07-23-01 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 23, 2001 individuals to speak under the Privilege of the Floor portion of the meeting on items that are on the agenda. Councilmember Varner made the motion to suspend the rules for this purpose which carried by a voice vote. Mr. Mark Elliott, 29900 Grant Road, New Carlisle, Indiana, advised that he has owned and operated a ticket service in South Bend for the past eight (8) years. He noted that he is aware of the problems with ticket scalping on the streets and asked the Council to perhaps. consider licensing as is done in Indianapolis and Roseland. Mr. Elliott stated that he handles anywhere from three hundred (300) to four hundred (400) tickets for an average football game and it is not uncommon for him to get stuck with thirty (30) or forty (40) seats on a Friday afternoon. He further stated that licensing fees may benefit the community and perhaps pay for the overtime that the police get when they direct traffic. Mr. Elliott advised that he has sold tickets for the last five (5) years at the corner of Pokagon and Angela and has the permission of the property owner. Cars turn the corner, pull off and park along the curb. He noted that there has never been a problem with holding up traffic or accidents. Ms. Joyce Boaler, 1606 Hillsdale Road, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she believes it is disingenuous to pretend that the City is willing to add three hundred dollars ($300.00) a year for four (4) years to the base pay for police officers while taking an identical sum out of the two thousand two hundred dollar ($2,200.00) clothing equipment maintenance allowance. She stated that it is appalling that the police are made to pay two hundred sixty dollars ($260.00) car insurance annually for their squad cars which amounts to seventy three- thousand three hundred and twenty dollars ($73,320.00) minimum yearly and asked if other employees with City cars have to pay this also. Ms. Boaler stated that the City claims that seventy -eight per cent (78 %) of the budget goes to the Police Department. This presumably includes police vehicle maintenance and repair at the City garage at inflated prices. Ms. Boaler further stated that the City is building a skateboard area which is a fad that will pass and millions of tax dollars have been found for the Hall of Fame, Coveleski and the Water Works. In conclusion, she stated that the police are being offered an insignificant pay raise and it is disgraceful. Mr. Jim Cierzniak,1156 East Victoria, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of the police officers and their position on wage talks with the City. Citizens expect the Mayor and the Council to realize that this highest priority is more important than economic development programs, tourist attractions, entertainment districts and parks and recreation. He noted that the public seems solidly behind the FOP position in the current wage talks and the negotiation strategy of the City is reprehensible to citizens who are following this issue. They do not understand why an outside negotiator was brought in at a considerable expense who has an anti -union reputation. They do not understand why local people cannot handle the City sides of the talks. He noted that currently about $2 million dollars in public funds is spent annually on the Hall of Fame. The wage proposal of the FOP seems very modest. Mr. Cierzniak informed the Council that a major rally of those supporting the police will be held on the Hall of Fame grid iron during the upcoming enshrinement ceremonies. Mr. Mike Carey, 701 West Sample Street, South Bend, Indiana, inquired if any marketing research was done to determine if the proposed skate park was going to be viable. Councilmember Kelly advised that Councilmember Sean Coleman, Chairperson, Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts and Entertainment Committee, was not present tonight but that the Council considered this matter several weeks ago and the Council chambers were filled with individuals who supported the skateboard park. Council President Pfeifer asked Mr. Carey to submit his questions in writing to the City Clerk and they will be forwarded to Councilmember Coleman for response. Mr. Carey inquired about the cost of the skate park and Councilmember Aranowski advised that it would be two hundred sixty thousand dollars ($260,000.00). Mr. Carey asked how many people would be employed at the park. Council President Pfeifer advised Mr. Carey that he could submit those questions to Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair and he could provide all that information. Mr. Carey also asked what kind of liability insurance would be required and what the figures are of the cost. Again, Council President Pfeifer stated the Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair could provide those numbers. She stated that if Councilmember Coleman had been present this evening he would have been able to provide answers to these questions. Mr. Carey also asked how many months the park will be open. Council President Pfeifer stated that for accurate information she would encourage Mr. Carey to contact Mr. St. Clair. He inquired if anyone on the Council knew if this park was going to make any money and asked if anyone had any knowledge about anything to do with the park.