03-11-13 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2013 Councilmember Oliver Davis stated that he requested information from the Mayor on TIF funding regarding vacant & abandoned homes. He also noted that on March 25, 2013 there will st be an update on the Ethanol (New Energy) Plant. He also noted that the 1 Annual Schuyler Colfax Day Commemorative Service will be held on March 23, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at 601 W. Colfax Avenue, which is the site where Colfax’s home was located. He noted that at the conclusion of the service, a memorial wreath will be placed on the grave of Vice President Colfax, which is located in the South Bend City Cemetery, located at 214 Elm St., South Bend, Indiana. NEW BUSINESS APPROVAL OF 4 APPOINTMENTS TO THE TRANSPO BOARD MATTHEW C. WILSON EMIL W. “LUCKY” REZNIK OLIVER J. DAVIS, JR. ANTONIUS M. NORTHERN REQUIRED PER IC 36-44-1-3 UNIFORM CONFLICT OF INTEREST Councilmember Dieter made a motion to accept the uniform conflict of interest forms for the Council’s appointments to the TRANSPO Board. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., noted that ABC 57 will be airing a story on Mini-Marts in South Bend. He also asked if the Council is enforcing the cell phone/electronic devices being used during South Bend Common Council meetings. He stated that he see Councilmembers using devices and wants to make sure that they are treaty everyone equally & fairly. He stated that the Police Chief was given time to speak at the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church recently. He stated that it has come to his attention that Chief Teachman’s speech was out of order. He feels that the Police Chief needs to apologize. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Jesse Davis, P. O. Box 10205, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he took the new Police Chief’s comments on gun control on a public television program as very offensive. Mr. Davis commented Mayor Buttigieg joining other Mayor’s against gun violence. He also commented on the vacant & abandoned housing in South Bend. Sam Brown, Citizen United for a Better Government, 1405 LaSalle, South Bend, Indiana, questioned police cars going to certain properties. Lenny Grummel, 1919 S. Carlisle, South Bend, Indiana, commended Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., for helping him and to address his concerns. He welcomed new Police Chief Ron Teachman to South Bend. He stated that he was concerned about Chief Teachman’s comments regarding gun control on WNIT. Tony Trinca, 139 Camden, South Bend, Indiana, asked the Council to speak into their wireless microphones. He stated that when then sit back in their chairs and cover their mouths when speaking the audience cannot hear them clearly. He urged them to pick the mic’s up and speak clearly into them. Joseph Wiltfong, 2405 Erskine Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, stated that regarding gun control, the U.S. Constitution states that we all have the right to bear arms. 17