02-08-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING February 81", 2016 about the importance of transparency and then not act in that manner. The City is paying for years of neglect in the parks system, there hasn't been a Parks Bond since the early 1980s and that was restricted to opening up the East Race. Since then Parks have been underfunded and now a bond was passed that only passed twenty (20) to twenty -five (25) percent of what was needed. The numbers that we have seen do not justify selling off the gem of the parks system. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic thanked the sponsors for introducing the bill which is a great first step in this process. He expressed hope that a shorter term solution regarding the operations of the golf course is developed and then a longer term plan, whatever that might be, comes out of this. He challenged the public to stay involved not just from a meetings perspective but getting people out to the park, getting the inner city youth out to the park. If the public wants to see more access to the park, this Elbel for Everyone group can be a huge part in that. Councilmember Karen White expressed her support for the resolution. A lot of the questions and recommendations in terms of the time frame will be a part of the committee's first set of actions. What is important is the Council is listening and it is encouraging to hear the Park Executive Director to say that he is listening and that the recommendations will be well received. This Council is committed to enhancing communication and transparency and everyone will have the opportunity to have their voices heard by this committee. Council President Tim Scott stated once we sell this we don't get it back so we have to make the right decision. He reported he has worked with Aaron Perri for a long time and he is the best person to be transparent and listen to ideas and develop out of the box ideas. Mr. Perri has been thrown into this at the last minute so everyone should remember that, but he will give everyone a fair deal. The dynamic of this Council is amazing in the willingness to do research and be willing to do the homework needed. This committee is only step one. This Council is willing to not rush the decision if that is required. There are multiple groups and interests with a stake in what happens regarding Elbel and they will all be heard from and considered. Councilmember Randy Kelly reported this resolution was sent with a favorable recommendation by the PARC Committee. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill 16 -08. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried. The resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. BILLS FIRST READING 08 -16 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE THE FIRST NORTH /SOUTH ALLEY WEST OF 29TH STREET FROM MISHAWAKA AVENUE TO FIRST EAST /WEST ALLEY FOR A DISTANCE OF 130 FEET AND WIDTH OF 16 FEET. SAID ALLEY IS BEING APART OF EGGLESTON'S ADDITION, CITY OF SOUTH BEND, PORTAGE TOWNSHIP, ST JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA. This bill had first reading. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to refer this bill to Public Works & Property Vacation and set for Public Hearing and Third Reading on February 22nd, 2016. Councilmember Randy Kelly seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 10