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REGULAR MEETING JULY 11, 2016 stay in South Bend for so long but this community became Mr. Yeh's home. Mr. Yeh stated he put three (3) children through the South Bend public school system and all three (3) have grown up wonderfully. The past twenty -eight (28) years have been absolutely wonderful and it's a great accomplishment that now the people in this area do not have to travel to Chicago or New York to hear a world class orchestra but instead have one right here in South Bend. Those from the public wishing to speak in favor of the bill: Samuel Brown, 222 East Navarre Street, spoke in favor of the bill. It is very impressive and moving that Mr. Yeh put three (3) fine children through the public school system who then went on to great universities. Mr. Brown thanked Mr. Yeh for being a wonderful member of this community. Mayor Pete Buttigieg, offices on the 14th Floor of the County -City Building, spoke in favor of the bill. South Bend punches above our weight class and one of the great examples of that is our tremendous symphony. Not many cities of our size boast a symphony orchestra with such professionalism and talent. That is a credit to Mr. Yeh's leadership. Mayor Buttigieg stated he feels qualified to speak about Mr. Yeh on three (3) accounts. First, as one of the young people who was bussed in to learn about music at such a young age and experience his youth concerts. Second, as Mayor of a City that is made better by his extraordinary talent and contributions. Finally, as a musician who has performed a couple of times under his direction. Mr. Yeh has a remarkable capacity for being engaging and putting a person at ease while simultaneously inspiring the person to do their very best possible. It will be a hard act to follow but the Symphony is excited to look for the very best person to continue on such a great legacy. Mayor Buttigieg thanked Mr. Yeh and his family for everything they have done to make this community a better place. No one from the public spoke in opposition of the bill. Councilmember Regina Williams- Preston thanked Mr. Yeh for his service to South Bend. She thanked him especially for all the work he has done bringing beautiful music to our local schools. Councilmember Jo M. Broden thanked Mr. Yeh for bringing out the very best in this symphony which is such a gift to South Bend. Also, she expressed gratitude for all the work Mr. Yeh has done for the youth of South Bend. Councilmember Oliver Davis read the poem My Symphony by William Ellery Channing. Councilmember Davis stated Mr. Yeh has embodied that poem very well especially living content with small means. Mr. Yeh has taken a small city and given us a great symphony. Councilmember John Voorde thanked Mr. Yeh for all his service to South Bend and the arts. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic thanked Mr. Yeh for his service to South Bend and providing a world class symphony for such a long time. Councilmember Karen L. White thanked Mr. Yeh for sharing his gifts and passion with our community and especially with South Bend's youth. She also thanked his family for allowing him to dedicate his life's work to South Bend. It is wonderful we have greatness right here in South Bend. Council President Tim Scott stated he could repeat everything this Council has said and thanked him for all his work. He stated when he lived in St. Louis, Mr. Yeh was phenomenal there as well. This world needs more beautiful music and more creativity and it is definitely needed within our school system. Councilmember Dr. David Varner stated he was going to read My Symphony as well as a tribute. What is sometimes overlooked are these great things that happen just under the surface in South Bend. Too often the things that make the news are things that make us frustrated and disappointed. Councilmember Dr. Varner stated he remembers when Mr. Yeh came here and how far the symphony has come in that tenure. It is definitely something the City can be proud of and cherish.