06-08-09 Common Council Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 8, 2009 Councilmember Varner made a motion to refer Bill Nos. 09-43 and 09-44 to the Zoning and Annexation Committee and set them for Public Hearing and Third Reading on June 22, 2009. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Henry Davis advised that he is going to get back to LaSalle Square and find out what ever happened for the funding for that project. He stated that they have not yet to date see any TIF dollars funded to that area, outside of what is being used to pay for some consultants to come and give their opinion on what could be done given the population of the area. He stated that he is going on record stating that the city needs to get on with the needs of the residents living around LaSalle Square. He stated that it seems to him that if not-for-profit organization can get tax dollars, for profit businesses should want to move into the area, the city should be able to facilitate that and quickly as possible. He stated that the physician’s offices on Bendix Dr. are now open. He stated that he would like to see more retail businesses on the west side of South Bend instead of not-for-profits. The City of South Bend has enough not-for-profit organizations, not paying taxes or generating job creation. He also advised that the perception of the west side of South Bend is not good. He stated that has to stop, because there are good people who live, work, and are raising their families on the west side who deserve better. Council President Dieter asked Councilmember Henry Davis if he would like to have a special meeting under Councilmember Rouse’s Community and Economic Development Committee to have an update from Mr. Jeff Gibney, Director, Economic Development regarding LaSalle Square and also the amount of jobs that have been coming to South Bend, since Mr. Gibney was appointed as the Director. Councilmember Rouse stated so noted. Councilmember White advised that the Health and Public Safety Committee will meet nd upon the recommendation of Councilmember Henry Davis, 2 District, will be having a quality of life ordinance discussion June 10, 2009 at 5:00 p.m., at the University of Notre Dame, Community Relations Office, 217 S. Michigan, South Bend, Indiana. She and Councilmember Henry Davis encourage all Council and members of the public to attend. She stated that this is a continuance of her round-table discussions and taking them to all the various councilmanic districts. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR COMMENTS FROM MS. RITA KOPALA REGARDING NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Rita Kopala, 66559 Ivy Road, Lakeville, Indiana, stated that not-for profits are running ramped on the west side of South Bend. She stated that it is time for the City to say enough is enough. COMMENTS FROM MR. OAKLEY REGARDING THE WHEEL CHAIR RAMP IN FRONT OF THE ROBERTSON APARTMENTS Gene Oakley, 211 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana, commended Councilmember Henry Davis for his efforts in replacing the wheel chair ramp in front of the Robertson’s Apartment Complex. He stated that after the sidewalk renovation by DTSB had taken place the wheel chair ramp was taken out. He stated that there are eleven (11) residents of the apartment complex that are either in wheel chairs or motorized scooters. He stated that when the ramp was taken out, it made for a very dangerous situation for the residents to gain access to the van that takes them to their various doctor appointments, shopping and everyday needs. He again thanked everyone involved noting Councilmember Henry Davis, Councilmember Varner and MaryAnn Myers in the Mayor’s Office for their help. 28