03-11-13 Common Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2013 Councilmember Scott advised that the bill would amend a 2011 ordinance which established procedure governing block parties. He stated that this proposed ordinance would incorporate the current regulations into the City Code so that they are readily accessible from the City’s website. He stated that this bill would create a fee waiver process for legitimate 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations which would require such an organization to provide proof of that status from the IRS and filing a copy of their most recent Form 990 or Form 990-EZ return. He noted that all other block party regulations governing residential and non-residential block parties would apply to all applicants, including those who may have received a fee waiver. In this way the public safety regulations would be enforced uniformly, with the fees charged to help off-set the actual cost to close a public street when accommodating a block party. An electronic summary from the Clerk to the Board of Public Works would also be required to be sent to the Office of the City Clerk summarizing block party requests made to the Board during each calendar year. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Jesse Davis, P. O. Box 10205, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. Councilmember Henry Davis asked if there were grants or some other kind of funding for non- profit organizations. Councilmember Dieter asked if an accounting mechanism could be added to the bill. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand stated that there is an accounting mechanism in the bill under Section 14-65. Councilmember’s Henry Davis, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Oliver Davis and Dr. David Varner stated that they would not be voting in favor of this bill. There being no one else present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Dieter made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill as amended. Councilmember Schey seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of five (5) ayes and four (4) nays (Councilmember’s Henry Davis, Jr., Dr. Fred Ferlic, Dr. David Varner, Oliver J. Davis) RISE AND REPORT Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to rise and report to full Council. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. ATTEST: ATTEST: ____________________________ ____________________________ John Voorde, City Clerk Karen L. White, Chairperson Committee of the Whole REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend reconvened in the Council Chambers on the fourth floor of the County-City Building at 7:56 p.m. Council President Derek Dieter, presided with nine (9) members present. 6