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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-26-18 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 March 26, 2018 MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND FOUND THEM TO BE CORRECT. THEREFORE,WE RECOMMEND THE SAME BE APPROVED: TIM SCOT / DAVID VARNER APPROVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL ON: April 9, 2018 ATTEST: jeoEMAH FOWLIER, CITY CLERK REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 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 March 26th, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Council President Tim Scott and the Invocation (Rev. Hugh R. Page, Jr., Vice President and Associate Provost for Undergraduate Affairs, University of Notre Dame) and Pledge to the Flag were given. ROLL CALL COUNCIL MEMBERS: Tim Scott 1St District, President Regina Williams-Preston 2nd District Sharon L. McBride 3rd District Jo M. Broden 4th District Dr. David Varner 5' 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 Coffinan Chief Deputy Clerk Bianca Tirado Deputy Clerk Graham Sparks Clerk Executive Assistant Bob Palmer Council Attorney REPORT FROM THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES Councilmember Karen White made a motion that the minutes of the February 26th,2018 and March 12th, 2018 meetings of the Council be accepted and placed on file. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. SPECIAL BUSINESS BILL NO. 18-11 A RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTH BEND COMMON COUNCIL HONORING THE SOUTH BEND RILEY BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM FOR ITS SUCCESS IN THE 2017-2018 BASKETBALLSEASON Councilmember Oliver Davis, 1801 Nash Street, South Bend, IN, and Councilmember Sharon McBride, 415 E. Broadway Street, South Bend, IN, served as presenters for this bill. Councilmember Sharon McBride stated, A Resolution of the South Bend Common Council honoring the South Bend Riley Boys' Basketball Team for its success in the 2017-2018 basketball season. Whereas, South Bend's Riley High School's 2017-2018 Wildcats Boys' Basketball Team notched twenty-six (26) straight wins on the way to the first undefeated regular season by a local high school basketball team since 1979,together with sectional and regional championships; and, Whereas, The South Bend Common Council desires that the seniors on the team: Mikel Dorsey, Shaman Dillard (Captain), Damezi Anderson, Jr. (Captain), Harrington Greer, Jr., Rylen Grundy (Captain), Marlon Taylor and Ty'Juan Reid, be forever remembered in the history of South Bend, despite the retirement of their posters from the Riley gym balcony; and, Whereas, The South Bend I REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 Common Council also wishes to acknowledge the valuable contributions of the other members of the team: Trevor Fortune; Braylon Giden; Jalen Jennings; Gabe Johnson;Jathen Spicer; and Blake Wesley, whose posters will someday hang from that same balcony; and, Whereas, this fine group of athletes was led throughout the season by Head Coach Eric Brand, JV Coach George Jones,Jr., Freshman Coach Andre Owens, Sr., Assistant Coach Landon Booker, and Administrator Rodney Jennings; and, Councilmember Oliver Davis stated,Whereas,because the success of the team in going undefeated in the regular season and winning sectional and regional championships was a complete team effort, it bears mentioning that the team also contributed in making Damezi Anderson St. Joseph County's all-time leading scorer when the team won seventy-five (75) to sixty-eight (68) over Elkhart Memorial in the Class 4A Regional Championship game, where he scored eighteen (18) points, thereby breaking the former record of 1,934 points, set in 2013. Now, Therefore, be it resolved,by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section One (1) On behalf of the citizens of South Bend and the South Bend Common Council, we proudly and publicly recognize the 2017-2018 South Bend Riley High School Wildcats Boys' Basketball Team for its undefeated regular season,sectional championship and regional championship. Section Two (2) The South Bend Common Council also recognizes the seniors on this historic, record-setting team as the fine athletes they are, and wish them all continued success in the future, both on and off the basketball court, where they can continue to do great things throughout their entire lives, motivated by the experiences and success they have had this season. Section Three (3) We also remind the other members of the team of the high expectations passed down to them by the seniors, with the knowledge that they will continue to make the City of South Bend proud of Riley High School. Section Four(4)This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Common Council and approval by the Mayor. Eric Brand, 1902 Fellows Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I just want to say that they are a very special group of young men. They worked hard and went through a lot of adversity and I am very proud of them. Aside from what we did on the basketball court, we did all kinds of community service. We were part of the food drive over in Granger,we went to the Ronald McDonald House, we went to the Homeless Shelter, and these young men did more than just basketball. They represented Riley and the community in many ways. Seabe Gavin, 324 Rue Rabelais, South Bend, IN, stated, Being just nine (9) months on the job as the District Director of Athletics of South Bend, it is a blessing to be able to walk into a situation that is such a successful basketball team. They pulled off twenty-six (26)wins in a row. That is an achievement of itself. My first hire was Coach Brand. When we hired Coach Brand,we asked him to set a standard not at Riley but in this community; for every team and every school, student- athletes, no matter what sport or challenges they face, meet those challenges. Going into the season, this team had an overall GPA of over three point zero (3.0). That is what we are really proud of. I expect to make this trip again but next time, go a little further. Marlon Taylor, 52342 Millpond Run Court, Granger, IN, stated, I just want to thank Coach Brand for being my coach this year and all those that supported us. This is a blessing and I feel like I'm receiving an Oscar Award so thank you very much. Andre Owens, 2205 Morris Street, South Bend, IN, stated,I wanted to say something to follow up on something Mr. Gavin had spoken to. He kind of said what I wanted to say. I'm a former player at Riley and also went to semi-state in 1991. I was also able to go off to college and went through some trials and tribulations and eventually became Division One (1) at Oklahoma State. A lot of times we get caught up in the moment, the basketball and sports, and often overlook the bigger picture and what these guys represent. For me and from my experience of being with them this fir,they really represent the word student-athlete. I think a lot of times we overlook that because we get caught up in the hoopla. These guys really represented not just Riley and not just the community, but they represented their families and the entire City of South Bend with class and grace. Like Mr. Gavin said, a three point zero (3.0) GPA. That is something we don't talk about enough. That is what I am most proud of.They represent their families well. They are a good group of young men and that is what I'm most proud of. I know how the struggle is to be a student- athlete. There is a lot of pressure to it and they handled it well. Thank you, Coach Brand, for 2 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 bringing me aboard. I also was a candidate for the Head Coach position but he was the guy that got it and I am glad to have been a part of it. Thank you guys. Council President Tim Scott then opened the floor to comments from Council members. Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, I followed the basketball team in the news,just in the news. I know there was a lot of adversity and drama that this team went through at one (1) point. So to see you guys bounce back, Coach Brand, it is a credit to you and your ability to block out the noise. You had a focus on what is positive and what you needed to do. That is a credit to all of you. I am really excited to hear that you not only had athletic success but the Coach has instilled in you all to focus on service and academics. I'm thankful for the Council members that brought this forward to give us an opportunity to highlight that piece. If I could offer a friendly amendment, I would love to see that go down in history as a part of the record of what this team accomplished. Not only were they athletically gifted but also in the classroom and in the community. Thank you for all your work. Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, I would like to second that friendly amendment. Thank you for bringing the student-athlete piece to our attention.You knew it all.You all put the work forward whether it was on the court, in the classroom or outside the classroom. We are very grateful for you taking care of business on this. I do think the student-athlete piece is really so important. What you've put into this in terms of time and talent, and working on your skills, your attitude, community service, it is so amazing when all of that turns into a fruit and your whole community recognizes that. Thank you very much for all that you've done and I'm sure you already have but be sure to go back and thank your parents, your grade school coaches, your teachers, all along the way. They're not standing up here with you, but I'm sure you probably agree,they certainly have been behind you and have brought you to this place. Congratulations and best wishes moving forward. Councilmember Dr.David Varner stated,Well there's no other Council member here who is a true Wildcat. I'm a 1967 graduate and that was the old school. You folks are at the new school. We talk about your accomplishments and congratulations. Your accomplishments are a result of your efforts. Whether it was education,working together as a team or a family,you've met a great deal of success. Sometimes you won't always get all that success, but keep playing that role and you'll do fine. Councilmember John Voorde stated, I may not have any connection to Riley High School but I have connections to Indiana University and I'm glad that part of your team is going that way. Hopefully a year from now you'll be busy with the Final Four (4). We've got great expectations but beyond that, thank you for everything you've done and the way you've represented the community. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic stated, Congratulations on your accomplishments. The community is really proud. More importantly, we are very excited to see what all of your do with your careers and lives moving forward. Councilmember Karen White stated, As a resident of the third district, I am so proud of each and every one(1)of you. I wish to acknowledge your coaches,teachers,administrators and parents for a job well done. I can recall last, I thought I was a cheerleader. I was in Michigan City and when I left that game, I couldn't talk. And to watch the growth and accomplishments that you've made this year,we are not only proud but you have set a standard for this community. I would like to publicly thank you for embracing my grandson DJ,to the point that he has changed his hairstyle and he is so excited about basketball. Remember you are a student first. To whom much is given, much is required. You will all go a long way. Thank you. Councilmember Sharon McBride stated,I have coached Riley Girls' Basketball for seventeen(17) years. We went downstate in 2002-2003. I am the proud District Chair of the third district and am looking forward to working with Riley for community service projects as well as things you may need in that nature. I am extremely proud of you young men and proud to have gone and watched you play. Congratulations and I wish you nothing but the best in your future. Councilmember Tim Scott stated, I grew up in Missouri and the St. Louis area. I've been in your spot, though, not as far as you have gotten. The one (1) thing you have to remember, and I think 3 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 you guys do, is what Councilmember White alluded to. There are younger people watching you. I know you guys know this. People I run into today, they say, `I remember when you played basketball.' You guys set the example. Whatever you guys do after this, all that discipline, repetition and what you've learned will help you in college. Council President Tim Scott then asked all the parents of the young men, in attendance, to please stand and be recognized. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Samuel Brown, 222 E. Navarre Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I chased one (1) of these myself. As a matter of fact, one (1) of the coach's fathers played guard with me. It is quite an honor to chase this thing. You guys did a remarkable job. I have ties to Riley. My daughter, Jasmine, is the two (2)time Class President. She broke the ground for that new school. Anyway,back to athletics. Mr. Owens and Mr. Gavin hit on something. I tell my grandson every day on the way to school and I ask `What are we doing?' and he says `Academic All-American.' I look at his grades every other day. He has a three point four (3.4). We haven't gotten to three point five (3.5) but it's important. These little kids are going to watch you. Fifty (50) years later, when my granddaughter went to LaSalle, they showed her my picture on the wall. She didn't know who I was. Whatever you do, don't let your waistline get like mine. It's embarrassing when they don't know where you're at. But one (1) of you are going to do that. You are going to take your child back to Riley and say that's us. Congratulations to you guys. Councilmember Jo M. Broden made a motion to add a Whereas clause that states: "Whereas,these young men have demonstrated the same determination and commitment off the court by maintaining a team grade point average of over 3.0;" Councilmember Dr. David Varner seconded this motion which carried unanimously by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 18-11, as amended,by acclamation. Councilmember Karen White seconded this motion which carried unanimously by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICES Representing the City Administration: Laura O'Sullivan, Chief of Staff RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE At 7:28 p.m. Councilmember Karen White made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Dr. David Varner 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. 08-18 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST AND NORTHEAST CORNERS OF WESTERN AND WILLIAM AND THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF WAYNE AND 4 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 WILLIAM COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 2 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 11 th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as presenter for this bill. Ms. Smith stated, The petitioner is seeking to rezone the property outlined here in red on the screen (referencing the presentation available in the City Clerk's Office). It essentially makes up parts of two (2) different blocks within the City near the intersection of Western and William, and William and Wayne Streets. Currently,the property is zoned GB, General-Business, and a small portion is zoned MU, Mixed-Use. As you can see, the majority of the area is zoned CBD, Central-Business District or MU, Mixed-Use, throughout the blocks. This would bring the western block in to MU, Mixed- Use,and the eastern block to CBD to be consistent with the zoning for the area.The site is currently vacant for the majority of the site, however, a portion of it is occupied by the former parking lot for the Gates Chevy Dealer as well as the Veteran's Clinic. There is no site plan for this petition and no post-development at this point. They would just need to meet the MU, Mixed-Use or CB, Central-Business standards at the time of development. This comes to you from the Area Plan Commission with a favorable recommendation. Rezoning these sites to MU, Mixed-Use District and CBD, Central-Business District would correspond to and enhance the surrounding properties and trends in the area. Tim Corcoran, Director of Planning with offices on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as the petitioner for this bill. Mr. Corcoran stated, I would just like to reiterate a few things that were said.A lot of this is just cleaning up what is sort of a messy situation and a hold-over from the past. The GB uses really wouldn't be consistent with the type of development that is happening in the area and the type of development we would like to encourage in the future. So, we would like to have your support on this. The Fred's Transmission block was acquired for $250,000 with $44,000 of remediation and $186,000 of demolition. So, that is a $481,174 total invested in that block.The Gates Block,on the other hand,was made up of multiple different blocks. We were able to pull this part out of the bigger picture of what was part of the Gates area. We can still look into that when one (1) of our other members of our team gets back. 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 Oliver Davis made a motion to send Bill No. 08-18 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Karen White seconded this motion which carried unanimously by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 09-18 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND SEEKING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE EAST SIDE OF OLIVE STREET BETWEEN CALVERT STREET AND DELAWARE STREET, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 6 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 no 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 presenter for this bill. Ms. Smith stated, The petitioner is seeking to rezone the portion along Olive Street between Delaware and Calvert. To the north are more properties zoned LI,Light-Industrial. To the east and south,you have properties zoned SF-2, single-family and two (2)-family. To the west are residential properties zoned SF- 5 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 One(1). Here (referencing the presentation available in the City Clerk's Office)is an image of the existing building looking south from the corner of Calvert and Olive. You can see the towing business operating here at this building with the screening. The southern portion had been used as a towing operation for quite some time. As property became available,they expanded and grew to the north. The petition is to rezone it to GI, General-Industrial which is the lowest zoning classification that allows for the towing yard. They are seeking a special exception for the towing facility as well as a special exception to have more than fifty percent(50%) of the site contain the outdoor storage. They consider the cars to be outdoor storage as opposed to parking in this case because they are there for a longer period of time. The site plan is not proposing any changes at this point. The two buildings remaining on the site would stay with the site continuing to operate as it has been. The rezoning comes to you from the Area Plan Commission with a favorable recommendation subject to a written commitment to limit the permitted uses to those found in the LI, Light-Industrial District, plus, the wrecker and towing service. Rezoning the site to GI, General-Industrial will follow the trends and uses north of the site. The special exception comes to you with a favorable recommendation as well. Paul Walters, 1906 S. Olive Street, South Bend, IN, served as the petitioner for this bill. Mr. Walters stated, We aren't quite sure why we are here. We've been at that site for a long time. Something along the way must have gotten missed. We do all the towing for the City of South Bend at this point. That's what we do. Councilmember Jo M. Broden asked, How long have you been in operation at the site? Mr. Walters replied, Ten(10) years. Councilmember Jo M. Broden followed up, So this rezoning issue then goes back ten(10) years? Would that be correct? Mr. Walters replied, We have been getting business licenses and other licenses all up until this year.When we filed this year,there was a glitch and something happened or fell through the cracks. We are just following along. Becky Walters, 1906 S. Olive Street, South Bend, IN, stated, We first started the contract with the City and it was a requirement that we have parking for thirty(30)vehicles. That was an unrealistic number once towing went ftom five (5) companies down to one (1) company so we have had to expand. We made a tremendous amount of clean-up in that area but room for only thirty (30) cars was really unrealistic. We have more like three hundred (300) cars and are on a rotating basis. We have acquired a new site to start moving those vehicles out. We have to hold onto the vehicles for thirty (30) days. At thirty days, we can move them from our site to the holding site. 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 Oliver Davis made a motion to send Bill No. 09-18 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Karen White seconded this motion which carried unanimously by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 15-18 PUBLIC HEARING 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 2018 Councilmember Karen White, Chair of the Personnel and Finance Committee, reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation. Jeri Hockenhull, City Controller with offices on the 12a' floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as presenter for this bill. Ms. Hockenhull stated, The bill before you tonight is 6 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 one (1) of four(4) that we do every year on a quarterly basis. Tonight, we are asking for transfers within the Funds on this bill.The first one(1)being for the LOIT 2016 special distribution. Simply, we are moving money from our capital to our transfers out so we can use that money directly towards the Community Crossings Program that you will see in the next bill. We are also asking for some monies to be moved around in our COIT Funds. Specifically, related to the Goodwill Strategic Focus Unit and also moving monies within our equipment and vehicle lease just to make sure we are appropriately linking them to the different departments instead of just one (1) big bucket. 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 Tim Scott made a motion to send Bill No. 15-18 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded this motion which carried unanimously by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 16-18 PUBLIC HEARING 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 2018 OF $37,500 FROM STUDEBAKER/OLIVER REVITALIZATION GRANT FUND (#209), $10,000 FROM CENTRAL SERVICES FUND (#222), $900,000 FROM LIABILITY INSURANCE RESERVE FUND (#226), $2,000,000 FROM LOCAL ROAD &BRIDGE GRANT (#265), $20,000 FROM PARKS NONREVERTING CAPITAL FUND (#405), AND $91,412 FROM 2015 PARKS BOND CAPITAL FUND (#751). Councilmember Tim Scott made a motion to accept Substitute Bill No. 16-18. Councilmember John Voorde seconded this motion which carried unanimously by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Karen White, Chair of the Personnel and Finance Committee, reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation. Jen Hockenhull, City Controller with offices on the 12th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as presenter for this bill. Ms. Hockenhull stated, Before you tonight is a request for additional appropriations out of various Funds. Please note that all of these Funds has adequate cash balances to cover the requests this evening. The first two (2) for Fund#209 and Fund#222 are both for grant monies we have received in, we are just appropriating those funds out at this time. The Liability Insurance Reserve Fund is $900,000 relating to bringing our spending reserve back up to our normal levels due to some budget cuts we made in 2017. At the request of our Legal Department after review, we've decided that we would like that money back up to where it has been in the past. Local Road and Bridge Grant Fund is relating back to the Community Crossings Grant. We are asking to spend the full amount of the grant but it is a fifty- fifty (50-50) match grant so we have to spend $2 million and will get$1 million back. The Parks Non-reverting Capital Fund for$20,000 relates to replacing some aging equipment from the Capital Fund. And then our 2015 Parks Bond Capital is requesting to spend the remaining proceeds from the 2015 Parks Bond. 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. 7 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 Councilmember Karen White made a motion to send Substitute Bill No. 16-18 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Tim Scott seconded this motion which carried unanimously by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 17-18 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR CERTAIN DEPARTMENTAL AND ENTERPRISE OPERATIONS IN 2018 OF $77,000 FROM PARKING GARAGE FUND (4601), $52,250 FROM WATER WORKS O&M FUND (#620), AND $20,000 FROM CENTURY CENTER CAPITAL FUND (4671). Councilmember Karen White, Chair of the Personnel and Finance Committee, reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation. Jeri Hockenhull, City Controller with offices on the 12th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as presenter for this bill. Ms. Hockenhull stated, Before you is a bill for our Enterprise Fund. We are asking for $77,000 from our Parking Garage Fund to cover utilities that weren't originally budgeted for in our line-item budget. They were previously paid for from the block for block contract that we had so we are just asking to appropriate those. Our Water Works Operation and Maintenance Fund of$53,250 relates to the fact we have to transfer money from our Operating Fund to a Reserve Fund to keep up with our Bond Covenant requirements. That is simply transferring from one (1) Water Works Fund to another Water Works Fund. The last is the Century Center Capital Fund, we are asking to appropriate $20,000 just to spend down the SMG contribution that they gave us for capital back in 2013. 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 Tim Scott made a motion to send Substitute Bill No. 17-18 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded this motion which carried unanimously by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 18-18 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2,ARTICLE 14 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH NEW FUNDS: FIRE STATION NO. 9 DEBT SERVICE FUND (#350), FIRE STATION NO. 9 CAPITAL FUND (#451), 2018 TIF PARKS BOND DEBT SERVICE FUND (#351), AND 2018 TIF PARKS BOND CAPITAL FUND (#452) Councilmember Karen White, Chair of the Personnel and Finance Committee, reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation. Jeri Hockenhull, City Controller with offices on the 12th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as presenter for this bill. Ms. Hockenhull stated, The bill before you is simply asking to set up four (4) Funds for bonds that been previously approved by Council. We are just setting up the Funds to receive the Funds in from the State and then spend the money on the Capital Projects. 8 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 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 Tim Scott made a motion to send Bill No. 18-18 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Karen White seconded this motion which carried unanimously by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. RISE AND REPORT Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to rise and report to full Council. Councilmember Karen White 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 7:45 p.m. Council President Tim Scott presided with nine (9) members present. BILLS —THIRD READING BILL NO. 08-18 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST AND NORTHEAST CORNERS OF WESTERN AND WILLIAM AND THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF WAYNE AND WILLIAM COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 2 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Karen White made a motion to pass Bill No. 08-18. Councilmember Dr. David Varner seconded the motion,which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. 09-18 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND SEEKING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE EAST SIDE OF OLIVE STREET BETWEEN CALVERT STREET AND DELAWARE STREET, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 6 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to pass Bill No. 09-18. Councilmember Karen White Varner seconded the motion, which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. 15-18 THIRD 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 2018 9 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 Councilmember Karen White made a motion to pass Bill No. 15-18. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion, which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. 16-18 THIRD 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 2018 OF $37,500 FROM STUDEBAKER/OLIVER REVITALIZATION GRANT FUND (#209), $10,000 FROM CENTRAL SERVICES FUND (#222), $900,000 FROM LIABILITY INSURANCE RESERVE FUND (#226), $2,000,000 FROM LOCAL ROAD &BRIDGE GRANT (#265), $20,000 FROM PARKS NONREVERTING CAPITAL FUND (#405), AND $91,412 FROM 2015 PARKS BOND CAPITAL FUND (#751). Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to accept the substitute version of Bill No. 16-18. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion,which carried by a voice vote of nine(9) ayes. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic then made a motion to pass Substitute Bill No. 16-18. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion, which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. 17-18 THIRD 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 2018 OF $77,000 FROM PARKING GARAGE FUND (#601), $52,250 FROM WATER WORKS O&M FUND (#620), AND $20,000 FROM CENTURY CENTER CAPITAL FUND (#671). Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to accept the substitute version of Bill No. 17-18. Councilmember Karen White,seconded the motion,which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic then made a motion to pass Substitute Bill No. 17-18. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion, which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. 18-18 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2,ARTICLE 14 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH NEW FUNDS: FIRE STATION NO. 9 DEBT SERVICE FUND (#350),FIRE STATION NO. 9 CAPITAL FUND (#451), 2018 TIF PARKS BOND DEBT SERVICE FUND (#351), AND 2018 TIF PARKS BOND CAPITAL FUND (#452) Councilmember Karen White made a motion to pass Bill No. 15-18. Councilmember Dr. David Varner seconded the motion, which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. 10 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 RESOLUTIONS BILL NO. 18-03 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROVING A PETITION OF THE AREA BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 915 27TH STREET 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 11 ffi floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as presenter for this bill. Ms. Smith stated, The petitioner is seeking a special exception for a child caring institution which is a State-regulated naming of an institution that cares for individuals which the petitioner can speak more on. It was previously used as a nursing home facility. The building would be reused by the petitioner and there would not be any proposed additions or any reconstruction of the site. The site plan essentially reflects what is there now. It is a 9500 square foot building and the parking lot to the rear of the building. This comes to you from the Area Board of Zoning Appeals with a favorable recommendation. Dr. Bill Bruinsma, 3116 Weist Lane, South Bend, IN, served as the petitioner for this bill. Dr. Bruinsma stated, Good evening citizens of South Bend and members of the Council. It is my pleasure to be here tonight to seek a special use for a child caring institution in the OB, Office- Buffer District for the property located at 915 27`h Street, City of South Bend. Rite Of Passage intends to operate a group-home to serve up to twelve(12)male youth between the ages of fourteen (14) and twenty-one (21). The young men considered for this home must have first completed a residential treatment program, desire to be at this group-home, and have no other suitable living arrangement that would allow them to return home at this time. Each young man will be expected to be at school, either at DePaul Academy, a community high school, a college, or a vocational school. They must also have part-time employment within the community and be part of community service events. As I have stated many times in my meetings with the neighborhood and business associations, each young man will be taken to and from school, their employment, and fully supervised during community service events, as well as any time they are within the community. The minimum staffing ratio within the Woodford Home will be a one (1)to four(4). The services received at this home will be guided by a collaboratively developed service plan which will include case-management services, individual and family therapy, and positive skill development groups. The emphasis of the treatment will be on developing psychosocial and independent living skills, so that the young man develops the ability to live independently within the community. In addition to the group living staff, the home will be directed by a program manager, a unit manager, a case manager and a therapeutic manager. I will have an office there with regional support staff. A janitor/cook will also be hired to assist the young men in caring for the home and learning how to cook for themselves and others. Dr. Bruinsma continued, The caring philosophy behind the operation of the home is to provide normalized experiences to each young man so that he may improve his life. I, and the Rite of Passage staff,realize how difficult the mission of improving the lives of youth is on a daily basis. Sacrifice and hard work is modeled by the staff for our young men and we expect the same from them. Selfishness and everything that represents that lifestyle must give way to thinking about others. That is why the Woodford Home will be dedicated to serving the River Park Community in particular, and the South Bend area as a whole. A follower of Vincent DePaul had a model that he encouraged others to live by: Be good, do good, be a force for good. Residential treatment focuses on how to be good and how to do good. The Woodford Home will build on that foundation by giving young men opportunities to continuously do good by learning who they are as a person and how they can be a force for good in their communities. I know in preparing for tonight, one (1) of the values espoused by the City of South Bend is inclusion. The dictionary definition of inclusion is the act of including someone in something. In this context,inclusion takes on a deeper 11 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 meaning. Inclusion puts the concept and practice of diversity into action by creating an environment of involvement,respect and connection. Our young men at the Woodford Home want to be included into a community and we desire the community be part of our functioning. We want to be your best neighbors. Therefore, as I have stated many times in the last few weeks, we will establish a Community Advisory Board that will assist us in staying true to our mission and help develop opportunities to serve the community. We will be connecting with local employers in an effort to hire our young men so that they will learn life and work skills. We will also be reaching out to the community to hire staff who will be devoted to the mission of improving the lives of youth. Finally, I just want to thank everyone who has contacted us within the past several weeks that have expressed support and offered assistance. It is much appreciated. I would like to thank the Common Council for considering this issue and ask for your support in granting this special use so that we can open the Woodford Home. May I note that it is no coincidence that your vote comes at the beginning of Holy Week. This is a sacred time for many in our community, and thus, I pray you vote to do the good and right thing for the community and our young men. Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, There were some things that came up in Committee that I think should be brought up here. There was a question about how many young men there would be. Is there any plan or possibility to expand that number? Dr. Bruinsma replied, There is no plan to expand the capacity of twelve (12) at Woodford Homes. There are twelve (12)beds, it is licensed by the Department of Child Services. Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston followed up,What is the demographic of your clientele? Dr. Bruinsma replied, The demographic is forty percent (40%) African-American, forty percent (40%) Caucasian and twenty percent(20%) Hispanic or Latino heritage. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked, What have you done to address issues that have been in conflict with your views and such? Dr. Bruinsma replied, Thank you for that question. I have gone to a couple of neighborhood association meetings. I have gone to the business association meeting. I have met with the head of the business association to discuss the project. I have given people time to come over and tour the facility after the meetings and have answered any questions brought up to us. I have also sought out questions from everyone. Councilmember Karen White stated, I would like to thank you for your willingness to meet with the neighbors and the business community. What have been some of the common themes heard from the neighbors and businesses? Dr. Bruinsma replied, We've had business people come up and say they will support us. The concerns were mainly from people that didn't understand the nature of what we were going to do. I think they associated it with past group-homes that have not been well supervised.They may also have had a misconception of what type of child we were going to take in as well as the level of supervision. I think after answering a lot of their questions, I think a lot of people were swayed. Councilmember Karen White followed up, So at this point, do you think you have more support? Dr. Bruinsma replied, Yes, absolutely. Councilmember John Voorde asked, Could you briefly describe a day at the Woodford Home? How regimented is it?Are the twelve (12) young men able to come and go?Are they able to have guests? The men old enough to drive and if they have licenses, do they have cars? Dr.Bruinsma replied,Well,we want it to be as normalized an experience as possible. So they have to get up, do their chores, get ready and go to school. If it is school day, they're going to school. That could be IUSB, Ivy Tech, or vocational school. If they are still in high school, they may be going over to DePaul or to a community high school. They will then be taken to school and picked up from school. There is a time when we look over the school work with the young men, a recreational time,preparation for meals, study time and group time. There will be no student there that will be licensed to drive. They might get their license but they will not have cars and they will not be driving. We will have visitation times for their families or others to come over. That will be supervised. The young men will not go out in the community unless they are supervised by our 12 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 staff. As I said earlier on,the ratio is one (1)to four(4), which is the highest ratio under DCS that they will provide for us. Councilmember John Voorde followed up, So in their day-to-day activities, whether it is school or the YMCA, young men develop the want for an significant other. How do you mange that? Dr. Bruinsma replied, We have a case manager and we have a therapist. There will be people available to help them get through those usual milestones in life. We act as prudent parents for them and we want to support them and provide them those opportunities. Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, Thank you for bringing this petition before the Council. I have just a couple of quick questions. Could you go over your discipline policy or how you would deal with complaints if there were some to arise from the neighborhood? Dr. Bruinsma replied, We have internal discipline in our Student Code of Conduct. I think our students here today are probably best to tell you about that but there are certain prescribed consequences for violating that Student Code of Conduct. Of course, all the case plans for these young men have to be approved by their case worker either through DCS or the Court. Councilmember Jo M. Broden followed up, So if there are issues, there are disciplinary hearings? Dr. Bruinsma replied, That is correct. Councilmember Jo M. Broden followed up, Who serves on those hearing boards? Dr. Bruinsma replied, Usually the program manager, the unit manager, and either the therapist or case manager. Councilmember Jo M. Broden then asked, Will the security measures that were used for the building previously be reused and in operation? Dr. Bruinsma replied, They will be in operation. Councilmember Jo M.Broden followed up,And you said there will be an opportunity for members of the community to serve on the Community Advisory Board? Dr. Bruinsma replied, That is correct. Councilmember Jo M. Broden then followed up, And is there that Board plus the other board? Dr. Bruinsma replied,No,that will be one (1) in the same. Councilmember Jo M. Broden then asked, Now would you be open to community members serving on the disciplinary board? Dr. Bruinsma replied, Well,there is the issue of confidentiality and we would have to run that by our licensing. Councilmember Jo M. Broden then followed up, With regard to regulatory compliance from the State level, who provides oversight to you and how often? Dr. Bruinsma replied, The Department of Child Services does three (3) audits of us every year. One (1) is contract audit, one (1) is license audit and the last is a clinical services audit. Councilmember Dr. David Varner asked, When you have a client who is disruptive or who has a problem, how do you deal with that? Is it a continuing second chance? Dr. Bruinsma replied, We tend to be very proactive in managing situations like that. We do not allow health, welfare and safety issues to be prolonged and we take action fairly quickly. That is usually in concert with the child's case manager or their probation officer. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked,In your mind,what makes this the best location for you?Prior to that question, will anyone be allowed to have online high school or college situations where they can remain in the Woodford Home building all day? Dr. Bruinsma replied, They could, if we are set up for that. In looking for locations around the County, we had to keep in mind that licensing wants us to be in a neighborhood so that the young men can be part of the community, so that is one (1) thing. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to be 13 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 licensed. Secondly, I think it was just a blessing that we found this building because it has great space in it for young men. There is enough space in there for my staff, myself, and the young men to have a normal life. It has a dining room where I can fit everyone around a big table and have a family dinner. That was there for us and quite honestly, I believe we could really make an impact on this community and be of service. Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, To follow up on your comment about preferring to be in a neighborhood, please address, from your standpoint, why the State looks for a neighborhood environment? Why is that so critical and what is the alternative? Dr. Bruinsma replied, First of all, a lot of our young men need to learn how to be good citizens. You need to have interaction with people, normal people, and in normal situations. Everyone comes upon certain adversities in their life. There are certain challenges that come up and that is good because we learn from our adversity.We learn from the mistakes we make during those times and that is very important. We placed them in an area where they won't come in contact with anybody, how would they learn to practice their interpersonal skills? They need an opportunity like that. When representatives from DCS came, they remarked on how many businesses are nearby for our young men be a part of. I've already had a business owner express to me that he would like to hire some of our young men. Councilmember Sharon L. McBride asked, What type of background do the young men have, as far as being referred from probation? Dr. Bruinsma replied, We would have some young men that have been referred from the Department of Child Services. There are some young men that come through probation that have made mistakes and need to learn from their mistakes. Councilmember Sharon L. McBride followed up, And what is the average length of stay for the client? Dr. Bruinsma replied, Well, we haven't operated Woodford Home yet so I don't know what the average length of stay would be. I can tell you our residential stay is anywhere from nine (9) to twelve (12) months. There might be some outliers that might complete it longer or shorter. Remember,this home is for young men that don't have a place to go. So, if a young man wants to stay there, and that is the thing about this, he has to want to stay there. I'm not going to let these young men back on the street until he is prepared to take care of himself, he has an education and has some money in his pocket. Councilmember Jo M. Broden then asked, How many facilities does Rite of Passage operate, nationally? Dr. Bruinsma replied, About forty-two (42)programs are in operation right now, and the facilities range from anywhere from shelter-care, group-homes, residential treatment to correctional facilities, deep-end correctional facilities and both for males and females. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Samuel Brown, 222 E. Navarre Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I have a watchdog group called Citizens United for a Better Government. I really like this idea because I go and mentor kids myself. They've got a diverse group from what he says and I'd like to go and visit because there are situations where people need something like this. Nothing is perfect, remember that. Every question you guys ask could come up. But hopefully, they have a game plan. And I hope that the Council will really take this into consideration and pass it because I'm out there every day. There are people in need of something like this. Please think seriously about this and keep remembering there is nothing perfect, but we have to try. Phil Niswonger, 741 S. 30th Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I've been a South Bend resident for over sixty(60) years. Dear Common Council,citizens, and business members,I am President Pro- Tempore of the River Park Neighborhood Association and am also a retired school teacher from Trinity and Marion High Schools. I also served as Assistant Principal, Dean and Enrollment Manager at Ivy Tech and Davenport Universities. I also spent years as an employment counselor and human resource coordinator in northern Indiana. I also served for several years on the 14 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 Governor's Board of employment. In addition to the forty-five (45) years, I was a scout leader in various capacities, a Director of Youth and Adult Leadership Development programs, as well as Scout Master for two (2)inner-city troops. One (1) in South Bend and one(1) in Washington D.C. I have also served for nearly a quarter of a century as one (1) of the first Neighborhood Crime Watch captains in South Bend, and for the last eight (8) years with the South Bend Police Department I have been a Neighborhood Crime Watch captain network coordinator for all of River Park and the one hundred and thirty-five (13 5) Captains serving therein. Also, I was Safety Chair for the River Park Neighborhood Association. To add to this credentialing, I was honored along with Charles Martin to receive the first of two hundred and fifty (250) Youth Leadership Investment Awards from the State of Indiana. So with that, I certainly give my endorsement to them. But I've also personally experienced the Rite of Passage home base in Nevada where they had eight (8) career tracks and one (1) was EMT. In the State of Nevada, in the first fifteen (15) years, eighty percent (80%) of the EMTs serving the State were graduates of ROP. Five (5) of them became medical doctors. It is a great program. That is level two (2) and we are now talking about level three (3). That is something new. Rite of Passage has served South Bend for twenty (20) years with good success. We are not talking about an incarceration institution,we are talking about ROP graduates. I highly recommend the Woodford Home that will serve the advanced graduates of the most effective youth development program in the United States, based on my experience. I encourage you to accept this program. Locally, the University of Notre Dame is a partner with them. River Park and South Bend will be a safer place because of their presence because they have character. They will be helping out with a clean-up day and will also be part of our parade. Jim Boshears, 1000 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I have worked for Rite of Passage for two (2) years. I operated and supervised a group-home in Colorado that is very similar to this. The difference between Woodford Home and the one (1) in Colorado is that these kids are going to want to be there,whereas the one(1)in Colorado some kids had no choice.My experience there, though, was that the students want to be a part of the community. They demonstrated behavior change and they wanted to make amends for the mistakes they made when they were younger men. They also wanted to learn how to be independent. They were very valuable to the community. Specifically, they worked with seniors, veterans, local charitable organizations along with businesses and governmental organizations. They are Boy Scout members. Annually, we would have employers ask us how many kids we are getting. The Woodford Home would have similar contributions. It is a rigorous process to get into this program and they will be under strict supervision at all times. They will be held to a high standard. I belive they will be an assest to the South Bend/Mishawaka area. Janice Swindle, 20185 Dice Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I'm here representing a group of employees from Mossberg and Company who have interacted with this group numerous times. Some of my coworkers were unable to be here tonight due to work schedules. Our employees have a donation-lead team located at 301 E. Sample Street. We were introduced to the DePaul Academy and the cadets back in February 2017. As their neighbor to the north, we were moved by their stories, success and support in developing these young men into responsible and outstanding community members. Since February, we have invited the cadets to Mossberg numerous times. We've done tours and showed them our work environment. We have spent hours working side by side to build picnic tables and packing food at the Northern Indiana food bank. We have found them to be responsible,respectful,polite and genuine. Their questions and casual comments demonstrate their yearning for a fair chance at a good life. After having personally encountered them over a dozen times,they are exemplary young men that have been given the tools to improve or counter their situations. They are driven to hold themselves to higher standards. We have taken these young men into our hearts. We see the difference this group is making and I would love to see it continue. Thank you very much. Josh Page-Wood, 3402 S. Locust Road, South Bend,IN, stated,My house is actually in Michigan, just across the border. I work here in South Bend. I am a college grad. I have a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University. I am a business owner of sixteen (16) years and the most important titles I have are husband, father and son. A man much smarter than I once said, `Let your heart feel for the affliction and the distress of everyone. Let your hand give in proportion to your purse, remembering always the estimation of the widow's might.' That was said on January 15 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 15th, 1783 by George Washington. Today, we are two hundred and thirty-five (235) years later, but we experience that same opportunity. We have the opportunity to feel the affliction of the young men in Rite of Passage. We need to acknowledge the real distress and concerns of these members of the community. All the while, we need to give the opportunity, in our community,to succeed whenever we have the power to do so. Each week, the young men of ROP have the opportunity to choose to go to a local church. Every two (2) weeks, they attend the same church that I do. A large percent of our church are between the ages of sixty-five (65) and eight-five (85) years old. We are known for that but are also known for being a family. The ROP guys have come in and made their impact there. Without fail, on the off weeks they are not there, someone in our church asks where they are. We love having them. When I was eight (8) years old, my family broke apart. Thankfully,my grandparents took myself,my mother and brother into their home and we were able to live there until we got on our feet again. Without their home and support, my life today would not be near what it is now. I ask that today,you make the decision to give these young men a chance to say the same thing. Rachelle Simon, 122 Lewis Hall,Notre Dame, IN, stated, I am a rector at the University of Notre Dame which means it is my permanent home. I live with the women there and I also work part- time for the Center for Social Concern at the University and we have a program called Mercy Works where students go out in groups and work with community partners. DePaul Academy has been one (1) of those partners. We have students go out on Saturday and do an art class for the students there at DePaul and I have been really impressed. Molly Link, 133 Lewis Hall, Notre Dame, IN, stated, I go to DePaul Academy once a week and we do arts and crafts with the boys. We've made Pinatas,we've done poetry and just last weekend we decorated Easter Eggs. I don't know many high school boys that enjoy arts and crafts but every week, the boys at DePaul Academy are ready to do whatever we have for them. They are some of the most respectful and polite boys I have ever interacted with. They are a great group of guys and I think it would be a shame if a project like this wouldn't be accepted. Katie Hammond, 1260 Longfellow Avenue, South Bend, IN, stated, I am here to speak tonight because I think the rehabilitative function of the criminal justice system is far too often an after- thought. Particularly, if that is going to be part of the system, which I deeply think it should, it should be ever more so with respect to juveniles. I think our community would be failing itself as well as the kids if it weren't to have a place like this to take them in when they have exhibited the desire and ability to improve their lives. I had the opportunity to tour DePaul Academy and every student we encountered was respectful, polite and earnest. I think they have a great program and it is something that South Bend and River Park would benefit from. Margaret Morgan, 1710 Churchill Drive, South Bend, I'm not a business owner and I haven't worked particularly with DePaul Academy before but I am a neighbor to where they would be living. I have to say that I would be proud to be their neighbor and I would be proud of South Bend if we allowed this. I think a community is measured by the way it takes care of its children. I believe in the work that we do to help support one another and it makes sense to me this would happen in the context of community. Leslie Pinson, 830 N. St. Louis Boulevard, South Bend, IN, stated, On Sundays, I lead greeter efforts at South Bend City Church and that is the church they go to when they are not going to the other gentlemen's church, they are going to our church. I've had the pleasure of getting to know the guys and leadership team. We are a start-up church so everybody is new there. But, I want to tell you a quick little story. So our greeters are our first line of defense in terms of first impression and making sure everyone is welcome and feels they are a part of the community. A few weeks ago, in between services, we were cleaning up chairs and straightening them up for the next service. The boys had come and attended the first service, they saw we needed help and they actively came over to ask if they could help and they were so helpful from then on out that they are now joining our greeter team and coming to the training. As a church community, they are loved members of our community and we could not be more excited to have them on our team. I just wanted to point that out. This was not a service opportunity that was set up by myself or their program director, this was a need that the boys saw and something they wanted to do. They took it upon themselves. I think that speaks to the character that this program is developing in these young men. I got to visit DePaul Academy and I was blown away by everything that is going on 16 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 there. If and when I have children, I would pay money to send my kids to a place like DePaul Academy. It treats the whole individual. If I have one (1) complaint today it is that this is not coming to my neighborhood. Willow Wetherall, 803 Cottage Grove Avenue, South Bend, IN, stated, I am a former Board Member of the River Park Neighborhood Association and a current administrator on the neighborhood's very active Facebook page which includes over 4,000 members. I am well aware of the challenges and concerns of the River Park neighbors. I also recently served on the Mayor's working group on homelessness and I've been a volunteer this season for winter women's amnesty. And sadly,with my work on homelessness, I discovered their community includes young men and women in their late teens. I know all too well the possible outcomes for vulnerable youth. I am here to speak in support of the establishment of the Woodford Home in River Park for the graduates of the DePaul Academy. The Director of the Academy, Ike Shipman, has done an outstanding job establishing the program for education and healing for the students. I hope the neighborhood and Council embraces this housing initiative and its residents. These young men can contribute to a stronger, safer and more connected neighborhood that looks out for one another and embodies the meaning of community here in South Bend. Cedric Harmon, 1225 Blaine Avenue, South Bend, IN, stated, I have been at DePaul and Rite of Passage for two (2) years since they opened up here. My current job experience is the result of doing it for fifteen(15)years. I work with at-risk youth. In 2012,the facility I worked with closed with the intention of pushing kids out of the court system to a system like Rite of Passage offers. I can honestly say since I've been there, it has been like no other place. I tell people all the time, this is not a correctional facility. The environment it offers is not a lock-down correctional facility. As far as issues go, we rarely have them and when we do, it is dealt with accordingly. But, I've noticed we've had students that get out of the system and they are sent right back to their environments. One (1) of the first students we had was in the predicament but Rite of Passage helped him get to college and he is now playing college basketball. I think extending this program will be beneficial and I think this is an excellent idea for this community. Kenneth Boxell, 805 Lancaster Drive, South Bend, IN, stated, I am the site Compliance Officer at Rite of Passage. I have been with them for a little over a year and a half now. I've been in the field of social services working with teenagers for the past thirteen (13) years now. From day one (1), working at Rite of Passage, I immediately told my wife after training that we are going to eventually relocate to South Bend, Indiana. That is how much I believe in the program. What I've seen from the young men and the growth in the term is absolutely astounding to me. Over the course of my thirteen(13)years working in the field, I've worked with countless youth that when they left programs or services, they didn't really have any place to go. Or the places they were going to would be worse off. What the Woodford Home will do is allow these young men to have a safe environment in which they can continue to grow and learn the skills to become a successful adult and young man. I believe this will be an incredible benefit to both the neighborhood and the City of South Bend if you allow this to take place. Kintae Lark, 307 Chapin Street, South Bend, IN, stated, What DePaul Academy and Rite of Passage is offering here in our area is a phenomenal thing. I've spent about thirteen (13) years before pursuing barbering things working directly with at-risk youth. I've seen a lot of programs that claim to do a lot of things but have not delivered. But this is something unique and special. I have had the opportunity to speak to these young men and I also opened up my business to accept an intern from this program. They surround these kids in a different type of way. The atmosphere is much more proactive. After the young man that interned with me graduated from the program, I was reached out to because they were seeking funds to send this young man to school after graduating from this program. Months ago, Dr. Bruinsma sought me out to get a haircut. At that time, he invited me to connect with him and we met to go through the facility. I've seen a lot of facilities that become a political thing. When he told me about the staffing ratios, it blew my mind because this is something different. This is a unique opportunity. It is always risky dealing with youth whether they are at risk or not. However, as a community I believe we have an obligation and that is to cover our young people. Myself personally, I've been on my own since I was sixteen (16) years old. I was a sophomore in high school. Had I not had a support system around me, I wouldn't have made it. I didn't expect to live to see eighteen. If I had the opportunity that comes 17 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 out of a program like this, I can only imagine what things could have come of it. I think we need to raise our expectation of our young people and we can do that by living by example and leaving our places of comfort. I would encourage you, as a Council, to get behind this endeavor because we need it. Our young people are in trouble. Anthony Birdie, 613 S. Oliver Street, South Bend,IN,stated,I teach bible study at Rite of Passage. I can only go off the back of what everyone else has said. You've heard it all. Rite of Passage is really helping these kids. It is time for us to stop dropping the ball. These young kids need help. They want help and a lot of them don't know how to ask for help. Rite of Passage is teaching them how to be men and live life. We are asking you to consider this. We need this. Think if you were one (1) of these young men. Ryan Yazel, 611 Leland Avenue, South Bend,IN, stated, I am one(1) of the pastors at South Bend City Church. So much good stuff has been said here. I echo what Leslie said that if this can't be in the Near Northwest where I live, I'm glad it could be in River Park. I'm a little jealous. Also what Kintae said stuck with me. This is a program that delivers. I've been working in neighborhoods and with youth for the last fifteen (15) years and the only other program I've seen that delivers anywhere close to this is Transformation Ministries and the ISI Program which I have great respect for. So, I didn't know what to expect when I first came across DePaul Academy but over time I've grown to the love the kids. We went there for a Christmas Party and didn't know what to do. Having a Christmas Party with teenage boys, it's been a while, I have daughters, I didn't know what to expect. Leslie told me to take my karaoke machine and I didn't think teenage boys would do karaoke. They are, like, too cool for that, right? But I took it and right away they were busting out classic Michael Jackson jams and it was fantastic. One (1) thing I noticed, after a bit of time, there was one (1) of the students who was different than the rest in a lot of ways. He wanted to get up and he wanted to sing 1970s country songs and I didn't know where this was coming from. The well-respected schools that I grew up in, a boy that was as different as this boy was, would have been bullied and ostracized. But this kid got up and sang this song and the other students surrounded him and tried to sing the song with him with their arms around each other. That type of character in these students is something you don't see in teenagers. I hope my own daughters can grow up to have character like that. I am a foster and adoptive parent. In our State, we are having a massive shortage of foster parents due to the opioid crisis. In the last year, one (1) out of every six (6) babies born in the state were born with drugs in their system. My daughter was one (1) of those babies. That is a really complicated problem and there is not a lot we can do about it but this is one (1) of the things we can do about the opioid crisis and about the shortage of foster care. This is a practical action we can take and I encourage you to make this decision. James Hosey, 1702 Medora Street, South Bend, IN, stated, My wife and I were actually part of that Christmas party, through South Bend City Church, and God really put a heaviness on our hearts for these boys. Specifically teenage boys that are neglected or cast aside by society and not wanted in the foster care system. A lot of people that foster kids want younger kids,not teenagers. Rite of Passage is doing just an amazing job that we really felt a call to get more involved. Much like the ladies from Notre Dame, my wife and I have volunteered to also do an arts thing on Saturdays with the boys. We have only done a few so far,but we've had eleven(11)or twelve (12) guys consistently want to be a part of that program. It has been a blessing to us. Ike has always asked if we want to come back and want to come back as often as we can for as long as we can. We are actually in the process of going through background checks to be a long-term volunteer with this program. We believe in what this program is doing. These boys are amazing, well- disciplined and polite. This Woodford Home will be an asset to our community. Makenzie Gaughan, 1811 Lincolnway East,Mishawaka, IN, stated, I was born and raised in South Bend. I lived my whole life in South Bend and will be moving back to South Bend in three (3) years and am really excited. I am looking at River Park as the area to move back to. I'm really excited about you taking into consideration all of these individual opinions. People are looking forward to this being part of the community. I volunteer as well at South Bend City Church and these young men have amazing manners. I have a fourteen(14) year old son and I hope he learns from these young men. Also, as a business entrepreneur, it would be an honor to have these young men work with me. It would be an honor for me to see this new facility in River Park and donate 18 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 my services. I do home maintenance and janitorial work. I also feel this needs to happen in River Park and I appreciate you listening to all of these people. Megan Bright, 55726 Black Pheasant Drive, Osceola, IN, stated, While I am living in Osceola, I have lived in South Bend most of my life. I do attend South Bend City Church and I also worked at the South Bend juvenile correctional facility for four (4) years. I have worked at other places with youth like Oaklawn and Madison Center. Particularly with my experience at South Bend Juvenile Correctional Facility,I can express how sad it was when somebody was being transitioned out of the program after doing all the hard work that it took to get that far and not being able to find a placement or having to look at a homeless shelter. I do want to echo the sentiments that everybody has said and I hope you support this idea because I think this would be a great place for these boys. Adela Camacho, 405 N. Mechanic Street, Berrien Springs, MI, stated, I'd like to start off with scripture. Proverb twenty-two six (22:6) says `Train up the child of the way he should go. Even when he is old, he will not depart from it.' I'd like to ask you that if you saw a child drowning in water, would you allow him to drown or would you save him? Rite of Passage is that life ring that we can throw to them. This group-home will be as well. These student-athletes have gone through a lot and I can pretty much understand what they go through. I have nieces and nephews that come from adoption centers and, as a result, my brother and his wife ended up adopting six (6)to seven (7) children that came from homes that were broken. These student-athletes have worked so hard to grow and learn the basics of what it takes to drive a life of success. I believe education is the foundation of everything. Education in the home is the most important because when you educate a child in the home,you teach them respect,work ethic,and that there is a giver that is much higher than them that they can depend on when they are at their lowest. They will become individuals that will become someone great. I feel that shutting the door on this opportunity is shutting the door on them. Give them an opportunity. Amy Sturma, 1000 S.Michigan Street, South Bend,IN, stated,I live in Elkhart but I work in South Bend. I was actually a resident of the River Park Neighborhood for many years. I'm currently a therapist at DePaul Academy Rite of Passage and I have the great opportunity to help these young men to become more. Our motto is `improving the lives of youth' and that is what we do. The sad part is though, a lot of time these kids come to us and their issues are dealing with abandonment and trauma. We work to try and heal those wounds. A lot of times we have to send them back to the same broken homes. The sad and hard part of this job is that I help heal this person and then we have to send them right back and those same wounds are opened again. This opportunity we are asking for is very much so needed. The risk is low for these kids. We call our kids student- athletes. We teach them respect, the fifteen (15) character traits, and we try to build a foundation that they haven't had. We can make a brighter future because kids are our future. If we don't continue instilling hope into them,we will be neglecting them. How you acknowledged Riley was incredible. Acknowledge these young men tonight by approving this Woodford Home. Rochelle Day, 17625 Juday Lake Drive North, South Bend, IN, stated, I've had the opportunity to serve and work with these young men. If you need an understanding of what they're like,just turn to your own son, grandson,nephew, and they are a typical teenager. But,they do have respect and an immense sense of character bestowed on them when they are in DePaul Academy. Abraham Lincoln said, `I am a success today because of a friend who believed in me, and I didn't have the heart to let him down.' I think these young men need friends and I have no doubt they won't let you down. Isaac Hunt, 1805 Western Avenue, South Bend, IN, stated, I work with the Group Violence Intervention for the City of South Bend. I drive around the country doing different speaking engagements and trying to find best practices. One (1) of the things that kept coming up is Rite of Passage. The metrics and the way they perform outperforms any other home or organization that is like this. I'm ecstatic they are here. Anything I can do to help them, I will. They provide a wrap- around service for these young men. They offer an opportunity for rehabilitation. Where we put our money at shows where our priorities are. We need to invest in our children in this community. This is an opportunity to help them become better people and make our community safer at the same time. They come out as gentlemen. 19 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 Fred Teague, 704 Roland Court, South Bend, IN, stated, I live right around the corner from the JJC. I actually applied there but it ended up conflicting with my internship. I was really impressed with the people interviewing me. I was one (1) of these men growing up. My mother died when I was seven(7),my dad was addicted to drugs, so at the age of ten(10)or eleven(11),1 was stealing food just to eat and getting locked up. Our Country has been about retributive justice for so long. If you look at the state of the Nation right now, it is about retribution. We need restoration. If I would have had an organization like this to invest in me, I might not have had to go through so many obstacles just to get to this point today. I came here and wasn't anticipating to speak on this but I believe that although no system is one hundred percent (100%) fail-proof, if you make a difference in one (1) of these men's life, you can potentially change the world. One (1) way or another, these young men will influence us. They are going to be our neighbors and if we don't influence them in a positive way, then nine (9) times out of ten (10) they will influence us negatively. We need to do all we can to help these young men. Mary Bruinsma, 3116 Weist Lane, South Bend, IN, stated, I've been a resident of South Bend for almost twenty(20)years now and I've worked in South Bend for almost that same amount of time. I've had the opportunity to meet quite a few of the young men from DePaul Academy at our church which is Christ Chapel. They have always treated me with respect and I have never seen them disrespectful. I really believe in the mission of ROP. Being married to Bill, I know what ROP is all about very intimately and I know the values that they stand for. I know the values that DePaul stands for like integrity,respect and honesty. These young men will be in a safe and secure facility where they can advance themselves successfully in the ways that we all want them to. I believe you can trust what ROP is doing. I hope that all of you and South Bend in general will embrace this opportunity to give these young men a chance they would not otherwise have. They need this opportunity and I hope and pray you consider this. Andrew Nemeth, 1201 S. Sheridan Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I have lived here in South Bend for over forty (40) years and I have operated a commercial real estate business for twenty (20) years. I could never articulate on my best day, the stories that have been shared with you this evening by these folks. I just recently got over surgery so I wasn't certain I would be able to make it here tong. But, their mission is so important to me that I made it here toni ht. If this passes tonight, and Woordford Home and DePaul Academy are both going to be operational, you are talking about over seventy (70) full-time employees here in the City of South Bend. ROP has received many accolades and is considered the gold-standard of child care throughout the United States of America. I look forward to maybe even employing some of these young men and getting them started with vocational welding. Thank you for time. Lisa Shaw, 704 S. 24th Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I am a current resident of River Park and I am a business owner in South Bend. I am a new resident. I purchased my home on 24th Street last July and, while I'm a new resident I have been connected to River Park since I was a child. My father grew up in River Park and went to Nuner School. Both my grandmothers lived in River Park. The home I purchased is actually one (1) of my grandmothers home. So, even as a new resident, my husband and I began to attend the neighborhood association meetings and we started getting reacquainted with the neighborhood. I've been working with the Board of Directors of our association to reestablish communication in our community through a newsletter and social media. We are hoping by communicating,we will all have an idea of what is going on in our community. I am looking forward to working with Dr. Bruinsma to continue informing our area residents of what is going on in the community, including Woodford Home. I've been walking in our neighborhood and pass this building quite a bit.We have an empty building in our community that needs a use. I see it having an extremely bright future. These young men are exceptional. They want to be here and want to be a part of the community. River Park is resource rich and has so much to offer these young men. I embrace this program and hope it is approved. Lenny Shaw, 704 S. 24th Street, South Bend, IN, stated,Prior to coming here, I was in support and I still am. It is so great to hear so much support for young men that want to be helped. This is a great opportunity for our community. Shaw Alexander, 1000 S. Michigan Street, South Bend,IN, stated,I am currently a student-athlete attending DePaul Academy. I would just like to shed light on what really goes on at DePaul Academy and what the transition looks like from a student-athlete point of view. When you enter 20 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 DePaul Academy, you start off on an OT Status and you have to progress throughout the program to get to the final status, Ram Status,when you receive a lettermen jacket. It represents all the hard work and dedication you have put into the program and it just allows everyone to see what it can be like to be a leader. At DePaul, they give us positive skill development groups and treatment groups to help you learn skills you need for real life. They try and help you prepare for real life. Some of those treatment groups are anger-replacement therapy, substance abuse groups,biological behavioral therapy groups, and I have attended all of those groups. They really do help as they help you build skills and coping skills to use when we are outside of DePaul Academy. The whole program is good for the youth. I think the Woodford Home would be a really good thing for the community because it gives youth who don't really have a positive environment to go back to, a place and chance to stay out of trouble. It will also be good because all of the kids that are there are kids that will want to be there. They are not court-ordered to go there. They want to participate and make a positive impact on South Bend. We participate in a lot of community service projects. We try to help out the homeless, we go to church, and I think putting more student athletes in the community will help the community. Joe Aarons, 1000 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I am a student-athlete at DePaul Academy right now. ROP has taught me a lot of stuff like the stages of change. The first step is pre-contemplation.The next are contemplation,preparation,action,maintenance,and relapse.Pre- contemplation is when you think you don't have a problem and probably everybody that comes into DePaul Academy and ROP think they don't have a problem because they are just used to doing it on the outside. Going through DePaul Academy helped me realize that I need to work on my future and my goals. When I graduate DePaul Academy, I'll probably have eleven(11) credits and will be a sophomore. I just need to catch up on all my things and DePaul Academy really helped me. Outside, I never really went to school. DePaul Academy makes you go to school. A structured environment is what kids like us need. Validating DePaul Academy is to achieve personal goals, better your self-esteem, your future, and your outlook on life. It teaches you ways to succeed and cope with problems. The Woodford Home will put us in situations where we can practice these skills. If I didn't have a place to go, it would definitely be much worse. Ike Shipman, 17265 Juday Lake Drive North, South Bend, IN, stated, I am the Program Director at DePaul Academy and I will be the Program Director of Woodford Home should this pass. All too often, I think we talk about young men rather than letting them stand up and speak for themselves and listening to what it is they have to say. Yesterday, I asked two (2) students if they would be willing to come and speak tom. What they said today is what they came up with after saying yes. I wanted you to hear directly from them to see who they are so you can understand the quality of young men we are working with and the quality of people that are putting the time and energy into our students. The Woodford Home building has been unused for years. It held forty (40)patients. We will be using it for ten(10)to twelve (12)young men. They will be students and young men from the area that will be returning back to the area. This is a perfect use for this space and this building. It is about the quality, not the quantity. We will effect big change only by working with individual students, on an individual basis, one (1) at a time, through good, quality work and transition. It takes courage, not only for our students to make those changes, but for our staff to work with these guys. I also think about the neighborhood itself. I think about the individuals living in that neighborhood and they are thinking about the unknown.The unknown of a new neighbor moving next door to you can be a worry and concern. I moved to South Bend two (2) years ago to help start DePaul Academy. This need arose only as a result of the needs of the children we are serving. They had nowhere to go. A third of the students had no safe home to transition to. We are ready to make that transition and are capable of making that transition. I came to help facilitate the needs of this community and I love being a member of this community. South Bend was somewhere I was drawn to. I love the people here. The outpouring of support that has come. We want to continue that support through the Woodford Home and will continue the quality that has started. We want to help and be good neighbors in this area. We had a few of our students go over to see the facility and during that day we were there,the snow was falling,and the neighbor immediately to the south got their car stuck in the snow. The student-athletes helped her dig the car out. They did that because there was a need. We will continue to provide in ways like that. Through education, vocational training, and community service projects, we want nothing more than the opportunity to prove to the neighbors what kind of asset we can be. We will have the 21 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 Community Advisory Board on site to address any ongoing needs and concerns because things will happen and will come up. Rod Goodchild, 837 S. 24th Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I came here and heard this. It takes courage to stand up here. I support those two (2) young men. I was so moved. I will support them and I encourage us all to see how we can positively impact these young men. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to recess for five (5) minutes. Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston seconded this motion which carried by voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 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 9:26 p.m. Council President Tim Scott presided with nine (9) members present. Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston asked, Will this bring jobs to the community? Dr. Bruinsma replied, Yes, it already has. It will be over twenty (20)jobs for just the Woodford Home. There will be seventy(70) total. Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, I remember when Mr. Shipman first came a couple years ago. I'm not sure we've spoken since then but one (1)thing I remember him talking about is the rate of pay you paid your employees. I got the impression that these will not only be jobs but they will be good jobs that respect the dignity of your workers. I also want to say as a teacher who taught for twelve(12)years for students with emotional disabilities in a self-contained setting, I have a heart for a population of students that have this great need. I've seen the result of having those continuing services. I've gotten phone calls from a young man, at four (4) in the morning,who is sleeping on the playground when it is raining because he is aged out of a program. He ended up reoffending and ended up in prison because I think there is a lack of services of this type. I certainly have personal experiences with how needed this service is and I wish we could have more. I appreciate and thank you all for bringing this to the community, and you certainly have my support tonight for this. Please give me a call,personally, if there is anything more I can do to support your facility and students. Councilmember Sharon L. McBride stated, Our democracy is a representative government. I believe thirty(30) days ago, I was elected to represent the people. There have been a lot of people today that came to speak in favor of the Woodford Home, but I have also been inundated with a lot of meetings over the last few weeks as well as phone calls and emails from people in opposition as well. At the same time I believe that, in spite of my own personal feelings, this program offers services that are desperately needed in our community.But I cannot overlook the amount of people that called and met with me this week to say they were not in favor as well. I believe this measure will pass tonight but I will be the vote against so that the voices of the people who oppose the bill can be heard. Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, Between my visits to the facility, the information provided by you, and the input from the public toni ht, I think this is strong evidence to a terrific program model. You have a strong philosophy, great discipline policy, and the young men's personal testimony is evidence to that. But, you also have strong regulatory oversight from the State. Your supervision ratio is,indeed,outstanding. What you have done from the time this was first presented to toni ht,in terms of your commitment to involve the community in your ongoing administration, I think it is outstanding. Your commitment to keeping the lines of communication open with the neighborhood, your willingness to look at any issue, it is a robust system. To that end, there have been a lot of individuals that spoke tonight that have already connected with ROP and DePaul Academy. I see this as an extension of a service that is already being provided,it is already meeting high standards, and already having success. We need to open up this next pathway for these students. The location, the building,the space is all appropriately located in terms of proximity to schools, employment opportunities, recreation opportunities, and others. When we talk about rehabbing and assisting youth who have fallen into trouble, it would be very difficult for me to imagine something else that could be more wrap around than this. I really have no reservation on this. Sure there will be challenges. Even teenagers living in a home with two (2)parents,roof over their heads, there are still problems. Dr. Bruinsma, I also want to say that you have an amazing track record in our community. I don't know who knows that record, but I know the Broden's 22 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 know your record. I would like to say you do, and have done, outstanding work for the youth in our community. Additionally, the fact that DePaul Academy has had such terrific success thusfar is great. If this is a landing spot for students that have already gone through that strong program, that says something. In my opinion, all of these things I've mentioned, I want this in my neighborhood. I'm delighted to support you toni ht and going forward. Councilmember Dr. David Varner stated, Being the cold-hearted pragmatist that I am when I first looked at the building,I said, `Yeah,that makes perfect sense to find a use such as this to reuse it.' That isn't going to be enough as I have received the emails and phone calls we received that were in opposition. You brought forth and presented a program and have created some great expectations. If this is granted this evening, and I'm prepared to support you in that, my fondest wish is that you are able to live up to these expectations so that these young men get that extended second chance. I hope you will take in good faith the request from the Council that there be representation from the community on the Advisory Board. I think that is a good idea and it sounds like you are willing to accept that and include it. I think all those things aside, we found a good use for a building that was sitting vacant. We found a good program to fill it and I wish you well. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, One (1) of the speakers toni ht talked about the 80s music and Michael Jackson had been referenced. Michael sang a song about change the world and make this a better place. You have really helped to change South Bend. Having a social work background,we understand this kind of a population.We understand it so well I think the challenge is getting that across to some of the neighbors. I think this will make it a better place.As the young men spoke, I was thinking about Michael Jackson's song Man in the Mirror. When those young men look at themselves in the mirror and they see that jacket on they have worked so hard for, it says something about them. I understand people's opposition to this. I hope these young men remember this night. We celebrated the Riley Basketball team and we also need to celebrate these young men too. It's not easy coming before Council. Therefore, my vote in support is just as easy as A, B, C. Councilmember John Voorde stated, I can't say anything more articulate than or as comprehensive as what my colleague Councilmember Jo M. Broden uttered earlier. I support everything that she said. The only thing I could add, maybe, is I've known River Park for a long time. I know people that taught at Nuner, I know people that live there, and it is a unique community that can almost stand alone. It certainly has its challenges. It is a blue-collar community with moderately priced homes and it is a challenge to keep all that together. I think this will strengthen the community. There are many reasons to support this as have been expressed by others. I would just like to add it is good for River Park and it is good for South Bend. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic stated, Thank you to everybody that came out here to speak today and thank you in advance for being a good neighbor. I will be supporting this. Councilmember Karen White stated, I would like to first thank Councilmember McBride for her comments. Clearly, being the 3rd District representative, she's heard and received feedback from both those in support and in opposition. The unknown is a real concern that should not be taken lightly, especially by those neighbors that live very closely to the proposed sight. I would encourage that the Advisory Board be established very quickly and should include Councilmember McBride,representatives from the business community but most importantly,representatives from those who live in the community. I would like to have feedback. In order to have my support, the Advisory Board must be established as soon as possible, and within the first three, (3) six, (6) and nine (9)months,have a report. Just because people were not here and did not speak in opposition, does not mean that there is no opposition. I don't know why they were not here. Also, I think it is important to continue these conversations. These are my concerns I have and I need the comfort level that the Advisory Board be established and that it is reflective of those who will be greatly impacted. Councilmember Tim Scott stated, Tonight is about risk management. We are making a decision on a neighborhood, your entity and these young men's lives. That has to go with respect to those in opposition and I respect Councilmember McBride's and White's comments as well as all the Council member's comments on this. What we are doing right now is looking at risk management. Everyone that spoke in favor toni ht is responsible in mitigating this risk management. We are 23 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 betting on these young men. We don't have enough of that here. I've been on those paths where there wasn't anyone in my life to direct me when I was your age so I know what that is and I know what that means. There is a concern and we are asking everyone to help mitigate any risk and we are betting on these young men and their future. This is common sense. It is a vacant building, it is jobs, and it is that second chance we talk about. To me,that is the key. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic Davis made a motion to pass Bill No. 18-03. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion, which carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) ayes and one (1) nay (Councilmember Sharon L. McBride). 18-12 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA APPROVING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA, FOR THE MUTUAL OPERATION OF SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT UNITS KNOWN AS METRO UNITS ADDRESSING CRIMES OF SPECIAL GRAVITY IN ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to continue Bill No. 18-12 to the April 9th. 2018 Common Council meeting. Councilmember Karen White seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILLS FIRST READING BILL NO. 19-18 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTIES: FIRST NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY EAST OF ARTHUR STREET, RUNNING FROM CAMPEAU STREET ON THE SOUTH TO THE FIRST EAST-WEST ALLEY ON THE NORTH COVERING A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 156 FEET, ALL IN SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember John Voorde made a motion to send Bill No. 19-18 to the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee and set it for Second Reading and Public Hearing on April 9th,2018. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 20-I8 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, ADDING SECTION 20-4 OF CHAPTER 20, ARTICLE 1 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON SOUTH BEND CITY STREETS. Councilmember John Voorde made a motion to send Bill No. 20-18 to the Health and Public Safety Committee and set it for Second Reading and Public Hearing on April 9th, 2018. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 24 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 21-18 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,AMENDING CHAPTER 6 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCLUDE A NEW ARTICLE 13 ESTABLISHING RESPONSIBLE BIDDING PRACTICES AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS Councilmember John Voorde made a motion to send Bill No. 21-18 to the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee and set it for Second Reading and Public Hearing on April 9h,2018. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, Can we get an update about the extra money with the gas tax for curbs and sidewalks? Also, since they are still in the process of measuring everything, could we put more monies to that? With some extra monies, we could just get it done. Council President Tim Scott stated, I will follow up with the Clerk's Office and email Public Works and will carbon copy everyone on that email. Councilmember Dr. David Varner stated, There is a substantial increase in the Local Roads and Streets Fund as a result of the increased gas tax which started, I think, last July. We know it will be several million dollars a year and I think we set our expectations to be that we would see more streets paved and more curbs and sidewalks addressed. We haven't had any sort of positive response yet. I think people in the neighborhoods deserve that. Council President Tim Scott announced, The MBE/WBE Enterprise Board is meeting tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. Also after that, tomorrow, at 5:00 p.m. is the Utilities Organizational meeting as well as more updates on the flooding and CSO issues. NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Jo M. Broden requested that the specific Councilmanic District affected by each piece of legislation be highlighted on the Agenda. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, If there is a project in a District,Area Plan should come to that specific Council member before it is put on any agenda. We also need a follow up on the City Cemetery. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic stated, I will follow up with Director Mueller to get that update. PRIVILEDGE OF THE FLOOR Samuel Brown, 222 E. Navarre Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I have two (2) things I would like to talk about quick. First, I would like to thank the Common Council for voting on the resolution that honored my granddaughter Indonesia Brown. She has done a remarkable job and that resolution was special. She is going to Notre Dame. You motivated a young child. The next thing I would like to talk about real quick is 1408 Elwood. The owner of that property has played our community like a toy. This is in the hands of the lawyer now but I don't care about all that. What I care about is the citizens that have put up with this for years. It ain't fair. Tell this man to get out of South Bend. He doesn't have the money, he doesn't have a plan. I need something to motivate me and that will be another one(1) of my projects. Sue Kesim, 4022 Kennedy Drive, South Bend, IN, stated, We've had one hundred and two (102) shootings and sixteen(16) deaths last year. We've had increased violence this ye One (1)of my wishes was to teach the average person how to stop a bleed out and that was answered. On March 31St, 2018 there is a `Stop the Bleed Day' at Century Center. Beacon Health is doing four (4) 25 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 training sessions to teach the citizens how to respond to those events. Call 574-647-2853 or sign up online. Secondly, Chief Cox sent Captain Stoneburner to my senior group and he was excellent. We loved him. One (1) of the things he talked about was when homes have the medical tubes that have all the medical information for that individual. This program has been discontinued and I would love to see funding from the City or somewhere to reenact this program. The medics would love it. I think it would be a great thing to pass out on the neighborhood walks to help the citizens. I was going to give you samples but Councilmember Broden didn't want me to pass them out so if you want samples, let me know. Rod Goodchild, 837 S. 24th Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I like what we heard tonight. I like that direct approach. We have an outstanding program here. It took two (2) years to get that program done. Now we have the Best. Week. Ever. coming. I heard Oliver talk about Change the World. People thought I lost my mind.We have fourteen(14)forty(40)foot trees and there will be nothing else like it. This is good for South Bend. Nothing means as much as that Potawatomi Flag to be flown on that fourth flag pole. It is flying at the casino and all I'm asking for one (1) email. We need it up by May 29th. That is all I'm asking. Isaac Hunt, 138 E. Broadway Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I am here to talk about the new Ivy Tech Homeless trailers that popped up just down the street from me. Nobody talked to the residents. We are not against the homeless, we want the homeless, I was on the homeless committee,but our residents don't want this in our neighborhood. We have enough social services in our neighborhood. We just put a new homeless place on Indiana. Let the rest of the City get some of this glory working with this homeless issue. Please do not continue inundating us with the homeless issue on the west side of town. I didn't even hear from the committee. It is said to be temporary but you know what temporary turns into. There is plenty of space in other locations in this City. Tracy Miller, 229 E. Broadway Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I would like to echo what Mr. Hunt said. Those trailers would be the ticket for me to move. I am a taxpaying citizen and business owner in this community. We are inundated with so many social services in our area and it causes our property taxes to go down and things of that nature. I would ask the Council to not pass any measures to have that stay there. As Mr. Hunt said, I am also in support of homeless. I support trying to help them get to where they need to go and to help them get out of homelessness situations, but I think our neighborhood has seen enough. One (1) other thing I wanted to say the tubes that other lady was talking about, we use them at the building I manage, and they are excellent. Yolanda Croom, 138 E. Broadway Street, South Bend,IN, stated,I am here because I wasn't asked if I would like the pods put on Michigan Street. I have only been in the area for a year and a half, but the time I've been there, there has been a lot of trash, urination and such. I just really don't want to see any more people who don't have a residence and I don't want the residents put there just because people don't want it somewhere else. Thank you. Harry Marsh, 1520 S. Carroll Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I've been a life-long resident on the southeast side of town. I've lived in the house I live in for approximately sixty (60) years. The other day I went up Michigan Street and I saw the trailers moved over there and I saw three (3) at first, and next time I saw six(6). I thought it was Ivy Tech using that space for classes and I came to find out that is not what is happening. It looks horrible, it brings down my property taxes, and I would love to pay the right amount of property taxes, but I want to do it fairly. It is not fair I keep being inundated with negative things in my neighborhood. I ask you not to put the trailers there. We don't want them there. Fred Teague, 704 Roland Court, South Bend, IN, stated, I am also here to speak in opposition of the trailers. I am working with 466Works to try and revitalize the southeast side and bring some life to that area and it is kind of hard to build up an area when so much trash is steady being dumped in the neighborhood. I'm not calling the homeless trash. I love them. I've been homeless before and have been through the whole thing when it comes to that. But looking at the market study revealed, I just didn't know there was a homeless problem there. We have enough on our side of town and we shouldn't have to bear the burden of the City's problem with the homeless. ADJOURNMENT 26 REGULAR MEETING March 26, 2018 There being no further business to come before the Council, President Tim Scott adjourned the meeting at 10:14 p.m. 27