01-13-14 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 13, 2014 South Bend Common Council John Voorde, City Clerk Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend Councilmember Schey the Personnel & Finance Committee met earlier today and we will send bill 14 -07 to the full Council with no recommendation. Tim Scott- 711 Forest Ave, First District Council - the resolution is to send a message to vote against HJR 6 now and HJR 3 for the negative impact it will have on our state. We need to send a message to all that we are inclusive to all without barriers and exceptions. We too need to voice our objections to discrimination in legislation. HJR 3 does more to confuse the issue about discrimination for our people and to send a message to make Indiana open to all. Councilmember Dr. Varner< in reading the ordinance the reference HJR 6, "would take away rights? What rights would HJR 6 take away ?" Tim Scott, "the point I bring up is any barrier we bring up does not help to do business better." Councilmember Dieter the best and talented, define talented? Tim Scott it can be defined as anybody, what we want to say is that we want you to work here. Councilman Dieter do you have any stats? Tim in response no I do not but, I'm sure people here tonight do. Councilmember Oliver Davis would you consider those on the council, send a letter of the support? I don't know what the vote is but would it be stronger to join together and write a letter instead of a vote? Tim Scott I would prefer a resolution as it would send a stronger message and want to take the vote. Councilmember Davis, I just want to put it on the record if it is not unanimous, I am suggesting unanimous letter from those in support to be sent. Councilmember Henry Davis, how would that letter be drafted if it were to be done? Councilmember Oliver Davis everything that we do is public, so it would be a public letter, everyone speaking on behalf of themselves. Councilmember Henry Davis, I appreciate your leadership on that. Councilmember Dr. Varner how has the letters like this been handled in the past? Council Attorney, we would have a summary, and drafted through the court. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked about clarification of letters drafted. Council Attorney explained different concepts of the letters. A public hearing is now open: Those wishing to speak in favor: Cecil Eastman- 57112 Peach Stone- Spoke in favor, we have a long history of getting our voice heard. The declaration of independence with the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness is being violated if you are unable to marry those you love. If we are excluding anyone, you run the risk of losing the best, my brother moved to California to be wed, a letter would send a bigger message unanimous and it is important to know which councilmembers stand where. David Guther- 863 Forest- Addressed what rights are being taking away in favor of the bill Rhonda Redman- 518 N Scott St- the constitution is meant to protect individuals not meant for discrimination. 10