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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-28-72 Council Special Meeting Minutes++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++.....-....+..4-= 14- 1-....++++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 28, 1972 Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana met in special session in the Council Chambers of the County -City Building on Wednesday, June 28, 1972 at 8:05 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Peter J. Nemeth and the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was given. City Clerk Irene K. Gammon read the call for a special meeting as follows: NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL You are hereby notified that there will be a "Special Meeting" of the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana on the 28th day of June, 1972 at 8:00 p.m., local time, in the Council Chambers, County -City Building, for the purpose of: 1. A full report from the Committee of the Council on the Civic Center; 2. Council Authorization for further Committee Action; 3. Consideration of the following resolution: A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND APPROVING THE CIVIC CENTER PROJECT The Chief of Police or any member of the Police Force is directed to serve a copy of this notice to each member of the Common Council and make due return hereon:. Dated: June 23, 1972 Attest: Irene K. Gammon City Clerk /s/ Terry S. Miller Walter M. Szymkowiak Joseph T. Serge Roger 0. Parent Robert G. Taylor Walter T. Kopczynski Frank Horvath Odell Newburn Peter J. Nemeth Members of the Common Council The within call came to hand this 23rd day of June, 1972 which I served by reading the same to each Councilman upon the date designated, as follows: /s/ Joseph T. Serge ' /s/ Walter M. Szymkowiak /s/ Terry S. Miller /s/ Roger 0. Parent /s/ Walter T. Kopczynski or by leaving a certified copy thereof at the last and usual place of residence of such members as I was unable to find as follows: Frank Horvath Robert Taylor Odell Newburn /s/ Dennis J. Bailey Member, South Bend Police Department ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmen Serge, Szymkowiak, Miller, Parent, Kopczynski, Horvath and Nemeth ABSENT: Councilmen Taylor and Newburn President Nemeth asked Vice President Szymkowiak to take the chair while he and Councilman Miller made the report and presentation. RESOLUTION NO. 313 -72 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND APPROVING THE CIVIC CENTER PROJECT WHEREAS, the City of South Bend has embarked upon the development of a Civic Center within the downtown area of South Bend; and WHEREAS, the Civic Center Committee of the South Bend Common Council has undertaken a continuing study and re- evaluation of the proposed Civic Center, and SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 28, 1972 RESOLUTION NO. 313 -72 (CONTINUED) WHEREAS, said Committee has made recommendations which the Council believes have merit and should be explored further; and WHEREAS, the success of any such project requires total community participation and commitment, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana: SECTION 1. That the Civic Center project is looked upon with favor by the Common Council of the City of South Bend and is recommended to the entire community as worthy of its support to pro- vide a facility which would enhance the cultural and citizen participation potential of the community and complement the industrial, commercial, academic and economic growth of the South Bend Metropolitan area. SECTION II. That the Civic Center Committee be authorized to join with a committee composed of representative members of our community to be appointed by the Mayor for the purpose of con- tinuing the re- evaluation and study of the Civic Center Project. SECTION III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its passage by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana. /s/ Peter J. Nemeth Member of the Common Council A public hearing was held on the resolution at this time. Councilmen Nemeth and Miller made a presentation on their trips to Peoria, Illinois and Waterloo and Dubuque, Iowa. Mr. Nemeth showed movies of the centers at Peoria and Waterloo which showed the type of buildings constructe< landscaping and garden areas, and how indoor space has been utilized for many varied activities. He mentioned how these centers were encouraging use of the facilities by school children in the surrounding areas. Waterloo, Iowa, a city of 70,000 to 77,000 people, is getting ready to expand their facility to increase their capacity by 500%. They have the type of center which can be utilized by all segments of the population. A three and one -half million dollar bond issue will be used to finance a convention center there. Mr. Miller then introduced Dr. John Reimbold, Chairman of the Convention Bureau Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, who showed slides of the Evansville Center and mall area. They have an auditorium and food service facility in the central area, just adjacent to the city and county government buildings and near the downtown mall. The facility there has a budget of $90,000 and is virtually self- supporting. Mr. Miller then presented a resume of the Council Civic Center Committee's findings. I. Common Council Civic Center Committee Ultimately the responsibility for a viable civic center rests with the people of South Bend. As the representatives of the people of South Bend, the Common Council must take the leadership of providing a center where all citizens of our community will have the opportunity to interact in a creative and harmonious environment. The Common Council Civic Center Committee, composed of Peter J. Nemeth, President of the South Bend Common Council, and Terry S. Miller, member of the Council and Chairman of the Com- mittee, hereby presents its report. This report attempts to unify the dreams of many individuals who have ideas for our center. While these ideas are presented, decisions have not been made. Rather, all citizens are encour- aged to become involved in developing the plans for the heart of our city. Under the program R -66 of the Redevelopment Commission and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, South Bend must provide at the conclusion of the downtown renewal, one -third of the total cost of the renewal program.: The city credits may be made in in -kind contributions, by expenditures for construction projects, or by outright financial grants. The total program as submitted to HUD provides for a 25% credit for construction costs of the civic center facilities which are estimated to cost five million dollars. In addition, credits for parking facilities, including five parking ramps, are programed. The total credits and cost of these facilities was estimated to be $6,806,138. The program for the downtown renewal has a completion date, under the present time - table, of late 1975 or early 1976. Therefore, it is imperative that we begin the planning and construction of the civic center, which will provide at least $1,250,000 in credits. II. Creative Activities for:- "Every Citizen In South Bend there has been community awareness of the need for a strong educational, recreational, and park program to provide a meaningful environment. Our current programs have been very successful. However, the pressures of urban life have intensified problems which must be confronted by dramatic social leadership. South Bend must provide a place for personal growth, positive personal interaction, and the job of creativity. It will be this new drive to broaden the opportunities of cultural activities which will help show our concern for social problems. Our community must invest in facilities for creative and meaningful activities in which all citizens can participate. SUGGESTED COMPONENTS I. RECREATION The increasing demand for leisure time activities has created a pressing need for many types of indoor recreational activities. Housewives, students and the elderly have shown interest in craft classes including: lapidary, ceramics, weaving, sewing, painting, photography, jewelry, sculpture, textile design, drawing and graphics. Facilities should also be provided for area SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 28, 1972 RESOLUTION NO. 313 -72 (CONTINUED) displays of hobbies, collections, and fashion shows. An area -wide summer festival might develop from events centered in this complex. All members of our society will have new opportunities to become involved in creative activities. By including the Recreational Department in this facility, some opportunity for combination financing as is provided in the present "Agreement of Cooperative Operation of a Public Educa- tion and Recreational Program in the City of South Bend and in the South Bend Community School Corporation" might be possible. The Recreation Department could provide the vehicle for admin- istration of the complex within the Mayor's cabinet. II. ART, DRAMA, AND MUSIC Many of the cultural needs for this community updated to include the current thoughts of the mem] Council. There are needs for modern workshops and space for traveling art shows should be included. recitals and small productions should be included. been popular in other cities. are outlined in " Michiana Place" but must be ber groups of the Michiana Ants and Science studios for advanced art studies. Exhibition A practice stage and small theater for A "Town Hall' tiered - seating facility has The Michiana Arts and Science Council should continue to coordinate the voluntary and private groups which are building strong programs in the arts. Through a private fund drive, all of South Bend should be able to share in and feel a part of this facility. III. CONVENTION CENTER South Bend now has an outstanding arena and large convention facility in the Athletic and Convocation Center at Notre Dame and several small facilities in hotels and motels. However, there is a need for facilities to provide for groups between 600 and 2000. This facility in downtown South Bend would attract new money, new jobs, and new construction which would help all citizens. The three per cent hotel -motel tax should produce income to maintain this facility. A large exhibition hall which could be shared with the other components of the total com- plex is needed. Facilities for catered dinners for large groups is anticipated. The size of the audditorium required for a convention center will have to be determined. IV. EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES As a part of the long -range plans of the South Bend Community School Corporation, it is envisioned that the vocational center at Central High School could be paired with the Cultural Center for advanced training which cannot be provided by individual high schools. High quality facilities and teachers in art, drama-and music can be shared by advanced students from all high schools. Vocational training in such fields as commercial art would be offered. In -deM. h study should be made to determine if older high school students assigned part -time to a cultural center study program would find a creative, meaningful experience that would counter the feelings of some students that their education is irrelevant. Younger students should have classroom facilities in the Cultural Center where a whole class could experience specialized training, in areas such as ceramics, for short periods of time. Opportunities to participate in musical and drama productions for younger children should hopefully encourage them to maintain their interest in the future. Assignment of skilled full -time teachers to the Cultural Center facility would continue the trend toward modern concepts of educational experiences beyond the restrictive classroom. The present school system financial commitment to the South Bend Art Center could provide some support for the ongoing costs of the facility. V. TOURISM The Studebaker Car Collection should become South Bend's greatest tourist attraction. By setting the individual cars in historical period settings with artifacts supplied by the Histor- ical Society, this display can be educational and serve as an attraction to South Bend. A history of transportation could be depicted with the early Conestoga wagons and the three Presi- dential carriages being highlights of a unique collection. The City of South Bend is the owner of this collection and will be a tenant of the complex. The ongoing costs of this facility should be paid by entrance fees. Utilizing the car collec- tion, South Bend should strive to participate in America's Bi- Centennial Celebration, thus attracting additional tourists to the city. PT.ANNTN(. I. SITE There are various sites which can be considered. The site on the north end of the mall could be used to build some of the facilities planned. The river front site now owned by the city has about 8.5 acres. The additional three acres reserved for the city in the downtown plan will be needed to develop all of the facilities in this area. Attention will have to be directed toward providing parking with direct access to the complex. II. FINANCING There has been no attempt to present any cost estimates or methods of financing in this report. III. PLANNING The South Bend Common Council Civic Center Committee has recommended to the Mayor that a city -wide committee representing all interests be appointed with the purpose of making recom- mendations for the development of the complex. In the 1973 budget a position should be funded within the Recreation Department for coordination of planning for this city -wide project. SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 28, 1972 RESOLUTION NO. 313 -72 (CONTINUED) Councilman Szymkowiak thanked Mr. Nemeth and Mr. Miller for their presentation and then opened the public portion of the public hearing. Mrs. Audrey Conley, Director of the Convention Bureau for the Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of the resolution. She said that she is glad that the City Council feels all ideas should be coordinated. The 1972 state legislature passed a 3% tax on hotel and motel rooms for a con- vention center for St. Joseph County. The committee that was appointed to research this project included people in the county, the County Commissioners, the Mayor of South Bend, the Mayor of Mishawaka, and the City Council. All are in agreement that the logical location for such a center is downtown South Bend. Mr. Harold Zisla, a teacher at Indiana - University -South Bend and former Director of the South Bend Art Center, said he was overwhelmed at the enthusiasm and expertise of the presentation. The South Bend Art Center is in favor of the river front site. They feel that a combination Art Center -Civic Center, and a place to display the Studebaker Collection of cars should be con- sidered and suggested that all activities be coordinated. He said he feels that meetings should be arranged with the Council and all agencies who would be involved and that these efforts will culminate in a dramatic, viable enrichment of our community. He then read a statement express- ing the views of the South Bend Art Association on a proposed cultural complex. Mrs. Ruth Price, President of Southold Restorations, spoke to the Council and asked that they consider some of the existing structures in South Bend which have historic significance, such as Tippecanoe Place. She said it is not necessary to have all new buildings. She pointed out that Tippecanoe Place, as the home of Clement Studebaker, would be the logical place to house the collection of Studebaker vehicles. She continued that last year Southold held an Open House at Tippecanoe Place with the hope of attracting 5,000 people. More than 15,000 attended to tour Tippecanoe Place. This should not be overlooked in overall planning since it would be an attrac- tion for tourists in the South Bend area. Mr. Tom Brubaker, Michiana Arts and Science Council, supported the resolution and its presenta- tion. He said he feels the Council is providing fine leadership in the aesthetic, academic and recreational aspects of the proposal and said that the Michiana Arts & Science Council will be glad to help in any way they can. Miss Virginia Guthrie, Executive Secretary of the Civic Planning Association, said that no one has talked yet about what this proposal is going to cost. She said that, as a member of the Mayor's Committee several years ago, she visited Louisville to see the proposed center they were to build there. She said that not one of the proposed buildings has ever been built. Mrs. Janet Allen, 125 West Marion Street, said that the people participating tonight were a professional group; artists, people concerned with the downtown - a specialized group and not what you might consider the public. She said they are beginning to talk about letting the public participate in this whey they want the public to come up with their share of the money. She said that all the people should be given a chance to say what they want and where they want it. Councilman Parent said that the people here tonight are all part of the public and do not repre- sent just one segment of the community. He said that it is important that a city know its roots and know %h ere it wants to go. A cultural complex is a help to a community to get to know itself better. Councilman Horvath asked if passing this resolution tonight would bind the tax- payers for any increase in their tax rate for the coming year. Councilman Nemeth said that the resolution would not have that effect. Any appropriations would have to be in the budget and would have to be by ordinance to be binding. Councilman Horvath asked about the proposed position of planner. Councilman Nemeth answered that the resolution would just approve going ahead with the study of the cultural complex and find out how much it would cost. The financing is not being considered here at all. Councilman Horvath asked how soon the Committee would be appointed to continue the study and start the ground work. Councilman Nemeth said that Mayor Miller will appoint the committee. He then asked Mayor Miller if he would care to comment. Mayor Miller said that he felt it would be premature to talk about the committee until he got the input from the Council in the form of the Resolution. He said we are obligated to have the cultural center 800% completed by late 1975 in order to get the $1,200,000 in credits. Council- man Kopczynski asked if the study made had indicated how many people would use the cultural center. He asked whether the facility would be used by 15% of the people and funded by the other 85 %. He said he would like to see all districts of the city represented on the committee to be appointed, as well as all ethnic groups and labor representatives. Councilman Serge said that the youth of today need someplace to spend their time and asked if the cultural center will have something to offer the young people. Councilman Nemeth said that it is impossible to get anyone to go anyplace unless they want to. He said that he would hope that a center such as this unified complex would have something to offer everyone. He said that if groups of school children could be brought to a cultural center for tours of displays such as the Studebaker vehicle collection, this would provide a chance to bring out their talents and appreciation of such a center. Councilman Parent said that the Committee to be appointed should be properly representative of the community and should include the young, retired, women, various career segments, the skilled, laborers, and others. Mrs. Janet Allen asked the Council if they would be willing to open the session up to general questions from the audience. The Council agreed to this. She then asked Mrs. Conley if the convention center could be used by young people for dances and other things when there were no conventions. Mrs. Conley said that they would hope the community would use the hall and auditor- ium for proms, dances and other activities because this would be a community project. Council- man Kopczynski asked Mrs. Conley if the Chamber of Commerce has any projected figures on the needs and use of such a civic center. Mrs. Conley said that their study will be mailed to Mayor Miller, the members of the County Commissioners and the members of the City Council. She said that the feeling in Evansville was "We ought to do something for Evansville" and their committee is called "Evansville Future ". The cost to the taxpayers of Evansville for their center was $3000 in 1971 but they have generated six million dollars in new construction for-the city. There is a 50 million dollar project going on in downtown Evansville. She said, as a general rule, local people are the hardest to sell on a project. Councilman Kopczynski asked what the proposed center will be - a cultural center, civic center, or art center. Mrs. Conley said that they hope it will be a combination of all three. The public hearing concluded and Councilman Szymkowiak turned the meeting over to President Nemeth. Councilman Parent moved that the Council adopt the resolution which approves the idea of a Civic Center. Councilman Kopczynski seconded the motion. The resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of seven ayes (Councilmen Serge, Szymkowiak, Miller, Parent, Kopczynski, Horvath and Nemeth) two absent (Councilmen Taylor and Newburn). Upon motion made by Councilman Kopczynski, seconded by Councilman Miller, and carried, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. ATTEST: CITY CLERK