08-11-08 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETINGAUGUST 11, 2008 Sandy Dreibelbeis, Spokesperson for the School Crossing Guards, 203 Eckman, South Bend, Indiana, posed questions to the Common Council and asked them to find a way to save their jobs and more importantly, maintain safety for schoolchildren in the city. Ms. Dreibelbeis asked would volunteers and students replace the crossing guards. She also asked if those volunteers would be screened with criminal background checks? Would they sign a form agreeing not to carry weapons. She asked if they would be on time, and willing to be outside in good and bad weather? She also asked who would be liable if a student is hit by a car. She further noted that children don’t always obey the commands of another child, and as a parent and a grandparent she would not want that responsibility put on a child. She noted that most primary centers only go up to the fourth grade and that is too much responsibility for a child of that age. Marlene Lowe, 59670 Thornberry Ct., South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is here tonight to speak to the Council who has the final say on the City’s finances. She stated that she does not believe that the crossing guards should have to go before the school board. She stated that the school board has done “an incompetent job educating the children” and is already broke. She stated that her biggest concern is a child getting killed by a car going to or from school. What is the city going to do when a parent sues the city for millions because their child died? Melisa Machowiak, 56830 Elmer Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, advised that when the crossing guards met with police last Thursday, August 7, 2008 for their bidding meeting for crossing locations, they were told that there would be “no discussion” on the possibility of layoffs. She stated that some intersections are very dangerous such as five points near Eddy Street and South Bend Avenue near Perley Primary Center. COMMENTS FROM MS. CAROLYN ELBERT REGARDING ILLEGAL OPERATION OF A BUSINESS Carolyn Elbert, 1905 Randolph Street, South Bend, Indiana, advised that behind her house is an auction barn. The owners have been renting out the facility on the weekends to individuals who have live bands playing until 2:00 a.m. She stated that they serve liquor and drive up and down the street all hours of the night. She questioned if this building is zoned for this kind of activity and whether or not they have a license to serve liquor. Ms. Elbert stated that she has called the South Bend Police Department on several occasions. Council President Rouse advised that he is assigning this to Councilmember Tom rd LaFountain, 3 District. He advise Ms. Elbert to contact Councilmember LaFountain after the meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the President Timothy Rouse adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. ATTEST: ATTEST: ____________________________ ____________________________ John Voorde, City Clerk Timothy Rouse, President 17