07-13-15 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 13, 2015 Councilmember Dieter — Henry alluded that there is nothing written down now that says that you have to be 18 and under correct? (Council President Scott answered that is correct) So in theory the company can have people in their 20's. Again Henry is correct as that's where I had problems earlier. We'll get back to that later. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Those wishing to speak in favor of: Kory Lantz, 615 Cushing St., South Bend — I went to Bethel College, started an after school leadership and mentorship program. I've been working with the youth for now six (6) years. Through teaching in the classroom wasn't making the full impact that we were looking for. So we decided how can we give them life experiences? So we started a business called Greater Impact Lawn Care to teach them how to handle responsibilities and the necessary jobs skills that it takes to be successful. We hire nine (9) youth, eight (8) of them have never held a job before. We allow them to have a stepping stone for another jobs. If this passes we are in favor of it and would like to be a part of the bidding process. Jason Banicki- Critchlow, 3822 W. Ford St., South Bend— I am definitely one of the hardest hit districts by the uncut grass. I applaud you at looking at this innovative approach to solve this problem. I have one thing to say I wish that speaking on the last council meeting about the Mayor being here, well now he was here and then he left. We talked about Phil St. Clair being here to explain the Parks Department and what's the root cause, hopefully we can get those answers eventually as I do think this is something that the city needs to get these lawns cuts. This gives the youth the opportunity to be productive parts of society moving forward. Kathryn Schuth, 911 Leland Ave., South Bend— I am strongly supportive of this program. The dual benefit in my point of view is the youth program as a pilot program but also, as I live on the near northwest side, there is an increase in vacant properties. Which is coming from the success of the demolish properties, increasing in numbers that aren't being maintained by the city. It is not satisfactory when we hear the city is doing all that it can, when that is not enough. One of the benefits is a sense of accountability and going back to these companies to work. I hope that you consider it. Larry Turner, Turners & Sons Professional Services South Bend— We are in support of this. I have been working on projects over the last few years. We talk about not only the youth but the adults entering back in to the system from drug use and/or being incarcerated. We are not limited to just 15 -19 years old. But as we get older we use them to mentor our youth and guide them to avoid some of the pitfalls that happened to them. We are in favor as an entrepreneur we need to work to sustain our various programs that we have. We are not looking to get rich because we give back to the community. I'm also a product of earlier programs like this. This works two- fold, after the youth work and realize the efforts that they use to help the community improve they don't abuse it. I'm working with about 80 lots with various agencies on the near north side area and Heritage Foundation. Due to those agencies we get help with our youth, they help us, and we also help the community by aiding certain agencies to beautify the city. Your right this is a pilot program so we don't have all the answers. But it is a beginning a step to figure it out and involve others in the process. This is a win/win situation and we appreciate the opportunity if given a chance. Becky Kaiser, 913 Diamond Ave, South Bend — I am for this for a couple reasons. At least once a month we hear people to say what are we going to do about youth and crime. Then I hear others say that the youth have nothing to do as they can't get a job. From my understanding this is a resolution not an ordinance, this is our exploring devise to see what the feel of the community and the council is going forward. To figure out the criteria is a great idea. We have a need, we have a lot of young people with a need. I don't care if they make it $10. There will have to be older people involved as it will be a mentoring program. I am completely for this so that we can make it a program. 30