04-25-16 Community Relations - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Dr. David Varner suggested possibly since there is no current legislation on the old flag, the Mayor could just adopt this by executive order and then no individual person looks like they jumped ship or they are the bad guy. No one from the public spoke in favor of the bill. Those speaking in opposition: Ann Puzzelo, 1247 E. Lasalle Ave. South Bend, stated she had concern about the red star. A six pointed star typically stands for the Jewish symbol. That symbol was not always such a happy thing for them as the Jewish people had to wear that symbol in Nazi Germany and lead to of course the horrors we all know about. At the most recent North East Neighborhood meeting a woman spoke up about that fact and she expressed the six pointed star as a very sad thing because it was used so horribly during that war. The star standing for the Council districts is really strange. There are twenty -three (23) second class cities in Indiana and they all have six (6) Council districts, so this is not something special to South Bend. This City is such a wonderful place and we could find a different symbol on that flag. Gary King, 730 N. Hill St. South Bend, stated the process of this flag selection was deeply flawed. Even though people worked really hard, we don't know who exactly was on the committee. There were two- hundred (200) some designs, Mr. King submitted three (3) of them, and it would have been nice if they would have narrowed that down to twenty (20) or so instead of just three (3). Perhaps they could have displayed the twenty (20) or so flags at the old hall of fame and given people options to vote instead of just a limited option. Mr. King suggested using the torch of Indiana instead of the star, the star is only used in Chicago's Flag. This flag is all over the place even though it has not even been officially adopted. Mr. King stated this new flag does not fit all the requirements of the resolution passed by the Council last fall. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to send Bills 07 -16 and 16 -39 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which passed by a voice vote of three (3) ayes. With no further business before the Committee, Vice - Chairperson Randy Kelly adjourned the meeting at 6:33 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Rand Kell Vice -Ch erson Y Y� IP