Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-10-15 Common Council Meeting MinutesREGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2015 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, August 10, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Council President Tim Scott and the Invocation (Charlotte Pfeifer) and Pledge to the Flag were given. ROLL CALL COUNCILMEMBERS: Present: Absent: Tim Scott Henry Davis, Jr. Dr. Fred Ferlic Dr. David Varner Oliver J. Davis Derek Dieter Gavin Ferlic Karen L. White Valerie Schey 0THFR C PR F CFNT- 1 st District, (President) 2 °d District 4' District 5' District 6' District At- Large, (Vice- President) At -Large At- Large, Chairrperso r Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand John Voorde Janice I. Talboom Kareemah Fowler REPORT FROM THE SUB -1 Councilmember Oliver Davis the Council be accepted and I which carried to of the Whole Iffic July 27th, 2015, meeting of vin Ferlic seconded the motion by Councilmember Derek Dieter. hearing for this week Wednesday has been OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDIANA, PUBLICLY CONGRATULATING JOHN NKERSON ON WINNING THE INDIANA STATE P IN TRACK FOR THE 100 METER DASH AND WISHING SENIOR YEAR AS A STAR WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL Councilmember Henry Davis requested a motion to suspend resolution 15 -75 to another portion of the meeting as the honorees just finished practice and will be delayed in their arrival. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to send bill 15 -75 to Unfinished Business. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICES There were no city reports from City Office ANNOUNCEMENT: REPRESENTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION WILL BE CHIEF OF STAFF —JAMES MUELLER RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE At 7:05 p.m. Council President Tim Scott requested a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the 1 REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2015 Whole. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. Councilmember White, 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. 29 -15 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE, AS AMENDED, BY REPEALING AND REPLACING ARTICLE 5, PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS Councilmember Karen White requested a moti Councilmember Gavin Ferlic. Councilmember by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. 29 -15. So moved by o motion which carried Councilmember Oliver Davis Chairperson, Zoning met this afternoon on this bill and send it to the full that they Council President Tim Scott — Larry did you see people come and try to take advantage of that loop hole? You guys are now closing that loop hole and the special exception to that. Were there cases and examples that came before? Presenter Larry responded there were some examples of PUD's that should have gone through the typical zoning procedure. I am unable to count them, but there has been over 30 PUD's in the city and at least 50% of them should have gone through the normal variance procedure or zoning procedure and have been submitted as a planned unit development, so this will tighten those up. Council President Scott stated thank you. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Derek Dieter made a motion for favorable recommendation to full E REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2015 Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. RISE AND REPORT Councilmember White requested a motion to rise and report to full Council. So moved by Councilmember Derek Dieter. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. ATTEST: John Voorde, City Clerk REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED Be it remembered that the Common Council of Council Chambers on the fourth floor of the Co President Tim Scott, presided with eight (8) me IH10IRM MOM II: oil IN DI_ \1110[1 BILL NO. 29 -15 This bill had amend as it Derek D vote of eight ATTEST: Karen L. White, Chairperson Committee of the Whole of econvened in the Buil 7:12 p.m. Council on -,,,fifQftrried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes Derek Dieter a moti ove for passage of bill 29 -15 as amended. Gavin Ferlic sec d the m on which carried. The bill passed by a roll call RESOLUTIONS 15 -76 A REWLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY RESOLUTION DESIGNATING A CERTAIN AREA WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 810 N. ST. PETER ST., SOUTH BEND, IN 46617 AS A RESIDENTIALLY DISTRESSED AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A (5) FIVE —YEAR RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR THOMAS AND LISA LOUGHRAN Presenter: Brock Zeeb, Department of Community Investment, Offices on the 14" floor — Before you is a confirming resolution for a (5) five -year residential property at 810 St. Peters. The petitioner plans on investing $325,000 into the project on construction of a new home. The new taxes created over the five (5) year period are $16,770. The estimated taxes abated over the five (5) year period will be $1,893. Total taxes to be paid over the five (5) year period will be $14,887. The petitioner is here to answer any questions about the project. I am also here to answer any questions that you may have. 3 REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2015 Petitioner: Tom Loughran, 52314 Tammy Drive, Granger —The home we are trying to build sits on one (1) of four (4) vacant lots in a cluster of sixteen (16) vacant lots on St. Peters as part of the Notre Dame Housing Project. Councilmember Derek Dieter— Who's the developer, the owner over that land now? Is that Cooreman's land? Tom Loughran answered it is not, the University of Notre Dame owned that land and we bought the land from them. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt resolution 15 -76. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of eight (8) ayes. 15 -77 A RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTH BEND DESIGNAT OF SOUTH BEND, INDI. SHERIDAN ST., SOUTH REVITALIZATION AREA VACANT BUILDING TAX TECHNOLOGY, INC COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NG CERT WITHIN THE CITY r� D0 W N AS 402 N. IN AN ECONOMIC URP (2) TWO YEAR Councilmember Mr. Gavin Ferlic made a motion to purposes of Public Hearing. Councilmember a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. 15 -78 A RESOLUTION C SOUTH BEN E.E. OF SOUTH SHERID ., SOUTH REVIT ION AREA Gavin Ferliol nds bill 15 -77 Mill 15- & 15 -78 for I the motion w ich carried by IL THE CITY OF REAS WITHIN THE CITY KNOWN AS 402 N. 19 AN ECONOMIC OF A (5) FIVE —YEAR FOR MANUFACTURING pity Investment Committee met this full Council favorably. Petitioner: Doug Wait, COO of Manufacturing Technology, Inc., Granger, IN — We are looking to purchase this building to expand our business. We also have a property on 1702 W. Washington St., so this building is quite close to our existing facility. We are looking to move a current set of operations out to this existing building to continue to expand our operations. 4 REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2015 This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Derek Dieter made a motion to adopt resolution 15 -77. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of eight (8) ayes. Councilmember Derek Dieter made a motion to adopt resolution 15 -78. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of eight (8) ayes. BILLS - FIRST READING BILL NO. 36 -15 FIRST READING ON A BILL AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE These bills 37 -15, 38 -15, motion which FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AVENUE, SOUTH BEND, 3 IN THE CITY OF SO B DING ZONING ORDINANCE A EDDY ST. T THE CI AMENDI E ZO] A 600 OF O ST MC LEY IC RICT NO. B DING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AT 35 SOUTH LAFAYETTE BOULEVARD, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 6 IN THE INDIANA Derek Dieter made a motion to refer bills 36 -15, Commission. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the eight (8) ayes. 15 -75 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, PUBLICLY CONGRATULATING JOHN MICHAEL HANKERSON ON WINNING THE INDIANA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN TRACK FOR THE 100 METER DASH AND WISHING HIM A GREAT SENIOR YEAR AS A STAR WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT — ATHLETE Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. presented Resolution 15 -75 to the full Council. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. invited Mr. Hankerson and his teammates with the coaches & staff, and any family members to come up. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. invited Pastor /Coach Davison to share some remarks. Larry Davison, 25261 Grant Rd., South Bend — I am both Pastor and Coach at Washington High School for the boys track team. First I would like to thank Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. and the City Council members for this recognition. We really appreciate you doing this for these young men. I would like to say again, congratulations to John Hankerson for a tremendous job at state, as well as to the 4 by 1 relay team. We had an excellent season this year, we started off by winning 5 REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2015 indoor state in the 4 by 2 relay. We actually won that, which is the first time that Washington High School ever did that before. Then we had a tremendous year sprinting both in the 100, 200, 4 by 1, and even took the long jump to state this year. The good thing I like about it, is all of these guys are coming back next year with one more year left. We had a young man get injured this year and believe it or not he's just as fast as John. We expected to be faster than what we were last year. We not only won the regional championship and the 4 by 1 but we set the regional record. So again we appreciate you recognizing us and we appreciate these gentlemen. They are not only doing a good job on the track but a good job on the football team and in the classroom as well. Colleges are already after these gentlemen. They have done a tremendous job and we look forward to them doing a good job this upcoming year. Please pray for us and we look forward to an exciting year this upcoming year as well. Keith Witherspoon made remarks: I am Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church and a Coach at Washington High School, any time you put two Baptist preachers together you might go long. So I will say everything he said I agree with. Councilmember Karen White — I would like to say to Councilmember Davis thank you for bringing forth this resolution. To the Coaches and the students ou h V excellent job, we are very proud of you. We are proud of the work that you one but most importantly the work that you've done in the classroom. The tw rds that n indicate the most in the comments read by Councilmember Davis are ha: powerful words in your mind and in your hearts well done. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic — Congratulations on your last year; that was great. Councilmember Derek Dieter — To everything that you do. The most averages. You can be fast as you, You guys will be going on to your coaches, your ministers, life. Again, ish four voun not and that I n. If you keep those two far. ngratulations for a job for this men a e congratulations from that stic s out is the grade point the ability to go on to college. the classroom. You can thank at has been an influence on your the football field. I know there are be watching you guys to hope you follow them in their h be Bowling Green but wherever you decide to go, role s with your coaching staff. I know a lot of your e will b eing you in the highlights coming up. So have a will get down to the state championship. — P Davison, Pastor Witherspoon, men of Washington it is an i' ecause you are well rounded men. You are exceeding in a ur arrows high and you're reaching for the sky. I want you to proud. Councilmember Dr. David Varner —The lessons of determination and hard work some people pick them up early, some pick them up later, you are men who picked them up early. Keep them with yourself forever, they will lead you to good places and to good things. So congratulations. Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic — Congratulations on both your athletic and academic achievements. I'm envious you can do both. Council President Tim Scott — I agree with everything that has been said up here. There is one other thing, I know on this Council there has been back in our day some very good athletes on this Council. One thing I took away years later, didn't realize it when I was your age, was there are kids in your grade, kids younger than you, kids in elementary, and junior high that are watching you and paying attention. I didn't realize that until a couple of Christmases ago when I went back and met a younger gentleman who was following me when I was an athlete. So think about that, you are setting a great example and we are very proud of what you have done. Remember that other people are watching and following in your footsteps. Thank you so much, 0 REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2015 This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Those wishing to speak in favor of: Samuel Brown, 222 E. Navarre St., South Bend— On behalf of Citizens United for a Better Government I would like to thank these young men for an outstanding job. I would like to say this to you guys, you may not understand what you've done yet, audio unknown as he was speaking away from the mic. Jesse Davis, P.O. Box 10205, South Bend — I just want to say this is a prime example of what we want to see in our youth and what we should be recognizing here. These gentlemen behind us obviously, strive with that 2.0 GPA and rose above that. You are a prime example and other youth are watching you. We appreciate everything that you do. Carl Hubbard, 1922 Piedmont Way, South Bend— I am the girls track coach at Washington High School, I just want to congratulate these young men. I do not know what Mr. Brown is talking about I'm still trying to out run them. Congratulations, thes ys w ed hard I'm seeing them every day these guys not only in the classroom bu ere field. My words to them, mentor the young athletes that are out here is is a dr t a lot of athletes have that they never get to achieve and you guys have achiel until you get about my age, but still at my age I am Anthony Brazier, Sr., 1517 Anderson, South Bend — young men. This is my son, when I first heard about my so stated do you know your son is running trac 't tell see him and the rest of them take off, 1 was little. The one thing I want to tell t long way. As the young man said, s respect for yourself, they will resp Pastor Davison made a few early me to TM1111sa did Deonne Witherspoon, c to thank you Dr. Ferlic. them at state. NEW BUSINESS ys is is alw right b one las won't recognize that F d like to thank Dr. Ferlic. One of st way to get him back was to see a field and he gave me a referral. I want to say the lent job. I want to publically thank you for that. sent wishi peak to the Council in opposition to this bill, Dieter ma otion to adopt by acclimation Resolution 15 -75. J)avis sec ]Fd th e motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) u thlete — I was the athlete that he was talking about. I just want The doctor was able to get my leg right and I was able to run down with Councilmember Oliver Davis announced that Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. will be replacing him on the MACCOG board and will began for the first meeting on Wednesday. He will be sending the notes /letters out via email. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. reported I have been noticing this for a while, I don't know what the pleasure of the council will be, but there has been a lot of shootings and a lot stabbings. I don't know what the stats say about South Bend being safer or more violent. What I do know is there has been a lot of shootings and a lot of stabbings. I would like to ask the Health Public Safety Chair for next council meeting, if possible, if we can find out solutions for this. I don't know if there is an upswing of crime or not. I know this past Friday there was a brawl among the teenagers for those that were attending a beach party on the St. Joe River. I know that was a one- time event, but there are other things that happened during the course of the day and during the week, that I am well aware of too. To me it just doesn't sound good, it doesn't sound safe. There 7 REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2015 was another issue for a local business developer. He ended up in a situation that was less than desirable for himself. We have these issues, we are all aware of them, if not I would be happy to fill you in, (Councilmember Derek Dieter interrupted I am aware of it, do we need to invite the Police Chief?) Davis continued, whatever we can do. It is a violent atmosphere out there. I don't want anyone to talk about how violence is down in South Bend because I will tell you that's not true. I'm not interested in talking stats either. I am interested in finding out what solutions can be put in place to slow this as this is not looking good. Councilmember Derek Dieter reported I have been advised that WNIT is showing again a different Council meeting than the one we are doing right now. Council President Tim Scott asked Councilmember Gavin Ferlic and the IT Committee to look into the issues to see if they can get any resolutions with the broadcasting of the Council meetings. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic acknowledged the request. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Jesse Davis — P.O. Box 10205, South Bend —As far jumped. The news outlets re it, was it the e, was lurking in efi in'IqMrk by someone rain, in the snow, I've done that. John Shafer, Chicago & Michiana Five for the Homeless, 347 W. Lusher Ave, Elkhart, IN — I want to address the situation of the homelessness in South Bend. In 2006 the South Bend Tribune reported that there was approximately 100 unsheltered homeless, and in 2010 it doubled to 2009. In 2011 it had slightly dropped 200 unsheltered homeless. The Hope Rescue Mission was established 60 years ago. Then came a center for the homeless which was bigger and it became a widely recognized model for the shelters across the country. It has been around for 26 years. Hope Ministries formerly Hope Rescue Mission holds 35 men, 16 women, and 18 families with children. The center as it is widely known holds more than 275 beds, of which 60 M REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2015 of those beds are for children, that's 215 beds for adults every night according to their website. Lately, the center for the homeless has been full on a daily basis. That leaves a lot of our homeless on the streets. Especially with the Salvation Army Rehab facility closing back in June. I'm here to advocate that the city of South Bend needs another homeless shelter or we need to address the problem with homelessness in South Bend. Lately, it has become a nightmare for our city police dealing with drunks, homeless in alleys, and in front of businesses. Whatever it takes, we want to ask that the city addressed the situation with homelessness for our businesses and for the homeless themselves. That way we don't find them sleeping on the streets, in alleys, in abandoned buildings, and under bridges; which is where we find many of them as the organization as that is what we do. We ask for the welfare of our homeless that we create more beds in this city, giving them a humane and safe place to sleep at night. Last week, I found a gentleman sleeping under a bridge. It was horrible conditions. He tried to get in to the center for the homeless. He was told the same thing I'm told every day that they're full. Due to the staff reduction of three (3) personnel, they have recently adjusted their bed count to reflect the loss of staff of three (3) members. Hopefully they will get that back up to where they are fully staffed and open more beds. We just hope that the city takes a look at this. Barbara Jewel — 821 Gardner Ave, South d — I Seitz Park. I took my granddaughte ow ere s have to tell you I was! W ed until itg there I thought, "Oh my gosh." dark. However, it looked like I looked like get terate essie Davis said about L e lights were implemented and I urse_ and when I went down feel safe ath d usually I feel safe in the were tak anted to shield her because if you and I'm saying, I'm sure you di to the city but I really think something there. — I'm not sure how many people have seen the news been in prison for two (2) years and is out of prison . how in the hell can he have that address when he molested a five (5) year of in the area, where he's at right now. There is several young kids around that area. I hope that the police have their eyes open. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, President Tim Scott adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m. ATTEST: John Voorde, City Clerk 0 ATTEST: Tim Scott, President