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REGULAR MEETING <br />DECEMBER 10, 2007 <br />Councilmember Puzzello advised that she attended a Botanical Society Meeting held at <br />the Conservatory at Potawatomi Park. She noted that the Botanical Society has done a <br />marvelous job at the greenhouse. <br />Councilmember Rouse announced that the Organizational Meeting of the South Bend <br />Common Council will be held on January 7, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, <br />4th Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana. <br />Councilmember Pfeifer stated that this is her last meeting as 2"d District Councilmember. <br />She advised that it has been a pleasure and vowed to continue to improve the 2"d District <br />and the West Side of South Bend, however, it will be from the other side of the podium. <br />She wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. <br />PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR <br />Catherine Pittman, 2628 Summit Ridge, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is speaking <br />on behalf of South Bend Equality, a citizens group that advocates equal protection for <br />gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, and wanted to recognize Councilmember <br />Charlotte Pfeifer for her work in the community and her commitment to human rights. <br />Ms. Pittman presented Councilmember Pfeifer with a plaque and stated that "this is <br />because Charlotte listens and cares deeply about all people." Ms. Pittman thanked <br />Charlotte for all that she has done and noted that everyone who lives, works, and plays in <br />the City of South Bend from the east side to the west side is better off because of her. <br />Stuart Clark, 1860 St. Michaels Court, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he wrote two e- <br />mails today, one to Dr. Varner and other to Mr. Dieter, he suggested that they go to a <br />specific website that has the name of his church on it, but he put down the wrong .com, it <br />should be .org not .com, which was a surprise to him. He noted that he was surprise to <br />see on line a list for gays and lesbians on how to get together with a new partner. Mr. <br />Clark advised that last week there was a report on the evening news about the increase of <br />socially transmitted diseases between gays and lesbians. He stated that in the e-mail he <br />sent he used the word treachery, this is like when you see something on the surface like <br />snow going across the road but underneath it might be ice or take a bite of a cherry pie <br />not knowing if there is a pit in there. The GLBT issue is just like that. Mr. Clark further <br />noted that as long as the gays and lesbians are here, he hoped to be here too. <br />Gary King, 730 N. Hill Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he was frustrated on the <br />Council decision on whether or not the Mayor had veto power on the decision on <br />Marquette. He stated that he was a former debate teacher and taught a class on <br />parliamentary procedure and unfortunately he does not have his Robert's Rule of Order <br />with him tonight, but would like to say that the Council finally got around to doing what <br />is probably the right thing to do, although there was so much discussion, it became very <br />clear who was for and who was against the veto, it would have been good of the Council <br />to just accept or reject the Council Attorney's advice and then the Council could decide <br />whether or not a vote should take place. He noted that the Council should consider <br />having a parliamentarian instead of a Council Attorney. Mr. King noted that he would <br />love to have that job. <br />Earl Gradrich, 65290 U. S. 331, Bremen, Indiana, thanked the Council for all the work <br />they have done throughout the year and for the education that he is getting by coming to <br />the Council Meetings. He stated that this is democracy at its finest and that he <br />appreciates all the tough decisions that the Council has to make. The issues of GLBT's, <br />and Marquette School were tough decisions that had to be made and supports the Council <br />in their decisions whether he agrees or disagrees. <br />Councilmember White thanked the SBCSC Superintendent Dr. Zimmerman for working <br />collectively to try to achieve a common ground. <br />Councilmember Rouse thanked Mayor Luecke and Superintendent Dr. Zimmerman for <br />attending and staying for the entire Council Meeting. <br />26 <br />