor Luecke stated that the"game will be going away".
Council Member Puzzello noted that Mr. Fallon stated that they voluntarily gave money
which they were not obligated to give,at least on one occasion. She added that she was
impressed with the Play It Smart program at Clay High School.
Council President White recalled that the amount of money involved was$1.9 million;
however Dr. Varner noted that if the Hall is moved at the end of the 5-year extension that the
$1.9 million must be paid back. Council President White noted that more PR is required.
Committee Report
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
Mayor Luecke stated that Mr. Fallon was in town for a Joint Advisory Committee
meeting. The Administration would welcome having a presentation on the"Play It Smart
Program",perhaps at the next monthly Administrative update meeting with the Council.
In response to a question from Dr. Varner,Mayor Luecke stated that the program is at
Clay High School as a result of a grant from the NFF. He will ask Bernie Kish how that
particular high school was selected and report back to the Council. They are seeking
sponsorships in the hope of expanding the program.
Council Member Kelly stated that the program is a jewel and would like to see it
expanded.
Discussion on the number of Council Members on the Committee then took place, with
Mayor Luecke noting that he thought that Karl King was on the committee as a result of being on
the Century Center Board. It was noted that Mr. Fallon thought that there was to be two(2)
Council Members, one(1) of which is Council Member Kelly.
Council Member Pfeifer noted that during the recent City Plan presentation she thought
that there should be another activity in the Hall of Fame so that more people would come down
to the downtown area.
There being no further business to come before the Committee,Dr. Varner adjourned the
Committee meeting at 4:58 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. David Varner,Chairperson
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
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Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Meeting of May 24.2004 Page 2