02-23-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2009 Councilmember Henry Davis asked if the Prosecutor’s Office has prioritized this division as a want or a need. Councilmember’s Rouse, Puzzello and Dieter stated that they believe the FV/SVU is a great credit to the City of South Bend and St. Joseph County. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated that as a Social Worker in the community this unit is a great asset to St. Joseph County and the City of South Bend and Mishawaka. He advised that he would like to see the City of Mishawaka pitch in and pay for their share of the service that this unit provides. He stated that Mayor Rea advised that during budget time the City of Mishawaka was in good financial shape and did not need LOIT for funding of their 2009 or 2010 budget. He stated that if this was the case then they should have no problem with coming up with their portion of the rent payment. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There was no one present wishing to speak in favor of this bill. The following individuals spoke in opposition to this bill. Kelly Havens, 12023 Timberline Trace, Granger, Indiana, spoke in opposition to this bill. She stated that because of the local government levying taxes and putting that burden on the tax payers to pick up the deficits that the County and Cities are creating this kind of appropriation should not be allow. She questioned the size of the FV/SVU unit. She asked does an entity of this nature need to be this large? She urged the Council to vote against this bill. Rita Kopala, 66559 Ivy Road, Lakeville, Indiana, stated that she watches Politically Speaking on public television. She advised that they make fun of South Bend Politics and all their frivolous spending. She stated that the City needs to prioritize and make the tough decisions on what is really important. She stated that she doesn’t agree with this bill. In Rebuttal, Mr. Dvorak reiterated that this unit protects the most vulnerable in this community, women and children. He noted that 13% of the cases were for domestic violence alone, and noted that this percentage does not include, rape, batteries and child abuse. He urged the Council’s favorable consideration. Councilmember Dieter made a motion for favorable recommendation to the full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember LaFountain seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 09-09 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING $25,000.00 FROM THE MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF NECESSARY SERVICE, REPAIR, AND REPLACEMENT OF THE HOT WATER HEATER AND 120 GALLON STORAGE TANK IN THE MECHANICAL ROOM OF THE MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (FUND NUMBER 416) Councilmember Puzzello, Chairperson, PARC Committee reported that this Committee held a public hearing on this bill this afternoon and sends it to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. 5