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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-14-09 Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC)` rf .. ~ r -. Fri r M1, ~~K~.1 ,- `a~' ~'~,. ~Ssti Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC) iff ~N 9 i ~~ jj/ir- O~~YY/{.~.~1"/ 4"C . O '4D000Y'A I ~ ~ ~ , ~ I O _... O C - C The meeting of the Community/Campus Advisory Coalition was held in the informal Common Council meeting room, 4th Floor, County-City Building in downtown South Bend. The meeting was called to order at approximately 3:35 p.m. by South Bend Council at Large Member AI "Buddy" Kirsits. Council Member Kirsits welcomed everyone in attendance and asked those attending to introduce themselves. Attendees included: Mayor Stephen Luecke, Assistant City Attorney Ann-Carol Nash, Code Enforcement Director Catherine Toppel, Council Member Ann Puzzello, South Bend Common Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand, University of Notre Dame Representatives Student Body President Grant Schmidt, Brian Coughlin, William Kirk, Tim Sexton, and Gene Hakanen, Saint Mary's Representative Lauren Theiss, Holy Cross Representatives Dan Cochran and Sarah Fugarino, Robinson Center Adult Program Coordinator Marguerite Taylor, Attorney Richard Nussbaum, and Neighborhood Resident Matthew Costello. HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Holy Cross has developed a service learning track. Students will be working in the community at various locations including Logan Center and the Homeless Center. They will also be working with the Health Department in preparation for the anticipated Swine Flu outbreak. Currently students are working on the "Ghosts and Goblins" Halloween celebration and will be working with children from the Homeless Center. SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE Saint Mary's is proactively sending emails to students prior to home football games reminding students to positively represent Saint Mary's by acting responsibly. The school's Alcohol Policy was included in the initial email. Saint Mary's is also starting a program to involve students in the community. Any suggestions for projects would be greatly appreciated. Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC) September 9, 2009 Meeting Minutes Page 2 UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME Tim Sexton, Vice President of Community Development, spoke briefly about his role as liaison between community leaders and the University before introducing Greg Hakanen who gave the Coalition an update on Eddy Street Commons. Mr. Hakanen provided photos of the complex and said the retail leasing is currently at 65%. The Follette Book Store and several restaurants will be opening in the near future. Student Body President, Grant Schmidt, updated the Coalition on several ongoing and new matters. They included: • Off-campus Website. Student Affairs has launched the off-campus website (offcampus.nd.edu). Students can find information on leasing issues, contacting landlords, throwing quiet parties, and local food and entertainment venues. • Intersection at T ckenham and Vaness. Concerns about pedestrian safety at this intersection were brought to the Coalition last spring. Student government wanted a flashing light or signage to warn motorists of the pedestrian crossing. Representatives from the City and University have been having discussions about this intersection and actually met at the intersection to discuss what was needed. Grant reported that signage will be placed at the intersection and an analysis will be conducted to possibly lower the speed limit. • Freshman Bus Tour. This year's freshman bus tour was a huge success. Over 400 students toured the City (last year about 50 students participated). They were taken to several locations throughout the City including the Cove, the Studebaker Museum and the Morris Performing Arts Center. Students were given a brief history lesson about the City and were treated to pizza and treats at the Chocolate Cafe as well as discount coupons for local restaurants. The turnout was so large extra busses and food had to be ordered. • Security Gates. Student government met with the Notre Dame Security Police (NDSP) to thank them for the excellent job they do keeping the campus secure. They have requested that the NDSP project a friendlier attitude while they continue to protect the campus. • Taxi Reform. The Coalition was given an update on the progress of taxi reform. Concerns about overcharging and student safety has led to discussions between various City departments and student government about how best to correct these issues through amending the Municipal Code. More meetings will be required to finalize any proposed changes. Council Member Kirsits said he has had conversations with two of the County Commissioners who are interested in Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC) September 9, 2009 Meeting Minutes Page 3 being involved in the discussions in order to implement changes in the County as well. Ms. Cekanski-Farrand said the Council will not be able to take up the issue of taxi reform until after September 28th when budget talks will be completed. Transpo. Student government is working with Transpo to extend hours of operation on Friday and Saturday nights from 1:15 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. if the proposal can be worked out, one bus would continue the No. 7 route past the current 1:15 a.m. ending time. This change is being considered for the safety and convenience of the students and to prevent students who are now walking from disturbing neighborhoods. People walking through neighborhoods late at night when it is quiet and having a normal conversation might disturb residents who are sleeping with their windows open. Neighborhood Representative, Matthew Costello questioned whether this was a good idea since it might welcome people to stay out later and seemed to indicate the University was giving a "stamp of approval" to staying out late. He was also concerned that a new bus stop might be placed outside his home, but was assured that no new stops would be created. Both Marguerite Taylor and Council Member Kirsits thought it was a good idea as it would be safer for students and bring people downtown for entertainment. Council Member Kirsits mentioned that recently there were three or four instances of students who were robbed while walking back to the campus. Extended bus service might decrease the number of students walking late at night. The talks with Transpo are continuing. Off-campus Safety Issue. Grant talked about someone he knew who had something stolen, but was hesitant to call police. Student government will be encouraging students living off-campus to contact police whenever necessary. Police are more than happy to check on anything that seems unusual. NEIGHBORHOOD REPRESENTATIVES Matthew Costello said he had some problems on move-in weekend with several outdoor parties in his neighborhood. He asked one group to do something about the noise and had to call the police three times. However, he said the football weekend was very quiet and he was pleased. Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC) September 9, 2009 Meeting Minutes Page 4 His one concern is that the students are not putting trash cans and recycling bins away after trash pickup. Cathy Toppel asked when the trash is picked up in the neighborhood and said Code inspectors can check the area the next day and notices can be sent~to offending households. Bill Kirk said it is possible that the students don't really know what day the trash is picked up, so they are leaving the trash cans in front of the house. He suggested that was something that could be put on the off-campus website. Marguerite Taylor said everything was quiet in her neighborhood. COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES Ann Puzzello noted that Mr. Costello's neighborhood is almost all student housing and she understood his concerns. Council Member Puzzello announced that the Neighborhood Picnic at the Robinson Center will be held September 25, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. She asked Ms. Taylor to talk about the plans for this year's picnic. Ms. Taylor said that the picnic will be held in the parking lot of the Robinson Center and is open to neighborhood residents and students. There will be free food, entertainment and lots of activities. Last year's picnic was attended by about 300 people (about half students and half residents) and they hope for an even bigger turnout. Ms. Taylor invited everyone to attend. Council Member Kirsits reiterated his concerns about the students who had been robbed while walking late at night. He would like to see police decoys in the area around the University so the culprits could be apprehended. He expressed his disappointment that a police representative did not attend this meeting and will ask that a representative attend the next meeting. Council Member Kirsits also thanked they are involved in. He commented returning students and their parents monetary contributions to the City and good use. the schools for the community service projects that the Hospitality Village welcoming new and was wonderful. He also said the Notre Dame County were very welcome and would be put to CITY REPRESENTATIVES Cathy Toppel said Code Enforcement has had no problems with students living off campus and everyone has been very cooperative. Mayor Luecke thanked everyone for working together and being faithful to the intent of the group. Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC) September 9, 2009 Meeting Minutes Page 5 The next meeting will be will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. at Notre Dame's Downtown Office pending confirmation of availability. Council Member Kirsits thanked everyone for attending. The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, //j ~ ~ ~ ~' ;' Charles S. Leone, Recording Secretary Council Member AI "B d "Kirsits, Chairperson Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC) Community/Campus A isory Coalition (CCAC)