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REGULAR MEETING November 12, 2018
<br /> Council Attorney Bob Palmer stated, My advice was simply that, to read it into the record, it was
<br /> going to need to be a written resolution. This is a statement from you, as a Council Member, to the
<br /> public.
<br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, Ok, thank you.
<br /> City Clerk Kareemah Fowler stated, From Councilmember Oliver Davis: A Call To Action
<br /> Regarding Weather Amnesty in St. Joseph County, November 11th, 2018. Dear Local City and
<br /> County Elected Officials, Whereas the Homeless Weather Amnesty site serves people from St.
<br /> Joseph County. And, Whereas the cold weather of below freezing temperatures is now in effect in
<br /> our area. And, Whereas the Homeless Weather Amnesty Site was scheduled to be opened on
<br /> November 1st, 2018. And, Whereas the Homeless Weather Amnesty Site requires a fire inspection
<br /> to receive a permit to open is needed. And, Whereas the delay in opening the Weather Amnesty
<br /> Site has caused residents of our area to sleep in the cold. And, Whereas the Homeless Weather
<br /> Amnesty Site is now scheduled to be opened on December 1St, 2018. And, Whereas our local
<br /> governments have buildings which have been used as warming sites. Therefore the following is
<br /> being requested of our local City and County Elected Officials: Section One (1): That our local
<br /> governments open up warming sites until the Weather Amnesty Site is opened for use. Section
<br /> Two (2): That letters be sent from each of our governments to State officials to expedite the
<br /> opening of the site. Section Three (3): That our local governments come together in the year of
<br /> 2019 to plan solutions for homeless populations. Sincerely, South Bend Councilman Oliver Davis,
<br /> District Number Six (6),Vice President of the South Bend Common Council.
<br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, Thank you. Urn, when you look at our goal in reverse, in
<br /> 2019 I would like for us, as you see did not just address the letter just to our local official here in
<br /> the City of South Bend because as we have discussed issues regarding homelessness, it is not just
<br /> a South Bend issue. It is an issue that affects the City of Mishawaka, the City of South Bend, the
<br /> whole St. Joseph County and probably those coming from Michigan and other areas. So it's really
<br /> a time for us, as we have done in other bodies, I really believe in this concept of us local elected
<br /> officials coming together on major issues that have affected all of us. Hopefully in 2019 we can
<br /> have a meeting to invite the City of Mishawaka and the County Leaders to have a full-fledged
<br /> discussion. Not only on the issue of Weather Amnesty but also about what we are already doing
<br /> in our community. We are doing a lot of things and that is why people come here. We need to
<br /> highlight our strengths and also look at ways we can definitely improve.This is back to back years
<br /> we have missed the target date for November 1St and so let's look at what we can put in place on
<br /> an earlier basis. We all know it will snow and it will get cold. So, let's go ahead and do that.
<br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis continued, Point number two(2), I read an article in the South Bend
<br /> Tribune which was good. In terms of some officials may need to be contacted downstate, I don't
<br /> know who they are but if we could determine who they are and if we could individually, or those
<br /> who would like to send a letter, could send a letter and let them know that we would like done
<br /> whatever to be done to expedite the time. I don't want to have to go through the next three (3)
<br /> weeks or so through Thanksgiving and the holidays, that is just a concern of mine. Then I
<br /> explained,in terms of number one(1),when we were looking at bringing everybody together from
<br /> that standpoint.We need to make sure we are on target with everything. Looking at not only a City
<br /> of South Bend effort but a whole community effort of us coming together as elected officials and
<br /> this was sent to all. Because,with all due respect to Mayor Pete, so much of the pressure has been
<br /> on the 14th floor issue regarding this matter and I do believe this should not just be just in his office.
<br /> I think this should be, as you see in the letter, Mayor Wood, President Morton and President
<br /> Kostielney so we can all come together to address this kind of a situation as our local community.
<br /> Any other comments or any other issues you would like to share?
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, I guess I would like to comment. I would like to thank you
<br /> for your initiative in compiling this letter. I support your call for cross-municipality collaboration.
<br /> Foremost, we certainly need to hit this Amnesty date, I mean, that is a minimal threshold for us,
<br /> as a community,to provide. We have a very active community that is huddled,that is meeting and
<br /> providing direct services. They are doing an outstanding job. They are leading the country and
<br /> leading other communities. We have made historical investments and have also dedicated, I think,
<br /> a historical amount of time to try and develop solutions. But missing this deadline, again, I think,
<br /> is very problematic. I think it is indicative of, not just the need for cross collaboration, but also,
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