03-14-2022 Common Council Meeting Minutes (Signed)

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REGULAR MEETING March 14. 2022 At 8:04 min. Councilmember Troy Warner made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Canneth Lee seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. Councilmember Canneth Lee, Chairperson, presiding. Councilmember Canneth Lee explained the procedures for the meeting per Article 1, Section 2- 11 of the South Bend Municipal Code. PUBLIC HEARINGS BILL NO. 08-22 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THF. CITY OF THE SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR CERTAIN DEPARTMENTAL AND CITY SERVICES OPERA PIONS FOR THE YEAR 2022 OF $183,000 FROM THE LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTINUING EDUCAl'ION FUND (#220), $7,800,000 FROM THE LOCAL INCOME, TAX - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND (#408), $180,000 FROM THE SEWAGE WORKS OPERATING FUND (#641), AND $347,697 FROM THE EQUIPMENT/VLHICLE LEASING FUND (#750) Vice President Sheila Niezgodski stated that Bill No. 08-22 was previously heard by the Personnel and Finance Committee and comes forth with a favorable recommendation. Dan Parker, City Controller, with offices on the twelfth (121h) floor of the County -City Building, presented Bill No. 08-22. Councilmember Eli Wax asked, according to the current arrangement between the City and County, can South Bend legally exit the arrangement at any time. Dan Parker responded affirmatively. There would be no penalty for early termination. Councilmember Eli Wax asked about the drop from eighty-five percent (85%) to seventy percent (70%) of usable square footage. Dan Parker responded that all the building's mechanicals are on the fifth (5'h) floor, whereas in other buildings, such as schools, there are rooms designated for such a purpose. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. asked about new buildouts versus this situation. Dan Parker responded that the average cost of new commercial construction is two hundred dollars ($200) to three hundred dollars ($300) per square foot, which is just shy of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) for this project, not including furniture or land costs. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. stated that discussing the value of a building before taking it over would be useful for public trust. He has asked contractors, and no one quoted over one hundred and fifty dollars ($150) per square foot. Dan Parker responded that an external appraisal by the School Corporation determined the value of the building. Councilmember Karen L. White asked if more officers are using the continuing education. Dan Parker responded the funding is related to justice assistance grants from the Department of Justice. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan stated that she appreciates the environmental and sustainable impact of re -using existing buildings rather than building new ones. She asked if there was a consideration of other buildings. 3