07-13-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 13, 2009 Mr. Ivan Blount, 1148 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, he stated that as a young black male growing up in South Bend, he faced many challenges. He stated that with the significant loss of revenue that the school corporation is going to face in the next couple of years it is going to make those challenges even more difficult. He stated that the challenge before the Council is a very difficult one, but must be made and taken very seriously. He urged the Council favorable consideration. Mr. Jerry Niezgodski, 2930 Bonds, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is speaking in favor of these bills although he is somewhat reluctant for the simple reason that he does not have sufficient information to determine if the tax increases are enough or too much. He stated that a business would not be successful going to a bank and asking for capital investment without providing income statements and proof of profitability. He stated that while the government is not meant to run at a profit, it is meant to provide efficient outcomes. But without measure of accountability in departments the public has no way of knowing where the money is going and what outcomes they are getting for their tax dollars spent. He stated that he is aware of the need to cut costs and services, but he does not and cannot accept that the City has fully reviewed neither staffing levels nor how the city departments actually operate. He stated that much of the reason for this decision tonight is because of HEA 1001, however the City has wasted two years in which reviews could have been conducted of every city department and introduced accountability to city government which is pretty much non-existent. As long the City refuses to set goals, progress be measured and spending be justified, the city is condoning unaccountable practices they may be wasting tax payers money. Mr. Niezgodski commending those in attendance at the town hall meetings that were conducted by the City Administration and Council, however, he questioned where everyone was when the Council was holding meeting after meeting after meeting about the budget. He asked why were they not in attendance and speaking out during the last six or seven months. He stated that while he is disappointed that the Council and administration may have not done as good a job as he thinks they could have done in applying the budgeting for outcomes process, he stated that he is even more disappointed in the citizens of South Bend who only complain and never get involved, never ask questions and never offer solutions. He stated that he offers two simple challenges: First to the Common Council and the City Administration he strongly urged to begin a true application of the budgeting for outcomes process immediately after the outcome of the meeting tonight. Focus on accountability requires a huge step to finally introduce accountability to the function of local government. His final challenge is to the citizens of South Bend, what ever outcome tonight and tomorrow night at the County Council meeting, do not let this be the last time you attend a meeting. He stated that failure on the citizen’s part to ask questions and offer comments and solutions will only guarantee the continuation of same practices in local government, he urged the citizens of South Bend to demand accountability of local government. He urged the Council’s support of this tax. Ms. Ann Powell, 117 Napoleon, South Bend, Indiana stated that she is urging the Council’s favorable consideration of the local option income tax. She stated that she is a citizen that stands for community sense. She stated that one of South Bend’s greatest assets is its higher learning institutions. She stated that with the loss of revenue for the School Corporation and public services at the libraries, it is going to make it even harder for the youth of the community to attend any of these fine institutions. She also noted that failure to adopt the tax will cause a decline in the government’s ability to provide the kind of services that citizens want from their government. The competitiveness of trying to attract fine faculty for these fine institutions of higher education as well as other industries that the City is trying to attract here will be greatly diminished by not having the services available. She urged the Council to stand up for all the citizens of South Bend and invest in South Bend by passing these bills tonight. Ms. Charlotte Pfeifer, 1013 W. Washington, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she understands how difficult a task this decision is for the Council. She reminded the Council that they were elected to be good stewards for the City and make these kinds of tough decisions. She stated that she hoped the Council would not be swayed by theatrics or hysteria tonight. She stated that it is unfortunate but simply the City needs more 20