06-24-13 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 24, 2013 director and zoo veterinarian are vital to the continued and future success of the Potawatomi Zoo. He noted that this is especially important now because the zoo will commence its reaccreditation process next year through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Mr. Neal noted that this bill would allow to make the pay competitive based on the AZA data for the director’s salary to the proposed range of $91,000 - $96,000 and the zoo veterinarian’s salary to the proposed range of $78,000 - $83,000, in order to conform with general norms for a city of our size. He noted that the City remains open to further conversation with the Potawatomi Zoological Society on a potential public-private partnership in the future, but the administration believes focusing on strong leadership in the short-term is the best course of action for zoo staff, our animal collection, and the residents and families of our community who enjoy visiting the zoo. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. The following individuals spoke in favor of this bill: Pat Fenters, Staff, Potawatomi Zoo, stated that she has worked for the Zoo for twenty-four (24) years. She stated that they have seen many Directors and Veterinarians come and go. She noted that they get their experience here and then leave for better pay. She urged the Council to pass this bill. Trevor Gasper, 4100 Edison Lakes, President, Potawatomi Zoological Society, spoke in favor of this bill. He asked the Council for their favorable consideration. There being no one else present wishing to speak to the council either in favor or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Schey made a motion to recommend this substitute bill to the full Council favorably. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes. RISE AND REPORT Vice President Oliver J. Davis made a motion to rise and report to full Council. Councilmember Dr. David Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) 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 8:03 p.m. Council Vice- President Oliver J. Davis, presided with seven (7) members present. BILLS - THIRD READING ORDINANCE NO. 10233-13 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR APPROXIMATELY 85 ACRES LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAMPLE STREET AND PRAIRIE AVENUE, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT 6 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 8