02-10-14 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 2014 There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Dr. Varner made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. BILL NO. 70 -13 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 8 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE INCLUSION OF NEW SECTION 2 -116.1 CITY RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS Councilmember Henry Davis made a motion for Bill 70 -13 to be continued indefinitely, motion seconded by Councilmember Scott, which carried forward by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. BILL NO. 01 -14 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING THE FIXED SUM OF $150,000.00 PLUS UP TO AN ADDITIONAL $125,000.00 FROM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCOME TAX (EDIT) FUND #408 FOR CAPITAL OBLIGATION PURSUANT TO AGREEMENT WITH THE POTAWATOMI ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY Councilmember Scott made a motion to combine bill 01 -14 and 02 -14 for public hearing, councilmember Varner seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of eight (8). BILL NO. 02 -14 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA TRANSFERRING A NOT -TO- EXCEED SUM OF $900,000.00 WITHIN PARKS AND RECREATION GENERAL FUND #201, FROM PERSONNEL COSTS INTO OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, AND APPROPRIATING SAID MONIES TO SATISFY CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION TO POTAWATOMI ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY Councilmember Dr. Ferlic stated that the Parks Committee met earlier today and send bill 01 -14 & 02 -14 to the full council with favorable recommendation. John City Controller: Both bills relate to implementing the public /private partnership agreement entered in January 1st, with the zoological society. First bill appropriates $150,000 from the edit fund, which is also used for capital, in addition for capital items, the second appropriation $125,00 which $50,000 will be reimbursed to genetics practice under park improvements under the zoo. Second bill transferred $900,000 from personnel categories to a services account to pay for operating costs, of 18 employees were transferred from city employees to the society that's been accomplished. This transfer is made in two payments one payment has been made and its due January 15th of $450,000, second payment June 1st of $450,000 as well 3 employees remaining with the city employment for investment purposes those costs will be deducted from the amount paid to the society, so a little less than $450,000. In the absence of the bills I have Marcy, Executive Director from the zoo and Phil St. Clair from Parks & Recreation Superintendent to answer any questions if you should have any. A Public Hearing was held at this time. Phil St. Clair, Parks & Recreation Superintendent: I would like to offer my support for this bill, I am 6.4 and 6.5 Agreement that we are in obligation to pay these sums per our agreement bottom line this is still less expensive than for us to operate the zoo in 2014 than it was on projected budget, our projection was operating was about $1.1 million so this is a savings, we looked at this contract so creates long -term sustainability for the zoo and create an opportunity for the zoological society to enter into an agreement the zoo will hopefully the zoo on solid ground for years to come. We are excited about the partnership, in the short amount of time during our