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REGULAR MEETING MAY 29, 2012 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Members as well is not as important as the Police Chief. She stated that at this point within our <br />community we do know that our community has become polarized for a lot of reasons and <br />cannot ignore that. She stated that she is not saying that we are trying to ignore that, but believes <br />as we move forward we cannot afford any mistakes we have to make sure that everyone is <br />respected their view points and value and that we allow the process to be as open and as clear as <br />possible and that we do know that it is the Mayor’s choice to select the new chief, but because, <br />this is her personal opinion, but because of this position, because of where we are at as a <br />community, we have got to make sure that individuals have the opportunity for input. That we <br />give them the opportunity to share their concerns, their frustrations even though we might agree, <br />or we might disagree but she thinks that everyone should have the opportunity for their input and <br />is trusting along with the Council and the Administration that the process will do just that. <br /> <br />Councilmember Varner asked the Mayor in his application process if he is going to entertain <br />applications from outside the department or is it going to be strictly an internal search? <br /> <br />Mayor Buttigieg apologized if he was not clear and that is what he intended when he said that <br />everything is on the table. He stated that they will look at internal and external candidates. <br /> <br />Councilmember Henry Davis asked if there was any input on the Chase Tower. <br /> <br />Council President Dieter stated that would be a topic for another day. <br /> <br />Mayor Buttigieg stated he had heard that the Summit Club was suspending operations. He stated <br />that it simply adds to the urgency for there to be a buyer for the Chase Tower. He stated that a <br />number of potential buyers are in communication with a listing agent, but the listing agent has <br />requested an extension and so it may be the June or July time frame before there seems to be any <br />final action. He stated that his view is that it would be a good idea for Huntington Bank which <br />holds the judgment on the note to step and make investments to make sure that the building is in <br />good condition going forward and continue to monitor the opportunity for buyers to come <br />through without putting unexpectedly high level of taxpayer money on the line. He stated that <br />tomorrow is Mayor’s Night Out at the Robinson Learning Center from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. He <br />th <br />stated that they have it in a different district each time so this is in the 4 District, but he stated <br />that they have found that people come from every district. He encouraged as many <br />Councilmember’s to attend if possible. He stated that it is certainly something that is appreciated <br />by the member of the public who attend. He stated that there are having their first field hearing <br />of the vacant and abandoned housing task force that is going to be on Thursday at 5:30 at <br />Muessel School. He stated that he wanted to make sure that it is an evening meeting so that <br />members of the public could attend. He stated that he will share information that members of the <br />team have been able to pull together research wise but it will also be a chance to draw input from <br />the public on some of the problems and solutions as they see them. Also, he wanted to invite the <br />Council to save the date of June 21, 2012, when they plan to host an Economic Summit that will <br />be a chance to really communicate on a number of economic factors in the City as well as share <br />some of the proposed changes that they would like to see happen to the Community & Economic <br />Development Department. Again, if at all possible he believes that Council participation in that <br />meeting would be very valuable. He stated that he will be approaching the Council soon with <br />some of the proposals that they have in terms of adjustments to the department. Lastly, just a <br />heads up to the Council, that he had some very positive conversations about youth violence both <br />internal to the community and outside the community following the well attended public <br />meeting. He stated that he is continuing to talk to folks around the community and also engaged <br />the Department of Justice. After speaking with The Department of Justice Program acting <br />Assistant Attorney General he seemed to express some level of interest in provided technical <br />assistance and perhaps resources to South Bend. He stated that nothing was set in stone, but <br />hopefully another way to get a little extra help as we in the community work to solve this <br />problem. Mayor Buttigieg advised that this might require action by the Council in order to <br />commit more resources in the City to youth outreach and youth violence prevention. This is <br />something that they will be crafting and working through the appropriate channels with the <br />Council to build as they get to a more specific proposal. <br /> 10 <br /> <br />