09-11-06 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 11, 2006 enjoyed not only by residence of the City of South Bend, but by residents of Mishawaka, St. Joseph County and a much larger region. Yet, the cost of providing those amenities falls to the tax payers of the City of South Bend. Certainly, the greenhouses is one of those and the Zoo is another, Coveleski Stadium, so many different kinds of things that they support that makes this such a great community and are important to support. To be honest, that is one of the other things that needs to change, as the City looks at the structure of the tax system, is regional facilities should be supported on a regional basis, rather than the central City, being required to maintain the cost for those. That is the background in terms of the decision that has been made. Mayor Luecke stated that he appreciates the comments and the support and the care for this facility as evidenced by the community and he would be glad to have some further discussion with some of the residence, but at this point, this issue remains a part of the City’s proposed budget for 2007. Councilmember Kelly made a suggestion, that it was made mentioned tonight by the people objecting to the demolition of the Greenhouse and Conservatories, that some foundations could be sought, that supply money for these types of facilities. He suggested that failing all else, that perhaps a task force should be formed of volunteers to investigate precisely that. And find out where the money could come from, to support the Greenhouse and Conservatories and maintain them in much better shape than they are now. Again, it’s just a suggestion and he believes that it would be a good idea, obviously the people who spoke against this item in the 2007 budget, indicated that they would certainly help find support for such a wonderful facility. Start with them and expand the task force to help solve a rather tough decision. Councilmember Varner stated that the City has gone through this long and tedious discussion on what is called City Plan. He stated that there was so much emphasis put on walk ability and live ability, pubic venues and that sort of thing. If the $271,000 that was proposed as a cost, strictly for operations, it seems that in some way, shape or form that two-thirds of that old greenhouse could be shut down and no longer used for growing, but in some way, shape or form, keep a part open at a much less cost. Some of the conservatories can be maintained for several more years, you can’t put a six month burden on these folks to try to raise that sort of money. The $35.00 per visitor, at 4,000 visitors drops down $8.50 per visitor, if you get 8,000 visitors there. Annual cost of operations and things at the College Football Hall of Fame is about $60.00 a visitor and he noted that he is not in all in favor of this venue. So he believes that for $271,000, the City can make an effort to save a historic structure, to the extent, that he can try to find $271,000 to keep the Greenhouse and Conservatories open, he would be glad to do that. Mayor Luecke reiterated that he would be glad to continue discussion on this. He mentioned that the Zoological Society has petitioned local foundations for national dollars, and as everyone knows that there is a lot of competition for those dollars. He also reported that the Zoological Society has brought a lot of Capital support to the Zoo. They looked as well for dollars and were less successful. Mayor Luecke stated that he appreciated everyone’s comments and would be glad to meet with individuals and see if there is a process to move forward. Councilmember Charlotte Pfeifer made a motion to set Bill Nos. 55-06; 56-06; and 57-06 for Third Reading on September 25, 2006, and continue in the Council Portion only. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. BILL NO. 58-06 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL FIXING MAXIMUM SALARIES AND WAGES OF APPOINTED OFFICERS AND NON- BARGAINING EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2007 Councilmember Varner made a motion to hear the substitute version of this bill. Councilmember Kelly seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight ayes. 10