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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 8, 2015 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />32-15 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE <br />CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA FOR BUDGET TRANSFERS FOR <br />VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, <br />INDIANA FOR THE YEAR 2015 <br />This bill had first reading. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to refer this bill to <br />nd <br />Personnel & Finance for second and third reading for June 22, 2015. Councilmember Dr. <br />David Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. <br /> <br /> <br />UNFINISHED BUSINESS <br />Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. updated the Council on this past week’s resolution meeting that <br />was on file. The Assessor and the Treasurer, Mike Kruk both came in to discuss how properties <br />are assessed. The resolution will come back before the Council, as the work done in the office <br />effects the way we do business as it relates to property taxes paid into the state. This was a <br />meaningful discussion on what we can do to provide services in the city. I would like to thank <br />Councilmember White for opening the discussion for the betterment of our community. <br />Councilmember Davis inquired about an update on MLK Drive, Council President stated that he <br />has a comment on that. Councilmember Davis commented on the cosmetics of Greenlawn and <br />Southwood that the beautification is nice. As a Councilmember, I wish that those exciting <br />cosmetics could happen across the entire city. But when we are dealing with cutting grass, and <br />simple services, you cannot have but an ill feeling with the way things are happening. You are <br />dealing with areas of low-income to cover the cost of curbs and upkeep for property that they <br />will never own. I am talking about services that we are supposed to be rendering to citizens as a <br />government as they are unable to pay for it. <br /> <br />Councilmember Valerie Schey made a comment pertaining to the permeable pavers as South <br />rd <br />Wood is a part of 3 District. The permeable pavers was a part of the CSO project; as an <br />alternative they were used instead of putting in pipes and drains. My question is for the utilities <br />committee, since the permeable pavers was used an alternative, although I agree it is more <br />attractive, were they less expensive? Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. responded so we disrupt <br />other areas with curbs, and traffic signs that disrupt traffic and restrict growth; when we have <br />another option that is more attractive and allows the street to exist in the manner in which it was <br />built. My point is it is inequitable, what we do for one we should do for the other. Council <br />President Tim Scott responded I agree we need to have more conversations on that point. <br /> <br />Council President Tim Scott reported on MLK Drive, I will be putting together guidelines on the <br />application process and setting deadlines this week. Karen and I met with the Mayor; the Mayor <br />has three seats on the committee to fill. We are waiting for the administration on their feedback <br />on guidelines, along with their vision. In the meantime, I would like to hear feedback from the <br />Council. I will be sending an email to Councilmembers tomorrow. As long as I get enough <br />feedback we can start the conversation with the public by the end of this week. <br /> <br />NEW BUSINESS <br />There was no new business to come before the Council. <br /> <br />PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR <br /> <br />Jesse Davis – P.O. Box 10205, South Bend – I come before you about bill 24-15 which will be <br />nd <br />heard June 22. They propose that they are saving money, but don’t answer to any questions. <br />They replaced local contractors, they were caught double billing, and using city workers for <br />repairs. There is a discrepancy of $6,000 that is unaccounted for. I have a discrepancy about <br />who they are hiring and the rates that are being charged for sewer repairs. Where is the money <br />going? I hope we get to the bottom of this before this bill passes. <br /> <br />Samuel Brown – 222 E. Navarre St., South Bend – I represent the group Citizens United for a <br />Better Government. Lincoln Way West, I am confused on how you can get off the side streets as <br />there are no stop lights. I would hate for an accident to happen in the winter. One of the city lots <br />11 <br /> <br /> <br />