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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-27-17 Council Minutes REPORT OF SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES TO THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND: THE SUB-COMMITTEE HAS INSPECTED THE MINUTES OF THE November 27, 2017 MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND FOUND THEM TO BE CORRECT. THEREFORE,WE RECOMMEND THE SAME BE APPROVED: TIM SCOTT z_V_''_�D'_",0 1 z VARNER APPROVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL ON: December 11, 2017 ATTEST: EMAH FO ER, CITY CLERK REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana met in the Council Chambers of the County-City Building on Monday,November 27th, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Council President Tim Scott. The Invocation was given by Pastor Eddie Ruiz of Fish Lake Community Church and Pledge to the Flag was given. ROLL CALL COUNCIL MEMBERS: Tim Scott 1St District, President Regina Williams-Preston 2nd District Randy Kelly 3rd District Jo M. Broden 4th District Dr. David Varner 5th District Oliver J. Davis 6th District, Vice President John Voorde At-Large Gavin Ferlic At-Large, Chairperson Committee of the Whole Karen L. White At-Large OTHERS PRESENT: Kareemah Fowler City Clerk Jennifer Coffman Chief Deputy Clerk Bianca Tirado Deputy Clerk Graham Sparks Clerk Executive Assistant Bob Palmer Council Attorney REPORT FROM THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES The Subcommittee on Minutes were not able to meet and,therefore, the minutes of the November 13th, 2017 Common Council Meeting were not approved at this meeting. SPECIAL BUSINESS BILL NO. 19-2017 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, PUBLICLY RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING MR. LARRY BAUER, MR. DON FOZO, MRS. IRIS OUTLAW, MR. GEORGE EFTA, AND MS. JACKIE RUCKER FOR THEIR LONG-STANDING COMMITMENT TO REBUILDING TOGETHER ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Karen White, Councilmember At-Large, 1912 Malvern Way, stated, I am very proud to be one (1) of the sponsors of this very outstanding resolution. This honors four(4) outstanding individuals who work with Rebuilding Together of St. Joseph County. 1 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 Oliver Davis, 6th District Councilmember, 1801 Nash Street, stated, I am proud to be one (1) of the sponsors of this resolution. A resolution of the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana,publicly recognizing and commending Mr. Larry Bauer, Mr. Don Fozo, Mrs. Iris Outlaw, Mr. George Efta, and Ms. Jackie Rucker for their long-standing commitment to Rebuilding Together St. Joseph County. Whereas, The Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana is humbled to honor and publicly recognize the many years of service performed by the recently resigned Rebuilding Together Board Members. And, Whereas, Mr. Larry Bauer served for twenty-three (23) years from 1994-2017, Mr. Don Fozo served for twenty-three (23) years from 1992-2015, Mrs. Iris Outlaw served for twenty-three (23) years, from 1993-2016, Mr. George Efta served for twenty (20) years from 1996-2016, and Ms. Jackie Rucker served for fourteen(14) years from 2003-2017; and Councilmember Karen White stated, Whereas, Rebuilding Together St. Joseph County, formerly known as "Christmas in April", is a non-profit, community-based partnership of volunteers from local government,businesses and other non-profits, whose purpose is to improve, through rehabilitation, the homes of low-income homeowners—especially the elderly or disabled. And, Whereas, Since St. Joseph County's chapter began in 1989, volunteers have donated their time and services, generating nearly$11.5 million dollars in repairs to 650 homes in eight neighborhoods; and Regina Williams-Preston, 2nd District Councilmember, 838 N. Elmer Street, stated, Whereas, Since 1989, Rebuilding Together has completed projects in many South Bend neighborhoods: Northeast, Southeast, West Washington, Westside/St. Casmir's, Rum Village,Northwest and Near Northwest,Near Westside Partnership Ctr., Marquette/Keller Park, Lincoln School, River Park, Westside, and LaSalle. And, Whereas, Volunteers from the Saint Joseph Valley Building and Construction Trades Council and other skilled contractors and volunteers from community organizations and businesses complete the skilled work, with eighty-nine percent of the donated funds directly benefitting the recipients of the program.Now, Therefore, be it Resolved by the Common Council of the City of South Bend as follows: John Voorde, Councilmember At-Large, 1029 Clermont Drive, stated, Section One (1), It is my distinct honor to publicly commend and honor the service of Mr. Larry Bauer,Mr. Don Fozo,Mrs. Iris Outlaw,Mr. George Efta, and Ms. Jackie Rucker for their countless contributions made to our community through their leadership on the Rebuilding Together Board. Section Two(2),On behalf of the City of South Bend, Indiana, I am most humbled to thank Mr. Larry Bauer, Mr. Don Fozo, Mrs. Iris Outlaw, Mr. George Efta, and Ms. Jackie Rucker for their longstanding service and commitment to our city and wish them all luck in their retirement. Councilmember Karen White stated, Section Three (3), This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Council and approval by the Mayor. We seek your approval of this resolution. President Tim Scott opened the floor to comments from all Councilmembers. Gavin Ferlic, Councilmember At-Large, 1109 Duey Street, stated, Congratulations on all the great work, thank you. Councilmember John Voorde stated, This represents one hundred and three (103) years collectively, in experience, on this board, and that is amazing. Congrats and thank you for all your service. Dr.David Varner, 5th District Councilmember, 1306 Clayton Drive, stated, I know everyone looks forward to the activities of Rebuilding Together every year. In these twenty-four(24) and twenty- five (25) years, we have covered a lot of ground. I appreciate your efforts and leadership. Jo M. Broden, 4th District Councilmember, 1319 Ostego Street, stated, Congratulations. Great vision as board members and great leadership over the years. The impact and longevity alone are just amazing things. I know we have all benefitted from the work you do. I love this program because it is so well orchestrated between the funding partners,the trades and the volunteers from all different areas of our community. What a wonderful legacy to be a part o£ 2 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 Randy Kelly,3 District Councilmember, 1325 E.Wayne Street,stated,$11 million worth of work is remarkable but I don't think it begins to speak to the level of the amount of goodwill you have brought to our community through your work. Thank you so much and congratulations. Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, This is the kind of thing that is really near and dear to my heart. There is really nothing more important. We talk about Maslow's hierarchy and shelter is right there. The whole concept of what this organization has brought to this community is really what makes a community great. I'm honored to bring this resolution to the Council tonight and thank you for your service. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, It is truly an honor to be one (1)of the sponsors. You help us bring Christmas all year around. As a person who is about to be Santa in a few more weeks in our schools, I say thank you. Councilmember Karen White stated, I would not only like to say thank you to the Council but to the four (4) individuals we are honoring today. I also know there are thousands of individuals behind the work that you have done. I really love the title because it speaks to what we, as a community, are looking for. Council President Tim Scott stated, I would like to apologize, I introduced this as Habitat for Humanity. However, I do appreciate everything you all do. Council President Tim Scott then opened the floor to members of the public wishing to speak in favor of or in opposition to the legislation. There were none. He then turned the floor back to the Council for further comment or main motion. Councilmember John Voorde made a motion to adopt Bill No. 19-17 by acclamation. Councilmember Dr. David Varner seconded this motion which carried unanimously by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICES Representing the City Administration: Suzanna Fritzberg and Laura O'Sullivan RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE At 7:15 p.m. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, Chairperson, presiding. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic explained the procedures to be followed for tonight's meeting in accordance with Article 1, Section 2-11 of the South Bend Municipal Code. PUBLIC HEARINGS BILL NO. 68-17 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND SEEKING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 403 S. PARRY STREET COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Oliver Davis, Chair of the Zoning and Annexation Committee, reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation. Angela Smith, Deputy Director of the Area Plan Commission, with offices on the 11th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter of this bill. Ms. Smith stated, The petitioner is seeking to rezone the property highlighted in red. She referenced a slide in the 3 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 presentation(available in the City Clerk's Office). She continued, They are seeking to rezone from SF-2, Single-Family and Two (2)-Family to LI , Light Industrial. It is located on the corner of Parry and Western Avenue. To the north and to the west of the site are properties zoned LI, Light Industrial. To the south of the site are properties zoned SF-2, Single-Family and Two (2)- Family. To the east of the site, across Parry Street, are apartments zoned MU, Mixed-Use. There used to be single family home on the site which was demolished to make way for an expansion of the Robert Henry Corporation. Under the site plan they provided, the amount of parking would not be permitted under the setbacks however they were granted a variance subject to the rezoning decision. The existing site is only zero point seven(0.7) acres and it is proposed to be a gravel storage lot that would be screened by an eight (8) foot opaque fence and landscaping along Parry Street. This comes to you from the Area Plan Commission(APC)with no recommendation on the rezoning and a favorable recommendation on the Special Exception use. This is a two (2)part ordinance that includes the rezoning to the LI, Light Industrial, and a special exception use for outdoor storage in excess of twenty percent(20%) of the total gross floor area of buildings on the lot. Since there are no buildings on the lot, that threshold is exceeded pretty quickly with this site plan. Mike Danch, Danch, Harper& Associates,1643 Commerce Drive, South Bend, IN, served on behalf of the petitioner of this bill. Mr. Danch stated, I am representing the petitioner, Robert Henry Corporation. We are asking to rezone from the SF-2 district to the LI district for approximately only 3,000 square feet of area. We are trying to take the lot that had a house on it and make it a better area. The owner had received support from the Department of Community Investment at the time of purchase. We wanted to be sure we did exactly what we need to do to be able to move forward with the gravel area. We are committing to an eight(8) foot high wood screening fence. The setback coming back from the sidewalk right-of-way on Parry Street is about ten(10) feet. It will be a landscaping area. Not only would we have the wood screening fence but we would have the landscaping. We are also asking Council for that special exception for the gravel area. The Robert Henry Corporation has spoken to the neighboring residents as well as the Howard Park Neighborhood Association. There have been some neighbors worried about how this might affect their neighborhood plan. This rezoning is only temporary as is the gravel. This temporary status gives the ability in the future to move forward with the neighborhood plan. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mary Bundy, 318 S. Frances Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I'm here representing the residents of the Howard Park Neighborhood as President of the Howard Park Neighborhood Association. We had Steve Henry come to our neighborhood meeting and all of the people at that meeting, by the time the meeting was over, had no opposition. We are generally in favor of this being the best use of the property for the time being. I then walked the neighborhood and approached people who were not at the neighborhood meeting and, out of those residents and property owners, there was no opposition. In fact,they were all for it and were hoping for a privacy fence. In general, we are for this use of the property.No matter what happens with this property, it will not affect the ongoing development. In fact I think this is better for the neighborhood. Someone said the City isn't taking this plot of land seriously toward planning for more residential development. What I would like to say to that is this neighborhood is driven by the market. People want to live here. It is a great area and highly walkable. The more the people move to it,the more that will drive Robert Henry Corporations out. With all due respect, we want it to be residential and we will get there. However for the time being, I don't think this adversely affects those plans. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to send Bill No. 68-17 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Tim Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 70-17 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST 4 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 CORNER OF NILES AVENUE AND CEDAR STREET, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Oliver Davis, Chair of the Zoning and Annexation Committee, reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation. Angela Smith, Deputy Director of the Area Plan Commission, with offices on the 11th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter of this bill. Ms. Smith stated, The petitioner is seeking to rezone just over an acre at the northeast corner of Niles and Cedar. This would be a parking lot to serve the Beacon Health Employees nearby. The site is currently split zoned between CBD, Central Business District and MU,Mixed-Use. This rezoning would bring it all under the CBD, Central Business District zoning. To the north and east of the site are properties zoned MU, Mixed-Use. To the west and south of the site are properties zoned CBD, Central Business District. The site is currently vacant. There is a grade change the petitioner would need to address during the development process. The one point two (1.2) acre site will be used for a parking lot for approximately one hundred and seven (107) parking spaces. The site plan shows the appropriate landscaping and, for the majority of it, the setback is consistent with that. There is a small area where the property lines don't follow the rest of the property lines. If rezoned, they received a variance for a setback reduction subject to the rezoning being passed by Council. This comes to you from the Area Plan Commission with a favorable recommendation. Rezoning the site to CBD, Central Business District will bring the entire parcel under a common zoning destination and allow for a cohesive development of the site consistent with the character of the area. Mike Danch, Danch, Hamer & Associates,1643 Commerce Drive, South Bend, IN, served on behalf of the petitioner of this bill. Mr.Danch stated, What we are trying to do is have a consistent zoning for this particular area. What Beacon Health would like to do is add additional parking. They have an administrative office just about a block north of this site that employs about one hundred and seventy-five (175)people. That facility only has about eighty-six(86)parking spaces so what they would like to do is get additional parking for their employees. We would make an underground retention area for drainage to avoid any runoff into Niles Avenue. We did receive that variance for the setback. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to send Bill No. 70-17 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 71-17 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1032 WAYNE STREET, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Oliver Davis, Chair of the Zoning and Annexation Committee, reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation. Angela Smith,Deputy Director of the Area Plan Commission,with offices on the I Vh floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter of this bill. Ms. Smith stated, The petitioner is seeking to rezone the property located on the southwest corner of Wayne and Eddy. It is a small parcel that contains a residential structure currently zoned SF-2, Single-Family and Two (2)-Family. It was rezoned from the MU, Mixed-Use District in 2009 to the SF-2 District. The owner at the time believed that would help them with their property taxes so they rezoned. To the north and east of the site are homes zoned both SF-1 and SF-2. To the south of the site are offices zoned MU, Mixed-Use. The side of the residence facing Wayne has residential character but as you move south along Eddy Street, you can see a more business-like character to the side of the property. Parking is located to the rear of the site. The site plan proposes no changes to the site. This comes to you with a favorable recommendation from the Area Plan Commission. Rezoning this site to MU,Mixed-Use,will allow for the adaptive reuse of a structure that could be used for offices and residential that is consistent with the character of the area. 5 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 Brad Emberton, 26230 Twin Lakes Trail, South Bend, IN, served on behalf of the petitioner of this bill.Mr.Emberton stated,It is hard to add to Ms. Smith's presentation.This property was used as commercial property for nearly one hundred (100) years and was mistakenly rezoned. They never turned it into residential property and we think it makes sense to turn it back to its modular use. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked, Did you speak with the surrounding neighbors to see if they were in support of this? Mr. Emberton replied, Yes, we met with the neighborhood association to explain our plan and answer questions, and they seemed to be in favor of it. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Adam Toering, 236 S. Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, stated, I am a member of that neighborhood association and we were in favor of it.I also serve as Deputy Director of the Historic Preservation Commission and, this property being a historic landmark, we would like to see it in use as opposed to being vacant. Councilmember Jo M. Broden asked, Is the petitioner aware that this is a historic property? Mr. Emberton replied, Yes, we are. Councilmember Randy Kelly made a motion to send Bill No. 71-17 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember John Voorde seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 80-17 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROVING AN 1NTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND THE COUNTY OF ST. JOSEPH TO PROVIDE CITY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY(THE HPC) AND AMENDING CHAPTER 2 ARTICLE 4, SECTION 2-13, SUB-PART (B) (7) OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCLUDE THIS AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, Chair of the Community Investment Committee, reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with no recommendation. James Mueller, Executive Director of Community Investment with offices on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend,IN, served as the presenter of this bill.Mr. Mueller stated, The ordinance before you does two (2) main things. The first being the placement of responsibilities of Historic Preservation in the Department of Community Investment,as contemplated in the 2018 Budget. Secondly, it ratifies an Interlocal Agreement between the County and the City. There was some lengthy discussion during the budget process and also earlier today in Committee.If we were able to find the original Interlocal Agreement,the primary changes we would be seeking to amend would be purely on the staffing component. So the changes we are looking at are only on the staffing component. However, we were unable to find the preexisting Interlocal Agreement. For peace of mind, this new Interlocal Agreement ensures that if someone does find the original Interlocal Agreement, this new agreement would supersede the old agreement. With that, the Historic Preservation Commission was never really contemplated to have any structural or procedural changes at this time. The things contemplated were purely budgetary and the oversight of the staff. There will be second legislative action needed by the Council to amend the Historic Preservation parts of the Municipal Code. That is set to go before the Area Plan Commission meeting in December 2017, and will come to this Council sometime in January 2018. We have heard, at the request of the community and Councilmembers, that the Historic Preservation 6 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 Commission needs to be more customer-service minded and we will work tirelessly to make sure that happens. Councilmember Karen White inquired about the timeframe and deadlines that come with this Interlocal Agreement. Mr. Mueller stated, This is an Interlocal Agreement that has to be approved by four (4) main bodies. It has to be approved by both the Common Council and the County Council as well as ratified by the Mayor and the County Commissioners. It has to be the same text in all of those votes. If we were to make changes, given our timeline, it would be hard to get them onto all the agendas without special sessions. Councilmember Jo M. Broden followed up asking, So it would be difficult but not impossible? Mr. Muller replied, Practically, it is very difficult but I wouldn't say impossible. All these bodies could have special sessions. Councilmember Jo M. Broden interjected, Would it require special sessions if, let's say we work on it jointly this week to make sure everybody is apprised of the changes? My assumption is that hasn't happened yet where the County Council and Common Councilmembers have gotten together and looked at this,jointly, together. Does the calendar allow changes to the Interlocal? Councilmember Oliver Davis asked, What day does the County Council meet? Angela Smith,Deputy Director of the Area Plan Commission, with offices on the 11th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, stated, The Commissioners meet on the 11t and 3rd Tuesdays of each month and the Council meets on the 2"a Tuesday of each month. Their committees are typically held on the 4th Tuesday,however, in December 2017 they are meeting on December 19. Council President Tim Scott stated, With all due respect, Councilmember Broden, you are assuming the County Councilmembers want to be a part of this process. Every Councilmember I've talked to in the County doesn't care about it now that the budget decision has been made. I also don't understand what changes you are recommending. Are you recommending certain changes to the Interlocal Agreement right now? Councilmember Jo M. Broden replied, Yes, I would like to make some changes to the Interlocal Agreement. Or at least make sure changes were contemplated in the process. Specifically, one (1) change would be with regard to the termination clause. If either side terminates within this Interlocal Agreement,to go from a joint board to separate boards.Operating independently by City and County. One (1) possible amendment to this agreement would be to include the options, not the requirement,to revert to the previous structure,which they are currently operating under,or to the Area Plan Commission. What this agreement proposes as of now actually precludes us from looking at those options in the future. A second change to consider is giving more clarity to the evaluative measures and who exactly is responsible for that. Even the reporting requirements precludes us as a Council. If we are going to be adding an entire department, I would like to be in the position, as a Councilmember, to address this oversight portion of it. Apparently there is a transition plan. I assume that is a draft plan at this point, but I would like to see that presented to us.I would like to know what the benchmarks and evaluative measures are before taking a vote on this. Councilmember Tim Scott asked, Would the County ever take this Commission back into their budget if there was severability? Mr. Mueller replied, Almost certainly, they would not and they don't have the resource to do so. Those options are simply off the table. Councilmember Dr. David Varner stated, From an administrative perspective, Mr. Mueller has stated we have two (2) steps we need to take care of. One (1) is tonight and one (1) is by the end of the year. From an administrative perspective going forward, under the Department of Community Investment, do you believe the management can be handled? Or do you anticipate there will be more changes? Mr.Mueller replied,We fully anticipate to be able to execute what is contemplated in the Interlocal Agreement. We can't say,for certain,what the County will decide to do in the middle of next year or the year after that. I imagine they will stick with it. 7 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Elicia Feasel, Executive Director Historic Preservation Commission, 125 S. Lafayette Boulevard, South Bend, IN, stated, I am here to speak in support of the Interlocal Agreement and the transferring of the Historic Preservation Commission to the City, particularly the Department of Community Investment from St.Joseph County.With that said,I would like to speak to the process to which this has been done. It is not easy for me to say in a public forum. We were concerned there would be a loss of services to citizens of St. Joseph County. One (1) thing in the Interlocal Agreement is that the County has decided on$11,250 as their budget for Historic Preservation for 2018. That is three hundred (300) hours at $37.50 per hour. That is not adequate to cover the services we currently provide to the County. We are the only Code Enforcement that the County has. We follow minimum maintenance standards for the County which is enforced by the Building Department. In order to do minimum maintenance standards surveying, we actually have to travel to the County landmarks, of which there are seventy-four (74). That is something we have found to take approximately fifteen (15) months, in addition to our schedule of the office, to get out to all seventy-four(74)landmarks. We provide a report to those owners. We spoke to an owner today that owns a farm on Portage Road and she said the minimum maintenance standards surveys are helpful to property owners because rather than being reactionary, they are a proactive tool to help the owners understand what problems may be showing on their property. It serves as an invitation to work with the Historic Preservation Commission. We just don't feel only six (6) hours a week would be adequate to do that work. Ms. Feasel continued, In our attempts to preserve our function within the County, we spoke to the County Council and I think, at that time, we were perceived as being adversarial. I would like to say very sincerely to you that it was not adversarial to becoming a City Department, my concern was about the process. It was about, for the last however many years you all have been discussing this,I was under the impression this was a discussion about balancing the budget,not a full transfer, and I was not involved in those conversations. That being said, I am very much in support of this shift because after the Councils voted on their budgets, we immediately begin working with the Department of Community Investment to create a transition plan. We will not have a loss of services. In the last month, I have felt very welcomed and well aligned with the planning department. I think we will find further efficiencies that will allow us to continue serving the County. We have received a number of calls from County landmark owners that are concerned and actually frustrated at how little they were included in this process. Adam Toering, 236 S. Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN, stated, My first day with Historic Preservation was September 5,2017. We were notified on September 6,2017 that this process was to come about. Since that point, I have attended a number of County Council meetings to advocate on behalf of these landmark property owners to ensure all needs are met. We can all agree to the imbalance of the payment structure so we look forward to that being rectified. Elicia and I had our concerns throughout this process but we look forward to this resulting in stream-lined operations that this opportunity brings to us. We look forward to digitizing our records. I implore you to make this happen because we want to keep working. Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, A couple of additional amendments I have are to require transition updates to the Common Council and the HPC Commission. The current agreement does not specify to whom in the County that update would go. And specifically we need to have those transition updates benchmarked against the yet-to-be-seen transition plan. Another recommended change,that I think the benefit of additional time could help us look at,could be us working closely with DCI, the Historic Preservation Staff as well as the Commission and representatives of the County. Within this agreement, there is a monthly staff requirement report on activities and time and it is only limited to the calendar year of 2018. Yet this agreement contemplates an automatic renewal. To automatically renew without an evaluation process from the main legislative bodies is just an oversight. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic asked, Just to clarify, would you like to right now, Councilmember Broden, make any of these specific amendments into motions? Councilmember Jo M.Broden replied,I guess my first recommendation is,if it does not necessitate special meetings by the Council,that we actually postpone this vote and work to clean up some of these issues and then, short of that, yes I would like to include the four (4) or five (5) I have mentioned tonight so I will revisit that later. Alternatively, I guess, is if there is a way to integrate the legislative bodies within this agreement to have a more specific evaluative role going forward. 8 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 I can make the amendments but I'm not keen to doing that on the floor, I think that is poor legislative action. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic then asked, Is the document that is being considered by the County Council the same as this one? If we made a few minor changes to this document, what is the opportunity it could be passed through the County with adequate time? Mr. Mueller replied, I think it would be very difficult to get the same text approved by all four (4) bodies by the end of the year if there were any amendments to this document tonight. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked, Have all four (4) bodies already seen this yet? Mr. Mueller replied, Either they have been introduced or they are on the agenda to be introduced. Councilmember Oliver Davis then asked, I mean it might be on their agenda but have they all, in a sense,seen it?Have they given you a good impression that they are willing to go with it?Because if they haven't all seen it, if we pass this tonight with amendments, wouldn't that be the one that has to be in their agenda? Mr. Mueller replied,These Interlocal Agreements are complicated.There are four(4)bodies,there are nine (9) of you, nine (9) on the County Council, three (3) Commissioners and the Mayor involved in this. There have been representatives of all these bodies in these discussions. The County is not interested in making any further changes and they are ready to move it through their process in both bodies. Councilmember Oliver Davis interrupted,My thing is this. Listening to Councilmember Broden's suggestions and given the fact that the County won't finance anything and don't care, the issue then comes to be what we care about. If we have the majority,would that not encourage the Mayor to sign along with that, too? That is two (2) of the bodies that would be really well equipped. And the Commissioners, since they have the same issue with that standpoint because the funding is coming through us, would that not expedite the time? Mr. Mueller replied, It is possible we could make changes and come to a new agreement with the County. Based off of how they have gone so far, it is very unlikely you'll even get an answer in time to move it through the appropriate bodies. Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, The question that I'm trying to get in my brain is what makes the County give us a delayed answer on the current document more than an amended document? Haven't they already seen it? Mr. Mueller replied, Certain representatives of those bodies have seen this document and have signed off on it. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, So are we the last ones in this, with all fairness to us? Mr. Mueller replied,No, you are actually the first ones to go through the full process of it all. Councilmember Oliver Davis, I should put it this way then. So, in those other bodies, it has not come before them in a full meeting? Mr. Mueller replied, No because they were in the budget process. They had a number of conversations, as did we, about this transition. There were some written questions that we have responded to. Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, So basically, outside of budgetary questions, have they had that opportunity? That is what I am saying. We know they have all gone through the budget side of it, but this second phase, have they seen that one (1)? It seems to me that, from talking to everybody who has talked to me this evening, the current document, if we pass it, is a green light for everybody else. What gives everybody that confidence that it is such a green light? Versus, if we made a few changes, what would give everybody the yellow light? I haven't had that really explained to me clearly tonight. I heard there was only one(1) meeting in December,but now I'm told tonight that there are two (2) meetings in December. Do you see what I'm saying? Are we cool? Mr. Mueller replied, From the City perspective,the biggest issue was the staffing change. This, as I mentioned earlier, is purely contemplated as a staffing change from the County staff payroll to the City staff payroll. There are these other associated questions but that was the primary concern was whether the City would be willing to take on the staff.That was discussed and approved during the budget cycle. Some of these reporting requirements for the County don't apply because they 9 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 no longer oversee the staff. We, however, are happy to come in whenever you guys want because we do that all the time. What makes the County comfortable right now is not blowing through that three hundred(300) hour cap. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, I'm glad you said that.Basically,what I'm hearing from you, that as long as we don't blow through their three hundred (300) hour cap, these other issues that Councilmember Broden raised are non-issues? What in the world would the County have issues with Councilmember Broden's concerns,then? Mr. Mueller replied, If the Council wants to put the passing of this in jeopardy by adding changes they can do this. All other bodies are ready to move forward on this and it is the first time I have been made aware of these concerns brought to me today. Councilmember John Voorde stated, I think we all recognize the importance of the Historic Preservation and their function. They preserve our heritage and hold onto what has made us what we are today.The work their staff has done,to date,is commendable. There was a disproportionate workload between the City and County. The City was only paying thirty percent (30%) yet receiving seventy percent (70%) of the work. Had there been discussions to just increase the funding to seventy percent (70%), I'm not sure I would have voted for that because there would have been no oversight. Now that it is intended to be under the City, we will have all sorts of oversight and evaluative measures.We can ask the Department,at any time,to report on that aspect of their department. As a Council I think we have to keep in mind our responsibility is legislative and oversight,not administrative.We shouldn't get into the minutiae of details in how departments are run. I think it is a vote of confidence in how the Department of Community Investment runs to continue the good work you do. I don't think it is our role to decide who is doing what and how they go about doing it. We have been through two (2) cycles of Priority Based Budgeting. The second year was better than the first and I contemplate that the third year is going to be better than last year in terms of meaningful review of goals, objectives and performances. We will have that oversight in the 2018 process and a lot will happen in terms of melding the City and County. I think it is incumbent upon us to let this go forward and proceed to step out of the way of administrators trying to do their job. We will end up with a better product,I know we will,because everyone really wants the same thing, and this is the way to go about it. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, With all due respect I believe that I can concur on voting tonight, ok, I can. But I will not concur on voting tonight in the sense that I'm doing it out of the fact that I am, in many ways, doing Mr. Mueller's job. I believe the questions that we have asked are one hundred percent(100%) in the role of the legislative branch, ok? I think that a part of the board composition is part of the legislative branch. I believe that sometimes we get criticized when we ask questions and we end up giving the Mayor a free hand and I disagree with that. I think it is our firm role to ask questions and to do policy and everything else. All the reason why I can look at that is because we need to get it under our umbrella right now. This whole process has been interesting, ok? This has been a whirlwind of stuff and that is why we are here today. We should have our time to ask questions. We are here having to make a decision tonight. Mr. Mueller stated, If we would like to have had an update meeting at the Committee level on its first reading, I would have appreciated being notified. It is hard for me to know unless you tell me directly if you need some more information on these things. Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, I'm more than glad and comfortable in doing that. The issue I would just like to share with that is this. We need to be aware. There was no knowledge that we were under these timelines. That was a surprise to us. Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston asked, Could you speak to the things that will be grandfathered in? Mr. Mueller replied, The authority and powers of the Commission, itself, will all be grandfathered in. The contemplation was about only the staff, and not changing the Commission. If we don't have a continuity of service through the City and County, there is then a limbo period and there may be a gap. That is ambiguous, legally, but we are trying to be cautious not to have that ambiguity. Councilmember Jo M. Broden asked, So our Historic Preservation Commission was enabled under certain legislation that predated State changes? If we were to change this drastically or 10 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 separate entirely, then we would have to fall under the existing enabling legislation that the State Legislators have adopted, am I correct? Mr. Mueller replied, That is correct. Council President Tim Scott asked, Do you want a vote on this tonight as it is written? Mr. Mueller replied, We would prefer a vote on this tonight, yes. Councilmember Karen White stated, As I was thinking about the process and the agreement, I was thinking that, if we had time to have that second time, then we should take it. However what I am hearing is the possibility of having that would be challenging for a number of reasons. What I am also thinking about is that, as we look at issues such as this,we should discuss Councilmember Broden's suggestions moving forward. Voting on this would give us the opportunity to get to the points Councilmember Broden is looking at. When we have these types of critical bills before us, I think it is really important to utilize our time to schedule special meetings on off Council meeting Mondays. Councilmember Jo M. Broden asked, So just to be clear,there is time within the scheduling of the County Council, the County Commissioners, this body, and our Mayor, to actually sign an amended Interlocal Agreement, if we chose to do so and had agreement from representatives from those bodies? Mr. Mueller replied, As I have said,technically, yes, practically,very little. Councilmember Jo M. Broden then asked, Where would this bill fall within the Committee structure of our standing committees? Council President Tim Scott replied, It would be in our Community Investment Committee. Council President Tim Scott then stated, I concur one hundred percent(100%) with Councilmember John Voorde. I think Historic Preservation will be a completely different entity after our vote tonight and it will grow. I think it will be for the better all the way around. Every conversation I have had with anyone on the County side did not want to have any part of it anymore. We can have follow up with this. We are getting into minutiae of how this will go forward. Councilmember Tim Scott then made a motion to send Bill No. 80-17 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember John Voorde seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. RISE AND REPORT Councilmember Tim Scott made a motion to rise and report to full Council. Councilmember John Voorde seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend reconvened in the Council Chambers on the fourth floor of the County-City building at 8:22 p.m. Council President Tim Scott presided with nine (9)members present BILLS—THIRD READING BILL NO. 68-17 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND SEEKING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 403 S. PARRY 11 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 STREET COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to pass Bill No. 68-17. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. 70-17 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF NILES AVENUE AND CEDAR STREET, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Karen White made a motion to pass Bill No. 70-17. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. 71-17 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1032 WAYNE STREET, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to pass Bill No. 71-17. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. 80-17 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROVING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND THE COUNTY OF ST. JOSEPH TO PROVIDE CITY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY (THE HPC)AND AMENDING CHAPTER 2 ARTICLE 4, SECTION 2-13, SUB-PART (B) (7) OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCLUDE THIS AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to pass Bill No. 80-17. Councilmember Randy Kelly seconded the motion which carried by a roll call vote of eight(8) ayes and one (1) nay (Councilmember Jo M. Broden). RESOLUTIONS BILL NO. 17-76 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS INTERSECTION OF JEFFERSON BLVD AND MAIN STREET, SOUTH BEND, IN 46601 AS AN ECONOMIC 12 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A(6) SIX-YEAR REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR RIVER PARK LEASING CORPORATION Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, Chair of the Community Investment Committee, reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation. Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Business Development for the Department of Community Investment, with offices on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter of this bill. Mr. Buckenmeyer stated, We are here to launch the revitalization of the block immediately south of this building. What used to be a fully developed downtown block is now a sea of parking, and we are looking to change that. The northeast corner of the block was home to the Hotel Jefferson for most of the 1900s. In 1979,that four (4) story structure was demolished to make way for a Hardy's, only to be demolished itself in 2000. Since then and for almost the past two (2) decades, that corner of the block has sat vacant. It is owned by the City but is generating no revenues or benefits for our citizens. We are thrilled to present an opportunity to avoid this situation happening for another decade or two (2). The Department of Community Investment is recommending the approval of a resolution to designate that corner as an economic revitalization area to aid in the revitalization of that block, and provide an assessed value deduction or tax abatement to the property in order to incent and enable this exciting and important property in question. The property in question will actually sit on the parcel that includes only the eastern most half of the lot and the City will maintain ownership of the western half of the lot in anticipation of incenting and activating future development. This will be the first new downtown South Bend office building or development in about twenty (20) years. It also sits on a meaningful artery between downtown and the ballpark. The proposed building includes high-end retail with four(4) floors of Class-A office space above. It would be five (5) stories and 3,800 square feet in total. When we evaluate opportunities to support economic development in the City of South Bend, the top two (2) of the many factors we look at are the levels of private investment and job creation. This building's expected $9 million price tag represents significant private investment whilst also representing significant risk. It is important to note that this is a new SPEC Building. The retail space is not contracted at this point. We are in an era of high construction costs which also increases the risk. Known and committed job creation will stem from this project. The owner has committed to creating fifteen (15) new jobs with a payroll of$750,000 per year. In addition to those jobs, we anticipate there will be significant indirect job creation resulting from the activation of ground floor retail and the other offices. We, the City, are selling the parcel to the developer for$50,000. The owner of the development citied that, "The recent revitalization of down town South Bend is an impetus for his decision to locate here." We are thrilled to present this opportunity to the Council and hope you are equally as excited. This property has sat idle and made no contributions to the tax rolls for decades. The Department of Community Investment staff recommends to the Council the approval of this resolution for a real property tax abatement at one hundred percent (100%) for six(6)years. When the abatement does finish, the property is expected to generate up to about $250,000 in tax revenues. Jeff Smoke, Great Lakes Capital, 112 W. Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, IN, served on behalf of the petitioner of this bill. Mr. Smoke stated, We are pretty excited about this project. It is the first office building built in down town South Bend in a number of years. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked, Could you talk about any key environmental benefits the owner plans to do with the building? Will you be going after LEAD Certifications? Mr. Smoke replied, We are looking at all those facets and, given the cost to this new office building construction, the most environmentally friendly thing we can do is to make it energy efficient. We are definitely utilizing the latest technology for that but are also looking into green roofs. Councilmember Jo M. Broden asked, Was there an independent appraisal analysis for the land value? 13 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 Mr. Buckenmeyer replied,No, there was not. We have found that with down town land the appraisals are so widely variant. We did an internal analysis by looking at neighboring property and came to a cost per acre for vacant land and applied that to the final cost. Councilmember Jo M. Broden then followed up, When was the last advertisement in terms of disposition for this property? Mr. Buckenmeyer replied, I can't speak to exactly when the last attempted disposition was for this parcel. There is a For Sale sign on it, though. Councilmember Jo M. Broden then asked, Does the developer have an opportunity for first notification rights? Was that contemplated in the agreement at all? Mr. Buckenmeyer replied, We haven't finalized the purchase agreement yet. That will be done at the Redevelopment Commission. Councilmember Karen White stated, I would like to thank you for your comprehensive report. We are looking at a one hundred percent(100%) for six (6)years. Can you clarify what that means? Also, in the last three (3)months, how many other one hundred percent(100%) abatements have come to our Council? Mr. Buckenmeyer replied, The total abated, over the six (6) years, will be approximately $1.3 million. After that period, we expect to start receiving $200,000 to $250,000. Councilmember Karen White stated, I know when decisions are made to move in this direction, there are a lot of factors to consider before bringing this to the Council. Mr. Buckenmeyer replied, There are. We have some analytical tools that factor in depreciation and building material. It is a very comprehensive algorithm. If need be, we also look at tax abatement opportunities in particular circumstances. Councilmember Dr. David Varner asked, Will there be any restrictions on the land next to the building? Mr. Buckenmeyer replied, We haven't worked through the whole detail of the purchase or development agreement as we are in the midst of it right now. Councilmember Dr. David Varner stated, That means that is a real possibility. Mr. Buckenmeyer stated, The Department of Community Investment will not do anything that damages our ability for future development. Councilmember Dr. David Varner stated, I think the public deserves an explanation of the overall planning of use for the remaining land. This is in a TIF District. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, Would the use of the other part of the property have to come before us? Mr. Buckenmeyer replied, The purchase agreement would go through the Redevelopment Commission. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated,No, if they were requesting an abatement, they would. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill,proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. None from the public wished to speak in favor of or opposition to this bill. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic stated, Thank you, again, Community Investment and Great Lakes Capital for you investment. The creativity in terms of preserving TIF dollars and using the tax abatement keeps our ratio right in line with our goal of fifteen percent (15%). I couldn't be more excited to see a brand new office building in down town South Bend. Councilmember John Voorde stated, I would like to commend Community Investment and this Administration for taking advantage of an opportunity that has presented itself for the development of that piece of property. Opportunities to develop that property have come and 14 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 gone in the past. We could have had an office building there a long time ago. I compliment this Administration. Councilmember Karen White made a motion to adopt Bill No. 17-76. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a roll call vote of eight(8) ayes and one (1) nay (Councilmember Dr. David Varner). BILLS FIRST READING BILL NO. 81-17 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR BUDGET TRANSFERS FOR VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA FOR THE YEAR 2017 Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to send Bill No. 81-17 to the Personnel and Finance Committee for Second and Third Readings on December l Vh, 2017. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 82-17 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR CERTAIN DEPARTMENTAL AND ENTERPRISE OPERATIONS IN 2017 OF $49,745 FROM CONSOLIDATED BUILDING FUND—CODE ENFORCEMENT (#600), $1,500 FROM WATER WORKS DEPOSIT FUND (#624), $1,000 FROM WATER WORKS SINKING FUND (#625), $4,500 FROM WATER WORKS DEBT RESERVE O&M (#629), $30,000 FROM SEWAGE WORKS O&M RESERVE (#643), AND $148,300 FROM CENTURY CENTER(# 670). Councilmember Karen White made a motion to send Bill No. 82-17 to the Personnel and Finance Committee for Second and Third Readings on December 11 tn, 2017. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 83-17 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR CERTAIN DEPARTMENTAL AND CITY SERVICES OPERATIONS IN 2017 OF $125,000 FROM DCI GRANT FUND (#212), $100,000 FROM STATE SEIZED DRUG MONEY (#216), $250,000 FROM LIABILITY INSURANCE FUND (#226), $49,000 FROM COVELESKI STADIUM (#401), $955,670 FROM VEHICLE-EQUIPMENT LEASING (#750), $22,500,000 FROM EDDY ST COMMONS CAPITAL (#759), AND $2,500,000 FROM EDDY ST COMMONS DEBT SERVICE FUND (#760). 15 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to send Bill No. 83-17 to the Personnel and Finance Committee for Second and Third Readings on December l lth, 2017. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 84-17 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 14, SECTION 2-170 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH VARIOUS NEW FUNDS: MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER SELF- PROMOTED EVENTS FUND (274), PARENTAL LEAVE FUND (714) AND 2017 PARKS BOND FUND (471). Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to send Bill No. 84-17 to the Personnel and Finance Committee for Second and Third Readings on December 11th, 2017. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Karen White stated, Councilmember Jo M. Broden, Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston and I attended the school board meeting that focused on the school board's Focus 2018 strategic plan. I have brought back copies of the proposal for all Councilmembers. I think it is important we enlighten ourselves to the upcoming changes. She announced a few of the main points of the proposal. Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, The vote date for that proposal is December 18th, 2017. Will there be minutes available? Is their public comment section actually public? City Clerk Kareemah Fowler assured Councilmember Jo M. Broden to follow up on her questions. Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, I love the fact that there are five (5) of us on the Council who are also educators. Education is important to economic development. We need to take an active role in reviewing and understanding what is happening. We need to really take a look at the magnet programming because it really has started to re-segregate the schools. We should not be afraid to speak up and speak out and ask questions. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, We talked about having a meeting on December 20th, 2017. Are we able to do that? City Clerk Kareemah Fowler assured that day's schedule works to have a Health and Public Safety Committee meeting. Council President Tim Scott announced the deadline for the Common Council Standing Committee Annual Reports as December 22"d, 2017. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to cancel the December 25th, 2017 Common Council Meeting. Councilmember Dr. David Varner seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to move the Organizational Common Council Meeting to January 2"d, 2018. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 16 REGULAR MEETING November 27, 2017 PRIVILEDGE OF THE FLOOR Sue Kesim, 4022 Kennedy Drive, South Bend, IN, stated, A general comment about the tax abatements is that I don't think the taxpayers are getting enough value for their money. When you give an abatement, it needs to come with a LEAD Silver Certified Building. We are building for the future. I recommended adding that as a bare minimum requirement. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, President Tim Scott adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. 17