HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-11-99 Personnel & Finance Poisoned and Roane Committee
South Bend Common Council
The January 11, 1999 meeting of the Personnel &Finance Committee was called to order
by its Chairperson,Council Member James Aranowski at 3:50 p.m. in the Council Informal
meeting room.
Persons in attendance included: Council Members: Aranowski,Pfeifer,Kelly,King,
Varner,Ujdak, Coleman and Hosinski; Terry Bland, James Voll,Rober Hunt,Ann-Carol Nash,
Kathy Dempsey,Lew Powell,Anthony Zappia,Don Fozo,Mike Urbanski, Steve Krupnic,Jerry
Beatty,Don Shaw and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Aranowski noted that the first item on the agenda would be to have
general discussion on the secondhand store regulations with no formal Committee action being
taken.
Aim-Carol Nash of the Legal Department noted that the City had received complaints
regarding merchandise displayed outside such as vacuums,rugs, lawn equipment, etc. on
Sample, Western,etc. As a result the City Administration recommended a ban of such outside
displays which was incorporated into an ordinance.
Kathy Dempsey, Code Enforcement Director,noted that complaints of unsightliness,
blocking sidewalks, and related items were received. Such complaints were time consuming to
investigate. She noted that four(4)business owners were present to voice their concerns.
Mr. Steve Krupnic,the owner of Red'd Pawn Shop, stated that he believes that the broad
brush of the City through its current regulations have gone too far. It has been costly to
legitimate businesses. His business is 75-80%warehousing. With the City's restrictions,he has
had to wholesale to other dealerships. He does not believe that the regulations are fair to a
company like his which has been in operation for over 25 years. He suggested that a
compromise should be sought which may include limited outdoor sale items, limitations by
hours, etc.
The owner of Ozark Pawn Shop voice similar concerns. He stated that he is unable to
display lawnmowers in the summer and snowblowers in the winter,yet other retail operators
who are not secondhand dealers are permitted to display such items.
Jerry Beatty,the owner of a Western Avenue secondhand store, noted that the City has
not received any complaints of his operation and believes that the current regulations are unfair
and penalize such dealers.
Don Shaw of Kurt's Closet,stated that none of his neighbors have complained. The store
he operates with his wife,who was also present,have dropped in business over 50 %. He is
located 25' from the sidewalk. He further noted that he has a large porch with a roof and has
been told by the City that they cannot display items on the porch and would be in violation.
Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes ofJan a y 11,1999
a Council Member Kelly stated that the Council does not want to put anyone out of
y business. He believes that a compromise would be in order.
Council Member Varner voiced concern that outdoor displays are only prohibited if it is
a secondhand store and that other retailers are allowed to display their merchandise.
Council Member Hosinski also voiced concern and thought that the ordinance had been
drafted by the Administration to address sidewalks or rights of way. He agreed with Council
Member Kelly that the regulations should be reconsidered. He also voiced potential
constitutional concerns involving the Equal Protection clause and basic fairness by the current
regulations.
Council Member Aranowski noted that he would contact the interested parties and gather
further information and report back to the Committee within a month.
The Committee then reviewed Bill No.98-167 which would approve a lease for the
Building Department. Mr. Don Fozo made the presentation. He noted that the lease would be
for one(1)year at$ 11.00 per square foot
for a total yearly cost of$46,000.00 He noted that the Building Department must be located
near the County-City Building for operational effectiveness.
Following discussion, Council Member Varner made a motion, seconded by Council
Member King that Bill No.98-167 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council President Coleman noted that he has had discussions with the Mayor regarding
overall leasing policies and procedures of the City and would have a report to the Council in the
near future.
There being no further business to come before the Committee,the meeting was
adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member James Aranowski
Chairperson
PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Attachments
Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of laruary 11,1999