02-27-06 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2006 COMMENTS FROM MR. STEVE FRANCIS REGARDING TAX ABATEMENTS Mr. Steve Francis, (no address given), stated that he running for the office of 2nd District Representative. Mr. Francis commended South Bend’s Tax Abatement Policies. He believes that they are the best in the state. COMMENTS REGARDING THE DISORDERLY HOUSE ORDINANCE Ms. Lizzi Shappell, 416 Badin Hall, Notre Dame, Indiana, spoke in response to the ongoing campus debate on community relations. The Student Senate would like to respond and seek the Council assistance. The unfortunate stigma of an “elitist” attitude within the Notre Dame student body towards the community of South Bend has lasted too long, and it has been extremely detrimental to the interactions between the students and the City of South Bend. The amended Disorderly House Ordinance unfairly targets students with extreme measures for a first offense, a position that the Student Senate will continue to assert. Despite student sentiment, it remains a law by which we as members of the South Bend Community must abide. Through continued dialogue and an open mind, Notre Dame students have the ability to enact change and eventually resolve what has proven to b e cyclical problem. It is imperative that we as students accept our responsibility to be instruments of change and begin the process of improving the relationship between Notre Dame students and South Bend. The process will take time, energy and commitment, but in order to insure that the unfortunate situations of some of a few fellow students do not continue, we as students need to take the first step towards change. It can be as simple as a friendly hello to a member of the South Bend Community, to introducing oneself to a new neighbor, to investigating the community and all it offers beyond Grape Road. The Student Senate calls to action every member of the Notre Dame family to embrace an attitude of mutual respect of the South Bend Community. Through a Committee on Community Relations, we can help students foster a better understanding and improved relationship with the South Bend Community. The Senate and the Committee remain dedicated to the needs of Notre Dame’s student body and are always open to questions or further ideas. Mr. Sean Finaly, Sorin Hall, Notre Dame, Indiana, stated that the Student Body of the University of Notre Dame is working toward a partnership with the community. Through continued dialogue and an open mind, Notre Dame students have the ability to enact change and eventually resolve what has proven to be a cyclical problem. It is imperative that students accept responsibility to be instruments of change and begin the process of improving the relationship between Notre Dame Students and South Bend. Mr. Nick Kuszma, 111 St. Peter, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the Disorderly House Ordinance and the Notice to Abate works. The amended Public Nuisance Ordinance directs the City to notify the owner and occupants of a property if prohibited conduct has occurred on the premise through a “Notice to Abate” letter after one violation of §13-75.5 rather than three violations; and the letter, addressed to the occupants of the property, reads, “The public nuisance must be abated immediately. The owner and all occupants will be held responsible for any violation of §13-75.5 which occurs after this Notice to Abate” There are several Notre Dame students that are currently facing eviction after a first offense; and due to legal fees, time costs, and a weakened ability to secure future housing, eviction as a punishment for a first offence is more harsh from the perspective of the student than the fine of no more than $2,500, as prescribed by the ordinance after the second offense. The Public Nuisance Ordinance should be further amended to be consistent with its original intent; that “Eviction Proceedings as a defense: for owners be encouraged after it is apparent that the initial “Notice to Abate” letter has not resulted in changed behavior by tenants; and that charges against the landlord be dropped by initiating procedures of eviction after notice of the second violation. James , 424 N. Frances, Apt. 12, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the Student Senate of the University of Notre Dame remains as committed as ever to the goal of improved community relations, but that the Disorderly House Ordinance as passed threatens this goal by calling for a targeted and extreme punishment of students. 20