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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-18 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 November 12, 2018 MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND FOUND THEM TO BE CORRECT. THEREFORE, WE RECOMMEND THE SAME BE APPROVED: 111111 —Wl'IONA74411 TIM SCOTT i TES ' APPROVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL ON: November 26, 2018 ATTEST: 2'�G�;G -�- �y` �/, KAREEMAH FOWLER, CITY CLERK REGULAR MEETING November 12, 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,November 12th,2018 at 7:00 p.m.The meeting was called to order by Council President Tim Scott and the Invocation(Pastor Jason Miller, South Bend City Church) and Pledge to the Flag were given. ROLL CALL COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Tim Scott 1st District, President Regina Williams-Preston 2nd District Jo M. Broden 4th District Jake Teshka 5th District Oliver J. Davis 6th District, Vice President John Voorde At-Large Gavin Ferlic At-Large, Chairperson Committee of the Whole Karen L. White At-Large COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Sharon L. McBride 3`d District OTHERS PRESENT: Kareemah Fowler City Clerk Graham Sparks Clerk Executive Assistant Bob Palmer Council Attorney REPORT FROM THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion that the minutes of the October 22nd, 2018 meeting of the Council be accepted and placed on file. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes. SPECIAL BUSINESS Council President Tim Scott stated, I would like to thank all our veterans for their service to this country and to us. We will never forget. Hopefully we will not have these meetings again on Veteran's Day. Councilmember Karen White made a motion to cancel the scheduled December 24th, 2018 meeting of the South Bend Common Council. Councilmember Jake Teshka seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICES Representing the City Administration: Laura O'Sullivan, Chief of Staff RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE At 7:03 p.m. Councilmember Karen White made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, Chairperson, presiding. 1 REGULAR MEETING November 12, 2018 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. 56-18 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, ANNEXING TO AND BRINGING WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AND AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN CLAY TOWNSHIP, CONTIGUOUS THEREWITH; COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4, FOR 17330 STATE ROAD 23, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA (PREVIOUSLY BILL NO. 12-17- PUBLIC HEARING PORTION ONLY) Councilmember Karen White made a motion to accept Substitute version of Bill No. 56-18. Councilmember John Voorde seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8)ayes. 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, subject to the aforementioned Substitute version that includes the written commitments from the petitioner. Angela Smith,Deputy Director of the Area Plan Commission with offices located on the 11th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter for this bill. Ms. Smith stated, First(1St) of all, thank you for cancelling Christmas Eve. That was one (1) of those days I was not looking forward to coming in to work. Before you is a petition to rezone the northeast corner of State Road Twenty-Three(23)and Douglas Road.The property is currently zoned C,Commercial, in the County tied to a final site plan that limits it to a financial institution. When the property owner has decided to renovate the property and connect to City Utilities, they were encouraged to and are here before you tonight to seek an annexation into the City limits of South Bend to CB, Community Business. The property to the east is already in the City zoned CB, Community Business. To the north is a daycare facility in the City zoned 0, Office. To the south we still have B, Business in the County and R, Single-Family. And across State Road Twenty-Three (3) we have a medical complex and an assisted living facility zoned B, Business and R-Two (2), Residential. The current site, as you can see here (referencing a slide in a presentation which is available in the City Clerk's Office), is a former financial institution which will be demolished to make way for a gas station. There is a grade change and some entrance restrictions here that the petitioner will be modifying to make this site work. This (referencing a slide in the presentation) is the site plan that was presented to the Area Plan Commission. Not a significant amount has changed since the Area Plan Commission meeting, although the entire site has been shifted so that they can meet the setback requirements. The drive entrance has also been moved further from the intersection to share with the adjacent property to the east of the site. Ms. Smith continued, The amended ordinance adds a section of the ordinance to allow for this to be tied to the written commitments that were presented. We added written commitment number nine (9) which states there not to be allowed any automotive service or repair on site. At the Committee meeting this afternoon, that was requested and agreed upon. This came to you from the Area Plan Commission with an unfavorable recommendation back in 2017. I would be happy to answer any questions. Stephen Studer, Partner with Krieg Devault with offices located at 4101 Edison Lakes Parkway, Mishawaka, IN, served as the petitioner for this bill. Mr. Studer stated, Here also this evening are the owners of the property and also Mr. Brian McMorrow with Abenmarche who may answer any additional questions on the site plan. As Angela mentioned, we are seeking to rezone from a County District C, Commercial to a City District CB, Community Business, thus annexing into 2 REGULAR MEETING November 12, 2018 the City. I would be happy to go through the booklet I provided in the Committee meeting(which is available in the City Clerk's Office)but, in the interest of brevity, it might make more sense if I ask if there are any additional questions. As Angela mentioned, we did agree to the commitment that no auto service repair would happen on site. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic opened the floor to questions from Council Members for the presenter or the petitioner. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked, Could you please share about your interaction with the neighbors and the people who had come to the Area Plan meeting who were in opposition? I think that would give good understanding of why there would be a change in our decision tonight from what Area Plan recommended. Mr. Studer stated, Thank you, Councilmember Davis. There were two (2) issues. One (1) is we met with Councilmember Davis and Councilmember Broden regarding the site plan and issues regarding road cuts, cut outs, etcetera. We did make some changes to the site plan. We moved the entrance on Douglas Road sixty (60) feet to the east so it went from one hundred forty (140) to two hundred (200) feet. That is part of the written commitments. We had five (5) neighbors, originally, that expressed some concerns at the Area Plan Commission. One (1) of them I mentioned was from North Liberty, one(1) was the owner of a competitor, and the other three(3) were in the neighborhood. We met with two (2) of those three (3) and they expressed no concern and also advised they would talk to the third (3rd) person as well. Their only concern was that we were not going to ask for substantial variances that would change the character of the neighborhood. We are not asking for any variances so they were satisfied and comfortable. Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, And what you did with the Exxon sign, you said with the color? Mr. Studer replied, That was with the City's Department of Community Investment. Typically Exxon would have a lit up bright red sign. In order to keep with the character of the neighborhood, we have toned that down to keep with the current color scheme of brick and browns. So we have toned it down to meet the current standards of the neighborhood. We have agreed to do that, as well. By the way as a side note, we will be using a monument sign. No pylon signs will be used as that is more in character with the neighborhood. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, Thank you for that, I appreciate it. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. None from the public wished to speak in favor of or opposition to this bill. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to send Substitute Bill No. 56-18 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Tim Scott seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes. RISE AND REPORT Councilmember John Voorde made a motion to rise and report to full Council. Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) 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 7:12 p.m. Council President Tim Scott presided with eight (8) members present. BILLS —THIRD READING There were no bills for third (3rd)reading at this time. 3 REGULAR MEETING November 12, 2018 RESOLUTIONS BILL NO. 18-59 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, ADOPTING A WRITTEN FISCAL PLAN AND ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES TO AN ANNEXATION AREA IN CLAY TOWNSHIP (OLD NATIONAL ANNEXATION AREA) 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. Michael Divita, Planner for the Department of Community Investment with offices on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, served as the presenter for this bill.Mr.Divita stated,This fiscal plan is for a one point nine(1.9) acre annexation that has been requested by the property owner of one (1) parcel located at 17730 State Road 23. As you just heard, the petitioner proposes to redevelop the site for a gas station. No capital improvements are currently planned by the City as part of this annexation. Water is already available along both State Road 23 and Douglas Road. Sewer is available along Douglas, as well. The adjacent portion of Douglas is already within City limits. A portion of State Road 23 will annex but will need to be maintained by INDOT. The annexation area will be added to the fourth (4th) Common Council District and served by Police Beat Eleven (11), Fire Station Three (3), Emergency Medics Three (3) and Code Enforcement Area Four (4). These and other non-capital services will be in place within one (1) year of the effective date of the annexation with response times comparable to other areas in the City. I ask for Council's adoption of the fiscal plan and I'd be happy to take any questions you might have. Council President Tim Scott opened the floor to questions from Council Members for the presenter. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated,I have a question and it may not necessarily be for Mr. Divita. In reference to this bill, and regarding Bill No. 56-18, the third (3rd) reading on that will be at the next meeting, correct? Council Attorney Bob Palmer replied, Correct. State Statute dictates the final Council vote on this cannot be made until after fourteen (14) days have passed from the public hearing. Councilmember Oliver Davis followed up, But the fiscal plan, tonight, we'll vote on that? Council Attorney Bob Palmer confirmed, Correct. The fiscal plan has to be approved before the annexation ordinance can be voted on. Councilmember Oliver Davis then asked, So 56-18, next time, will be just a third(3rd) reading? It won't be heard in the afternoon or in the meeting, correct? Council Attorney Bob Palmer replied, That is correct. There will be no public hearing. It will be in Council Portion Only. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, Ok, I'm at peace then, sir. Thank you. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. None from the public wished to speak in favor of or opposition to this bill. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 18-59. Councilmember Karen White seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of eight(8) ayes. 18-65 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY 4 REGULAR MEETING November 12, 2018 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 4836 WESTERN AVE, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46619 AS AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A SEVEN (7) YEAR REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR NILKANTH, LLC Austin Gammage, Business Development Manager for the Department of Community Investment with offices located on the 14`h floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter for this bill. Mr. Gammage stated, Good evening, Council. I am representing Ms. Patel and Nilkanth, LLC for the Dairy Queen off of Western Avenue. She sends her apologies as she is unable to make it tonight with family obligations out of town. Again, this is a seven (7) year real property tax abatement.There will be over$1.6 million investment and over forty(40)jobs coming to that part of town. The Department of Community Investment is very excited about this development. Council President Tim Scott opened the floor to questions from Council Members for the presenter. There were none. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. None from the public wished to speak in favor of or opposition to this bill. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 18-65. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of eight(8) ayes. 18-67 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3201 W CALVERT STREET, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46613 AS AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A FIVE (5) YEAR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR SOUTH BEND ETHANOL, LLC Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Business Development for the Department of Community Investment with offices located on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter for this bill. Mr. Buckenmeyer stated, Good evening, Council. South Bend Ethanol was a plant that started production here in South Bend back in 1984. They went through some financial difficulties more recently.At the end of last year we started to talk to a few different potential purchasers, including Mercuria who ended up purchasing the plant. We worked with them starting the end of last year through now to understand how the City should support them in making this a great investment in the City. Their investment is going to be about $30 million in new equipment. This is a personal property tax abatement. It will raise their manufacturing capacity and will make the plant more efficient. It will allow them to purchase more corn from regional famers. The estimated economic impact across the region is about $140 million annually in terms of the ripple effect. Sixty-six (66) jobs will be retained and five (5) new jobs will be created. The average wage there is about thirty-one dollars per hour($31/hr.). With this expansion, it will also make South Bend a direct international exporter of Distilled Dried Grains. The tax abatement itself is a five (5) year abatement. During that period, we estimate about $480,000 dollars will be abated. However, during that five (5) year period, they will still pay over $3.2 million in taxes. When you look at it across, and we usually have the slide up here, but across a ten (10) year horizon with the newly expanded plant, between personal, real and LOIT, their tax total, even with this abatement, will be well over $8.2 million contributed to the City. The 5 REGULAR MEETING November 12, 2018 Department of Community Investment brings this forth with a positive recommendation and hopes for your support. Council President Tim Scott opened the floor to questions from Council Members for the presenter. Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, I have a general question in nature. With regard to tax abatements and TIF dollars, is there an annual report or scorecard relative to these projections in terms of economic impact, wages,jobs and salaries? Mr. Buckenmeyer replied, Yes. Specifically with tax abatements there is an annual CF-1 that is due by May 15 of every year. That outlines all of those elements. That is a track record in terms of investment made,jobs created, and so on and so forth. Depaitment of Community Investment tracks that and then, of course, gives you that report by June 15 every year. Councilmember Jo M. Broden then asked, Does that have a look back as well? So if it is an annual look, does it go back to tax abatements that were granted four(4) or five (5) years ago? Mr. Buckenmeyer replied, Well, each tax abatement has its own unique report. So for instance if a company has a real property as well as a personal property abatement, they would record those each but separately. It is a cumulative report but we collect those year over year so we can track annual progress. Councilmember Jo M. Broden then asked, Does Council get the benefit of that? That is within the CF-1? The cumulative aspect of those previous abatements? Mr. Buckenmeyer replied,Yes. Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, Thank you. I thought I had remembered seeing that but I wasn't certain about how much depth goes into that and what is actually reported out. I will follow up with you on that. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. None from the public wished to speak in favor of or opposition to this bill. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 18-67. Councilmember Karen White seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of seven (7) ayes and one (1) nay (Councilmember Jake Teshka). BILLS ON FIRST READING BILL NO. 57-18 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTIES: FIRST EAST/WEST ALLEY LYING WEST OF LAWRENCE STREET AND NORTH OF CORBY BOULEVARD, RUNNING WEST 158 FEET+/- IN LENGTH AND TERMINATING AT AN EXISTING NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY, ALL IN SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember John Voorde made a motion to send Bill No. 57-18 to the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee for their November 26th, 2018 meeting for Second Reading and Public Hearing. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes. 58-18 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY NORTH/SOUTH PORTION OF 6 REGULAR MEETING November 12, 2018 SAMPSON STREET 40' IN WIDTH RUNNING SOUTH 140' FROM S RIGHT OF WAY OF E. RANDOLPH STREET ENDING AT N RIGHT OF WAY OF EAST/WEST ALLEY BETWEEN ROBINSON AND HOKE STREETS Councilmember John Voorde made a motion to send Bill No. 58-18 to the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee for their November 26th, 2018 meeting for Second Reading and Public Hearing. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes. 59-18 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1405 & 1505 EAST HOWARD STREET, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember John Voorde made a motion to send Bill No. 59-18 to the Area Plan Commission for their meeting on November 18th, 2018 and the Zoning and Annexation Committee for their January 14th, 2019 meeting for Second Reading and Public Hearing. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes. 60-18 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $4,800,000 OF CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TAX INCREMENT REVENUE BONDS FOR THE COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER PROJECT, DESIGNATING THE BONDS AS LIMITED OBLIGATIONS OF THE CITY, AND AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING OTHER ACTIONS IN RESPECT THERETO Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to send Bill No. 60-18 to the Community Investment Committee for their November 26th, 2018 meeting for Second Reading and Public Hearing. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes. 61-18 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 17 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD A NEW ARTICLE 14 ESTABLISHING INTERIM STORM WATER UTILITY RATES AND AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 14 TO CREATE A NEW FUND FOR THESE REVENUES TO BE KNOWN AS THE STORM SEWER FUND (#667) Councilmember Jake Teshka made a motion to send Bill No. 61-18 to the Utilities Committee for their November 26th,2018 meeting for Second Reading and Public Hearing. Councilmember John Voorde seconded the motion which carried by a roll call of six (6) ayes and two (2) nays (Councilmember Jo M. Broden and Councilmember Oliver Davis). 7 REGULAR MEETING November 12, 2018 UNFINISHED BUSINESS BILL NO. 18-69 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 1320 MIAMI STREET Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to send Bill No. 18-69 to the Zoning and Annexation Committee for their November 26th, 2018 meeting for Second Reading and Public Hearing. Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes. NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Karen White stated, Tomorrow, Tuesday November 13th, we will be having a meeting with the faith leaders of the third(3r')and sixth(6th)districts in regards to the community's response to synthetic drugs. That will be held at Southgate Church located on Michigan Street and that will go from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Also, on Tuesday November 27th, we will continue a discussion on TIF that started during our recent budget process. A meeting has been scheduled on that from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and that will be in the Council Conference Room. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, I heard there was some State legislation that regarded TIF dollars and people that get abatements. There is some kind of, um, well I'll have to get back with you on that. I will send you information. There is something about ten (10) years and they pledge they will do something and then after those ten(10) years, if it is a certain area of the community, it can be wiped away like a distressed area. Councilmember Karen White requested Council Attorney Bob Palmer to follow up with that information and do some research on that concept. Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, I'm requesting an update at the next meeting on the South Bend Home Improvement. We've had over four hundred (400) applications and would like to know how the processing is going. Council President Tim Scott delegated that update to the Community Investment Committee. Councilmember Jo M.Broden stated,The Clubhouse of St.Joseph County is having an open house on Wednesday, November 14th at their new home, 1153 Northside Boulevard. That is from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Karen White asked, Councilmember Broden, did you schedule a community meeting for this month? Is that still being scheduled? Councilmember Jo M. Broden replied, Oh, that is just for the North East. That is not a Council Meeting. It is up to every Council Member to come but it is not an official meeting. They have asked City Administration members to be there as well. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, We have a neighborhood Rum Village meeting on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Then there is another neighborhood meeting at Our Lady of the Road on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. The Wednesday meeting is at the Oliver Apartments, if you would like to come to that one(1). As you have all received a copy, this past Sunday, I sent out a Call to Action regarding Weather Amnesty in St. Joseph County. It was our understanding that Weather Amnesty was going to start on November 1 and go through April 1 and, as we can all see, the cold weather has come to our area. Snow is outside in terms of it falling and everything is cold. And so there are three (3) different key parts and I would like for our Clerk to please read the Call to Action from that standpoint. But before that, I did speak with our Attorney and could you please share your advice you gave me about reading it into the record. 8 REGULAR MEETING November 12, 2018 Council Attorney Bob Palmer stated, My advice was simply that, to read it into the record, it was going to need to be a written resolution. This is a statement from you, as a Council Member, to the public. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, Ok, thank you. City Clerk Kareemah Fowler stated, From Councilmember Oliver Davis: A Call To Action Regarding Weather Amnesty in St. Joseph County, November 11th, 2018. Dear Local City and County Elected Officials, Whereas the Homeless Weather Amnesty site serves people from St. Joseph County. And, Whereas the cold weather of below freezing temperatures is now in effect in our area. And, Whereas the Homeless Weather Amnesty Site was scheduled to be opened on November 1st, 2018. And, Whereas the Homeless Weather Amnesty Site requires a fire inspection to receive a permit to open is needed. And, Whereas the delay in opening the Weather Amnesty Site has caused residents of our area to sleep in the cold. And, Whereas the Homeless Weather Amnesty Site is now scheduled to be opened on December 1St, 2018. And, Whereas our local governments have buildings which have been used as warming sites. Therefore the following is being requested of our local City and County Elected Officials: Section One (1): That our local governments open up warming sites until the Weather Amnesty Site is opened for use. Section Two (2): That letters be sent from each of our governments to State officials to expedite the opening of the site. Section Three (3): That our local governments come together in the year of 2019 to plan solutions for homeless populations. Sincerely, South Bend Councilman Oliver Davis, District Number Six (6),Vice President of the South Bend Common Council. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, Thank you. Urn, when you look at our goal in reverse, in 2019 I would like for us, as you see did not just address the letter just to our local official here in the City of South Bend because as we have discussed issues regarding homelessness, it is not just a South Bend issue. It is an issue that affects the City of Mishawaka, the City of South Bend, the whole St. Joseph County and probably those coming from Michigan and other areas. So it's really a time for us, as we have done in other bodies, I really believe in this concept of us local elected officials coming together on major issues that have affected all of us. Hopefully in 2019 we can have a meeting to invite the City of Mishawaka and the County Leaders to have a full-fledged discussion. Not only on the issue of Weather Amnesty but also about what we are already doing in our community. We are doing a lot of things and that is why people come here. We need to highlight our strengths and also look at ways we can definitely improve.This is back to back years we have missed the target date for November 1St and so let's look at what we can put in place on an earlier basis. We all know it will snow and it will get cold. So, let's go ahead and do that. Councilmember Oliver Davis continued, Point number two(2), I read an article in the South Bend Tribune which was good. In terms of some officials may need to be contacted downstate, I don't know who they are but if we could determine who they are and if we could individually, or those who would like to send a letter, could send a letter and let them know that we would like done whatever to be done to expedite the time. I don't want to have to go through the next three (3) weeks or so through Thanksgiving and the holidays, that is just a concern of mine. Then I explained,in terms of number one(1),when we were looking at bringing everybody together from that standpoint.We need to make sure we are on target with everything. Looking at not only a City of South Bend effort but a whole community effort of us coming together as elected officials and this was sent to all. Because,with all due respect to Mayor Pete, so much of the pressure has been on the 14th floor issue regarding this matter and I do believe this should not just be just in his office. I think this should be, as you see in the letter, Mayor Wood, President Morton and President Kostielney so we can all come together to address this kind of a situation as our local community. Any other comments or any other issues you would like to share? Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, I guess I would like to comment. I would like to thank you for your initiative in compiling this letter. I support your call for cross-municipality collaboration. Foremost, we certainly need to hit this Amnesty date, I mean, that is a minimal threshold for us, as a community,to provide. We have a very active community that is huddled,that is meeting and providing direct services. They are doing an outstanding job. They are leading the country and leading other communities. We have made historical investments and have also dedicated, I think, a historical amount of time to try and develop solutions. But missing this deadline, again, I think, is very problematic. I think it is indicative of, not just the need for cross collaboration, but also, 9 REGULAR MEETING November 12, 2018 and as I had unsuccessfully attempted to make the case during the budget hearing and even in the earlier hearings last year,we really do need sustained leadership.We need sustained staff members working on this on a regular basis because it's not just punching the check-off of a timely weather amnesty facility opening. We have a huge,huge project that we, as a community, with the help of partners who have been in this field for years, have spoken about the need for the broader Center. That would be a non-shelter. Those are just the small things. And then there are big things, I think, that are on our list to get done as a City. Those are addressing and kind of try to efficiently deal with, what I consider, symptoms, not really the underlying problems. We need to have sustained support and leadership, and I'm going on a limb here and I really don't care, and someone who has the ability and the day-to-day wear-with-all to tackle this problem, and not just the symptoms, to go at the root causes. I think the service providers have asked for leadership from us. And not just from the City of South Bend but also from leadership from other municipalities to, frankly, pony up so that we can do more in addressing the symptoms and the root causes. I recognize we are working awfully hard within the Depat intent of Community Investment and within this Administration. Again,we have unprecedented levels. However,we are at a critical time. We have critical needs and I think we need dedicated staff toward it that can help pull together and even shift some of our service models that we have been used to and that we have been trying to use to get at the problem. There are some radical shifts. I think the Task Force report was a start but there is a flurry of activity and then it drops. I think we really need a sustained person and if it is the City of South Bend that has to lead it,then, good for us. We should do it.And it doesn't take much. There are great models in other cities. Indianapolis is a fine model. The Community Foundation of St. Joseph County has come on board. Large organizations like the Lily Endowment. We had business community leaders sit here last week, the Voll's I'll just name them, they are only reflective of a much larger business community that want this solved.They want creative solutions. But until we have somebody that is actually focused on and tasked with this day to day, then we are just going to continue being fragmented and will continue to miss critical deadlines. We can't afford to do that. It is a reflection on us and our ability to do one(1) of our basic City jobs. That is housing. As I said, we have been leading but I think we need to do more and we need to make an investment. Maybe it is some job description changes but this can't be volleyed around and we can't throw stuff at the neighborhoods. This is a tough issue. If it was easy it would have been solved a long time ago. I've had thirty (30) years in this field both deep in it and on the sidelines The environment has changed. We need to somehow keep up with that change in a manner that moves the needle in a much more time efficient manner to hit deadlines at a minimum. For God's sake, the Weather Amnesty date. Thank you for your leadership on the letter. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, I'm at peace. Again, I thank you for your comments, Councilmember Broden. You summarized it very well. So again, I encourage us all to join that Call of Action and talk to our leadership. We all have different people we have influence with so just share that with them. I thank those who are already doing something. And let's move forward to take care of our obligations, thank you. Councilmember Karen White stated, Councilmember Davis, part of your Call to Action was to pull the various entities together. Who will be doing that? What is the timeframe and when is that going to happen? Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, Good question. Um, my job is to, I would like to do this earlier in the spring so you will be hearing me come back with it. Again, it is similar to what we had done with, I know President Scott is working on that with the issue of transportation he told me, something on that same matter, where we come together. And that is just a starting point and then I envision us having representation from people,plus we want to have people at the table who are dealing with homelessness, service providers, plus people who are actually dealing with housing instability themselves. So many times leaders make all the decisions for people but we want to have the input of people who are actually going through that so we can form a strong collaboration. We want to hear business leaders and people who are actually living the challenges because everybody sees the elephant from a different viewpoint and we need to make sure we get a good picture of it. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR 10 REGULAR MEETING November 12, 2018 Sharon Banicki,3822 Ford Street, South Bend, IN, stated,As I promised you earlier,Tim, I'll keep it short and sweet. As most of you know, I was privileged and blessed to get my sidewalk and curb replaced. I'm the only one in the block. Oliver took care of me and, of course, all the rest of the neighbors hate me. My concern is that the curb is already cracking. I went by a couple of the other places where the City did the Curb and Sidewalk Program and I thought it was odd when they did mine. They didn't do the whole sidewalk. They did just the tree lawn part of the sidewalk but they didn't do the sidewalk in front of my driveway, nor did they do the driveway entrance itself. I'm not sure if that should have been done. I don't know who to contact to see if it was supposed to be done. I already sent Oliver pictures of it because it was within thirty (30) days of them putting it in that it was cracking. Um, yeah. So obviously it won't last another thirty years if it is already cracking. I hate to rain on your parade. Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, She's correct. Ms. Banicki continued, Also, I have a friend that lives in Southmore Housing and it seems to me that the City Council gave Miami Hills tax abatements or helped them with redoing their housing. Part of the deal was they were going to clean it up and get rid of the rough environment that is living there and that hasn't happened. She has had three (3) shootings from Miami Hills which butts up against Southmore within a month. I don't know if there is anything the City can do to help. As far as getting rid of the felony conviction people that live there, they never moved them out. They are still there. It is still a rat hole so I don't know if there is anything that you could do to help people in Southmore who are living there. Thanks, Happy Thanksgiving! Sue Kesim, 4022 Kennedy Drive, South Bend, IN, stated, I spoke with Gavin earlier about a project. As a citizen advocate, I have a lot of resources that I use when people ask me questions on how to get help with something. I gave him about twelve(12)brochures, I want to say. I asked that the Clerk's Office scan them in and they would be on your counter top so if you have a citizen ask you, you would have that resource as well. We are in an electronic age, (waving at the camera) those people listening at home, I think you should be able to give comments, too. I would like the ability to be able to email questions or tweet questions or whatever for the Council and be able to be part of the process from their house. I think we should be able to do it and that is part of my ADA part of being a citizen advocate. I would like to remind everyone that the outstanding debt, and I went on the State website today, for the City of South Bend is $290,495,504. That works out to $2,871.42 per person in South Bend. The State thinks that anywhere between eight hundred dollars ($800) to $1,400 is reasonable and we are at double that. $2,800 per person in South Bend with a current debt load. I think the Council needs to look at the debt bubble. It looks like it doesn't drop off until 2024 and so when considering new debt,bonds, and things like that, I think we need to be real cognizant of that because if there is an economic downturn, which of course happens, and the COIT suddenly drops,that is really going to create a shortfall. On a personal level, I helped someone who is homeless at the Homeless Center. He's back on his feet. He has his home and is back with his daughter and I got to thinking about that. I took on one (1) individual. I can't take on everybody and I think we need to create, if you look at the AA model where someone has a sponsor, I think that churches and religious organizations could adopt one (1) homeless person, sponsor them, and make sure they get their clothes, medication, get to their appointment and get them to whatever programs they need. I think, you know, what is it? Light work among many hands. I think that is something we could do. Faith In Indiana might be a good bridge between the group of homeless providers and the Faith Groups in Michiana. Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, Real quick,could we clarify for the record, and we don't always do this, but with the issue of the bond and the monies scheduled for Miami Hills? Council President Tim Scott replied, Yeah, and I stated it earlier today. This Council approved a bond for them to take out money for improvements. They never followed through on that bond. Because it was a bond within a municipality, it had to come through us for our blessing and they never did follow up on that. I also think they went for a tax credit and I think that also may have come before us and they didn't do that. We will talk more offline about that. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, President Tim Scott adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m. 11