11-25-2024 South Bend Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING November 25, 2024 Councilmember White stated that she is not opposed to the merit board and acknowledged that it will be established regardless.Councilmember White expressed openness to increasing the number of members on the board. Councilmember Dr. Davis stated in agreement that the process has been delayed and that the community feels excluded. Councilmember Dr. Davis suggested that increasing the number of members on the board would help remedy these issues. Councilmember Dr. Davis personally prefers a fifteen (15)member board and would not accept fewer than nine (9)members. Councilmember Tomas Morgan stated support for the proposed five-member (5) Merit Board, recognizing the benefits of tailoring it to South Bend's needs while maintaining the Board of Public Safety's positive work. She emphasized that smaller boards promote accountability and that having a Council appointment as the fifth(51 )member would ensure a decisive vote in situations requiring a tie breaker. Council Vice President Niezgodski stated support for the structure of Substitute Bill No. 65-24, noting it mirrors the current five-member (5) Board of Public Safety. Council Vice President Niezgodski acknowledged that expanding the board could complicate decision-making. Council President McBride expressed support for a seven-member (7) board, considering it as a balanced option among the five(5), seven (7), and nine-member(9). Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers emphasized the importance of ensuring board members are committed and show up regularly, as attendance has been an issue with past selections. Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers called for patience and civility in the discussion, encouraging everyone to make thoughtful and wise decisions moving forward. Councilmember Warner expressed support for the five-member (5) Merit Board, noting that it preserves the structure of the Board of Public Safety while giving the union a voice in the process. Councilmember Warner also mentioned the potential challenges of having different numbers on separate boards for police and fire departments, emphasizing the importance of consistency. Councilmember Bolden-Simpson acknowledged the public's surprise about the process and expressed support for a nine-member(9) Merit Board, emphasizing the importance of checks and balances. Councilmember Bolden-Simpson argued that while it may be challenging,it is necessary for meaningful change and better representation, particularly giving the public and the FOP a voice. Councilmember Lee emphasized that the proposed structure maintains much of the current system while adding flexibility. The new structure would give the Mayor and the FOP two (2) appointments each,with the Council having one(1). Councilmember Lee acknowledged that while the proposal may cause concerns, it offers a local solution rather than defaulting to the state statute, which would impose a more rigid, partisan structure. Councilmember Lee also noted the efforts made to ensure the changes were legal and workable. Councilmember Bolden Simpson motioned to amend Substitute Bill No. 65-24 to specify that the Merit Board should consist of nine members, with three (3) appointed by the South Bend Police Department (SBPD), three (3) by the Mayor, and three (3) by the Common Council, which was seconded by Councilmember Dr. Davis and failed with a vote of four(4) ayes and five(5) nays. Council President Sharon McBride—Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski —Nay Councilmember Canneth Lee—Nay Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Nay Councilmember Troy Warner—Nay Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Aye Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan—Nay Councilmember Dr. Davis motioned to amend Substitute Bill No. 65-24 to specify that the Merit Board should consist of fifteen (15) members, which was seconded by Councilmember Bolden- Simpson and failed with a vote of three(3) ayes and six (6)nays. Council President Sharon McBride—Nay Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski—Nay Councilmember Canneth Lee—Nay Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Nay 7