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REGULAR MEETING November 25, 2024
<br /> Councilmember Dr. Davis asked if the Merit Board would have a virtual option for member
<br /> attendance.
<br /> Kylie Connell explained that the Merit Board would decide on the format, such as whether
<br /> meetings are held virtually or in a hybrid model, within the first(1 St) few months of its formation.
<br /> Most boards typically have hybrid options, and meetings would likely be open to the public unless
<br /> an executive session is necessary.
<br /> Councilmember Dr. Davis agreed that a hybrid option would be a great idea.
<br /> Councilmember Lee asked for clarification on how the five (5) members of the board would be
<br /> appointed.
<br /> Kylie Connell stated that two (2) members would be appointed by the Mayor, two (2) appointed
<br /> by active members of the entire SBPD, and one (1) appointed by the Common Council.
<br /> Councilmember Lee stated that, as it stands, the board has five (5) members appointed by the
<br /> Mayor, with one Republican and one Democrat, which would maintain party lines if no changes
<br /> were made.
<br /> Kylie Connell clarified that under the state model, if no action is taken, the board would consist of
<br /> five (5) members: two (2) appointed by the Mayor, who must be from opposing political parties,
<br /> one (1) appointed by the Common Council, and two (2) elected by active sworn members, also
<br /> from opposing political parties.
<br /> Councilmember Bolden-Simpson inquired if the councilmembers could motion to amend the
<br /> number of members on the Merit Board.
<br /> Councilmember Canneth Lee confirmed that this was correct.
<br /> Councilmember Lee opened the public hearing.
<br /> Joshua Morgan, President of FOP 36, 701 W. Sample Street, South Bend, IN 46601, expressed
<br /> support for the Merit Board, acknowledging that there would be ongoing discussions. Joshua
<br /> Morgan stated that the key issue was whether to tailor the board to South Bend's needs or adhere
<br /> to the state mandate. He also noted that if things become too complicated or difficult to manage
<br /> with the current ordinance,the FOP can appeal to the state attorney and potentially revert to the
<br /> state mandate.
<br /> Rena Robinson, 914 Lincoln Way West, South Bend, IN 46616, spoke in opposition of the Bill
<br /> and outlined concerns regarding a FOP executive board official.
<br /> Tiana Batiste Waddell, 330 W Colfax Ave, South Bend, IN 46601, spoke in opposition of the Bill
<br /> calling for the Council to focus on inclusion of the black community in South Bend.
<br /> Lee Gloucester, 2110 High Street, South Bend, IN 46613, spoke in opposition to the Bill and
<br /> expressed interest in expanding the number of members appointed by the Common
<br /> Councilmembers.
<br /> Jorden Giger, 302 S. Falcon Street, South Bend, IN 46619, spoke in opposition to the Bill,
<br /> expressing concern that five(5)members are insufficient. Jorden Giger criticized the timing of the
<br /> public hearing and questioned why the public is only now being informed about the issue. Jorden
<br /> Giger suggested that the SBPD should hold the minimum their one-third (1/3) representation on
<br /> the board, and that the board should consist of fifteen (15) members instead.
<br /> Peter Loutzenhiser,4620 Acacia Place, South Bend, IN 46628, spoke in opposition to the Bill and
<br /> expressed interest in expanding the number of members appointed by the Common
<br /> Councilmembers.
<br /> Katheryn Reading, 1134 Lamonte Terrace, South Bend IN 46616, spoke in opposition to the Bill
<br /> and expressed interest in expanding the number of members appointed by the Common
<br /> Councilmembers. She criticized the timing of the public hearing, questioning why the public is
<br /> only now being informed about the issue.
<br /> Councilmember Lee closed the public hearing.
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