03-28-05 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETINGMARCH 14, 2005 COMMENTS BY JIM CIERZNIAK CONCERNING THE RELOCATION OF ERSKINE GOLF COURSE Mr. Jim Cierzniak, 1156 E. Victoria Street, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in opposition of the Relocation of Erskine Golf Course. Mr. Cierzniak stated that the aborted plan to sell Erskine Golf Course to a private developer leaves one important question for South Bend taxpayers: Who was the developer that seduced you into a plan to sell-off one of the premier pieces of open land in the city? Mr. Cierzniak stated that all information should be made accessible to the public, as well as written reports and memos associated with that deal. While “All’s well that ends well” has some application here, you have not been as forthcoming as you should be on the details of the proposed deal. The administration has put the community through some anxious moments. Time to make amends by giving , us the complete story, not the truncated one offered at March 92005 news conference. COMMENTS BY VICKI BELY CONCERNING THE RECENT APPROVAL FOR TAX ABATEMENT FOR HIDDEN CREEK SUBDIVISION Ms. Vicki Bely, 20154 Jackson Road, South Bend, Indiana advised that there is illegal construction by the developer because he has not obtain the proper permits to begin such work. Ms. Bely then criticized the Council’s procedures on public hearings and voiced her concern on limiting the amount of time a person can speak. COMMENTS BY LUCILLE SPALDING CONCERNING THE USE OF A WOODBURNING STOVE AS A PRIMARY SOURCE OF HEATING Ms. Lucille Spalding, 1124 N. Meade Street, South Bend, Indiana stated that at 2623 Lincolnway West in South Bend, (former Ridge Company Building) the owner is using a woodburning stove as the primary source of heat. She stated that there are days when the smoke and smell of the wood burner actually makes her sick. She questioned whether using the wood burner as the primary source of heat is a code violation? This topic was assigned to Karen White, Chairperson, Health and Public Safety Committee. B. UPDATE FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO WERE ASSIGNED A TOPIC FROM THE PRIOR COUNCIL MEETING Councilmember Kelly, Chairperson, Personnel and Finance Committee, read into the record a statement prepared by Chief Assistance City Attorney Aladean M. DeRose regarding the Position Statement of the South Bend Human Rights Commission Gays, Lesbians, Bi-sexuals, and Transgendered Persons. The South Bend Human Rights Commission is an agency of the City of South Bend, Indiana, committed to fair and equal treatment of all human beings. It is the responsibility and duty of the Human Rights Commission to make sure that no human being is mistreated based on status, without making value or moral judgments. Gays, lesbians, bi-sexuals and transgendered (G, L, B & T) persons have experienced mistreatment based on their G, L. B & T status. The South Bend Human Rights Commission supports and encourages the South Bend Common Council to hear from the general public, to explore, investigate and to determine the degree to which G, L, B & T persons have been treated adversely within the City of South Bend due to their G, L, B & T status. The South Bend Human Rights Commission further encourages the South Bend Common Council, working cooperatively with the South Bend Human Rights Commission, to create an appropriate remedy. Councilmember Kirsits made a request of Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand and Chief Assistance City Attorney, Aladean M. DeRose to research when a motion can be made from the floor. He also wanted clarification on if the motion can be made by any Councilmember. This is in reference to retaining the Council Attorney. 21