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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-21-18 Residential Neighborhoods U d PE CE N a� x x : 1865 OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK KAREEMAH Fow1.ER, CITY CLERK RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS AUGUST 21, 2018 12:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Karen White, Regina Williams-Preston, John Voorde, Jo M. Broden(late) Committee Members Absent: None Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Gavin Ferlic Other Council Absent: Sharon L. McBride, Jake Teshka, Oliver Davis Others Present: Kareemah Fowler, Bianca Tirado, Casey Colvin, Aaron Perri, Ed Williams, Alkeyna Aldridge,Antonius Northern, Sonja Kamovsky, Cynthia Taylor, Kesha Johnson, Jonathon Jones Agenda: Addressing the goals of the LaSalle Park Alliance Committee Chair Karen L. White called to order the Residential Neighborhoods Committee meeting at 5:32p.m.In way of background information,at our previous Residential Neighborhoods Committee Meeting, we had Clerk Kareemah Fowler and representatives from the Charles Black Neighborhood Center, and Aaron Perri who is over the Parks and Recreational Centers in the City of South Bend. The purpose of today's meeting is to continue the conversations that we had on July 18th.At that time members of the Lasalle Park Alliance came before the South Bend Common Council and presented five (5) priorities that you had been working on and wanted to make sure that the Council was aware and also to bring about action. At that meeting, the Council President shared your concerns and referred those concerns to my committee, which is the Residential Neighborhoods Committee. Committeemember Jo M. Broden arrived at the meeting at 5:45p.m. Committee Chair White stated, We had our first (1St) meeting and I have been in conversations with your president and with others to see ways in which we can develop strategies to one (1) ensure transparency and communication, but most importantly to work on the strategies in terms of those five (5) priorities that we can move to action. I am going to turn it over to your President Henry Davis, Jr. to see if you have any questions or any comments you would like to raise at this particular time. Henry Davis, Jr. stated, Before you all came, we were just discussing informally about what happened at the last meeting. Before we even take off, we always start this off with higher authority, so I am going to ask Elder Plump if you wouldn't mind opening us up in a word of prayer. You can go ahead and begin. INTEGRITY1 SERVICE1 ACCESSIBILITY JENNIFER M.COFFMAN BLANCA L.TYRADo JOSEPH R MOLNAR CHIEF DEPUTY/DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS DE=/DIRECFOR OF POLICY ORDINANCE VIOLATION CLERK EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1 227 W.Jefferson Blvd.I South Bend,Indiana 466011 p 574.235.92211 f 574.235.9173 1 www.southbendin.gov ®CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK Elder Plump proceeded in prayer. Committee Chair White stated,Hopefully all of you have received copies of the July 18th minutes, if not let me know and we can make sure. I did forward those on to the Council Members but also to the leadership of the Alliance. I would wish to thank the Council and Clerk's Office for really making sure that we had a comprehensive overview of that meeting which was on July 18th of this year. Thirteen (13) pages of minutes that hopefully reflected not only the scope of our conversations but also some of the recommendations that you individually but also collectively shared with us during the meeting at that time. I want to restate those priorities. The purpose of this meeting is to really continue the conversations as they pertain to these priorities. The other concerns that you might have, I ask that you work with your president on those concerns that you shared. Our purpose today and purpose of the committee is to really address those priorities, to develop strategies by which we collectively can work together to frame a plan,but also to enhance communication and ensure that you have the information that you need to look at these priorities. I am not saying the other concerns are not important, but we want to make the best use of the time that we have and the focus that we have from the committee perspective. I am going to go back and share those five(5)priorities,the first of which dealt with the Charles Black Recreation Center. It was very clear to us that you collectively and individually had some concerns in regards to what is happening with the timeframe completion of the Charles Black Center. Who's at the table? Who's not at the table? And what should that look like as you move very closely to the grand opening of the Charles Black Center. The second(2nd)part you shared was in terms of programing for the Center. What type of program should be at the Center and there were some concerns that were raised in regards to looking at programing that moved past a soft skill. Also, looking at skill development for job creation and apprenticeship, and preparing our students so that they can compete effectively as they continue their education and beyond. The third(3rd)one(1) dealt with the infrastructure and Smart Streets and I am happy to say that at the last budget hearing the Public Works Department did submit their budget for this upcoming 2019 year. In that budget, I shared this with all of you at the last meeting that the completion of the Smart Streets between Falcon and Kentucky is in the budget, bids will go out for the design, and what that will look like, and hopefully the weather will hold out for a completion date of Spring 2019. That was one (1)of your priorities and that will be completed, and we are asking also that of the Administration as they continue to move towards completion beyond the design. The communication is that you would be aware of what's going to happen and when streets are going to be closed. Of your five (5) priorities, I feel very confident that priority will be addressed. Committee Chair White also stated, Any Councilmember can chime in at any time. The fourth (4th) one (1) was to create a plan that creates open store fronts for black businesses within and on Western Ave, but also beyond. You know, how can we and what should we be doing to create businesses that reflect the rich diversity that we have in our community. So business creation and we did share with you that James Summers is opening up a business on Lincoln Way to really work with small businesses and to help them to begin to look at what that looks like from a marketing perspective, fiscal plan development, strategies, so that is a work in progress, but we need to be at the table as well. An abatement program for home investment, so these are the five (5) priorities that the Alliance,that you, yourself have identified and brought to the Council, and we as a committee but most importantly as a Council are working with you and the Administration to ensure that these priorities, that they are clearly articulated, that we work to develop strategies, EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1 227 W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 466011 p 574.235.9221 If 574.235.9173 1 TTD 574.235.5567 I www.southbendin.gov 2 ®CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK and most importantly that you see the outcomes. So I am going to turn it over to the Council President, would you like to make any comments? Council President Tim Scott stated,No, I am good to go. Councilmember Voorde stated,No Councilmember Preston stated,No Committee Chair White stated, What I would like to do in terms of open discussion, looking at those priorities, I did reach out to the president, President Henry Davis and asked him which department head he would like to be at this meeting and he mentioned, Aaron Perri. I would like to acknowledge that Johnathon Jones is with us as well and Alkeyna Aldridge from Community Investment. Did I leave anybody else out? Council President Tim Scott interjected, Alkeyna's right hand person. Committee Chair White stated, Thank you. When we come up with priorities, what does that mean? How do we come up with those priorities and you know, what information is needed, as it pertains to those other four (4) priorities? What has or what is being done in support of these priorities? Who do you need to meet with? Who should be at the table with you and also looking at a strategy, you know have a plan, with measurable outcomes. Timelines so that as we move forward you can look at for example,programing at the Center,job creation and how do we move beyond that priority and move it into a reality. And first, we need to know what is exactly happening in terms of programing. A lot of it is information, but also making sure that as we look at the programing you have seniors, young adults, high school students, and primary students, so the programing should be very comprehensive. I want to open that up for input, discussions, and I want to get your feedback to make sure that I have correctly summarized those priorities. And when you do speak, we ask that you share your name and address for our records. Mr. Davis stated, Councilmember White, I think you did a great job at explaining the follow up and that. I think that the group's intent at this point is wanting to be at the table as it relates to programing within the Charles Black Center. This came about because there was a discussion with Sam Centellas about what was going on across the street and there was a brief discussion about programing and programing ideas that were on the table that had been discussed on an ongoing basis about the Charles Black Center. That's when we were like hey, I am sure many of us from this organization have something that they would like to see happen or have something to say. The other part of that conversation is the City study that was done here recently with the racial wealth divide disparity study and it showed really bad things within the African American population. But it was terrible, and it was money driven, financial driven. But we do know when there are no jobs and nothing really going on economically, crime happens. It happens a lot more and faster so our thought as a group was how can we as a group help put something in place generationally that could help build the economics in this area. So the first thing we would point to was jobs,but then somebody would ask are they ready for jobs.Well I can't answer that question today, how do we train our children later on. I am not talking about someone that is twenty years- old, I am talking about someone that is in elementary or middle school. How do we get them prepared for future jobs? Whether it's the trade unions, some type of IT skills set, something that EXCELLENCE ( ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1227W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 l f574.235.9173 I TTD 574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov 3 ®CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK provides them with a forecast and an idea of what will be available while giving them skills, how do we do that? So that's where the conversation needs to be started. Committee Chair White stated, Would it be very helpful if we look at the first (1St) priority, and that was in terms of the Charles Black Center, and we go directly into the programming as they are connected? As what I heard individuals stating was more information on what's happening in terms of the Center,more in regards to the grand opening,programing and what the center is going to look like and really having a status update. But most importantly to at least have the opportunity to give input to communicate your concerns and your needs but also where you see the Center in terms of future programing. So if it met the approval of the group, I know that we have representatives from the Center, but also Aaron, if you could maybe just give an update on the Charles Black Center in regards to what you've done in terms of programing,what you plan to do, who you plan to meet with, and also the projected opening of the Center and ways in which you will communicate. So I don't know if that's going to be Aaron or with you Ms. Taylor. Aaron Perri,Executive Director,Venues, Parks and Arts stated, I'll start off with talking about the infrastructure of the project going on a few blocks away from here. If you recall back in 2015 the plan was to do about a $3,000,000 renovation of the Charles Black Center. As plans progressed and as we heard feedback from users of the Center, from this neighborhood association and otherwise,the project grew about$4.5 million. What we found out was it didn't make sense to cut the project back to its original budget, we better figure out how to get more money, so we don't cut any corners. So that's what we did, we turned it into a$4.5 million dollar project. That's been well underway for just about a year now. The project is scheduled to be completed about mid October. We don't have an exact date yet, like all construction projects, we ran into a few delays. We were hoping for mid September, but it's looking like mid October at this current time. We're not too far behind. We have been able to give a couple of sneak peak tours to some folks in the community already. If you're interested in doing one (1) of those, myself, Johnathon or Cynthia will be glad to help arrange that. I know Councilmember White went on one (1) of those recently and I hope she was impressed with what she saw in terms of the progress. The center doubled in size. We'll have three (3) basketball courts in there, a music studio, a bike shop, and a computer lab that's a partnership with the South Bend Public Libraries.We just opened one(1) at the Martin Luther King Center and had a ribbon cutting on it. More storage space, standard kitchen, classrooms and the list goes on and on. It's scheduled to be opened here in about six (6) to eight (8)weeks. So that will be a big celebration. I know that there is a big sub-committee and some of you are on it to help plan the big grand opening celebration and meanwhile I am going to let Cynthia talk about the grand opening. Committee Chair White followed up, And I know that was one (1) concern that as we begin to look at the planning process and even the grand opening making sure that the neighborhood association and the Alliance are both at the table and have a broader level of participation. Mr. Perri followed up, We can make that happen. I know there's already been one (1) or two (2) meetings on the front ends of that. The fiscal footprint and timeline there, we are little bit over budget so we are sharpening our pencil and finding every dollar we can throw into that thing because we know we don't want to cut corners and we want to do things right. I know it's an important project to a lot of people. So it's going to be all brand new landscaping on the exterior lot and I know come October and getting your input, it will be a great celebration. But I hear a lot about the programing side of things and I want to be clear and really proud actually, I'm very EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building j 227W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend,Indiana 46601 l p 574.235.9221 l f574.235.9173 ITTD574.235.5567 1 www.southbendin.gov 4 CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK surprised to see so many of my team members. When they heard that programing was going to be a topic of conversation, they wanted to come and tell you all about it. It is a strong stream of programs that happen at the Center. Looking here and I was trying to do a quick summary on that. I think we have a Century worth of experience if you add up everyone's level of commitment and number of years involved with the Center. These are people that are dedicated,that believe in this neighborhood,and believe in the Center and want the best for it.And they know it's stronger when everyone works together. There's no better person that knows what this Center needs more than these folks. So I wanted to make sure they got a chance to tell a little bit about the programing they offer. I thought maybe it was going to be Cynthia and George and the whole gang showed up. That's the pride they take in it and they are not getting paid to be here so that's how much they believe in it. I wanted to turn it over to Cynthia and I am sure her team will chime in a little bit, but maybe talk about the grand opening first and then programing. Cynthia Taylor, Director of the Charles Martin Center stated, As far as the grand opening, we are in the process and put a committee together, and we are still adding to that committee. We will select one (1) representative from this neighborhood Alliance to be on that committee. We are in the process of putting together a grand opening and what's going to happen, who's going to be a part of it, and what's going to take place once we are open. When reading the notes, we learned that programing was a big concern for everyone. We are passing out a brief outline of some of the programing that is going to take place once we have re-opened. But definitely we will have some programs that we give before because those are just the sample programs that we know work for the community. But in reference to new programing,here are some of the things that will be added because of the new spaces that have been expanded. One (1) of the things you talked about were kids learning skills prior to leaving the Center,we were engaged with youth build where kids were getting GED's and on top of that they were learning a trade where they would fix a home here in South Bend. The Mayor was aware of that,it was partnership also with his office and so that's one of the things we will continue to work with WorkOne, to get those children a stipend while they are going through the GED process and learning the trade in order to build homes. This is one (1) of the things we are going to continue, and it does target from sixteen(16)-twenty-four(24)years- old. We do have a gap in the community where this age group doesn't have a lot to do so that will be one(1) of our main focuses. The other thing we do is work with JAG which is in the schools so those kids not only work in the schools but they come to us in the summer and they work with us during our summer camps and get tutoring,and they go on field trips.They earn community hours, so we will continue to do that once we get back in there and I believe kids will be able to get three- hundred (300) community hours they have to have. On the second (2"d) page we work with the Big Brothers,Big Sisters Program. We usually have anywhere from 60(sixty)to 70(seventy)kids that participate in after school programs. Each one (1) of those kids are connected to a mentor and that mentor comes through Big Brothers, Big Sisters and those mentors could be police officers, their high school students, their parents, uncles, grandmother, grandfather and will be something that we continue to do with those children. And that's a partnership with Harrison and Navarre, the local schools in the area. One (1) of the new things we are looking forward to is the computer lab that will be funded by the library and the South Bend Code School. We did a little bit of work with them during the school year while we were in the schools, so we are looking forward to them coming to the Center, setting up and doing some classes with the children. With the new music studio, we will be doing some music programs. We are looking to possibly partner with IUSB's music department. We will also continue to do the after-school program which is one (1) of our biggest programs that we do. We get children not only from the local community but all over to come to the after-school program. Because we are getting an expanded kitchen it will be a lot EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1227 W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 466011 p 574.235.9221 If 574.235.9173 1 TTD 574.235.55671 www.southbendin.gov 5 CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK bigger, a little bit more space, we are looking to do a culinary arts program where kids will learn how to cook,use kitchen utensils,and you never know,they may become a chef. So we are looking forward to that. Another thing since we are going to be focused more on the arts, we are going to be doing some photograph classes. Kids can learn how to become photographers, take pictures, and just learn the basics of photography. So those are just some of things that will give you a brief outline of what we have going on for the Center with our new programing. Committee Chair White stated, Are there any reactions or questions regarding the programing? Please state your name and address. George Jones, 256 North Sheridan Street, I appreciate all the information that you shared with us Cynthia,but one (1) of the things I didn't hear was things about technology and technology is one (1) of the fastest growing vocation careers that is on the horizon and I didn't hear any reference to that. Ms. Taylor followed up,well Code School is the technology. It teaches kids how to build websites and different technical skills on the computer so that is part of technology. Jonathon Jones, Director of Recreation, 321 E. Walter St. South Bend, IN stated, I want to add to that as well. Cynthia was referencing the collaboration that we have with the Martin Luther King Center right now. So that's actually a collaboration between Metro Net, Public Library, and the City of South Bend. One of the good parts about that is Metro Net is paying for us to get high- speed internet to the Center. So now it's a part of one (1) of their initiatives to help bridge the digital divide between the downtown area and some the outskirts of the city. So one (1) of the beautiful parts about this is that the Center will now have the highest, fastest internet that can possibly get in this City. With that, we have also been working with South Bend Code School. They have tapped into a grant opportunity with AT&T,which allows them to provide their classes at the discount/subsidized rates; students and families could tap into that as well. So now that we have had an initial session toward the end of the school year at Navarre Primary, South Bend School Code staff came in, brought their computers and gave a lot of children in the system an opportunity to build a website within a thirty (30) minute time frame and it gave them a taste of what it's like to code technology. So we are going to be meeting with Alex from South Bend Code School and going through that process to see how we can actually set up a site within the Center. Initially they were hoping that this would materialize how students could go down to the Code School and have to find transportation to get there but now hopefully there will be a site set up at the Center where kids can come. We have new computers, and high speed internet, we will really be able to tap into the opportunities from a technological stand point. Committee Chair White interjected, I think someone had a question or comment? Alkeyna Aldridge, 14th Floor County-City Building asked, I just wanted to know if you had a LRC with the Tech Center? Mr. Jones answered,you might be able to answer,You might be able to speak to it a little bit better than I am. The City is also tapping into a new set of tools through a platform called, LRNG,which is a short way of saying learning, but they left a couple of letters out there. Essentially, it's an outline platform similar to say a linda.com or even just a student going on YouTube to look up an instructional video. But essentially, it's a platform that would allow for a playlist of different EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1 227 W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 466011 p 574.235.9221 If 574.235.9173 1 TTD 574.235.5567 I www.southbendin.gov 6 ®CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK learning opportunities. So really they are going to be rolling this out to the City in efforts to provide such basic information as how do you tap into particular City services through the platform?You'll actually go through a set of instructions and after you complete that you might know how to find information from the 311 Center or you might refer how to submit some type of claim or report of that nature. But also you might get information on music or photography. This will also be a platform that will allow for students to come into the Center and even if we don't have staff that are educated or have the expertise in certain areas, this platform will allow for them to pick whatever route they want to go and essentially have hands on instructions and access to computers that the City is working on. I'm not sure if you have any more that you want to add to that, but thanks for bringing that up. Ms. Aldridge stated, I know that it launched at the Tech Resource Center and the King Center yesterday. So it is already an opportunity there. A more curated opportunity if someone wants to learn. Kareemah Fowler, 4t' Floor County-City Building stated, I know you all mentioned the MLK Center, I did hear about it and it was great. When is that scheduled to happen at the Charles Black Center? Is that scheduled to happen a month in? Two (2)months in? Mr. Perri interjected, The first day we open. Committee Chair White stated, Does someone else have a question? Lynn Collier,4916 W. Washington Street, South Bend, IN stated, The programs are fantastic and it's nice to hear that they are all going to happen at the Charles on the Lake. Question one(1): The sustainability factor that has to do with the staffing and the training and people that are going to be over these programs so that the equipment does not get misused because I heard you say that the staff might not be available and all you have to do is push a button? Mr. Jones replied, Some of the internet based skill sets, those will have the capability where you can go online without having to be staffed for that. Ms. Collier interjected, I guess I was just looking at the qualified instructions or instructors so what about that, I think that's very important. And the other thing is thank you for coming and a picture is worth 1,000 words. I am going to have to mention, we saw your presentation from the PARC's Department and had we seen that, we have been several pennies ahead and everyone would have been more excited about all of this. Is there an opportunity? Mr. Perri interjected, Why don't I come to the next meeting and I'll bring the presentation with me. Ms. Collier stated, I think that will be well taken. What did you say about the collaborative instruction? Mr.Jones answered,So with a lot of this,a lot of us are going to be working towards collaborations and partnerships. So once again, some of the examples Cynthia gave: we have staffing coming in from Big Brothers, Big Sisters that are providing some of services in that area. For technology we are partnering with South Bend Code School to come in for the area. For music programs, we are EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION ( EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1 227 W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 lf574.235.9173 ITTD574.235.5567 j www.southbendin.gov 7 CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK looking for partnerships with IUSB,there's some other groups throughout the community that we are hoping to work with. In a lot of these cases one (1) of our big transitions as a division is that we are looking for ways to cultivate recreational opportunities that will reignite our City. So in that ideology of this mission statement, we are not looking to say our staff has to be equipped with all skills to do these things or we have to expend ourselves because we know that to bring on additional staff,we know that's a lot of overhead,extra labor expenses that we don't have. It makes sense that the more we can partner with people in our community and the teams that are already experts in these areas, it's a better use of resources and it allows for us to shift our focus to other areas, other gaps we can serve while we have people already working these certain areas to step in and give them more of an opportunity. Ms. Collier asked, Are any other people that work in the innovation parts included in all of this networking partnership and collaboration? Mr. Jones responded, in that sense I would say that we are not sure and we could definitely work towards that. The Code School is somewhat connected with the Metro Net and we have people that are always connected through all of those circles. Ms. Collier replied, I didn't know they were all included. Thank you. Committee Chair White followed up, Are there any other comments or concerns regarding the Charles Black Center? I do know that Ms. Taylor and her staff will be working back from the proposed opening deadline date and you will be getting updates regarding the progress of the Center. So that if any individuals would come to ask you, you can say based on the information that we have this is the target date. And also I would encourage you, Mr. Perri has opened the Center to do a walking tour. Aaron, who should they contact? Mr. Perri replied, Contact Cynthia Taylor. We are still working on some sneak peek dates and the construction companies to make sure it's safe for you all to come in.Please give us plenty of notice and we can get some sneak peeks in. Committee Chair White followed up,I also heard that the committee continues to plan towards the grand opening but also beyond that a member of the neighborhood association, will be a part of that committee as well. Did I hear that correctly? The tours and the programing, would like to share with you that the Code School is a partner with the City of South Bend but also with the neighborhood association and about two (2) month ago AT&T presented a $5,000 check for the Code School if I am not mistaken for the Charles Black Center? So that relationship is there and we are looking forward to expanding that relationship with AT&T as well. Yes Mr. Printen. Robert Printen, 305 South Street, South Bend, IN stated, There's a resource center on Western Ave that is for Hispanics and an African American woman went in there for some information and they told her this center was for Hispanics. My question is I heard that the Hispanics are going to have an office in the Charles Black Center, I want to be put on record about what is happening. Mr. Perri interjected, We have been in conversation with Sam Centellas and for the record that conversation never happened. I don't know where that started. I wish Henry was here to hear this being said as well. This conversation never happened, and I don't know where that rumor came EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building(227 W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 466011 p 574.235.9221 If 574.235.9173 1 TTD 574.235.5567 I www.southbendin.gov 8 ®CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK from. Same thing you are saying here about any particular office about anyone outside of who you see here doesn't exist and it's not in the plan in any way, shape or form. Mr. Printen interjected, Put this on record. Mr. Perri replied, Now I can't stand up here in good conscious and say that without saying and underscoring that this is a community center and it's for everybody regardless of what you look like and everybody here believes that,so I just want to make that clear.There has been no particular office outside of these folks but it is also for the community. Our mission is to ignite South Bend. Rev. Langworthy, 233 North Illinois Street, South Bend, IN stated, I recently returned back to South Bend. My father died. But because of the increase in cultural/diversity in all of these neighborhoods, the language barriers, and racial barriers and how we feel and gender issues there should be a diversity officer. I know we have one(1)in the City and there should be some one that could come out and make peace in the neighborhoods. Someone that could call around and talk to everybody. Everybody doesn't speak Spanish,we could learn some words and they could learn a little bit more about the black community. Since we all live here I have learned that some areas that were once all black are not that way anymore. And I am positive that it's not going to be that way because all over the country some people are learning, and we cannot say it's just us. There should be somebody that is coming from the City such as an officer that is trained with cultural diversity knowing how to talk with different people because like he said if you are going to disrespect me, you are going to make me mad and I am knocking on your door and I can come to you cordially, and you are looking at my face judging how I look, my clothes. Committee Chair White interjected, I think it's very clear that there's not an office for a particular race.Being African American,you don't have your staff here and an office has not been identified. You hear that statement being made,I trust that you would say,that is not true,you heard this from the Director. But also what I am hearing there is a need to look at diversity and what does that mean across the board and how can we as a community begin to look at that and the need to have that type of in-service and also getting back to that sooner that you made mention that the City is not part of that Center nor did they buy that center. So again, I need to get more information about that for when I come back. But the resource center on Western Ave is not part of the landscape of the City. Now it would be helpful so that individuals would have that information and so we can deal with some of these perceptions. I promise to get back with you sooner. Rev. Langwothy replied, With your staffing, the diversity issue has come up so are we going to integrate because we live out here and they use the Center. Ms. Taylor replied, We had a staff member that spoke Spanish right before we left and we are looking for someone to fill that position. George Rogers, 3026 Langley Ave, South Bend, IN stated, I keep hearing everyone saying that the Hispanics don't like us. That's the problem right there, your speaking it into existence. I have a great relationship with all the Hispanics. It's just the fact that not all of them speak good English, they get a little defensive and the don't understand. So if you don't understand, you don't understand, that doesn't mean they don't like you. It's just they don't understand what you are saying. EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building j 227 W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 466011 p 574.235.9221 If 574.235.9173 j TTD574.235.5567 j www.southbendin.gov 9 CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK Committee Chair White stated, We get you loud and clear and this is something we need to work on. I am going to take this last question and, move on to the next priority. Antonius Northern, 14th Floor County-City Building, This year I am working with the City of South Bend.Last year I was a member of the New Black Power Movement. We made a very strong statement that minorities should not have to fight over the same resource pool and that there are issues between the Black Community and the Administration. Somehow that conversation has morphed into an issue of where this is contention or at least statement about contention between the two (2) racial groups, the Latino and the Black Community. That was never the intention of the conversation. People have gotten ahold of that conversation. La Casa has always opened it's doors to the Black Community. The relationship between blacks and the Latino Community may have a language barrier but overall I think the relationships that you see on the South Eastside/Northside community are strong and Latino families. There is no difference than that on the Lake. There have been different gangs and yet those gangs didn't go to war. You haven't seen that before. We as a community need to put an end to that conversation. George is from the community center that he is speaking about. If you don't believe him for someone that deals with this community,then you are not listening. But the truth is the truth. Blacks and Latinos have been vibing and working together for years in this community. Both sides of the street.Never seen any Latinos kids ever feeling any type of way come over to the King Center. Never had any issues when Black Center was the Lasalle Center. We just shared that park when we just had the westside reunion. Truth is truth, they had a whole soccer tournament going on while we had the Lakeside reunion the black side of the street was blocked off and no one ever had a problem. Somebody is lying. Committee Chair White stated,I am taking notes and comments, so we can look at those and move forward. I just want to say that individuals' perceptions and opinions and thoughts, I can't tell a person how to feel but what I can do and try to do is give the best possible information and to clarify and to work to have that best level of information.And I know that there are some concerns, and we have been hearing those concerns for years. I grew up on Kenmore Street, never crossed going on the other side of Western Ave. We are beyond that and we need to work on that and recognize that there are some concerns and anytime we can get the right information, we should. And what I would like for each and everyone of you to do is if someone comes to you and asks is there going to be an office there, say no there is not and if they have an office there then we go back to Aaron and say you told us on such and such date that wasn't going to happen. Let's move on to the third(3rd)priority which is plans that create open store fronts for black business/owners. Again I know that there's a lot of work being done and what I would like to do is look at the four (4) priorities. I am going to come up with a template that will look at the fourth (4th) remaining priorities objectives, how do meet those objectives, measurable outcomes, and a timeline. So that will be the next step with our community and what we will be doing in conjunction with all of you. So I don't know if anyone would like to speak to job creations? Ms. Aldridge stated, I can speak to it but certainly some of these things are emerging and so we will welcome feedback and comments in the discussion part.The third(3rd)point on infrastructure and completion of Smart Streets between Falcon and Kentucky is proposed in the 2019 budget. This is something that you guys can look forward to and I hope that you will come out to the budget hearings in the month to speak in favor so that we know that you are in support of that and there won't be an issue of that getting through Council. The second (2nd) piece is with the store front for black business owners, the Department of Community Investment recently donated EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY ( INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1227W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 466011 p 574.235.9221 if 574.235.9173 TTD574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov 10 CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK $30,000 to a small business development corridor on Lincoln Way which is a partnership with SCORE and we are looking to partner with them on another grant that we won for minority contractors to do work with the City.As well as with other contractors and entities within the City, whether it's Notre Dame,the schools,IUSB,but to build capacity for construction workers to work on jobs that we are seeing across the City. That grant is $50,000 and then we have seeded the Business Development Center with $30,000. We are recruiting minority contractors right now so if you know anyone or would like to participate please let us know. The cohort will be twenty(20) minority business owners. It can be a start-up or someone that has been established for quite some time that needs help establishing themselves or understanding the processes and capitalizing their business. It's a very comprehensive program that we are looking forward to emerging. On the contractor piece we are developing a curriculum as to what folks need to understand for the upcoming program. The Abatement Program that came up before, we are not completely sure about the legality of this and what's involved on the state statue level, like can you tax abatement on home repairs? So that's something we need to sort through. Also as you look into programs you focus on legacy homeowners, is it something that is really going to give a resident a bang for their buck or help at all cause when you look at the residential tax abatement piece,it's really small dollars. It's small dollars to us and maybe on the residential side it's a big impact. But these are the kind of things that we really need to unfold and continue to take a look at. Committee Chair White stated, I am very mindful that we keep our meeting to what I promised, one (1) hour, and I want to make sure everyone has had an opportunity to talk. The purpose of today's meeting was to report back on updated information but also to share with you ways you can become engaged in the process and who to contact. Again the next step will be to create the template that you can drop these priorities in and that's where the real work begins. You know I may have a priority but what does that mean, what does that look like, and how do I put together a strategic plan behind that. Who needs to be at the table, what's involved, what's it going to cost and so having a template is going to help move that forward. I want to make sure that each Council person has an opportunity for closing comments,but before that I want to make sure everyone has had a chance to speak. Mr. Plump I have not heard from you today. Dennis Plump, 302 South Chicago Street, South Bend, IN stated, I just want to say that everything I have heard this evening has been on the positive side. I am the type of person, I believe what a person says until they show something different and when I do comment it is to the truth because that's what's been shown. That's the old school, actions speak louder than words and the template is the action and I want to thank you,the Council and everyone for bringing things into existence. It's something in our neighborhood that we have been waiting for, for some time. But anything that starts and begins is always going to need some improvement too. I am at the point right now where I believe I go along with everything but now the next step is action. Committee Chair White stated, I am going to turn it over to Councilmember John Voorde, any comments? Councilmember Voorde replied, I heard the resident tax abatement idea mentioned a couple of times. I was an assessor for thirteen (13) years and I think sometimes there is a misunderstanding about what is assessable and might increase the value of your home. If you do normal upgrades, like more efficient windows,new siding,new roof,paint,new carpeting,none of that is assessable. You can do all of that and your assessable value will probably never go up a dime because that's not what the assessor looks for. What the assessor looks for is one (1) additional square footage,if EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1 227 W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 lf574.235.9173 TTD574.235.5567 1www.southbendin.gov 11 ®CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK you put an addition on, that's obviously going to be assessable. If you add air conditioning; this would increase your assessed value and it's all down by the book. The book will go through all process and procedures regarding this. Most of the dress up/fix up things don't get assessed.Now that there is a market-based system and the market value of your home might go up because it's got all new stuff once they plug in the market factor. But realistically, if one (1) home here in the neighborhood or two (2) or three (3) happen to make improvements, it's not going to have a real significant value on the market value on the neighborhood. That's one (1) of the things that the new system, and when I say new, I mean fifteen (15) years old (this works in the favor of the homeowner). So don't be afraid to think about a project or work on a project but before you do, go to the Assessor's office and say what effect is this going to have. I always used to cite the example right off Lincoln Way, poor fellows' house burned, it was one of the Victorian places with a wood frame structure. He loved the neighborhood so much, he had the remains of the fire cleared and built a brand new brick ranch. Well, it had to be assessed by the book as a brand new big ranch and the old assessed value was for$600 and the new assessed value was $2,400 because of what it was. There was not any way around that except for the system worked against him.Now the new system or the newer system would say that that would have cost him $110,000 to build that house but in the market place, he couldn't have sold it for $110,000, he might be able to sell for and I am just making this up $65,000. The Assessor would need to assess it at$65,000 and not the $110,000 it cost him to do it. You just have to ask questions when you are talking about those kinds of things.About the differences between Latinos and Blacks,I know they're real to the extent that there is a perception there, but it reminds me of my youth when different races didn't get along. You had to know where the line was. It might have taken a generation to cure and none of that it's right, but it happens. Councilmember Preston stated, There was a Diversity and Inclusion workshop over in the NearWest and Kennedy Park and it is definitely something that is needed for all of us in our community. There are Restored Justice Peace Circles that are happening all through out the community. On the issue of store fronts,I think it is important that we look at that end of it because we can nurture black businesses but on the issue of store front, Councilwoman White brought that list for us to look at for example, the store fronts on Western. And we are interested and actually acquiring property then we need to organize and get that moving because the properties are being snatched up. So there's the issue of having black businesses and getting them established and running. Then if it is store fronts, we want to see those businesses develop and thrive. We have to work together to make that happen. I just want to share on Thursday,the Community for Economic Justice is hosting a housing forum to share. Ms. Alkeyna and maybe Ms. Sonja will be there, but there are several people talking about different programs regarding housing on the Westside. Ms. Aldridge followed up, Can I just add to that? The home repair pilot brought door hangers for you all to share. Councilmember Broden stated, Thanks to everyone for coming out tonight. I think it's important to know that stuff has been in the works and there is stuff that you are looking for as a neighborhood and making sure when we put up a$4.5 million investment that it's yours right?It's our Center and it is your Center. I like the short term, long term aspects of the programing that I heard tonight. I guess I would agree Councilmember Regina Preston that the store front piece is really significant because those are disappearing. And obviously we can expand in the future as you go down Western and I think those opportunities, we need to jump on as soon as possible. I heard that really loud and clear at the last meeting. There were some tangible, strategic ways; how EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1 227 W.Jefferson Bvld ISouth Bend,Indiana 466011 p 574.235.9221 If 574.235.9173 1TfD574.235.5567Iwww.southbendin.gov 12 ®CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK Respectfully Submitted, Karen White, Committee Chair EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1227W Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 466011 p 574.235.9221 f574.235.91731TTD574.235.55671www.southbendin.gov 14 ®CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK do we get some integration within that street and that business sector. I think it will benefit all of us if we work strategically to hit that note so obviously the sooner the better. I guess one (1) of my questions to the group,maybe Aaron to you is that programing can never be static. What you plan today the needs are going to change, right? Who you plan for, that's going to change. So I guess my suggestion in regards to programing. We had great dialogue tonight but I think maybe there needs to be mechanisms put in place, from my background it would be called an advisory committee to the center that actually is a structure from where people from all the neighborhood groups; you can put up a name or someone on a ongoing basis evaluating what are we offering, is it meeting needs? Do we need to change it? Do we need to throw it out?Do we need to substitute something in? But I think to somehow plan that, we know that change is going to be needed, but somehow now to incorporate that so that we can take tonight's exchange of information and communication and just build on it here going forward. And my last thing is it really does help when staff comes to the neighborhood meetings, so we want to thank you for coming and Aaron if you could convey that to your staff. You are the nut and bolts of what happens. So when neighbors can talk to staff and other staff can talk to neighbors, I think we can get a lot fiirther along. So I really appreciate your attendance tonight and the expertise that you bring to all of this. Committee Chair White interjected, We want to add that in terms of the advisory board of the community and that recommendation was shared with Ms. Taylor and I know she is looking into that. Councilmember Voorde stated, As long as we are thanking people, I'd like to thank the City Clerk's Office for consistently bringing out her staff to help us become informed. Clerk Fowler stated,I had a question for Alkeyna about educating people about which area is being served. I wanted to follow up with Alkeyna because our office has been getting some calls about it. This is a good piece that I will follow up with you regarding inquiries to our office. I guess they called 311 and one(1)person told me that they are on Dundee Street and they are on a certain side of Western, so they are not going to take applications from them or something or another. I just want to make sure that this reflects that cause people will ask us information, no matter what or where we go. We can be in the grocery store, anywhere, and I just want to make sure I'm giving out the right information. We want to make sure that we bring the questions to you. Committee Chair White stated, I just want to thank everyone for coming. This was an excellent meeting and in return, I ask that you give me three (3) weeks to work on the template because we are in the budget process and that is something to experience. I would encourage you to send out a representative to the budget hearings. I think tomorrow this will be our forth(4th)one (1) and we have about eight (8) or nine (9) scheduled and I know that all of you can't come. On the website you can get all the budget and meeting related materials. Questions that were asked last year, you can go and pull those questions up as well. So I encourage you if you can to participate. Feel free to contact any of us. Our goal is to do the very best that we can to ensure that one(1)to know that you have been heard. Two (2) We value you, we may not have all the answers and we may not be able to respond at the level that you think we should, but please know we are operating from a point of sincerity. We are operating from a point that we want the very best for our citizens. So we thank you so much. Tomorrow's budget is PARCS. We meet on the 4th Floor at 5 P.M. You are welcome to attend. The Residential Neighborhoods meeting is adjourned. EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1 227 W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 466011 p 574.235.9221 If 574.235.9173 1 TTD 574.235.5567 I www.southbendin.gov 13