02-13-12 Common Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2012 Councilmember White, Chairperson, Personnel & Finance Committee reported that this committee held a public hearing on this resolution this afternoon and voted to send it to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. th Councilmember Oliver J. Davis, 6 District Councilmember and Councilmember Henry nd Davis, Jr., 2 District Councilmember made the presentation for this resolution. Councilmember Oliver J. Davis and Henry Davis, Jr., read the resolution in its entirety. They advised that they are co-sponsors of this bill to prompt discussion with the City rd Administration in the interest of having the 3 Monday of January designate Martin Luther King Day, Jr. as a city holiday in South Bend. They noted in the resolution, the City of South Bend is conspicuously absent in this day being an official city holiday. The advised that the State of Indiana, St. Joseph County, Elkhart County and the federal government are some of the many who designated this day as an official holiday many years ago. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. The following individuals spoke in favor of this Resolution: th Mayor Pete Buttigieg, 14 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, advised that he is in favor of this Resolution. He will welcome it during the discussions with the Board of Public Works. Hughey Schobey, (no address given), stated that he has been a resident of South Bend for 52 years. He stated that Dr. King fought for the advancement of civil rights. He worked to end racial segregation and racial discrimination. He stated that the prior administration did not seek to include Dr. King’s day as a City holiday. Mr. Schobey stated that it is long overdue and urged the Council’s favorable consideration. Don Reinke, 416 N. Main Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he supports this resolution whole heartedly. He urged the Council’s favorable support. Rev. Henry L. Davis, Sr., South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. He stated Dr. King worked not only for black people it was for all people. He brought equality to the heart of people. He stated that to honor his day would be to honor a day of reflection. He stated that it is not just a day to reflect on what Dr. King’s accomplishments were, but a day to reflect on what can be done today and in the future to continue Dr. King’s work. What will we contribute and what motivates us in this life. He stated that he believes that if Dr. King were white a white man we would be honoring him. He stated that he is stating it the way it is and that is his opinion. Gary King, 730 N. Hill Street, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of the Resolution. Mr. King stated that he is proud to share a name with such a great man of his stature and leadership. He stated that when we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, it is not a day off, it’s a day on. He stated that if you have ever had the opportunity to come to the County-City Building and participate in the rally, hear the choirs sing, hear the speeches and go to the work shops at Century Center. He stated that it is a day to find out what people are thinking. He urged the Council to consider it is a day off but a day on in the idea of service. He stated that it is a day to get together with other people in the community to share ideas and to find out how we can make this a better place. He stated that when he has been able to participate in the activities it was very uplifting. He stated that all the city employees who want to participate in the days activities should have the opportunity. Mr. King strongly urged the Council’s favorable consideration. Councilmember Fred Ferlic stated that he disagreed with Rev. Davis’ comments. He stated was uncertain of the financial ramifications of designating another holiday for the City. He stated that his employer only allows six paid holidays. Councilmember Ferlic stated that until his financial questions could be answered he would be voting in opposition. 18