07-09-12 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 9, 2012 Personnel and Finance Committee Page 2 Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. stated that a location where there is lots of traffic, he believes would be a better location. He voiced concern about the city -owned properties not being properly vetted as potential locations, and that they should have been exhausted first. City Controller Mark Neal stated that a seven (7) page document was made available of the city - owned properties which were reviewed. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. again voiced concern that there were no city -owned properties which could have been utilized. Interim City Attorney Aladean DeRose stated that a quasi-judicial area is needed in light of the types of hearings conducted involving human rights. ADA and safety issues were all considerations. The Human Rights Commission has approximately 1,000 inquiries annually with 150 cases per year. The proposed 3,000 square foot space is fully ADA accessible and would be on a TRANSPO route which is needed since most of the clients are low income. In response to a question raised by Dr. Ferlic, Ms. DeRose stated that anyone can call the Human Rights Commission but cases can only be taken of those who are a resident or a business in South Bend. It was also noted that other cities with Human Rights Commissions include Kokomo, Fort Wayne, Michigan City and Indianapolis. It was noted that Lonnie Douglas is out of town. Council Member White then asked if there was any one from the public who wished to speak in favor of either of the Bills under consideration. Bernice Freeman of 2801 Frederickson noted that she is a Mayoral appointee to the Human Rights Commission. She stated that she is proud of what the Commission does and is concerned that the City spends $2 million for a "dog shed" and has concerns about spending money for human rights. Vera Peel of 2715 Bonds Avenue stated that the City should be concerned about the people which the Human Rights Commission serves. Council Member White than asked if there was any one form the public who wished to speak in opposition to either Bill 27 -12 or Bill No. 12 -47. Murray Miller stated that he is not speaking in favor or in opposition but had concerns with regard to the turbine generator near the sight and the time line. Gary Gilt stated that the hydraulic unit near Seitz Park to Howard Park will continue to serve the Senior Center and the Skating Rink as the primary users and would also serve the building in question. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. stated that he never suggested that he was satisfied with the location where the Human Rights Office is currently located. He wants to do a proper job which