HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-13-13 Common Council Meeting Minutes
REGULAR MEETING MAY 13, 2013
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, May 13, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. The
meeting was called to order by Council President Derek Dieter and the Invocation and Pledge to
the Flag were given.
ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBERS:
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Present: Tim Scott 1 District
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Henry Davis, Jr. 2 District (late 7:03 p.m.)
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Valerie Schey 3 District
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Fred Ferlic 4 District
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Oliver J. Davis 6 District, Vice-President
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David Varner 5 District
Derek Dieter At-Large, President
Gavin Ferlic At-Large
Karen L. White At-Large, Chairperson Committee of the Whole
OTHERS PRESENT:
Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand Council Attorney
John Voorde City Clerk
Janice I. Talboom Deputy
Mary Beth Wisniewski Chief Deputy
REPORT FROM THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES
Councilmember White made a motion that the minutes of the April 22, 2013, meeting of the
Council be accepted and placed on file. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion
which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
SPECIAL BUSINESS
Council President Dieter made an announcement that the Monday, May 27, 2013 meeting of the
Council will be moved to Wednesday, May 29, 2013 due to the Memorial Day Holiday.
ANNOUNCEMENT: REPRESENTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION WILL BE
KATHRYN ROOS - DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF
Mike Schmuhl, Chief of Staff to Mayor Buttigieg introduced the new Corporation Counsel
Cristal Briscoe.
RESOLUTION NO. 4257-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
HONORING ALL POLICE OFFICERS KILLED
IN THE LINE OF DUTY AND DECLARING THE
THTH
WEEK OF MAY 12 THROUGH MAY 18,
2103 AS POLICE OFFICERS MEMORIAL
WEEK IN SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
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REGULAR MEETING MAY 13, 2013
Whereas, the South Bend Common Council recognizes that the National Law
Enforcement Officer Memorial in Washington, D.C. is the Nation’s monument to federal, state
and local enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while
serving and protecting their communities as a sworn officer; and
Whereas, the Common Council further recognizes that on Friday, May 10, 2012 at 7:30
p.m., the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge # 36 held their Annual Tribute and Memorial Service ,
to honor the fifteen (15) South Bend Police Department Officers who gave their lives in the line
of duty while protecting our City. Therefore, on behalf of a very grateful South Bend Community,
the Common Council wishes to honor each of these very special Police Officers:
Hans Brandt Paul R. Deguch Lewis Keller Delbert Thompson
Fred E. Buland Charles E. Farkas, Sr. Neil McIntyre Lloyd Thompson
Oscar Christenson Thomas J. DeRue, Sr. Nick S. Polizzotto Howard Wagner
Samuel Cooper Ronald St. Germain, Sr. Scott Lee Severns
The Common Council rededicates itself to honoring each of these 15 fallen officers, who are
among the 20,000 law enforcement officers in America who have given their lives in the line of
duty since 1791, with the name of each officer being engraved on the walls of the National Law
Enforcement Officers Memorial depicted above, as well as on the monument at the South Bend
Police Headquarters.
Now, Therefore, be it resolved, by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as
follows:
Section I. The South Bend Common Council recognizes that approximately 900,000 law
enforcement are currently serving across America; and that in 2012, 119 officers made the
ultimate sacrifice. On behalf of all of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the
Common Council hereby publicly commemorates and gratefully honors each and every one of
these police officers, and in particular the fifteen (15) fallen members of the South Bend Police
Department, who died while serving and protecting the residents of the City of South Bend,
Indiana.
Section II. The Common Council hereby declares May 122h – May 18th , as Police
Officers Memorial Week in South Bend, Indiana, which will coincide with National Police Week
being celebrated across our great nation. The Common Council urges all citizens to remember
and thank our dedicated police officers who are serving today as part of the “thin blue line”,
standing between the lawful and the lawless. The Council notes that all American flags are to be
flown at half-staff on May 15th, in honor of all fallen officer, their families, and friends
throughout the United States.
Section III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the
Common Council and approval by the Mayor.
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s/Tim Scott, 1 District s/Oliver J. Davis, 6 District
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s/Henry Davis, Jr., 2 District s/Derek D. Dieter, At Large
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s/Valerie Schey, 3 District s/Gavin Ferlic, At Large
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s/Dr. Fred Ferlic, 4 District s/Karen L. White, At Large
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Dr. David Varner, 5 District Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Attorney
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Attest: Approved this 13 day of May, 2013
s/John Voorde, City Clerk s/Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend
Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic made the presentation for this Resolution by reading it in its
entirety and presenting it to FOP #36 President Dan Demler.
A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time.
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REGULAR MEETING MAY 13, 2013
There was no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to
this Resolution.
FOP #36 President Dan Demler thanked the Council for this Resolution.
Councilmember Varner made a motion to adopt this Resolution by acclamation. Councilmember
White seconded the motion which carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 4258-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
RECOGNIZING THE MANY POSITIVE
OUTREACH PROGRAMS OF MAMAS
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AGAINST VIOLENCE ON THE 10 YEAR
ANNIVERSARY
Whereas, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, acknowledges that in
2003, Bobbi Woods founded Mamas Against Violence in South Bend after her own son was lost
in a senseless act of violence in the downtown; and
Whereas, today, Mamas Against Violence continues to dedicate itself to their core beliefs
that “concern for one another and concern for our community will help turn pain into
compassion”; thanks to the hard work and dedication of Ruth Reese, Bobbi Woods and many
others, and
Whereas, some of the many positive outreach programs & events which Mamas Against
Violence has provided include: hosting a radio outreach program “Getting Through the
Holidays” which offers prayer , encouragement & support; Mamas Against Violence annual
community walk and remembrance celebration where people gather to remember those lost too
soon to violence & where persons are encourage to wear red to represent “…the love that’s going
to be spread…”; holds discussion groups & film screenings such as the one held at the Leighton
Senior Center when American Blackout was shown; sponsors grief workshops; hosts workshops
for school children; & participates in the Center for Women’s Intercultural Leadership Program
at Saint Mary’s College – just to name a few; and
Whereas, for the past ten (10) years, Mamas Against Violence has compassionately
worked through so many dedicated mothers to “empower women to create lasting change in the
community by ending the cycle of violence and healing their own grief” to those who have lost
their sons to street violence ; and
Whereas, Mamas Against Violence continually reaches out to help remind individuals
that they are not alone and how important it is to curb violence; with their general business
meetings being held the second Saturday of the month in the Colfax Cultural Center.
Now, Therefore, be it resolved, by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as
follows:
Section I. On behalf of the citizens of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council is
proud to publicly honor and congratulate all of the members of Mamas Against Violence as they
celebrate their 10th Anniversary of providing positive awareness and outreach programs
throughout our City.
Section II. The Common Council recognizes that Mamas Against Violence received the
Community Service Award last year from the South Bend Community Hall of Fame; and the
Council believes that the tireless efforts and dedication of this organization is truly
commendable.
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REGULAR MEETING MAY 13, 2013
Section III . This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption
by the Council and approval by the Mayor.
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s/Tim Scott, 1 District s/Oliver J. Davis, 6 District
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s/Henry Davis, Jr., 2 District s/Derek D. Dieter, At Large
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s/Valerie Schey, 3 District s/Gavin Ferlic, At Large
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s/Dr. Fred Ferlic, 4 District s/Karen L. White, At Large
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Dr. David Varner, 5 District Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Attorney
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Attest: Approved this 13 day of May, 2013
s/John Voorde, City Clerk s/Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend
Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., made the presentation for this Resolution by first offering his
comments and then reading the Resolution in its entirety and presenting it to Members of Mamas
Against Violence.
A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time.
There was no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to
this Resolution.
Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to adopt this Resolution by acclamation.
Councilmember White seconded the motion which carried.
Mike Schmuhl, Chief of Staff to Mayor Pete Buttigieg, gave an overview of a letter sent to the
Council on May 2, 2013. (A copy is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) He stated that
addressing vacant and abandoned properties is a top priority for the administration, the Common
Council, and the residents of South Bend. These properties decrease home values throughout a
neighborhood and can attract crime, rodents, fires and a number of other public safety concerns.
Mr. Schmuhl advised that the Council also approved a significant increase in funding for the
Department of Code Enforcement to address these properties during last years; budget process, a
measure that will go a long way toward repairing the economic fabric of our neighborhoods. He
stated that in releasing the findings of the Vacant and Abandoned Properties Task Force Report
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on February 27, the administration also announced a goal of addressing 1,000 properties in
1,000 days. To be clear, “addressing” means a mixture of structural demolitions and housing
rehabs. While the City’s demolition practices have not changed from previous practices in
previous years, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) reached out to
the City administration after the public announcement of the Task Force. This outreach is an
extension of the long-standing, good relationship the City has had with IDEM and other state
agencies over the years.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICES
REPORT FROM THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER – CHUCK BULOT
Mr. Bulot presented a five (5) step master plan for the Building Department. (A copy is on file
in the Office of the City) He advised that this plan will help to modernize the building inspection
process in South Bend. This plan is the start of a long-held vision for the Building Department
of the future, an ultra-efficient, consumer-friendly, totally paperless office. Step One: Archive
all commercial plans submitted over the past three years into electronic format. Step Two: Beta
test iPads for configuration of operations in field and standardize practices. Step Three: Issue i-
Pads for all inspectors and train for data entry of inspections. Step Four: Electronically archive
all other parcel-related folders for cross-linking information. Step Five: Create electronic
folders for every parcel in the county. Mr. Bulot stated that eventually, each inspector will have
field access to a complete history of each parcel in St. Joseph County, a complete set of code
books, a listing of standardized inspection check lists, an electronic note pad, a built-in camera,
and a notebook of illustrations to help explain frequently asked questions. He stated that he had
hoped to bring this information to the Council earlier, but his hands were ties. They had to wait
for technology to catch up with their vision. Mr. Bulot noted that the Council is the first to
officially hear about the implementation of the Building Department’s Inspection process of the
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REGULAR MEETING MAY 13, 2013
future. He urged the Council to contact him anytime for a personal demonstration to share this
dream come true.
RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
At 7:41 p.m. Councilmember Scott made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole.
Councilmember Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
Councilmember Schey, Chairperson, presiding.
Councilmember White, explained the procedures to be followed for tonight’s meeting in
accordance with Article 1, Section 2-11 of the South Bend Municipal Code.
Councilmember White stated that a brochure may be found on the railing in the Council
Chambers explaining those procedures.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
BILL NO. 11-13 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL AMENDING THE
ZONING ORDINANCE AND REQUESTING A
SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT
3801 W. WESTERN AVENUE, COUNCILMANIC
DISTRICT 2 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA
Councilmember Dieter made a motion to continue this bill until the June 10, 2013 meeting of the
Council. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of
nine (9) ayes.
BILL NO. 14-13 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE 8 OF THE SOUTH
BEND MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE ADDITION OF
NEW SECTION 6-37.2 ADDRESSING
ACCOUNTABILITY OF GOVERNMENT ACTIONS ON
BUILDINGS DECLARED VACANT OR ABANDONED
Councilmember Oliver Davis, Chairperson, Community Relations Committee, reported that this
committee held a meeting this afternoon and it was the consensus of the committee to send this
bill to the full Council with no recommendation.
Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., made the presentation for this bill.
Councilmember Davis advised that this bill is aimed to bring greater accountability of tax dollars
proposed to be used on vacant & abandoned properties, as well as the overall process involving
properties proposed to be demolished by the City of South Bend. He stated that the substitute
bill would add additional requirements: 1. Demo notice should mirror zoning notice process; 2.
City should publish a complete list of all vacant/abandoned housing with owners name; 3.
Vacant and abandoned houses to be secured at higher levels to prevent break in or further
deterioration until housing plan is enacted; and 4. Before home is scheduled for demolition, the
City should require three (3) estimates for rehab/repair from local neighborhood contractors.
Councilmember Davis presented a power point presentation (a copy is on file in the Office of the
City Clerk.) Councilmember Davis stated that a more thoughtful, methodical plan to address the
problem of vacant and abandoned housing problem than suggested by the task force. He stated
that his bill focuses more on rehabilitation than demolition and purports to provide the process
resulting in an economic plan for the neighborhood.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand advised to correct a scrivener’s error in paragraph
(e) item #2 should read “all” and item #4 the last word should be “contractors.”
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REGULAR MEETING MAY 13, 2013
Councilmember Dieter made a motion to accept the substitute bill as amended. Councilmember
Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard.
Rev. Greg Brown, 1238 Diamond Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill.
Glenda Rae Hernandez, 702 E. South Street, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill.
She stated that she has lived in South Bend since 1966, and seen all the changes that the
neighborhoods have gone through. She stated that there needs to be a better plan than the 1,000
homes in a 1,000 days. She stated that there needs to be more of a comprehensive plan.
Dave Heckel, Vacant Properties Specialists, Elgin, Illinois, stated that there needs to be more
focus on securing vacant properties until a determination is made to either demolish or rehab.
Katie Lee, 16405 Cleveland Road, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the city needs more
residential homes. She urged the Council to seek a more solid plan.
Ray Hernandez, 702 E. South Street, South Bend, Indiana, advised that the city is moving too
fast. He stated that a more comprehensive plan is needed.
Dave Stickle, 1302 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the homes could be
rehabilitated for Veterans.
Regina Williams-Preston, 838 N. Elmer, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. She
urged the Council to pass this bill and focus more on rehabilitation than demolition and provide a
process that will result in an economic plan for the neighborhood.
Kinsie Brown, 330 W. Colfax, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is in favor of the four (4)
amendments.
Faith Slaughter, 330 W. Colfax, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is in favor of this bill. She
would like to see the homes rehabilitated using local contractors such as her.
There was no one else present wishing to speak to the Council in favor of or in opposition to this
bill.
Councilmember Scott advised that he is not in support of this bill.
Councilmember Schey stated that she believes in transparency and accountability, however, she
does not agree with the newly added amendments.
Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic stated that people want action taken on vacant and abandoned
blight now. He asked who would pay for a rehab focused plan, the banks, the City, private
investors? He stated that such a focus was too expensive to be practical.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic stated that this bill would need to seek state and federal funding.
He stated that there are good ideas in the bill, however, it needs funding.
Councilmember White thanked Councilmember Davis for his hard work.
Councilmember Schey made a motion to remove paragraph (e). Councilmember Oliver Davis
seconded the motion. The motion carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) ayes and one (1) nay
(Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr.) Additionally, Councilmember Schey made a motion for
favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Oliver Davis
seconded the motion. The motion carried by a roll call vote of five (5) ayes and four (4) nays
(Councilmember’s Dr. Fred Ferlic, Gavin Ferlic, Scott and Dieter.)
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REGULAR MEETING MAY 13, 2013
BILL NO. 18-13 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 6
OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE
INCLUSION OF NEW SECTION 6-6.6 ADDRESSING
SOILS AND WATER TABLE REVIEW REQUIRED AS
PART OF THE PERMIT PROCESS
Councilmember Dieter made a motion to continue this bill until the May 29, 2013 meeting of the
Council. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9)
ayes.
RISE AND REPORT
Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to rise and report to full Council. Councilmember
Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
ATTEST: ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
John Voorde, City Clerk Karen L. White, Chairperson
Committee of the Whole
REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED
Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend reconvened in the
Council Chambers on the fourth floor of the County-City Building at 8:58 p.m. Council
President Derek Dieter, presided with nine (9) members present.
BILLS - THIRD READING
ORDINANCE NO. 10230-13 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING
CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE 8 OF THE SOUTH BEND
MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE ADDITION OF NEW
SECTION 6-37.2 ADDRESSING ACCOUNTABILITY
OF GOVERNMENT ACTIONS ON BUILDINGS
DECLARED VACANT OR ABANDONED
This bill had third reading. Councilmember Schey made a motion to pass this bill.
Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried. The bill passed by a roll call
vote of five (5) ayes and four (4) nays (Councilmember’s Dr. Fred Ferlic, Gavin Ferlic, Scott,
and Dieter.)
RESOLUTIONS
BILL NO.13-18 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, CALLING
FOR A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON
DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS WHICH ARE NOT A
HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD
Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., sponsor of this bill asked that this bill be continued
indefinitely. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., made a motion to continue this bill indefinitely.
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REGULAR MEETING MAY 13, 2013
Councilmember Schey seconded the motion which carried by a roll call vote of seven (7) ayes
and two (2) nays (Councilmember’s Scott and Dieter.)
BILLS - FIRST READING
BILL NO. 19-13 FIRST READING ON A BILL TO VACATE THE
FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: THE FIRST
EAST/WEST ALLEY SOUTH OF INDIANA AVENUE
FROM ST. JOSEPH STREET EAST APPROX. 200 FEET
TO THE NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY, AND A WIDTH OF
14 FEET
This bill had first reading. Councilmember Dieter 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
May 29, 2013. Councilmember White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of
nine (9) ayes.
BILL NO. 20-13 FIRST READING ON A BILL AMENDING THE
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 5661 F.J. NIMTZ PARKWAY AND THE VACANT
PROPERTY EAST OF AND ADJACENT TO AND
WEST OF AND ADJACENT OT 5661 F. J. NIMTZ
PARKWAY, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT 1 IN THE
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
This bill had first reading. Councilmember White made a motion to refer this bill to the Area
Plan Commission. Councilmember Schey seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of
nine (9) ayes.
BILL NO. 21-13 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR
APPROXIMATELY 85 ACRES LOCATED AT THE
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAMPLE STREET AND
PRAIRIE AVENUE, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT 6 IN
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
This bill had first reading. Councilmember White made a motion to refer this bill to the Area
Plan Commission. Councilmember Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of
nine (9) ayes.
BILL NO. 22-13 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE 3, SECTION 5-15
(a) AND (d) OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE
BY THE INCLUSION OF NEW ARTICLE 10
ENTITLED HONEY BEE KEEPING REGULATIONS
AND AMENDING SECTION 2-123 SCHEDULE OF
ORDINANCE AND CODE VIOLATIONS
This bill had first reading. Councilmember Scott made a motion to refer this bill to the Health &
Public Safety Committee and set it for Public Hearing and Third Reading on May 29, 2013.
Councilmember Schey seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
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REGULAR MEETING MAY 13, 2013
BILL NO. 23-13 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
APPROPRIATING THE TOTAL SUM OF $30,575.00
WITHIN CITY GENERAL FUND #101 FOR A NEW
EMPLOYEE POSITION AND FOR PROFESSIONAL
ASSOCIATIONS DUES
This bill had first reading. Councilmember Schey made a motion to accept the substitute bill as
on file in the Office of the City Clerk. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion which carried
by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Additionally, Councilmember Schey made a motion to refer
this bill to the Personnel & Finance Committee and set it for Public Hearing and Third Reading
on May 29, 2013. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice
vote of eight (8) ayes and one (1) nay (Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr.)
BILL NO. 24-13 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
AMENDING THE MAXIMUM SALARY AND WAGES
OF CERTAIN NON-BARGAINING EMPLOYEES OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA FOR THE
CALENDAR YEAR 2013
This bill had first reading. Councilmember Schey made a motion to refer this bill to the
Personnel & Finance Committee and set it for Public Hearing and Third Reading on May 29,
2013. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., announced that the PARC Committee held a meeting on
Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss privatization of the Potawatomi Zoo.
Councilmember Davis also stated that he has concerns regarding food deserts and mini marts
trying to handle the needs of residents that do not live within walking distance to a grocery store.
Councilmember Oliver Davis stated that they are continuing discussions with the Administration
regarding the New Energy (Ethanol Plant) and water concerns in the area.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business to come before the Council at this time.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Jesse Davis, P. O. Box 10205, South Bend, Indiana, filed a Privilege of the Floor Form with City
Clerk John Voorde stating that it was brought to his attention by some customers that they were
being billed by a local company for work done at their home. The bills seemed a bit high to
them. They also stated said contractor would call out Kevin and or Barry from the city to camera
their sewer lines. After spending some time looking into this issue, he found that not only were
the home owners being charged but the city was also being billed for the same work. He stated
that he brought this to the Mayor’s attention in January 2012 via a certified letter. He stated to
the Mayor that this company was guilty of ghost billing & ghost employment. He stated that he
now has documents to prove this and would like the Council to investigate the company and who
from the city is involved in this scam. The company is Bass Excavating Inc., and people who
deal with them are Kevin Dombrowski, John & Josh Pemberton, and Sam Hensley who is retired
from the City. He pleaded with the Council that this is costing all of us millions of dollars and it
has been going on way to long. He stated that the FBI is also investing this.
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REGULAR MEETING MAY 13, 2013
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Margaret Johnson, 204 S. 33 Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she was charged $425.00
for sewer work done at her home. She stated that she would like the City to investigate the
Sewer Department.
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Char King, 715 S. 36 Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she was a victim of sewer
insurance scam. She asked the Council to investigate the Bureau of Sewer Department.
Rev. Greg Brown, 1238 Diamond, South Bend, Indiana, asked the Council to look into getting
scooters and moped’s licensed.
Sam Brown, 1405 LaSalle, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is concerned about things
happening with the City of South Bend Sewer Department and the sewer insurance program.
Katie Lee, 15045 Cleveland Road, Granger, Indiana, stated that she would like to see a Trader
Joe’s Store in Downtown South Bend.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, President Derek D. Dieter adjourned
the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
ATTEST: ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
John Voorde, City Clerk Derek D. Dieter, President
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