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Councilmember Jo M. Broden asked what the backup plan is in regard to the Charles <br />Martin Recreational Center master plan. <br />Mr. Mueller expressed that the Administration is optimistic and has expedited testing <br />around the center. So far, the preliminary testing results do not show any contamination <br />and once further testing is completed construction on the plan will move forward. Plan B <br />would involve spending the bond elsewhere and looking for other funding sources for <br />Charles Black improvements. <br />Councilmember Broden followed up by asking a question regarding the Common <br />Council/DCI partnership alluded to in the presentation slideshow. <br />Mr. Mueller responded that point is in regard to infrastructure funding, especially, <br />sidewalks and roads. The other part relates to community engagement and making sure <br />the neighborhoods are engaged in the process. <br />Councilmember Broden asked a question about the Mayor's plan to collaborate with City <br />schools. <br />Mr. Mueller said the Mayor is interested in exploring an idea that some cities have done <br />which includes exploring a school compact, which formalizes an MOU of how the City <br />will partner with the City of South Bend. <br />Councilmember.Broden also wondered about how the Administration intends to address <br />early childhood education. <br />Mr. Mueller shared that Mayor Pete is a big proponent of early childhood education and <br />that every four (4) year old costs $15 -20 million per year. Currently, the Administration <br />does not have a source of funding if not the State or existing funding, but there's been <br />some movement at the state level in regard to Early Childhood education. The Mayor's <br />Office will continue to advocate in the area and welcomes Council's voice in advocating <br />down state. <br />Councilmember Scott asked about the Administration's plan in regard to strategic <br />purchasing. <br />Mr. Mueller responded that the City is scattered in regard to its purchasing. The plan <br />intends to focus spending on the cheapest vendors and retrieve potential saving in that <br />regard. It also intends to better track purchasing and relates to the Diversity and <br />Inclusion Plan. <br />Councilmember Scott asked if we currently have a metric for the diversity dollars spent <br />within the City. <br />Mr. Mueller responded that we do track that metric; although, he does not have it off <br />hand- it is not good. <br />3 <br />