HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-26-18 Council Minutes REPORT OF SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES
TO THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND:
THE SUB-COMMITTEE HAS INSPECTED THE MINUTES OF THE
November 26, 2018
MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND FOUND THEM TO BE CORRECT.
THEREFORE,WE RECOMMEND THE SAME BE APPROVED:
T " SCOTT
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J• TES !KA
APPROVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL ON: December 10, 2018
ATTEST:
KA' i M• H FOWLER, CITY CLERK
REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana met in the Council
Chambers of the County-City Building on Monday,November 26th,2018 at 7:00 p.m.The meeting
was called to order by Council President Tim Scott and the Invocation (Rabbi Karen Companez,
Temple Beth-El) and Pledge to the Flag were given.
ROLL CALL
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Tim Scott 1St District, President
Sharon L. McBride 3rd 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 PRESENT:
Regina Williams-Preston rd District
OTHERS PRESENT:
Kareemah Fowler City Clerk
Jennifer Coffman Chief Deputy Clerk
Bianca Tirado Deputy Clerk
Graham Sparks Clerk Executive Assistant
Bob Palmer Council Attorney
REPORT FROM THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES
Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion that the minutes of the November 12th,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, We will not have a Council Meeting on December 24th, 2018
for obvious reasons. Also, if you are here for Bill No. 61-18 regarding storm water utility rates,
that is continued to December 10th, 2018. There is a possibility there may be a special Committee
meeting next week regarding that matter.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICES
Representing the City Administration: Laura O'Sullivan,Chief of Staff
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to suspend the rules to move the RESOLUTIONS
portion of the agenda ahead of Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Karen White seconded
this motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes.
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REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
RESOLUTIONS
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 Oliver Davis, chair of the Zoning and Annexation Committee, reported that they
met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation.
Angela Smith, Deputy Director of the Area Plan Commission with offices located on the 11th floor
of the County-City Building, South Bend,IN, served as the presenter for this bill. Ms. Smith stated,
Before you this evening is a petition requesting a special exception for a bar or tavern at 1320
Miami Street. It was originally opened as a coffee bar or coffee house and later had demand for a
change to a full scale bar, under our definition of zoning. I included the zoning map here
(referencing a slide in a presentation which is available in the City Clerk's Office) and you can see
the property highlighted in red. It is along the Miami corridor and is zoned MU,Mixed-Use,which
allows for a restaurant, coffee house, and the bar by special exception. The properties on either
side and across the street are either Mixed-Use or Light Industrial. As you go to the next block,
south, you get into some Multi-Family and then it immediately goes back into Commercial uses.
The majority of Miami along this street is actually Mixed-Use. You do have some Single-Family
Residential behind the alley in the back where the residential buffer would kick in, however, the
petitioner, under previous variances through the Area Board of Zoning Appeals, got special
approvals to allow for their parking to be there off the alley. So they do have parking at the rear of
the existing building. There are no plans to make any changes to the structure,just the use inside
the structure. This comes to you from the Area Board of Zoning Appeals with a favorable
recommendation.
Robert Smith, 1320 Miami Street, South Bend, IN, served as the petitioner for this bill. Mr. Smith
stated, I am the owner of Witches Brew. Like Angela said, we started off as a coffee
shop/restaurant and we've morphed more into a pub situation. We are selling more beer and wine
now than what we were before. That is why we need this special exception. We started the project
four (4) years ago and there have been many updates with the building. We had to meet all the
ADA requirements. The wiring, the plumbing and the heating all had to be changed. We had a
variance in 2017 to pave the rest of the parking lot and close the dumpster. We have an ADA
parking spot. We have all new floors in it. There are all new ADA bathrooms. We have put a lot
into it and we've moved more into serving more beer and wine than we have coffee. That is why
we need the special exception.
Council President Tim Scott opened the floor to questions from Council Members.
Councilmember Tim Scott asked, Could you explain more about what this establishment is like?
It's not a pool hall or VFW kind of establishment.
Mr. Smith replied, There are three(3)rooms when you walk in. There is one(1)room that has the
bar in it. It is a themed place. It is just really kind of unique. It's not a rough and tumble kind of a
place. We have a lot of ladies that come in there age thirty(30)to seventy(70). We had a group in
that had all dressed up as witches and stuff and all had a lot of fun around Halloween. We serve a
lot of champagne drinks. We just have a beer and wine license. We don't have draft beer or
anything like that. We do serve coffee, cappuccino, espresso and mochas and we also have a small
food menu.
Councilmember Tim Scott followed up, And what are your hours and capacity?
Mr. Smith replied, The capacity is twenty-eight (28) seating capacity. The bar only has six (6)
seats so it is not a big part. And then hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard.
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REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
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. 18-69. Councilmember Karen White
seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes.
18-70 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, RENEWING AND
EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE SOUTH
BEND URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONE
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, chair of the Community Investment Committee, reported that they
met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation.
Pam Meyer, Director of Neighborhood Development for the Department of Community
Investment with offices on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as
the presenter for this bill. Ms. Meyer stated, I also serve as Director of the Enterprise Association
and manage the Enterprise Zone Program. The resolution before you is based on new legislation
that was effective earlier this year. It allows a city with an Enterprise Zone to have their local fiscal
body renew and extend that zone for a final five (5) year period. The current zone that we have
expires December 31St, 2018. This five (5) year extension would allow it to extend through
December 31St, 2023. The Enterprise Zone Program was created in the 1980s and is basically a
business incentive reinvestment program for distressed areas around the State. South Bend was
one(1) of the first(1St) cities in the State of Indiana to receive an Enterprise Zone. We had one(1)
successful one(1)that lasted for twenty(20) years. We were then allowed to apply for the second
(2nd) one (1) which is the current one (1) we have. This is the last and final extension that we can
have. I would be happy to answer any questions but I do have the answer for Councilmember
Broden's earlier question about the Sample Street Business Complex and the percentage of
occupancy. The last report we got as of November 16th,2018 states that we are just shy of seventy-
five percent (75%). We have one hundred and twenty-five (125) units and ninety-three (93) of
those were occupied. I would say, historically, that is a very significant and good percentage for
the complex.
Council President Tim Scott opened the floor to questions from Council Members.
Councilmember Oliver Davis asked, Once the program is over in five (5) years, what happens to
the tenants and to the ownership of everything? Could you explain that?
Ms. Meyer replied, Certainly. All we are talking about today in terms of this extension is the Zone
Program. That is the tax benefits available through the State of Indiana for any business located
within that geography called the Enterprise Zone. The Association, which is the governing body
of an Enterprise Zone, will still be in place. It is a non-profit and it will still manage, own and
operate that facility until, or unless, it is sold to a different party.
Councilmember Oliver Davis followed up, So the Association will still be in place. What will not
be in place?
Ms. Meyer replied, The opportunity for businesses to take advantage of the tax benefits.
Councilmember Oliver Davis interrupted, But those who have already taken it, that place would
still be considered?
Ms. Meyer replied, That is correct.
Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, Ok, I'm at peace. 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. 18-70. Councilmember Karen White
seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes.
18-71 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
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REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
REGARDING THE ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
PUBLIC LIBRARY'S PROPOSED PROJECTS
Councilmember Karen White made a motion to accept the Substitute version of Bill No. 18-71.
Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8)ayes.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, chair of the Community Investment Committee, reported that they
met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation.
James Mueller, Executive Director 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. Dr. Mueller stated, Good evening, Council. We bring this to you tonight after the
discussions over the past few weeks. This is an exciting project in the downtown in partnership
with the St. Joseph County Public Library and the St. Joseph County Community Foundation.
Tonight, we will focus more on the financing pieces and the action items before and you, and then
touch on a summary of some of our previous discussions. We are looking at what the project is,
what the agreement and partnership looks like, what the City's financial position is, why we are
well within our means to make this exciting project happen, and some of the community impacts
that we hope to achieve should the Council approve this. First (1St), this is a partnership, as
mentioned, with two (2) other entities. This is not common for all these types of entities to come
together and work on a project like this. The overall project cost between the renovation of the
existing building and the proposed new Community Education Center is between $36 million and
$38 million. The Community Education Center itself is looking to be about a 38,000 square feet
facility with an auditorium,meeting,office and new programing space.That component of the$36
million or$38 million is estimated to be between $18 million and $20 million.
Dr. Mueller continued, To make this project happen, it is these three (3) entities coming together
and trying to figure out how to get this across the finish line. The City's obligations in the
Memorandum of Understanding before you is $4 million of net proceeds from the River West TIF
funds. This is for the Community Education Center project, not the existing library facility. Also,
the City is obligated to get necessary approval by December 2018 but these bonds are not
anticipated to be issued for three (3) years. The MOU sets out a deadline of the first (1St) quarter
of 2022. We anticipate those to be out in the latter half of 2021. The Public Library's obligations
are $20 million of bond proceeds that go toward the entire project. Roughly $5 million will go to
the Community Education Center and the balance would go to the existing facilities. They have
also contemplated $2 million of furnishings for the Library. As the lead implementer of this
project, they are required to consult with us on design and plans, initially, and have a commitment
to maintaining the entrance on Main Street. As you recall, there was a proposal a year ago that
would have removed that part of a renovation plan. With all the investments with Smart Streets
and the vibrancy along that corridor, it was the wrong time to be taking the entrance off Main
Street. We are happy the Library agrees and that this project will maintain that entrance. Finally,
the Library will consent to developing their parking lot to the south of the existing building if
certain criteria are met. Mainly, all their parking must be maintained within that block and it
doesn't conflict with the mission of the Library or its activities.
Dr. Mueller went on, The Community Foundation has agreed to fund $10 million for the
Community Education Center project and also finance up to $4 million for the City contribution
in the interim while construction is underway and before the City TIF Bond is issued in roughly
three(3) years. In terms of where we are as the City with that, this was presented in September as
part of the budget process by our Admin and Finance Department showing historic levels of debt
issuance by different Councils. And, as you can see (referencing a slide in a presentation which is
available in the City Clerk's Office), we are well within the norms there. Also, these are nominal
dollars and are not adjusted by inflation. If you were to do that, that would actually be skewed
even more favorably to where we are today. Within the funding source itself, the River West
obligations, there are a number that are ending before 2025. You can see that on this chart
(referencing a slide in the presentation). These include the Police and Fire Stations, the Century
Center Project, the TJX Building,the Central Services Building on Sample and some remediation
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REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
done over on Prairie Avenue. So when we look at the next graph, the orange is what is estimated
to be the new annual debt service obligations from the issuance of this bond. As you can see, it is
well within our means compared to current levels of anticipated needs in the coming three (3) to
four(4) years. The orange is based off of Umbaugh's analysis of a fifteen (15) year term bond at
an interest rate one hundred (100) basis points above today's. We don't know what the interest
rates will be in three (3) years but we think that is a reasonable assumption. Depending on what
the interest rates are and what the City's obligations and finances look like, we might envision a
shorter term bond as well. We just don't know that exactly until we are getting ready to do that.
The two (2) obligations that don't end until the 2030s are the recent Parks TIF Bond that was
approved and the Smart Streets that was used to extend the life of the River West Development
Area.
Dr. Mueller continued, In terms of community impacts, The South Bend Regional Chamber of
Commerce has used their modeling to find that the construction phase at this level of investment
would generate sixty-five (65) direct jobs and one hundred and fifty (150) directly induced jobs.
Direct, indirect and induced economic output will be $64 million. The operation phase, and this
comes from the Public Library's projections, they are anticipating five (5) to ten (10) jobs and
increased foot traffic in south east downtown. A lot of the other quadrants in downtown have seen
a love of activity and more attractions, and this is one that hasn't. So bringing people here will be
a good anchor for that part of town and will hopefully drive further development in the coming
years. The additional resources this space will provide, as it is called the Community Education
Project, there is a lot of additional programing that we anticipate that will reap a lot of benefits for
our residents.
Deborah Futa, Executive Director of the St. Joseph County Public Library with offices located at
304 South Main Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I just want to start by talking about the changing
role of the Library. As an economic development agent, we address literacy, technology skills,
small business development and quality of life. As more people live and work in downtown, it is
essential to have those destinations that enhance the sense of place in the community. We offer
small business support that help small entrepreneurs create business plans and navigate
government regulations and online forms.As a digital literacy provider and trainer,we are helping
people find and use digital content and our community uses our connectivity to help them live their
lives. As a learning center for a lifetime, we are involved in everything from helping parents
understand how to interact with their young children to providing training,classes and information
programs. Our partnership with the School Corporation for high school equivalency students
means those folks are in our facility,every day,using us as a classroom and a resource. Sometimes
we hear that people don't use the library anymore so I just want to give you a snapshot of our 2017
numbers (referencing a slide in a presentation which is available in the City Clerk's Office). We
have 114,000 people with an SJCPL Card. Of that, 68,000 people live in the City. That is about
two thirds (2/3) of the population. Our fast Wi-Fi means more digital inclusion in the community
and it was used 423,000 times in 2017. Other visitors logged 178,000 computer hours on one(1)
of our pieces of equipment and 3,200 groups met in the Library.
Ms. Futa continued, It doesn't matter where somebody lives in the City. There are residents in
every district who are using the Main Branch Library.This(referencing a slide in the presentation)
is a snapshot that we took for the month of July in town. We have it divided by districts and you
can see that,no matter where you live,no matter what district we are talking about,people use the
Main Street Branch.This slide also tells us that people move around. They might stop by a branch
but they are also using the Main Street Branch. The Main Street Library serves a different purpose
than our other branches because of the breadth of collection and the ability to offer programs. The
current Main Library was built in 1960, renovated in 1989, was never designed to host the
programs, events and collaborative work that takes place today. In 2017 we made the decision to
invest $15 million in the neighborhoods. We renovated and added square feet to four (4) branch
libraries and built two(2)new ones. We did this with the intent to return to a Main Library project
in 2019 when that bond was repaid to reinvest in our flagship location. We spent a lot of 2017
gathering community input with interviews,focus groups,surveys and stakeholder meetings.From
all of the data that we got,we found that the community wanted an inviting and intuitive building.
They wanted areas for activity and quiet study. We've often said during these presentations that
we are not quiet anymore and we love that. We love being a hub of activity, but we need to
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REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
recapture the quiet spaces that we have had, as well. We've long wanted an outdoor space to serve
as a commons and also to do programming. People wanted engaging spaces for young children
and teens and accessible meeting rooms of different sizes, so we need the flexibility. In 2018 we
hired Robert A. M. Stern to work on a Master Plan Concept. This was a partnership between the
City,the St. Joseph Community Foundation and the Library. We chose RAMSA because they had
outstanding experience in designing libraries and a number of successful projects behind them.
Ms. Futa went on, So a few concept ideas, when we are imagining what it could be, the first (1St)
one (1) we want to show you (referencing a slide in the presentation) is children spaces. Our
children space needs to double and what you see here is a toddler area, in the large photo, with lots
of things to do. It is very colorful. It is safe because you have that wall there, and there is room for
parents to talk to each other. We found that parents like to come together at the Library. It is a way
to make friends and connect with each other. For teens, libraries take over after school when the
day is done to help them complete their homework. Teens might look like adults but they are a
vulnerable population. We are the step toward independence in a safe space. We would love to
throw a lot of technology at the teens but also some creative space and also some space to just
hang out. Our community living room,our commons, is the place for people from all walks of life,
all economic categories, to come together. We provide ways to combat social isolation through
culture and companionship. Then our meeting rooms, we do meetings, trainings and classes of all
kinds. This will give us the opportunity to expand those offerings for the public. Workforce
development, we help with resume writing, online applications, other tech help, and we offer
online course certifications that a lot of people take advantage of.We are constantly helping people
understand how to use the devices that they have. We are also asked to host meetings for business
groups, clubs and civic organizations. With the courtyard, we hope to give the community access
to secure outdoor space for programs and events. In June of this year, we hosted eight hundred
(800)people in the parking lot for the summer reading kick off Last year, when we had the eclipse
party, there were five hundred (500)people. It is great to have those people but it is a parking lot,
and it is not really safe for young kids who are darting in and out there. It will be enclosed and the
large photo you are looking at (referencing a slide in the presentation) is the National Public
Library's courtyard where they host all kinds of events, including weddings.
Ms. Futa continued, So here(referencing a slide in the presentation)is the concept,which I believe
you have seen before. You see the existing library which will undergo a complete renovation that
doubles the children space, adds real teen space, study rooms and quiet, along with the liveliness.
The new space you will see fronting Main Street is the Community Learning Center. It will activate
that whole block on Main Street and will allow us to offer events before and after hours. The
auditorium is on the back and that will have the capability for lectures, presentations, candidate
forums, films and performances. Again, we will be able to offer those in between hours. We have
tech space coming in along Wayne Street so we will activate that part of the block as well. That is
going to be connected to the Library but will have its own entrance so we can offer those programs
before and after hours. We will also have a small café along Wayne Street. Because we are retiring
our current bond, I think it is important to mention that we have $5 million already approved by
the County Council and will be asking for another $15 million. This will not raise the tax rate
above 2017 levels because we are retiring that bond. It will be an even swap.
Ms. Futa went on, On a more personal note, I want to tell you that I do what I do, at least in part,
because a Book Mobile saved me when I was a kid. My father was a World War Two (II)veteran,
he served with Patton. He liberated a concentration camp and he came back with what we now
know as PTSD. I never knew what kind of a father I would find on any given day. My mother
loved to read and she read to all four(4)of us,my three(3)brothers and me. When she found there
was a Book Mobile coming to town, we all left and we got library cards. I checked out as many
books as they would let me. I went every two (2) weeks when a book mobile came to town and it
was a way to learn about outside worlds. It was also a way to take myself away from the turmoil
that was at home. That is my story but it is just one (1) story. There are thousands and thousands
of stories in our community and we hear them every day. You can be any age and know that there
is always something going on at the library for you. We are always there, always free, and our
whole mission is to improve people's lives. That is why we exist. We do it through education,
learning technology, and bringing people together, and we do it through the power of words.
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REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
Council President Tim Scott then opened the floor to questions from the Council Members.
Councilmember Oliver Davis asked,We have comments later,right?
Council President Tim Scott replied,Yes.
Councilmember Oliver Davis followed up, Ok, because I have a comment.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard.
Robert Cornish, 130 South Taylor Street,South Bend,IN,stated,I am currently taking HSE classes
at the St. Joseph County Public Library. It has been twenty-eight (28) years since the renovation
happened at the Library and in that time, they have expanded and new projects became available.
The Smart Streets program did create more downtown foot traffic and the Library has not been
able to keep up, in a sense, with the growing needs of our community. This expansion will allow
people like myself who are seeking to complete an education by giving us the tools necessary for
us.Other people in the community are seeking different lines of employment and they have limited
resources, and they also use the library as well. I have read up on the proposed children and teen
sections and that, to me, is important. They'll be able to meet with friends, learn new ideas,
experiment and study and it makes it easier on families. Next week I will actually be taking my
HSE test. This is what is best to make the community grow.
Samuel Brown, 222 East Navarre Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I have a watchdog group called
Citizens United for a Better Government. I'm not going to make a long boring speech about this.
I really feel this is a great idea to expand our library and make it the best we can. The City is
expanding and doing a lot of things in South Bend. We should have a first (1St) class library that
serves all of us. This is a no-brainer, so, I hope that everybody feels like I do. Let's get this done.
Sy Barker, 15026 Stransbury Court,Granger, IN, stated, I'm here in support of the library project.
I'm a member of One Hundred (100) Black Men of Greater South Bend. We frequently had our
Education Committee meetings at the library. Reason being was because our members lived in
different parts of the City and it proved to be a good central location. Also, the new facility will
provide a place that is safe and inviting for the youth that we help. Also, for tutoring, and it will
be a place to come after school and during the summer. Finally, and personally, I have
grandchildren. I have a six (6) year old granddaughter and a four (4) year old grandson, and they
live out of the country but they come and spend the summer with us and their favorite place to go
is to the library. So they look forward to it and every week we go and they load up with books.
Ann Rosen, 1219 Leeper Avenue, South Bend, IN, stated, First (1St)of all, I want to thank you for
the opportunity to speak to you this evening about by favorite topic, that being the Library and its
new project. I'm speaking to you as a former co-Director of The Family Connection of St. Joseph
County. Our mission is to improve early childhood education in St.Joseph County. As part of that,
we provide excellent professional development to early childhood educators at no cost. Access to
free meeting rooms is essential to enable us to continue with this offering of free development. As
one(1) of the more than 3,000 groups that used the library in 2017, we use the meeting rooms too
and I can tell you they are at a premium and there are frequently times when there isn't a room
available. The proposed Community Education Center would increase the number and flexibility
of meeting spaces. We need flexibility because sometimes we will have a presentation for up to
fifty (50) people and sometimes as few as ten (10). Being able to use different sized rooms is
important. Also, we could have a large presentation and then do breakouts for more discussion.
Work of early childhood may not seem stressful to some of you but it is very stressful. Early
childhood teachers and directors get very little money. So imagine if, instead of being in the
basement where we meet now,meeting rooms had natural light, a few trees and a view of the sky.
During breaks,people could go outside and walk in the beautiful courtyard. Repeated studies have
shown that this is an important part of mental health. It lowers stress levels and enables learning.
There is a library branch we go to sometimes for trainings. It is a charming building. There's a
garden outside, there are windows,there's light, and I think the patrons that use the Main Library
should have that same experience. I will tell you, I love the Main Library,but sometimes if I don't
need to do work, I will go to a different branch because I love being able to walk outside. I'd really
rather go to Main.
REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
Ms. Rosen continued, Over the past twenty-five (25) or thirty (30) years, I've seen the building
and the functions of the Main Library evolve, but some things haven't changed. Our library
leadership has always listened to the community. Deb Futa talked about their renovating of the
branches, The Family Connection did the focus groups, at that time, for each one (1) of those
branches. We wrote up what people said and turned it in. I can tell you that when you go to those
branches and you see what's there, you are seeing what those people said. It was remarkable to me
because sometimes you do focus groups and they really pay no attention. Here, it was brought to
reality. Secondly, our Library leadership has been visionary for as long as I have known the
Library. For example, it was one (1) of the first(1St) to provide internet access to its patrons. Deb
Futa and her staff continue that tradition. Being on the cutting edge requires adaptability not just
of people, but of spaces. The Community Center and the renovation will be a flexible space
designed to continue meeting our community's needs for decades to come. I also believe it will be
the center piece and crown jewel of the current City revitalization.
Rose Meissner, 225 West Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, IN, stated, I'm delighted and excited
to be standing here today because this is another step in the journey of a conversation that has been
going on for over two (2) years. To underscore something that Ann just said and one (1) of the
things I know, I've been with the Community Foundation for twenty-six (26) years and have
worked with all manner of organizations across all manner of causes and we have an eye for talent,
we have one (1) of the finest Library systems in the country. The conversation we sought out to
have over the last couple of years is the building reflecting all that we are capable of bringing to
our community. What if the building expressed all that you are doing now and can do in the future?
This would be the most remarkable partnership and the most optimistic and beautiful statement
the City could make about itself at this point in time. We've never needed a downtown branch of
the Public Library more than we need right now. I challenge anybody to name any other space in
the entire community that brings together people from every race, class and age for all of the best
reasons. Our Library does that and I hope you will support this vision and that we will all be part
of this story in the next chapter of the St. Joseph County Public Library.
Mary Jan Hedman, 130 South Main Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I'm the CEO of the St. Joseph
Valley MetroNet. I'm speaking to you this evening in support of the new Community Education
Center project. As the name implies,this is a center of the community and for education. It is also
a center for connecting. It is a center where people can connect with other people as well as people
connecting with the outside world via the internet. It may be hard for us to imagine a day without
the internet but many people in our community do not have the luxury of internet connectivity.
Today, St. Joseph County Public Library does a phenomenal job of providing computers, tablets,
free Wi-Fi, support and education for those individuals. If you're not familiar with the term, it is
called digital inclusion. The problem of the digital divide is a big problem throughout this entire
country. The St. Joseph County Public Library is doing a lot to address it right here. The
Community Education will provide not just more space but state of the art space that allows
everyone, regardless of age, education level and income level, to feel welcomed and to take
advantage of all that technology has to offer. It's more than just Facebook and YouTube. It is
learning about faraway lands and culture, learning digital art techniques, music composition, or
maybe it's learning a new language. School aged children doing homework and an older aged adult
taking an online college course. Completing job applications and renewing drivers licenses are
things that most of us take for granted. Digital inclusion is just one(1) example of the programing
that can be expanded with the new Community Education Center.
Augie Freda, 304 South Main Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I currently serve as President of the
St. Joseph County Public Library Board and I am honored to do so. In 1996, my family moved
here from Pittsburgh. My children, I am sorry to say, hated everything about moving out of
Pittsburgh and to South Bend. That was until they visited the library. It became a wonderful place
for them. To the point that now, my youngest lives in Honolulu with her husband who serves in
the US Navy, when they were here last, we brought the three(3) grandkids to the library and they
said there is nothing like this in Hawaii. How often have you heard that said about South Bend,
Indiana when we look outside and we see the snow falling? You know, our Library has been
recognized over the years in a number of ways. We received the Leighton Award from the
Community Foundation. The Santa Cruz Art Museum has chosen our library for their 'Of by, For
all' research project to engage community groups in deeper and more meaningful ways. The
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REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
Drucker Institute's City of Life Long Learning Initiative is being piloted here in South Bend
through the St.Joseph County Public Library. The Indiana Library Federation named our Director,
Deb Futa, as librarian of the year in 2015. And our library, just this year, received the Indiana
Library Federation's award for programming.We've made significant investments in the branches.
It is time to make that investment in the downtown branch. As was mentioned earlier, we began
providing Wi-Fi to select locations before partnering with the City to help with the City-wide Wi-
Fi. As an organizational resident, we sit in a key downtown location but the Library changes. We
need to recognize the opportunity to be a center for learning and exploring. Current and future
patrons are looking for services and learning opportunities while still being able to find the
traditional materials that we find in a public library. It is a gathering place to, together, explore
new ideas,history,heritage, education and science.We talk a lot about infrastructure. Look at this
addition to the Library as an experiential and intellectual infrastructure. People and organizations
can come and plug into it just for the time that they need to plug into it. This is an opportunity to
make a statement within the City that life-long learning matters. It aligns with the interests of the
City, it enhances a key anchor point for downtown and it positions our Library to meet the needs
of the current, next and future generations. This is an incredibly unique opportunity in
collaboration with the St. Joseph County Community Foundation and the City of South Bend.
Know that this project and this Library has full and unwavering support and commitment from the
Library Board and we would like to point out that this project requests no increase in taxes. Thank
you very much.
Jeff Rea, 101 North Michigan Street, Suite 300, South Bend, IN, stated, I am the President/CEO
of the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for the opportunity to be here this
evening. We look at this in a couple of different ways. One (1) on the talent and attraction side,
when Indiana studied communities all across the country and realized we were growing slower
than many of the other communities, we were looking for that secret recipe in terms of how to
bring talent here and grow our community. Quality of place improvements was really that
significant driver that we saw in so many of those communities that was really the impetus of
programs like Regional Cities. We saw so many programs aimed at growing quality of place
improvements to really attract talent. I can't think of a better project than the one (1) you have
before you tonight in terms of the quality of place improvement that will ultimately help bring
people here to our community and enhance other investments that are already being made in the
downtown. The talent attraction piece is really critical. The second(2nd)piece that I think is really
critical is the workforce piece that Deb mentioned. There is nothing more important to the
employers that I represent that employ some 60,000 people in this area right now than workforce.
The Library plays an important role in helping get those people ready for opportunities here in the
local workforce. We applaud that and think that the Community Education Center gives an even
further opportunity to enhance their marketability to our employers and we are excited about that.
Finally, and James had mentioned it, but the economic impact. First (ls`) in our mind is the initial
economic impact of a construction project. When we plug a $38 million project in our economic
model,it obviously generates a significant amount of impact to the community.James shared those
numbers with you. We also plugged in the operation afterwards so we made the assumption of
eight (8) employees being added as part of this project. All said and done, we think this will be a
significant improvement that will see up to $80 million of economic impact based on what our
model says with those assumptions. Talent attraction, workforce development and economic
impact makes this project a win-win for our community and I encourage your support this evening.
Marian Fulce, 21579 Holly Grave Court, South Bend, IN, stated, I stand before you representing
the African American Community Foundation, of which I am the Chair. I am personally asking
for your support of this endeavor to approve the funding for our library. I personally consider the
library a hub in our community where all walks of life can gather. It's interesting to see the slide
where it showed where the supporters of the library come from. It was all across the City and it is
also all across the County, too, because I am a county resident. Personally, I am in the library a
couple three (3) times a month for both meetings as well as to check out books. I am online
checking out books. So I still use the library. I was introduced to the library as a young child when
I moved to South Bend and have continued my use of the Library. I think it is very important for
our children to have ample space. We all know that our Library is kind of crowded. You know,
you go there any given time not only throughout the week but on the weekend, and it is very hard
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REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
to find some space where there is quiet. With all the other economic development we have going
on in the downtown area, this is an anchor on the south side that we need. I ask for your support
in this endeavor. Thank you.
Brad Beutter, 1154 East Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN, stated, I am the current Board Chairman
of the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. Deb outlined, very well, the project and the
services of the Library. Citizens tonight have commented on the value added to the community. I
think what I want to point out is that Deb's team is a real asset. When we deal with an asset like
that, we want to help it realize its full potential. I firmly believe that this project will leverage her
team and the asset they bring to our community to realized their full potential. I think this Library
project is just what downtown needs on the back end of Smart Streets. We are also doing the parks
and trails and it fits into the puzzle of our community as it is evolving today. Your commitment
will not only leverage Deb and her team but it will be leveraged from the $20 million from the
County and the $10 million from the Community Foundation in a way that maximizes a return on
your investment multi-fold. I think, as a City, you always want to maximize and get the best return
we can on our investment. We have done that continuously over the years I have been there and I
think this project is an excellent example of doing that. Perhaps the most important reason I'm
excited about the project is it demonstrates our collective commitment to meaningful change to
the landscape downtown. As I've been living in town now, I've seen downtown be transformed. I
think this library will continue that process and move us forward in a very positive and constructive
way. It will be serving more people in more ways and you've heard a lot of those ways today. But
at the end of the day when I talked to Rose, I got excited about the project and I outlined how
whenever I travel and visit communities, I always like to visit their library. When you go to a
library, you learn a lot about the community. You see its people, its commitment to itself, you see
its commitment to its citizens. And I think, with a library like this, we will show to the rest of the
world, South Bend's commitment to itself and its citizens. I encourage you to vote in favor of this
tonight. Thank you.
Mark Neal, 321 South Main Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I don't know if I have anything new to
add but I think it's important. Our County Library System has been an anchor for this community
for many, many years. We have always focused on partnerships and I think the Library has gone
above and beyond to work with the Community Foundation and so many other groups to create
partnerships in this community for this expansion. I think when we look at the quality of life of
the community, the two (2) last places we look to that are great public assets are libraries and
parks. We've made a commitment in this community to our parks system and I think doing that
for our libraries can also add to the quality of life, the experiences we create, the knowledge we
can pass for all of our residents. This is an opportunity for all. I think when you look at the study
done back in 2017 by the library system,it looked at other libraries in the country to see what other
communities of our size have done. Places like Madison, Wisconsin or Louisville, Kentucky have
done things with their library and their expansion to make sure it had resources for all parts of the
community. I think it is important as we look to continue living in this knowledge-based world we
live in, the Library being an important part of that. I ask for your support.
Council President Tim Scott opened the floor to comments from Council Members.
Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, Someone said a no-brainer. I just think I'm very excited.
One (1), our library and our leadership are long outstanding stewards. I said it earlier and it is
worth repeating. They are always ahead of the curve. They are always bringing people together.
They are always out there and pulling and pushing the rest of us along in terms of programming
to benefit the community. I think there has been a lot. I commend everyone who came up tonight.
This is the fundraising pitch and you all nailed it.You all brought very important aspects as to why
this deserves not only this body's funding but the others who will be contributing to this going
forward. In that regard, this is, I think, the word transformational projects has come up repeatedly
during my short tenure on this Council. I think this is the highest and purest hit on that mark. Ms.
Futa, you nailed it. You said any person, any age, always free and at the heart of your mission is
to improve lives. Purest, highest, dead on. I do think I would like to commend some folks, too,
because there is a partnership within all of this. Mr. Mueller, your office has done an outstanding
job, the leadership of the Community Foundation, the leadership of the Boards, nobody is paid to
do this hard work and put the pieces together for the rest of us and the rest of our benefit. So when
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REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
you say it goes back two (2) years, thank you for that two (2) year long conversation and the
aspirational vision. We get to step in and give the yes to this. I do also want to thank you. It is
important, when we are dreaming about what is best for the community, to start where you did
start, and that was with the extensive survey and input. Our visions necessarily need to bring along
those people and that is why this is really, now two (2) years later, resonating with all of us. I
assume also, and I trust,it will resonate as you go forward on the fundraising aspect of this. I guess
my last piece is, it is really exciting to sit here and know that really, essentially, from this day
forward, and I said in Committee about the fundraising campaign and tomorrow is Giving
Tuesday, the building won't limit what we are capable of doing and delivering. So, thank you for
all your work on this and it really is worthy of our support and, going forward, the community's
support in the coming months.
Councilmember Jake Teshka stated,I'll be brief.You brought some heavy hitters tonight and thank
you for that. One(1)thing I would like to say is I am a little reluctant on the free word. We throw
that around. My high school economics teacher said that there is no such thing as a free lunch,but,
with how we are spreading this out, it is getting close to free. And I think when you can bring
together this cross section of the community, we have the business community represented with
Mr. Rea,thank you for being here, we have Mr. Neal and we've got social services represented, it
is just a great idea for the community. Ms. Futa, thank you for sharing your personal story. That
was fantastic to hear. As a South Sider,we are partial to the Center Branch but I think this is going
to be a great destination learning spot for families like mine. I've got two (2) young children and
it is going to be a great place to get excited about for our children to come to and learn and have
that space that feels like a destination. Thank you and I look forward to seeing it in real life.
Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, Tonight is a wonderful time to come together to talk about
the Library. One(1) of your key points you said a refuge for a busy society. That stood out to me.
Ms. Futa, you sent me a letter and I enjoyed reading it. You talked about in your letter how you
said we are accustomed to working with vulnerable populations in South Bend. We have a long
history of working in our community to help individuals with employment issues.We worked with
the Center for the Homeless for many years to teach technology. Arid you talked about how your
staff is trained. And the key thing there, you said our security staff knows many of the regulars by
name and engage in conversation with them along with the frontline staff. I really appreciated that
as we talk about, like yesterday's article about what we are doing in terms are we doing enough
for our homeless populations. The Library is the place that no matter what background, Ms.
Meissner talked about it, it covers everybody. The wealthy, the homeless, everybody can come
together at the Library. We are truly in need of extra space. I like the whole concept of having a
building, a whole facility away from the downstairs where you can have a whole type of program
and not have to worry about rushing out at 9:00 p.m. or starting after 10:00 a.m. when the library
starts and all of that. I really appreciate that. I like that whole area where you can come together
inside and be in that enclosed environment for families. Seeing that child section in there always
brings back good memories where I spent many hours with my daughter who is now off in college.
Those were some fun days that she and I did. Daddy going in the library and so many times there
we had naps there and I just enjoyed myself. And so, you know, I read through this and it is
something as we look at providing more services for people who are not only all over the
community but especially downtown and those who are in need this time of year. The Library is
really key in that planning. Dr. Mueller, thank you in your planning. We agree on this one(1) and
I really appreciate your time. A few weeks ago when we met, me and John met with you and we
talked about it and I appreciate your emphasis on the program planning and I'm glad we are
emphasizing that because that was a shared common thought that we brought up that day. I see the
Library moving forward with that, so, I'm looking forward to the time when this is opened. And I
appreciate, one (1) more last comment, when you all talked about the public bidding process that
you would have in terms of contractors who will be working on doing the work, so I think that is
also important to note as we look at making sure that those who are local get a chance to be a part
of that process. I'm at peace.
Councilmember John Voorde stated, I'll be very brief, I believe.
Councilmember Oliver Davis interrupted, Yeah right.
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REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
Councilmember John Voorde continued, Well, you started it. First(1St)of all, I would like to echo
the well spoken words of Councilmember Broden, Councilmember Teshka, and Councilmember
Davis, too. What strikes me is, when you're part of something like we are part of this community,
it is our home town, and you want to be proud of what you are a part of. The Library, fortunately,
is one(1)of the things we can be very proud of We were blessed to have the leadership and vision
of Don Napoli for so many years.He had to fight over and over with the County Council,primarily,
and others in the community to implement that vision of the beautiful neighborhood branches that
we have. Councilmember Davis mentioned his daughter, I used to take my daughter when she was
just the smallest thing to the River Park branch. And every Saturday it just became a routine. I got
to know everybody there and it is just a vital part of what you do growing up. So, whether or not
someone supports this, it is a forgone conclusion, I hope,that this is going to pass and I appreciate
the vision of Ms. Futa,now, and I'm glad the City is so open to working with other entities across
government lines. And with the private sector, any successful product or program requires that.
I'm all for it.
Councilmember Karen White stated, I would like to say that this is, indeed, a very exciting time
for me as a member of the Council. Someone made the statement that this is another meaningful
transformation of the culture of downtown South Bend. The Library, the project and the outcomes
that will come from the Library is going to be life changing and will last for years to come. I would
like to thank all the partners. Starting with the City, the Community Investment staff, James and
your staff, and the Library itself You really moved beyond the imagination. A lot of times we
imagine what could be and what should be the outcomes of our dreams. But today, I'm quite sure,
with the action of this Council,we will be moving from the imagination stage to the exciting stage.
I really appreciate the way the Library went about this. They brought this project to the Council.
You had a willingness to meet with individual Council Members. You've been in the Community
Investment Committee and addressed all the questions we had at that time. The way the
information was shared is really a testament to the excellence and professionalism of the staff of
the Library. I really commend you,Ms. Futa, for the outstanding work you have done. I would like
to say that I love going to the Library. I have a routine that I go to three(3) libraries that I visit at
least twice a month. I tend to start with the Miami Branch, then I go to the LaSalle Branch. That
one (1) is very important for me because I can remember years ago that the LaSalle Branch had
been identified as one(1)that was going to close. A group of individuals and community partners
came together and we really worked with the Library to ensure that would not happen. I was in the
Library just last Tuesday and I was amazed to see the number of young people in that library way
after 5:30 p.m. The interaction and engagement was very exciting. It speaks to the point that the
Library is more than just a place to go in and check out a library book. I'm very supportive. My
vote will show you how supportive I am and I can't wait to see the end result. Again,
congratulations to everyone. The partners and the citizens will benefit from this project.
Councilmember Tim Scott stated,I remember, and there are four(4)of us on the Council here now
that were present, when Don Napoli came to us about a building that was kind of in the way of
what you guys want to do now. That was heated and contentious and I remember saying to Don
that I can't wait to see this progress. And here we are, we are at that stage, which is good. I have
to commend everybody involved with this. This is truly the partnership that we expect in this
community. I remember James coming to me asking about TIF Dollars for this. We use it for
infrastructure and business and nothing could be any better than what we are doing here. We talk
about return on investment, this is not only return on investment for the City; it is return on
investment for our citizens in the City and the County. I've asked questions on economic impact
because I imagine seeing this place with more people than are there now. I drive by it every day
coming home from work and seeing the cars filling the parking lot and the number of people
standing outside. It is great going north on Main Street and seeing people coming and going. It is
truly amazing. My heart goes out to libraries. I grew up in Imperial,Missouri which is twenty(20)
miles south of downtown St. Louis. We were in Jefferson County which is just across the river
from St. Louis County. Our closest County Library was in Festus, Missouri and yes, Gavin, there
is a town called Festus, Missouri. We would have to drive twenty(20)miles to go to the Jefferson
County Library and we did that every Saturday. I'm old enough that I remember the kids programs
would show actual film movies of Laurel and Hardy as well as Abbott and Costello. I remember
sitting quietly in those and then getting books and going home. This is truly the investment that
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REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
we need to do for our City, County and all our citizens. I concur with Councilmember White on
my vote.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Substitute Bill No. 18-71. Councilmember
Oliver Davis seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of eight(8) ayes.
RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
At 8:14 p.m. Councilmember Karen White made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the
Whole. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight
(8) ayes. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, Chairperson, presiding.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic explained the procedures to be followed for tonight's meeting in
accordance with Article 1, Section 2-11 of the South Bend Municipal Code.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
BILL NO.
57-18 PUBLIC HEARING 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, chair of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee,
reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation.
Mike Danch, Danch, Harner & Associates with offices located at 1643 Commerce Drive, South
Bend, IN, served as the presenter for this bill. Mr. Danch stated, I am also representing the
petitioner. We are asking to vacate a small portion of an east/west alley between Corby and
Howard Streets. It is fourteen (14) feet wide by one hundred and fifty feet (158) in length. We
have done residential development out in this particular neighborhood. The reason we are asking
for this particular one (1) is to recombine some of the properties and do some more residential
development for the neighborhood. We ask Council to allow us to vacate that alley.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic then opened the floor to questions from Council Members. 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.
Eric Deniger, 439 Corby Boulevard, South Bend, IN, stated, I'm conditionally in favor of this. I
relocated from Granger to this area. It is a redevelopment area. I understand the practicality of
needing to make this adjustment but I also believe that, should this be done, improvements to the
road or alleyway they are recommending all this traffic would be going down would be required.
It needs to be improved as it is dirt right now. Secondly, there is a concrete retaining wall when
you turn into it and, in addition to that, I don't know what the codes are but to me it should be
yellowed out so that the residents living in those homes shouldn't be allowed to park there because
you can't see up or down Howard at that point. So there is a significant safety issue in that respect,
especially if you drive a car like mine,when they plow, I can't get in or out of that. So I'm in favor
of this as long as we know there are some safety improvements that are addressed.
Mr.Danch stated,We had talked about this in the Committee meeting and,as part of any residential
development, the City Engineering Department gets involved. As I had mentioned, in my
experience when we've done residential development, that alley would have to be improved as
well because it will be accessed by those residential homes. They will take a look at that and make
sure all the safety distances are taken care of and we will have to pave that alley. That is a
13
REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
requirement by the Engineering Department. The developer I represent will be paying for the
improvement of that entire alley.
Councilmember Oliver Davis requested Mr. Danch to get together with Mr. Deniger to make sure
Mr. Deniger is clear with everything that was shared.
Councilmember Jo M. Broden asked, So in terms of improvements for the alley way, is it cement?
What is planned?
Mr. Danch replied, What the City Engineering Department requires is pavement. They require
hard surface. They don't allow gravel so it will either be brick, asphalt or cement. In the ordinance
and design guidelines for the City, they actually have the specifications they use for the alleys and
how they are paved. The Board of Public Works and the Engineering Department both have to
approve those improvements. They actually require the developer to bond for those, as well, until
they are put into place.
Councilmember Tim Scott made a motion to send Bill No. 57-18 to the full Council with a
favorable recommendation. Councilmember John Voorde seconded this motion which carried by
a voice vote of eight(8) ayes.
58-18 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE TO
VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED
PROPERTY NORTH/SOUTH PORTION OF
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, chair of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee,
reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation.
Aaron Perri, Executive Director of Venues, Parks & Arts with offices located at 301 South St.
Louis Street, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter for this bill. Mr. Perri stated, As discussed
earlier, we are talking about Randolph Park which is in the third (31h) Council District. After a bus
tour that happened a few months ago, we moved this to the top of the list as a park that needed
some consideration. Randolph is located just south of Lincolnway in a very densely populated
neighborhood. Part of the My SB Parks & Trails initiative was to improve access to parks and
particularly look at areas that are underserved by our parks system.We will be looking at,perhaps,
new park properties along the way here but we have to get creative in places like Randolph Mini
Park. We would like to graduate it into an adult park and part of that involved vacating this
(referencing a slide in a presentation which is available in the City Clerk's Office) little portion of
Sampson Street so we can join the two halves of Randolph Park. There will be a playground, a
small pavilion and some basketball courts as well as some sidewalks there. We've worked with
Public Works and Public Safety Departments just to ensure that this would satisfy everyone's
needs and concerns. We also reached out to the neighbors in the area. I did confirm that there is
parking on Randolph Street and the commercial business nearby is a plastics company.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic then opened the floor to questions from Council Members.
Councilmember Tim Scott asked, If we are going to connect these two (2) halves, would it make
sense to have flashing lights near the roundabouts and a speed hump on Randolph?
Mr. Perri replied, That would be a future phase. If we are going to use the retention area to the
north, I think an improved crossing would make sense.
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.
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REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
Councilmember Karen White made a motion to send Bill No. 58-18 to the full Council with a
favorable recommendation. Councilmember John Voorde seconded this motion which carried by
a voice vote of eight(8) ayes.
60-18 PUBLIC HEARING 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 Karen White made a motion to accept Substitute version of Bill No. 60-18.
Councilmember Tim Scott seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, chair of the Community Investment Committee, reported that they
met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation.
James Mueller, Executive Director 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. Dr. Mueller stated, Good evening again, Council. This ordinance before you is making
good on the MOU that you passed earlier tonight. We have our Bond Counsel, Randy Rompola,
to go through any of the specifics you may have. The difference between what we heard on net
proceeds of$4 million and the $4.8 million authorized here is partly for issuance costs which are
slightly over $100,000 between counsel and financial advisors and going to the market. The
remainder would be potentially for a debt reserves which is for if the markets are requiring a credit
enhancement. We would get that back at the end and it can be used against the final payment of
debt service. That is why the number is different here than the net proceeds. It will still be $4
million for the project.
Randy Rompola,Attorney for Barnes&Thornburg with offices located at 100 N. Michigan Street,
stated, I'm happy to answer any questions but, as mentioned, the not to exceed amount is $4.8
million.That is a not to exceed amount. I think if bonds were to be issued today,the amount would
be closer to $4.6 million but because we are not issuing bonds for a period of time and we have
the possibility of interest rates being a little bit higher, we have a not to exceed amount of$4.8
million.The interest rate is not to exceed seven point five percent(7.5%).The bonds may be issued
on a taxable basis or tax exempt basis three (3) years down the road so we have a little bit higher
not to exceed. The not to exceed term is twenty(20) years. The bonds will be payable solely from
tax increment revenues from the River West Allocation area.The Redevelopment Commission did
adopt a pledge resolution pledging the TIF that was described earlier to repay the debt. The
ordinance also approves forms of documents including a financing agreement with the Public
Library that would provide for the bond proceeds, when issued, to be allocated to the Library.
Actually, the proceeds would be deposited into a trust indenture which is the other document
approved by the ordinance. Any requisitions to access the money,then,would be approved by the
City at the time of the issuance of the bonds. The expectation is the project itself, as was discussed
earlier, would be nearly complete when the bonds are issued. So that would likely be one (1) or
two (2)disbursements at that time. They would have to be approved by the City before the money
would flow to the Library.The EDC did meet this morning and approved the resolution. They held
a public hearing and there were no comments.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic then opened the floor to questions from Council Members. There
were none.
15
REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard.
None from the public wished to speak in favor of or opposition to this bill.
Councilmember Tim Scott made a motion to send Substitute Bill No. 60-18 to the full Council with
a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded this motion which carried
by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes.
61-18 PUBLIC HEARING 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 Tim Scott made a motion to continue Bill No. 61-18 to the December 10th, 2018
meeting of the South Bend Common Council. Councilmember Karen White seconded this motion
which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes.
RISE AND REPORT
Councilmember Tim Scott made a motion to rise and report to full Council. Councilmember Karen
White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes and one (1) nay
(Councilmember Oliver Davis).
REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED
Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend reconvened in the Council
Chambers on the fourth floor of the County-City building at 8:27 p.m. Council President Tim Scott
presided with eight (8)members present.
BILLS —THIRD READING
BILL NO.
56-18 THIRD READING 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- COUNCIL PORTION ONLY)
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 56-18. Councilmember Jake Teshka
seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of eight(8) ayes.
57-18 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE TO
VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED
16
REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
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 Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 57-18. Councilmember Oliver Davis
seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of eight(8) ayes.
58-18 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE TO
VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED
PROPERTY NORTH/SOUTH PORTION OF
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 Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 58-18. Councilmember Karen White
seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of eight(8) ayes.
60-18 THIRD 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 adopt Substitute Bill No. 60-18. Councilmember
John Voorde seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) ayes.
61-18 THIRD 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)
This bill is continued to the December 10th, 2018 meeting of the South Bend Common Council.
BILLS ON FIRST READING
BILL NO.
62-18 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, FOR BUDGET TRANSFERS
FOR VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE
17
REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA FOR THE
YEAR 2018
Councilmember Karen White made a motion to send Bill No. 62-18 to the Personnel and Finance
Committee for their December 10th, 2018 meeting for Second Reading and Public Hearing.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes.
63-18 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING
ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR CERTAIN
DEPARTMENTAL AND CITY SERVICES
OPERATIONS IN 2018 OF $269,500 FROM THE
GENERAL FUND (#101), $850,000 FROM
RECREATION NONREVERTING (#203),
$50,000 FROM GIFT/DONATION/BEQUEST
FUND (#217), $37,000 FROM LAW
ENFORCEMENT CONTINUING EDUCATION
(#220), $608,836 FROM CENTRAL SERVICES
(#222), $708,000 FROM LIABILITY
INSURANCE PREMIUM RESERVE(#226),
$254,000 FROM LOIT 2016 SPECIAL
DISTRIBUTION (#257), $9,100 FROM HUMAN
RIGHTS FEDERAL GRANT (#258), $30,500
FROM LOCAL ROAD & BRIDGE GRANT
(#265), $20,000 FROM TAKE HOME VEHICLE
POLICE (#278), $393,400 FROM IT/INNOV
ATION/311 CALL CENTER (#279), $26 FROM
ECONOMIC REVENUE BOND (#281), $21,735
FROM POLICE GRANTS (#292), $2,000 FROM
AIRPORT 2003 DEBT RESERVE (#315), $10,000
FROM SBCDA 2003 DEBT RESERVE (#328),
$1,050,000 FROM COIT (#404), $130,000 FROM
PARK NONREVERTING CAPITAL (#405),
$116,202 FROM CUMULATIVE CAPITAL
DEVELOPMENT (#406), $783,670 FROM EDIT
(#408), $665,817 FROM EQUIPMENT VEHICLE
LEASING(#750), $64,421 FROM SOUTH BEND
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (#752), AND
($22,974,385) FROM EDDY STREET
COMMONS CAPITAL(#759).
Councilmember Jake Teshka made a motion to send Bill No. 63-18 to the Personnel and Finance
Committee for their December 10th, 2018 meeting for Second Reading and Public Hearing.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes.
64-18 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING
ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR CERTAIN
DEPARTMENTAL AND ENTERPRISE
OPERATIONS IN 2018 OF $157,435 FROM
CONSOLIDATED BUILDING FUND (#600),
$190,000 FROM SOLID WASTE OPERATIONS
(#610), $12,000 FROM WATER WORKS
CUSTOMER DEPOSIT (#624), $8,000 FROM
WATER WORKS DEBT SERVICE (#625),
$10,000 FROM WATER WORKS BOND
RESERVE (#626), $25,000 FROM WATER
18
REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
WORKS O&M RESERVE(#629), $6,600 FROM
SEWAGE WORKS OPERATING (#641), AND
$55,000 FROM SEWAGE WORKS O&M
RESERVE (#643).
Councilmember Tim Scott made a motion to send Bill No. 64-18 to the Personnel and Finance
Committee for their December 10th, 2018 meeting for Second Reading and Public Hearing.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes.
65-18 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2,
ARTICLE 14 OF THE SOUTH BEND
MUNICIPAL CODE BY DELETING SECTIONS
2-169, 2-170.2, 2-170.3, 2-170.4, 2-170.5, AND 2-
170.6, WHICH ESTABLISHED VARIOUS
SPECIAL FUNDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE
VENUES, PARKS, AND ARTS DEPARTMENT
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to send Bill No. 65-18 to the Personnel and Finance
Committee for their December 10th, 2018 meeting for Second Reading and Public Hearing.
Councilmember Karen White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes.
66-18 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2,
ARTICLE 12 OF THE SOUTH BEND
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE
ADMINISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
PUBLIC CEMETERIES IN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, AND AMENDING CHAPTER 2,
ARTICLE 14 OF THE SOUTH BEND
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH SPECIAL
FUNDS FOR THE PERMANENT
MAINTENANCE OF CITY-OWNED
CEMETERIES
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to send Bill No. 66-18 to the Personnel and Finance
Committee for their December 10th, 2018 meeting for Second Reading and Public Hearing.
Councilmember Jake Teshka seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, We had an update or a situation where we, in terms of
Minority Business, were going to have a professional person come in during the month of
November to do a follow-up. We went to that and it was held this past summer and I was just
wondering, I was gone for a minute,but did that occur? Did it come in and what was the status on
that?
Council President Tim Scott confirmed there would be an update from Christina Brooks regarding
that matter.
Councilmember Oliver Davis continued, Then I'm also looking forward to the Weather Amnesty
Shelter opening up. I'm hoping that will take place soon.
NEW BUSINESS
Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, I would like this passed out and put into the public record
(available in the City Clerk's Office). The Poverty Experience Workshop will be held and it is
facilitated by the Indiana Youth Institute. It is an interactive simulation to give participants a
glimpse of what it is like to be on extremely limited income. Targeted audiences are anyone who
19
REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
trains or serves youth. That includes schools, faculty, staff, faith groups, universities, volunteers
and other organizations. It is fast and upcoming,Thursday December 13th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
It is free and lunch is served. It will be held at Ivy Tech Community College. RSVP, please.
Councilmember Karen White stated, Tuesday, November 27th the Personnel and Finance
Committee along with the Administration will have a meeting from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to talk
about TIF and looking at how this particular tool is used for economic development in the City of
South Bend. This is really an outcome of the 2019 budget hearings and there will be a series of
discussions that will come in 2019. It will be in the Council Conference Room.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Samuel Brown, 222 East Navarre Street, South Bend, IN stated, I want to address the Council
tonight. I know you guys sitting on that Council probably don't really think about a lot of this but
the decisions you make for our community mean a lot for the betterment of our City. The reason I
say that is because my granddaughter Indie goes to Notre Dame and she brought three (3)
individuals home for Thanksgiving which I wasn't really too happy about but it turned out pretty
well. One (1) of the young ladies was from Mexico. It was a thirty (30) hour trip to get to South
Bend's Notre Dame. Another was from Vietnam and the other young lady was from China. I was
very proud they came home with my granddaughter so I put them all on the spot and I asked how
they all got there. I asked them what made them want to come here and if Notre Dame was their
first(1st)choice. All three(3)of them said no. Notre Dame wasn't their deciding factor.The whole
geographic layout of the land was for them. The community. These kids are really bright and
they've done their homework of where they've wanted to live for four(4) years. I was very proud
of them listening to their story. So the decisions you guys make are really important to our City
because somebody is watching. I'm talking about these young kids, seventeen (17) and eighteen
(18)years old, and they've done their homework. One(1)of the young ladies said New York City.
She said Notre Dame wasn't the deciding factor. She said she was offered more money at other
places. So keep up the good work and keep making sound decisions to help our City because
somebody is watching. I'm so proud and thankful I had dinner with those young ladies.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, President Tim Scott adjourned the
meeting at 8:42 p.m.
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