09-10-01 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 10.2001 Councilmember Varner stated that while this Agreement has been much talked about, in actuality, it appears to be a restatement of the original agreement. The only difference is that this has become a Management Agreement. While it is a Management Agreement, it does not represent a financial obligation to the Hall of Fame. There is not a single financial or monetary obligation that the NFF makes to the City of South Bend. As in the previous agreement, which was executed between the City of South Bend and the Board of Managers of Century Center and not the City Council, in addition to requiring no obligations financially on the part of the NFF, it also leaves the City open to increased liability by not placing any cost caps on the City's part. This is a Management Agreement where the City lets the management decisions go to the NFF but it also continues to leave the check book open and the responsibility for whatever happens to the taxpayers and with the City. When there is an opportunity for the NFF to make a contribution, this contract specifically allows them to hold fund raising events in the Hall of Fame which is being paid for and supported by the City without any enumeration to the City. It appears that the original context has been rewritten and it leaves the City open for enormous costs and obligations on an ongoing basis without any support financially from the NFF. In conclusion, Councilmember Varner stated that he cannot support this bill. Councilmember Kelly stated that the City has had some difficulty with the Hall of Fame operation and that is why the City agrees to this relationship with the NFF. It has been determined that the building is the responsibility of the City and it must be paid for one way or another. At this point, at least for the next five (5) years, the NFF is taking up the cost of operation. Councilmember Kelly stated that he has favored the Hall of Fame from the beginning and he is not ready to pull the plug. This relationship has to be given a change and he will vote for this bill. - Councilmember Kelly made a motion that this bill go favorably to the full Council. Councilmember Coleman seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of five (5) ayes and one (1) nay by Councilmember Varner. MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR FIREFIGHTER STEVE SHEETS Council President Pfeifer asked everyone for a moment of silence for Firefighter Steve Sheets who passed away today. RISE AND REPORT Councilmember Coleman made motion to rise and report to the full Council. Councilmember Kelly seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of six (6) ayes. ATTEST: ATTEST: Lorett V / Ada, ity Clerk Charlotte Pfeifer, Presid t BILLS - THIRD READING ORDINANCE NO. 9253 -01 THIRD READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, ANNEXING TO AND BRINGING WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AND AMF_.IdD \T(3 THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR CERTAIN LAND IN CENTRE TOWNSHIP CONTIGUOUS THEREWITH; ARBY'S, 61045 U.S. 31 SOUTH, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 11