03-22-99 Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING MARCH 22, 1999 Parish, advised that over the last three years their Sunday community dinners have experienced a 100% increase. He indicated that recently he had asked students from Notre Dame to try and make a healthy menu for three days, from the food that was in our Food Pantry and they could only do two days. He indicated there was a need for a living wage. Sister Clavelle, indicated she was in charge of the food pantry for Little Flower Church. She advised that they have 2,400 family names in their computer and the people can only come once a month. She urged the Council to make the living wage the greater legend of South Bend. Ruby Walker, 711 Haney, a representative of Head Start, indicated she supported the living wage. She advised that a lot of people are working two or three jobs to keep food on the table. She urged the Council to come up with a solution, indicating that if they had to live on minimum wage they could not do it. Rhonda Hughes, Broadway Christian Parish, indicated that their Parish Board supported this effort. Mayor Luecke indicated he welcomed and accept the Council's request to appoint a study committee. He advised that he would welcome recommendations for individuals to serve on this committee. Pete Meyers, 744 Portage, indicated he worked with a counseling program and a lot of children from low income families are abused. Lee Gloster, 2110 S. High, indicated that one of the surest ways to stunt the growth of a child is through nutritional deficiencies. Roger Vogler, 1713 Franklin, indicated that companies that receive a tax abatement, contracts from the City, etc., should pay a living wage. He also indicated that those who work for a living should be able to live off of their wages. Robert Warnock, Jr., president of the Teamsters, commended the Council for this resolution. He indicated that labor supports the living wage. Chuck Mramer, 425 Manchester, indicated that the Council should proceed with caution, because the Council would be tinkering with an economic system of free enterprise. Council Member Aranowski made a motion to adopt this resolution, seconded by Council Member Ujdak. The motion carried on a roll call vote of eight ayes. Council Member Kelly made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole, seconded by Council Member Aranowski. The motion carried. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend met in the Committee of the Whole at 8:10 p.m. with eight members present. Chairman Pfeifer presiding. BILL NO. 19 -99 A BILL TO VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: THE FIRST NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY EAST OF N. SPRUCE STREET FROM THE SOUTH RIGHT -OF -WAY OF W. COLFAX AVENUE TO THE NORTH RIGHT -OF -WAY OF THE FIRST EAST /WEST ALLEY SOUTH OF W. COLFAX AVENUE FOR A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 198 FEET IN LENGTH AND A WIDTH OF 14 FEET. PART LOCATED IN COMMISSIONER'S SUB OF BANK OUTLOT 79, SOUTH BEND, ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA This being the time heretofore set for public hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Council Member Varner reported that the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee had met on this bill and recommended it to the Council favorable. Dea Andrews, South Bend Heritage, made the presentation for the bill. She reported that this is an extension of the work in the 1300 and 1400 block of West Washington. She advised they are building eight homes and they need the alley to be vacated in order to complete the project. Council Member Coleman made a motion to recommend this bill to the Council favorable, seconded by Council Member Aranowski. The motion carried.