07/16/07 Council Special Meeting Minutes

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SPECIAL MEETING JULY 16, 2007 who is interested and allow it to progress that way. Councilmember Varner stated that whether the vote is tonight or neat Monday, he plans to vote in support of the project and that everyone will be amazed on what a positive effect this will have overall. Councilmember Dieter asked Councilmember Kirsits if he is satisfied with the commitment on Fire Suppression. Councilmember Kirsits stated that he is very impressed that Kite and the University of Notre Dame went along with that commitment. He estimates that is took the cost of the project from $200 million and added $250,000. Councilmember Kirsits stated that by adding this commitment of fire suppression speaks a lot towards their commitment to the project. Councilmember Dieter stated that he satisfied with the Architectural Review Board Commitment. He stated that Kite has shown a lot of professionalism and thinks that when this gets to a vote he doesn't think that they will go back to Indianapolis and won't ever be seen again or have contact with them. Through this process questions and issue might arise in the future and he feels comfortable calling Mr. Compton to get the answers. Councihnember Dieter stated that the traffic study will have to be reviewed and it can be worked out. Councilmember Rouse stated that this project has been a long ongoing process, but the Council has to keep in mind that they delayed a decision and the project ended up going to Grape Road. He stated that he understands Mr. Perri's concerns and certainly the Council will address those issues on a collaborative mode, but the Council cannot afford to delay a $200 million dollar investment in the City of South Bend. Especially when the PUD being revised to the extent that is has and create a collaborative mindset to enhance both the hub of downtown, East bank and all the way up to the Eddy Street Commons. He urged the Council not to delay voting on this project. He noted that the Council Attorney will not be available next Monday, because of other commitments she will be out of town, and if the Council delays tonight it would probably be set for the second Monday in August. He again urged the Council to vote on this bill for passage. Councilmember Kelly asked Mr. Compton is he already has in mind who would be representing the University of Notre Dame on the Architectural Review Board? Mr. Compton stated that they will be working with Dr. Graeves and Mr. Hackanen and Doug Marsh will be appointing the representative. Councilmember White stated that she has been very impressed with the process and again stated that comments, concerns and the time that has been put into the project is greatly appreciated. She stated that she lives on the South end of town and she has enjoyed the Erskine Common Project immensely. She asked Mr. Compton if he would have another conversation with the administration and the Council regarding the completion of the Erskine Commons Project. She believes that they do need the fountain, flower and additional trees as was promised in the development. She stated that she is fully aware that she is off the subject at hand and she is in the chair and taking the liberty at this point to ask for this conversation to take place. She stated that she has truly reaped the benefits from the Erskine Commons Project and would like to make it even better. Councilmember Kirsits thanked everyone who participated in the process. He especially thank the Council Attorney, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand for her expertise and the City Clerk's Office, City Clerk John Voorde, Chief Deputy Mary Beth Wisniewski, and Deputy Janice Talboom, they took an enormous amount of phone calls, letters, e-mails and for doing all the leg work. He thanked the people speaking in favor and opposed very intelligent people who brought a lot to the table. He stated that this was the Council first attempt at a PUD, and part of the process was to try to design things and they had to lean on the Mayor for his leadership and economic development expertise as well as the economic development planners and the Department of Public Works for all the engineering ideas and concepts. When the process gets to this level he remembers Councilmember Karl Kings stating that you don't always want to cut the deals at this 22