10-28-2024 Common Council Meeting Minutes (Signed)

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2024 neighbors, with several expressing enthusiasm for industrial development and support for local businesses.A follow-up virtual meeting had no public attendees. Matt Cain, the petitioner and President of HRP Construction, with offices at 5777 Cleveland Rd, South Bend, IN 46628, shared that his company has always been based in South Bend, despite relocating three times.As a water and wastewater contractor, the City of South Bend has been a significant customer. Currently, HRP Construction employs sixty (60)people, with that number fluctuating seasonally. They have outgrown their current location and are looking to update and expand while remaining within the city limits of South Bend. Councilmember Lee held the public hearing, and nobody spoke. Councilmember Dr. Davis expressed gratitude to the petitioner for their commitment to keeping their business in South Bend and for taking the time to meet with the neighbors. Councilmember Lee noted that as the representative for the first district, he is pleased to witness more growth and development in the area. Council President McBride motioned to send Bill No. 44-24 to the Full Council during the November 13, 2024 Council meeting with favorable recommendation, which was seconded by Councilmember Dr. Davis and carried by a vote of nine(9) ayes. Council President Sharon McBride—Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski—Aye Councilmember Canneth Lee—Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Aye Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye 61-24 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FIXING THE ANNUAL PAY AND MONETARY FRINGE BENEFITS OF SWORN MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH BEND FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025 (SUBSTITUTE) Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its second(2°d)reading. After the second (2nd)reading, Councilmember Lee requested the committee report. Councilmember Niezgodski stated that Substitute Bill No. 61-24 went before the Personnel and Finance Committee and comes with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Lee requested that the petitioner(s) state their name and address and share key points before the council. Kyle Willis, City Controller, with offices on the 121h floor of the County-City building, stated that this bill addresses the salary structure for sworn members of the South Bend Fire Department. It authorizes a ten percent (10%) salary increase for firefighters, along with a two thousand five- hundred-dollar ($2,500) residency bonus. The bill also eliminates the third-class firefighter position and raises the starting pay for recruits from forty-eight thousand dollars($48,000)to fifty- six thousand dollars($56,000).This adjustment comes because of successful negotiations, leading to a one-year contract between the union and the fire department. Fire Chief Carl Buchanon, 1222 South Michigan Street, South Bend IN 46601, expressed his gratitude to the Council and city administration for their successful negotiations and acknowledged the dedication of the men and women who serve the community. Russ Buysse,Fire Fighter and Local 362 President,4025 Lincolnway West, South Bend,IN 46628, expressed appreciation to the Mayor and the Councilmembers who participated in the negotiations, highlighting their pivotal role in achieving the positive outcomes we are witnessing. The one-year contract created will help address staffing conflicts moving forward, ensuring smoother operations and better service for the community. 3