HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-10-13 Common Council Meeting Minutes
REGULAR MEETING JUNE 10, 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, June 10, 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
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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 Scott made a motion that the minutes of the May 29, 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
RESOLUTION NO. 4260-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTH BEND COMMON
TH
COUNCIL ESTABLISHING THE 8 ANNUAL
NATIONAL DUMP THE PUMP DAY ON THURSDAY,
JUNE 20, 2013, IN SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
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Whereas, June 20, 2013 marks the 8 annual National Dump the Pump Day as a day that
encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, protect the environment, reduce
our dependence on foreign oil, and improve the quality of life for all Americans; and
Whereas, people who ride public transportation can save, on average, more than $9,700
per year, based on today’s gas prices, the cost of owning a car and the average unreserved
parking rate; and
Whereas, for every $1 invested in public transportation, $4 is generated in economic
returns; and
Whereas, U.S. public transportation usage reduces the country’s carbon footprint by 37
million metric tons – which is the equivalent to New York City; Washington, DC; Atlanta;
Denver; and Los Angeles combined electrical usage; and
Whereas, the U.S. public transportation usage saves 4.2 billion gallons of fuel annually;
and
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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 10, 2013
Whereas, public transportation use in 498 urban areas in the United States saved 865
million hours annually in travel time and 450 million gallons of fuel; and without public
transportation, annual congestion costs would have risen by nearly $21 billion from $121 to $142
billion.
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 hereby declares Thursday, June 20, 2013, as
“NATIONAL DUMP THE PUMP DAY” in South Bend, and we join with public transportation
agencies across the country in participating in the 8th annual National Dump the Pump Day to
encourage transit ridership.
Section II. The South Bend Common Council notes that by using public transportation people
save money; help the environment; reduce dependence on foreign oil; and improve America’s
quality of life.
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.
s/Oliver J. Davis
Member of the Common Council
Councilmember Oliver Davis 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.
Councilmember Varner made a motion to adopt this Resolution by acclamation. Councilmember
Scott seconded the motion which carried.
REPRESENTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION WILL BE MIKE SCHMUHL – CHIEF OF
STAFF.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICES
Phil St. Clair, Superintendent, Park Department, 321 E. Walter Street, South Bend, Indiana,
presented an equipment and capital expenditures update for the Park Department.
RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
At 7:25 p.m. Councilmember Oliver Davis 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 Varner, 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 WESTERN AVENUE, COUNCILMANIC
DISTRICT 2 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA
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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 10, 2013
Councilmember Dieter made a motion to continue this bill at the request of the petitioner until
the July 8, 2013 meeting of the Council. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion
which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
BILL NO. 09-13 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 13 OF THE SOUTH BEND
MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE INCLUSION OF NEW
ARTICLE 12 ENTITLED CHRONIC PROBLEM
PROPERTY REGULATIONS
Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to accept the substitute version of this bill as on file
in the Office of the City Clerk. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a
voice vote of nine ayes.
Councilmember White, Chairperson, Health & Public Safety Committee, reported that this
committee held a public hearing on this bill and it was the consensus of the committee to send
this substitute bill to the full Council with a favorable recommendation.
Councilmember Tim Scott, 711 Forest Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for
this bill.
Councilmember Scott thanked his co-sponsors Councilmember’s Dieter and White. He stated
that they worked closely together with the administration to arrive at this bill. Councilmember
Scott stated that he gave a more comprehensive presentation this afternoon in Committee and
that he would briefly reiterate the highlights of the bill. He stated that the main reason for this
bill is to deal with excessive calls for service and putting an undue burden on public safety
services. Councilmember Scott used Seattle, WA as an example that has a population of roughly
608,000 with roughly 750 calls for service and compared to South Bend which has a population
of roughly 100,000 and with just one apartment complex Courtyard Place Apartments had over
550 calls for service. He stated that he went through the numbers to get a perspective of those
calls for service and why there is a need for a chronic nuisance bill in South Bend. He stated that
they took a sample of 60 days from April to June 2013 that would fall under the chronic nuisance
bill and looked at the criteria for calls for service based on the chronic nuisance criteria. Within
those calls for service in 60 days 3849 calls and there were 774 properties that were involved
with these. He stated that it is not all the large complexes that are an issue in South Bend it is
also the single owner properties as well. He looked at the cost to taxpayers for that 60 day period
it cost almost 1 million dollars. He noted that if you amortize that over 12 months it could
possible cost over 11.5 million dollars just dealing with repeat calls for service. He stated that in
Portage Twp. (Civil City of South Bend) there are over 48,000 parcels and of all of that only 2%
are dealing with chronic nuisance, but it is consuming over 39% of the police budget.
Councilmember Scott noted that if you look at the criteria for 50 units or less which would fall
under the 5 calls within 60 days, there were 266 properties in the sampling for calls for service
were 2,222 and the number of properties that were 51 units or above had twelve calls or more
which would be part of the chronic nuisance bill 51 properties or more which would get twelve
calls for service and would get 90 days and that there would only be 8 properties. The number of
calls for service for those 8 properties would be 163 which would be roughly $40,000 taxpayer
cost. He compared large apartment complex versus single properties. He stated that there were
46 large apartment complexes within the sampling, 372 calls, $93,000. Out of those 46 only
eight would fall under the criteria for chronic nuisance properties. But if you look at the single
unit dwellings within the city there were 771 calls of properties that would fall under the chronic
nuisance properties resulting in 3,477 calls and over $800,000 dollars. Councilmember Scott
stated that he uses Courtyard Apartments as an example but 622 Portage Avenue which is close
to his home has had 13 calls for service within a 60 day period. He reiterated that single units
are an issue in our city and we need to address them and the chronic nuisance property bill would
do just that. He stated that there is remediation in the bill to work with the city administration
and these larger apartment complexes to remedy these calls for service. Councilmember Scott
went over the fines and penalties for this bill.
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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 10, 2013
Police Chief Ron Teachman, 701 W. Sample Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is
appreciative of the Council and the sponsors of this bill. He stated that it will bring
.
accountabilityHe stated that during the drafting of this bill he has seen a difference in the
owners by bringing them to the table for discussion and input.
Councilmember Scott filed into the record a letter from Mayor Buttigieg in support of this bill.
Comments and questions were heard from Councilmembers.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, property and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard.
The following individuals spoke in favor of this bill:
Dan Demler, President FOP #36, South Bend, Indiana
Dr. Judith Kapacinskas, 1739 Riverside Drive, South Bend, Indiana
Tyris Benry, 3534 Langley, South Bend, Indiana
Stephanie Stamburg, 3508 Langley, South Bend, Indiana
Chris Sopczynski, 2403 Westmoor, South Bend, Indiana
Christopher Huff, 1831 College St., South Bend, Indiana
The following individuals spoke in opposition to this bill:
Rev. Greg Brown, 1238 Diamond, South Bend, Indiana
Sam Brown, LaSalle, South Bend, Indiana
Christine Jacobs, South Bend, Indiana
Jesse Davis, P. O. Box 10205, South Bend, Indiana
Mark Lanover, 9100 Keystone Crossing Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana
Linda Orange, Indianapolis, Indiana
Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to for favorable recommendation to full Council
concerning this bill as substituted. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried
by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes and one (1) nay (Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr.)
BILL NO. 18-13 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON
COUNCIL 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 Oliver Davis made a motion to continue this bill until the June 24, 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
Scott 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
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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 10, 2013
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 9:02 p.m. Council
President Derek Dieter, presided with nine (9) members present.
BILLS - THIRD READING
ORDINANCE NO. 10232-13 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING
CHAPTER 13 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL
CODE BY THE INCLUSION OF NEW ARTICLE 12
ENTITLED CHRONIC PROBLEM PROPERTY
REGULATIONS
This bill had third reading. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to amend this bill as in
the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember White seconded the motion which carried.
Additionally, Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to a pass this bill as amended.
Councilmember White seconded the motion which carried. The bill passed by a roll call vote of
eight (8) ayes and one (1) nay (Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr.)
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION NO. 4261-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
SUPPORTING THE GREEN ROOF INITIATIVE FOR
THE CENTURY CENTER
Whereas, the South Bend Common Council recognizes that the Century Center in downtown
South Bend located along the St. Joseph River opened in 1977; and
Whereas, the Common Council further recognizes that the Century Center features over 75,000
square feet of convention space, and other amenities such as the Bendix Theatre, Recital Hall,
and Island Park which is attached to the east-side of the Century Center along the river; and
Whereas, the Common Council has been advised that the Century Center roof above the June
Edwards Wing is in need of repair and replacement; and
Whereas, the Common Council has been further advised that a recent engineering feasibility
study has confirmed that the roof above the June Edwards Wing would support a “vegetated roof
system with limited public access” also known as a “Living Roof”; and
Whereas, “Living Roofs” offer a viable option for a roof retrofit and provide such benefits as:
doubling the life of a roof; reducing energy consumption; capturing and filtering storm water;
and air purification; and
Whereas, Greening the Bend, Inc. is a non-profit organization which is “dedicated to sustainable
development with the South Bend Community: who “seeks to bolster a renaissance in South
Bend by promoting green spaces and human-friendly urban features that protect water and our
River as a precious natural resource…resulting in social, economic, and environmental benefits
for the South Bend area”; and
Whereas, Greening the Bend, Inc. has proposed to raise funds through private fund-raising
efforts and grant opportunities to replace the roof at no additional cost to the City of South Bend.
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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 10, 2013
Whereas, Greening the Bend, Inc. has proposed to raise funds through private fund-raising
efforts and grant opportunities to replace the roof at no additional cost to the City of South Bend.
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 supports the project recommended by Greening the
Bend, Inc. to raise funds to replace the existing roof above the June Edwards Wing of the
Century Center with a “Living Roof”. The Council believes that such a project of a citizen group
would enhance civic pride through their engagement, creativity, and hard work.
Section II. The South Bend Common Council believes that such an initiative would bring
together many diverse groups to work together for creative and sustainable solutions.
Section III. The South Bend common Council further believes that the proposed “Living Roof”
project would positively contribute to the limitless opportunities for exceptional experiences in
downtown South Bend, and would be in the best interest of upgrading and preserving the
Century Center.
Section IV. The Common Council directs the Office of the City Clerk to transmit a copy of this
Resolution upon its adoption to the Century Center Board of Managers.
Section V. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the
Common Council and approval by the Mayor.
s/Dr. Fred Ferlic
Member of the Common Council
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Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic, 4 District Councilmember along with Kathleen Petitjean,
MLC, Executive Director of Greening the Bends, Inc., a local non-profit organization whose
mission is to raise funds for projects which increase awareness of water as a natural resource and
promote sustainable urban design, made the presentation for this Resolution.
They advised that this bill calls for creative and innovative method to replace the roof above the
June Edwards Wing of the Century Center. A recent engineering study shows that a “Living
Roof” is feasible as a viable green alternative for the roof in questions. Greening the Bend, Inc.
has graciously offered to work to raise funds for this project at no additional cost to the City of
South Bend. Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic asked the Council for their unanimous adoption of
this Resolution.
A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time.
Councilmember Scott made a motion to adopt this Resolution. Councilmember Schey seconded
the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes.
RESOLUTION NO. 4262-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY ENTER INTO A
PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
ADDRESSING THE POTAWATOMI ZOO
Whereas, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, acknowledges that in 1902
the Potawatomi Zoo opened, making it the oldest zoo in the State of Indiana; and
Whereas, the Council further acknowledges that the Potawatomi Zoo features over four hundred
(400) animals on twenty-three (23) acres of land at its location at 500 South Greenlawn Avenue,
with a special emphasis on large cats, primates and Australian animals, with more recent
additions including a North American river otter exhibit; and
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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 10, 2013
Whereas, the 2012 Parks & Recreation Department’s Annual Report notes that in 2012 the zoo
had seven (7) “significant Species Survival Plan (SSP) births…of these rare births included:
Diana Monkey, Sichuan Takin, Southern Ground Hornbill, and Red Necked Wallaby joeys…”;
with 46 new animals also being acquired last year which included chimpanzee, a Snow Leopard,
Amur Leopard, and Red Panda; plus baby goats, ferrets, wallabies and short-tailed opossum; and
Whereas, the 2012 Parks & Recreation Department’s Annual Report also reported that total paid
attendance was up last year – rising to 104,013 from 97,684 in 2011; and
Whereas, the Potawatomi Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which is
dedicated to the advancement of zoos and public aquariums in the areas of conservation,
education, science and recreation; and facilitates Species Survival Plans and Population
Management Plans; and
Whereas, the May edition 2009 edition of Parents magazine listed Fort Wayne’s zoo as one of
the top “Ten Best Zoos for Kids”, and noted that it is operated by the Fort Wayne Zoo Society;
and
Whereas, the Council’s Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts & Entertainment (PARC) Committee
met in the Council Chambers on May 9, 2013 and heard a detailed presentation from the
Zoological Society and who gave a 16-slide power-point which provided information on a
“Public Private partnership Overview” with all of that information being on record in the Office
of the City Clerk; and
Whereas, at the PARC Committee meeting members of the public had the opportunity to address
the Committee which included two (2) Union Officials, one of which included the Business
Agent for Teamster Local Union No. 364 who represent many of the Potawatomi Zoo City
employees who offered support for this concept so long as employee wages and benefits would
not be negatively impacted;
Whereas, the Common Council recognizes that a Public Private Partnership between the City of
South Bend and the Potawatomi Zoological Society provides an excellent opportunity for the zoo
to Potawatomi Zoo Resolution Supporting a Public Private Partnership maintain its AGA
accreditation; and would also enable the establishment of a “best-practices management model
that would be fiscally sustainable” and in the best interests of the City of South Bend, Indiana.
Now, Therefore, be it resolved, by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as
follows:
Section I. The Common Council has had the opportunity to review the proposed Public Private
Partnership between the City of South Bend, Indiana and the Potawatomi Zoological Society
which the City Administration has been studying for several months.
Section II. The Council believes that so long as the City employees working at the Potawatomi
Zoo have the opportunity to maintain their salaries and financial benefits, including the
opportunity to be a member of a union, that the projected benefits of such an arrangement would
enable the Potawatomi Zoo to become a world-class zoo which offers exceptional and
outstanding experiences to the public, its animals, and its employees.
Section III . The undersigned members of the Common Council believe that once the conditions
addressing City employees are properly addressed that such a Public Private Partnership would
be in the best interests of the City of South Bend and should become effective January 1, 2014.
Section IV . 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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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 10, 2013
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Dr. David Varner, 5 District Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Attorney
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Attest: Approved this 11 day of June, 2013
s/John Voorde, City Clerk s/Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend
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Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., Chairperson, PARCS Committee and 2 District
Councilmember, made the presentation for this Resolution.
Councilmember Davis advised that as the Chairperson of the Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts &
Entertainment (PARCS) Committee, he is pleased to present this bill. He stated that the
Common Council had the opportunity to review documents dealing with proposed public private
partnership between the City of South Bend and the Potawatomi Zoological Society. He stated
that Councilmember’s had the chance to evaluate the proposal under a cost/benefit analysis. He
stated so that there is additional discussion on this important concept he is seeking Council’s
favorable adoption.
A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time.
Mr. George Horn, 500 S. Greenlawn, Past President of the Zoological Society, spoke in favor of
this bill.
Councilmember Scott made a motion to adopt this Resolution. Councilmember Schey seconded
the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes.
BILLS - FIRST READING
BILL NO. 26-13 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE SOUTH BEND
MUNICIPAL CODE, ARTICLE 5 PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, SECTION 21-05
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, TO
REVISE THE CRITERIA USED IN DETERMINING
MAJOR/MINOR CHANGES TO APPROVED SITE
PLANS AND REMOVING TIME LIMITS TO OBTAIN
SECONDARY APPROVAL
This bill had first reading. Councilmember Varner 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. 27-13 FIRST READING ON A BILL TO VACATE THE
FOLLOWING PROPERTY: THE ALLEY TO BE
VACATED IS THE FIRST EAST/WEST ALLEY SOUTH
OF DONMOYER AVENUE FROM THE WEST LOT
LINE OF LOT 4, FOREST HILL ADDITION AND EAST
LOT LINE OF SAID LOT 4 FOR A DISTANCE OF 40
FEET AND A WIDTH OF 16 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
June 24, 2013. Councilmember Tim Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of
nine (9) ayes.
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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 10, 2013
BILL NO. 28-13 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 20 THE SOUTH BEND
MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE INCLUSION OF NEW
ARTICLE 13 ENTITLED MOPED REGULATIONS,
AND AMENDING SECTION 2-123 SCHEDULE OF
ORDINANCE AND CODE VIOLATIONS
This bill had first reading. Councilmember Varner made a motion to refer this bill to the Health
and Public Safety Committee and set it for Public Hearing and Third Reading on June 24, 2013.
Councilmember Tim Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
BILL NO. 29-13 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 61, SECTION 19-
61 (a) OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE AS
TO LIMITED SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN
PUBLIC PARKS
This bill had first reading. Councilmember Varner made a motion to refer this bill to the PARCS
Committee and set it for Public Hearing and Third Reading on June 24, 2013. Councilmember
Dr. Fred Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
REPORTS FROM AREA PLAN COMMISSION
BILL 16-13 – REZONING 3529 & 3527 WESTERN AVE.
Councilmember Scott made a motion to refer this bill to the Zoning & Annexation Committee
and set it for Public Hearing and Third Reading on June 24, 2013. Councilmember Varner
seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
NEW BUSINESS
Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. asked to have a committee meeting to discuss too much police
presence. He also noted that the EPA was hosting an open house on June 13, from 1-4 p.m. and
5-8 p.m. at the Charles Black Sr. Recreation Center, 3419 W. Washington St., South Bend, to
discuss the recent proposal of the Beck’s Lake site to the Superfund list.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
COMMENTS FROM MR. MARIO SIMS REGARDING THE POLICE CHIEF
Mario Sims, 237, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he has been receiving calls from people in the
community about an incident that happened at the King Center. Mr. Sims stated that he filled
out the appropriate form “Privilege of the Floor Form” to have an investigation started by the
Council. Mr. Sims stated that a young girl came into the King Center and stated that there was a
man outside with a hand gun. There was an officer along with the Police Chief inside the King
Center. The officer went outside while the Police Chief stayed inside and did not back up the
officer. He stated that he has been told that Lt. Lee Ross, Internal Affairs, is intimidating those
that want this issue investigated. He stated that after some research he learned that it is not
appropriate for Internal Affairs to be conducting an investigation; it should be the Board of
Public Safety. He stated that these are allegations that are certainly ugly and need to be
investigated and the Council has that authority. He stated that he believes that the Chief and
Police Officer would probably like to have these allegations cleared up as well as the
community.
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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 10, 2013
COMMENTS FROM MR. JESSE DAVIS REGARDING CORRUPTION AND FRAUD IN
THE BUREAU OF SEWERS
Jesse Davis, P. O. Box 10205, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he has filed several “Privilege of
the Floor Forms” to have the fraud that was committed against the City investigated by the
Council. He stated that he has presented information to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor, who
said that it needs to be investigated by the South Bend Police Department who then in turn sends
it to the City’s Legal Department to be handled as a civil matter. Mr. Davis asked that this
matter be sent to the Health & Public Safety Committee of the Council as well as the Personnel
& Finance Committee to look into why this issue is not being investigated properly. Mr. Davis
proceeded to play a conversation with the Chief on how this matter should be handled. Mr.
Davis noted that he is providing a DVD of the full conversation so that the Council can listen
more closely as to why the Chief says this is a civil matter and not a crime. Mr. Davis handed
the DVD to Clerk John Voorde.
COMMENTS FROM REV. GREG BROWN REGARDING THE POLICE CHIEF
Rev. Greg Brown, 1238 Diamond, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he wants to ask the Council
to find out why Chief Teachman would hold up leg irons in a church and ask the people to help
with the task of keeping our youth out of the said leg irons. Yet in a matter of months later he
himself would not help a fellow officer break up a fight at the Martin Luther King (MLK) center.
He also asked why would the Chief send officers to the MLK Center to try and gain access to
their video and ask questions related to the issue when the Board of Public Safety has not had a
chance to investigate this themselves yet. He stated that he has a video from Greater St. John
Missionary Church prior to this incident at the King Center of Chief Teachman showing the leg
irons in the church. He stated that he came to ask the community and church members to help
from preventing youth from being locked up. Rev. Brown played several minutes of the video.
He stated that the church is approximately 75 feet from the King Center where the altercation
took place outside and the Chief did not back up his officer. He asked the Council to call for an
investigation.
COMMENTS FROM MR.SAM BROWN REGARDING THE POLICE CHIEF
Sam Brown, LaSalle, South Bend, Indiana, asked when is the Police Chief going to fill the open
positions at the Police Department or is he going to eliminate them. He asked the Council if they
can get any answers.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, President Derek D. Dieter adjourned
the meeting at 9:08 p.m.
ATTEST: ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
John Voorde, City Clerk Derek D. Dieter, President
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