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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – January 8, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 8 <br /> <br />• Support the City’s clean transportation goals <br />• Provide convenience for residents and visitors transitioning to <br />electric vehicles <br /> <br />Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers inquired about what the cost is to <br />charge an electric vehicle. Mr. Bazán stated that there is no cost with a <br />limit of two hours at nine (9) locations with twenty-five (25) ports at <br />various locations around the City. Vice President Relos asked about <br />enforcement of the time limit and Mr. Bazán stated that currently it’s the <br />honor system. Commissioner Shaw spoke in favor of the request and <br />asked where the funds will go once we are reimbursed. Mr. Bazán stated <br />that the money will go back into the TIF district. Commissioner Ellison <br />asked about how far a Level 2, two-hour charge would be and Mr. Bazán <br />explained that depending on the vehicle, it could go up to approximately <br />50 miles. Sue Kesim expressed concerns and would like to know costs. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Gillian Shaw for approval, seconded by David Relos, <br />the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Budget <br />Request as presented on January 8, 2026. <br /> <br />4. Budget Request (O’Brien Park Splashpad & Restroom Project) <br />Zak Tebell, Project Engineer, presented a budget request for $1,700,000 <br />to be used for major improvements around the park. This includes the <br />installation of a new restroom building near the splashpad meeting <br />Indiana Pool Code IAC 20-5-25 and the replacement of the existing <br />playground and the existing splashpad, both of which are nearing the <br />end of their useful life cycles, as well as the addition of formal parking <br />spaces along the park, increasing safety from vehicle traffic. The funds <br />will also contribute to the construction of new sidewalk from Michigan <br />St. to Fellows St. increasing pedestrian safety and further connecting the <br />park to surrounding neighborhoods. <br /> <br />Secretary Wax spoke in favor of the project; however, he would like a <br />better breakdown of the costs between the splashpad, playground, <br />restroom and sidewalks. Mr. Wax also asked if the community had input <br />regarding the design of the playground. <br /> <br />John Martinez, Director of Facilities and Grounds with VPA, stated that <br />we’ve worked closely with our Recreation Division and Cynthia <br />Simmons’ team on the playground design, considering everything from <br />color choices to ensuring it meets the needs of our core age groups—5–7 <br />and 8–13 years old. To make the space more engaging, we’re adding <br />some exciting features, including two zip lines to attract older kids and <br />teens who may not currently use the playground. Our approach is