07-13-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING JULY 13, 2009 stated that she wants to keep the quality of life that she has now, along with public safety, schools, parks, and all the services that she has become accustomed to having. She stated that local option income tax needs to be passed for the sole, body, whole cultural and community. Mr. Doug Markell, 1622 Oak Park Drive, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he was a resident of California and the one thing that drew him and his wife here was the Potawatomi Zoo. He stated that they volunteer almost every weekend. He stated that he doesn’t want to lose the zoo. He stated that he enjoys giving back to the community by volunteering his time and educating people on animals. He stated that he works in the RV industry and has not had a pay increase in the last two years and doesn’t see one in for foreseeable future, yet he is in favor of raising the local option income tax. He urged the Council to pass these bills so that the residents of the community don’t lose the services that they have been accustomed to having. He doesn’t want to feel unsafe in his home or lose the precious Potawatomi Zoo and doesn’t think anyone else wants to either. Ms. Rosalinda Leyva, 1148 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is a mother of three and a life long resident of South Bend. She stated that she read in the paper the other day that the fountain in front of the Morris Performing Arts is struggling to keep operating, because of lack of funding for maintenance and cost to run. She stated that she and her family ride their bikes downtown and her daughter loves to put her feet in the fountain. She stated that those are cherished memories that she will have forever and does not want to see the fountain close or be torn down because of lack of funding for repair and maintenance. She stated that her children play sports with the South Bend Parks and Recreation Summer Programs at LaSalle Park and cannot imagine not having those services available. She urged the Council to pass these bills tonight for the children and all residents of South Bend and St. Joseph County. Mr. Todd Skwarcan, 2401 S. Gertrude, South Bend, Indiana, Member of the South Bend Fire Department,(SBFD) stated that he has been with the Fire Department for 15 years and the theme has always been patience. He stated that when the members of the SBFD were paid less than the neighboring county of Elkhart, they were counseled patience’s. He stated that they have had patience’s during these tough economic times, but what the City is asking the SBFD to do now goes way beyond patience’s, they cannot take the kinds of cuts that are being advocated. Ten years ago the city conducted a survey that said they needed two more fire stations to be built as the city began to grow, once again they were told to be patient. He stated that the SBFD needs for the Council to be there and vote in favor of the increase in the local option income tax. He stated that he doesn’t have a cleaver pun like Mr. Ruszkowski stated earlier, but don’t let the SBFD get hosed. The following individuals spoke in opposition to the Resolutions: Mr. John Voll, 1410 E. Wayne, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he realizes that the city is in some hard economic times. He stated that he felt that he could be in favor of this tax increase if he knew things in city government were going to change. He stated that there needs to be more economic growth in the city to help expand the tax base. He stated that he doesn’t support this tax increase because he believes that the city will only increase the taxes each and every time without bringing in new business and economic growth and not curtailing the capital expenditure purchases. Mr. S. J. Szabo, 1355 Mishawka Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he believes that the City of South Bend has not shown the magnitude of the need of these increase in taxes. The dooms day scenario that has been painted by the city administration doesn’t come with any figures and doesn’t demonstrate that any department has taken a cut in its budget. He stated that the alternatives need to be investigated. He stated that the Council should investigate the budget further before passing the tax at .95%. He suggested passing a quarter of that amount. He stated that it will demonstrate a willing to negotiate and to find solutions. Then go back to the budgeting process and reevaluate and see what other alternatives can be found. 24