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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-24-2022 Common Council Meeting Minutes (Signed)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 DATE: 01-24-2022 MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND FOUND THEM TO BE CORRECT. THEREFORE, WE RECOMMEND THE SAME BE APPROVED: APPROVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL ON: 02-14-2022 r ATTEST: ' 'L DAWN M. JONES, CITE' CLERK REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 24, 2022 Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, met in -person and via Microsoft Teams app on Monday, January 24, 2022. at 7:00 p.m. Council President Sharon L. McBride called the meeting to order. Imam Mohammad of the Islamic Society of Michiana gave the invocation. City Clerk Dawn M. Jones announced: Good evening, members of the public. For audio quality, we will be muting everyone not speaking by default to maintain good audio quality for Council and yourselves. If you would like to speak during the meeting on a specific agenda item, please submit your request in the chat - directions to do so are in the chat. We ask that you provide your [FULL NAME] and [ADDRESS], as those are required for all speakers at in -person Council meetings. Full audio dialogue of the update is available upon request from the City Clerk's Office. Please note the attached link for the meeting: https:Htinyurl.com/SBCC01242022 ROLL CALL COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Canneth Lee Henry Davis Jr. Sharon L. McBride Troy Warner Eli Wax Sheila Niezgodski Rachel Tomas Morgan Lori K. Hamann Karen L. White OTHERS PRESENT: Dawn M. Jones Bianca L. Tirado Rachael Coates Elivet Navarro Bob Palmer 1st District, Committee of the Whole 2nd District 3rd District, President 4th District 5th District 6th District, Vice -President At -Large At -Large At -Large City Clerk Chief Deputy Clerk Deputy Clerk Executive Assistant Council Attorney REPORT FROM THE SUB -COMMITTEE ON MINUTES There was no report from the sub -committee on minutes. SPECIAL BUSINESS Councilmembers Eli Wax and Canneth Lee presented a special resolution of the South Bend Common Council recognizing the City's first "baby box" at Fire Station 11 on Bendix Avenue. President Sharon L. McBride thanked Councilmember Eli Wax for allowing her to be part of this resolution and inviting her to the dedication. Babies will still be warm and cared for through the use of the box, and assistance will arrive within one (1) minute. Councilmember Lori K. Hamann thanked Councilmember Eli Wax for this resolution and stated that she appreciates the hard work of firefighters. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. asked what precipitated this resolution. Councilmember Eli Wax responded that this is a national issue, although he is unaware of local incidents. He is thankful to have the opportunity to provide the service if needed. REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 24, 2022 Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. noted that the inner city has abortion clinics rather than a baby box, which tells what resources are available for people of different income levels. President Sharon L. McBride stated that she could provide Councilmembers with statistics related to the need for the baby box. Vice -President Sheila Niezgodski thanked Councilmembers Eli Wax and Canneth Lee for this resolution, which could save a life. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan thanked those involved in this resolution, which is providing a valuable service to the community. Councilmember Karen L. White thanked Councilmembers and firefighters involved in this resolution. Just because this issue has not been experienced in South Bend does not mean it will never happen, and this is a great option provided by the City. REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICES There were no reports from city offices. RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE At 7:21 p.m. Councilmember Troy Warner made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Karen L. White seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Canneth Lee, Chairperson, presiding. Councilmember Canneth Lee explained the procedures for the meeting per Article 1, Section 2-11 of the South Bend Municipal Code. PUBLIC HEARINGS BILL NO. 140-21 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING THE "ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED 340 E WALTER, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 5 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Lori K. Hamann stated that Bill No. 140-21 was previously heard by the Zoning and Annexation Committee and comes forth with a favorable recommendation. Mike Huber, Abonmarche Consultants, 315 W Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the petition is to rezone a portion of the lot from S 1 Residential to C Commercial to support the development of an automobile dealership. Councilmember Eli Wax stated that he met with the petitioners and saw the site. He is impressed with their plan, which has minimal impact on the neighbors. He thanked the petitioners for their continued investment in South Bend. Councilmember Troy Warner made a motion to send Bill No. 140-21 to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Karen L. White seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 141-21 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING THE 2 REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 24 2022 ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED 1105, 1111, 1115, 1117, 1118, 1120, 1121 CAMPEAU ST AND 1116, 1124, 1125, 1128, 1132, 1133, 1134, 1135, 1136, 1137, 1140 CORBY BLVD, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CI'TY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Lori K. Hamann stated that Bill No. 141-21 was previously heard by the Zoning and Annexation Committee and comes forth with a favorable recommendation. Paul Phair, Holladay Properties, 3454 Douglas Road, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the petitioners seek to rezone from U1 Single Family to SC Neighborhood Centre to facilitate mixed - use development. He presented the Updated January 2022 Plan for 5 Corners. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. stated that this is a great project that expands the area's tax base. However, he has been holding Townhall meetings on affordable housing, and this kind of investment affects housing in a three (3) mile radius, with higher assessed values for homes. Councilmember Troy Warner thanked Paul Phair for changing the design based on extensive community feedback. Vice -President Sheila Niezgodski thanked Paul Phair for the extensive presentation and for investing twenty-two million dollars ($22,000,000) in the project. Councilmember Eli Wax thanked Paul Phair for his continued investment in South Bend. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan thanked Paul Phair and the other petitioners for their high responsiveness to the neighbors and for adjusting their plan from five (5) to four (4) stories. Councilmember Troy Warner made a motion to send Bill No. 141-21 to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 01-22 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CI'TY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING ONE MILLION NINE HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,910,000) FROM SOUTH BEND'S AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (ARP) FUND (#263) FOR PREMIUM PAY FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES PERFORMING ESSENTIAL WORK, PURSUANT TO FEDERAL GUIDELINES UNDER THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (SUBSTITUTE) President Sharon L. McBride made a motion to accept Substitute Bill No. 01-22. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Vice -President Sheila Niezgodski stated that Substitute Bill No. 01-22 was previously heard by the Personnel and Finance Committee and comes forth with a favorable recommendation. Dan Parker, City Controller, with offices on the twelfth (12th) floor of the County -City Building, presented Substitute Bill No. 01-22. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. asked why Council was not given individual position titles for those getting versus not getting the money for their dedication to the City. Dan Parker responded that this information could be provided. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. stated that it is excellent that employees are getting their just due; however, there will be other employees who feel they were slighted. 3 REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 24 2022 Dan Parker responded that the determination of who would receive this payment on the non - bargaining side was whether the employee needed to work in person. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. stated that this was not made clear until it was asked. Councilmember Eli Wax asked if the Council will need to reconvene to fix the allocation if it comes to light that an employee is eligible and was not included. Dan Parker responded that this is why the appropriation is one million nine hundred ten thousand dollars ($1,910,000) when the total payment is one million nine hundred six thousand three hundred seventy-five dollars and thirty-one cents ($1,906,375.31). Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. asked if 911 Operators are included. Dan Parker responded that 911 Operators are County, not City employees, and would have to be paid through the County. Jerod Warnock, 364-2405 E Edison Road, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in support of Substitute Bill No. 01-22 on behalf of Teamster employees. Jason Banicki, 3822 Ford Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that these folks provided essential services and this payout is long overdue. Alison Mynesberg, 2633 Arrowhead Drive, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in support of Substitute Bill No. 01-22, and she hopes this bill includes 311 Administrators and code field officers. Dan Parker responded that he is unsure if 311 Administrators and code field officers are included. The payment was pro -rated for people who were only required to be in -person on rotation. Councilmember Troy Warner, Vice -President Sheila Niezgodski, and Councilmember Canneth Lee spoke in support of Bill No. 01-22. Councilmember Troy Warner made a motion to send Substitute Bill No. 01-22 to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Karen L. White seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. RISE AND REPORT Councilmember Eli Wax made a motion to rise and report to the full Council. Councilmember Troy Warner seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend reconvened in the Council Chambers on the fourth floor of the County -City building at 8:19 Vim. President Sharon L. McBride presided with nine (9) members present. BILLS — THIRD READING BILL NO. 140-21 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED 340 E WALTER, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 5 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Canneth Lee stated that Bill No. 140-21 came with a favorable recommendation with a nine (9) to zero (0) vote. 4 REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 24.2022 Councilmember Karen L. White made a motion to call for passage of Bill No. 140-21. Councilmember Lori K. Hamann seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. President Sharon L. McBride stated that Bill No. 140-21 has passed. 141-21 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED 1105, 1111, 1115, 1117, 1118, 1120, 1121 CAMPEAU ST AND 1116, 1124, 1125, 1128, 1132, 1133, 1134, 1135, 1136, 1137, 1140 CORBY BLVD, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Canneth Lee stated that Bill No. 141-21 came with a favorable recommendation with a nine (9) to zero (0) vote. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan made a motion to call for passage of Bill No. 141-21. Councilmember Canneth Lee seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. President Sharon L. McBride stated that Bill No. 141-21 has passed. 01-22 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING ONE MILLION NINE HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,910,000) FROM SOUTH BEND'S AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (ARP) FUND (#263) FOR PREMIUM PAY FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES PERFORMING ESSENTIAL WORK, PURSUANT TO FEDERAL GUIDELINES UNDER THE. AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (SUBSTITUTE) Councilmember Canneth Lee stated that Substitute Bill No. 01-22 came with a favorable recommendation with a nine (9) to zero (0) vote. Councilmember Lori K. Hamann made a motion to call for passage of Substitute Bill. No. 01-22. Councilmember Troy Warner seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. President Sharon L. McBride stated that Substitute Bill No. 01-22 has passed. RESOLUTIONS IMAM] 22-02 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WI'THIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS INTERSECTION OF CALVERT ST AND RENEWABLE DRIVE, SOUTH BEND IN 46613 AN ECONOMIC REVI'TALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A NINE (9) YEAR REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR JEM FARMS SOUTH BEND, LLC 5 REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 24, 2022 Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan made a motion to hear Bill No. 22-02 and Bill No. 22-06 together. Councilmember Troy Warner seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Santiago Garces, Executive Director of Community Investment, with offices on the fourteenth (14th) floor of the County -City Building, introduced Bill No. 22-02 and Bill No. 22-06. Angelina Billo, Assistant Director of Business Development, with offices on the fourteenth (141h) floor of the County -City Building, presented Bill No. 22-02 and Bill No. 22-06. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. stated that this is a massive opportunity for the City. He asked who would hold this abatement accountable. Santiago Garces responded that tax abatements require a yearly submission of compliance information. The County Assessor's Office coordinates the payment of taxes. Information is compiled and provided to Council yearly around June. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. requested confirmation that the Community Investment Committee receives this information. President Sharon L. McBride responded that the entire Council should review the information. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan added that last ygar the information on companies requesting waivers was received by the Committee and was then addressed by the full Council. President Sharon L. McBride requested that the Clerk's Office resubmit the June 2021 minutes, which addressed the waivers to Council. Attorney Bob Palmer verified the statement from Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan. Councilmember Canneth Lee stated that this project is a win for the City. Vice -President Sheila Niezgodski stated that she is excited about this project as representative of the sixth (61h) District. This could be the largest development of its kind in the United States. Jason Banicki, 3822 Ford Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that, while he believes this to be a fantastic project, the average hourly wage calculates to seventeen dollars ($17) per hour, rather than twenty-nine dollars ($29) per hour. He asked who was fact -checking these numbers. He stated that over nine (9) years, the petitioner would pay approximately two and a half million dollars ($2,500,000) in property taxes, but three million dollars ($3,000,000) are needed for infrastructure. The difference of which will fall on the taxpayer. Paul Mastronardi, 1577 County Rd 34, Kingsville, Ontario, responded that most labor in the greenhouse is H-2A under the federal program. Locals will want to be more active in the higher - paying jobs. Upgrades will provide further infrastructure to the area. Santiago Garces added that much of the processes of the site involve recycling and reusing material like water to maximize efficiency. The abatement allows the petitioner to offset costs while building their distribution network. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. stated that the Department of Community Investment should go back over the numbers given the comments from Jason Banicki. Vice -President Sheila Niezgodski stated that numbers are based on one hundred ten (110) jobs, but there could be up to two hundred (200) jobs created. Councilmember Troy Warner noted an application in the packet that outlines the numbers. These numbers must be met, or else a waiver is issued. He spoke in support of the project. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan stated that it is exciting for South Bend to land this project that represents the future of how food is grown. Councilmember Eli Wax stated that he is excited for this project, economically and otherwise. Councilmember Canneth Lee stated that this project uses technology to significantly impact the world, and the investment level is high. 21 REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 24, 2022 Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan stated that Bill No. 22-02 and Bill No. 22-06 were previously heard by the Community Investment Committee and came forth with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Karen L. White made a motion to call for passage of Bill No. 22-02. Vice - President Sheila Niezgodski seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. President Sharon L. McBride stated that Bill No. 22-02 has passed. 22-06 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS INTERSECTION OF CALVERT S T AND RENEWABLE DRIVE, SOUTH BEND IN 46613 AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A FIVE (5) YEAR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR JEM FARMS SOUTH BEND, LLC Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan made a motion to call for passage of Bill No. 22-06. Vice President Sheila Niezgodski seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. President Sharon L. McBride stated that Bill No. 22-06 has passed. 22-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITTY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CI1,Y OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3820 W CALVERT ST, SOUTH BEND IN 46613 AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A NINE (9) YEAR REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR GREENLEAF HOLDCO Councilmember Karen L. White made a motion to hear Bill No. 22-04 and Bill No. 22-08 together. Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan stated that Bill No. 22-04 and Bill No. 22-08 were previously heard by the Community Investment Committee and came forth with a favorable recommendation. Angelina Billo, Assistant Director of Business Development, with offices on the fourteenth (14th) floor of the County -City Building, presented Bill No. 22-04 and Bill No. 22-08. Joe McGuire, Pure Green Farms, 3820 W Calvert St, South Bend, Indiana, states that Pure Green has been operating for just over a year. The facility is sustainable year-round without any need for pesticides or herbicides. The businesses attract people in the industry to the area. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan thanked Joe McGuire for his bold investment. The employees of this business work hard, and Joe McGuire is investing in their skills. Councilmember Karen L. White thanked the petitioners for the site tour. This project will open the door to see the economy of South Bend from a different perspective. Councilmember Troy Warner stated that the facility is amazing and the future of growing crops. REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 24, 2022 Vice -President Sheila Niezgodski stated that this is a wonderful facility that feeds people in the community. Councilmember Canneth Lee stated that technology and sustainability, including water recycling, are the way of the future. Councilmember Eli Wax thanked Joe McGuire for his continued investment in South Bend. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. stated that underground natural aquifers are being used. Councilmember Karen L. White made a motion to call for passage of Bill No. 22-04. Vice - President Sheila Niezgodski seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. President Sharon L. McBride stated that Bill No. 22-04 has passed. 22-08 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3820 W CALVERT ST, SOUTH BEND IN 46613 AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A FIVE (5) YEAR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR GREENLEAF HOLDCO Vice -President Sheila Niezgodski made a motion to call for passage of Bill No. 22-08. Councilmember Canneth Lee seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. President Sharon L. McBride stated that Bill No. 22-08 has passed. BILLS ON FIRST READING BILL NO. 02-22 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE. FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 239 CHAPIN, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 6 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Vice -President Sheila Niezgodski made a motion to send Bill No. 02-22 to the Zoning and Annexation Committee for a public hearing and third reading on February 28, 2022. Councilmember Canneth Lee seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 03-22 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROVING A PETITION OF THE ADVISORY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1701 KENDALL STREET COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 6 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Karen L. White made a motion to send Bill No. 03-22 to the Zoning and Annexation Committee for a public hearing and third reading on February 14. 2022. Councilmember Troy Warner seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 8 REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 24,_2022 04-22 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2122 & 2128 SOUTH BEND AVE, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Lori K. Hamann made a motion to send Bill No. 04-22 to the Zoning and Annexation Committee for a public hearing and third reading on Febn4m 28 2022. Vice - President Sheila Niezgodski seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 05-22 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2240 PRAIRIE, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 6 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Lori K. Hamann made a motion to send Bill No. 05-22 to the Zoning and Annexation Committee for a public hearing and third reading on February 28, 2022. Vice - President Sheila Niezgodski seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 06-22 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10817-21, WHICH FIXES MAXIMUM SALARIES AND WAGES OF APPOINTED OFFICERS AND NON - BARGAINING EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2022, TO ESTABLISH TWO NEW FULL-TIME POSITIONS AND AMEND VARIOUS TITLES AND SALARIES OF EXISTING FULL-TIME POSITIONS Vice -President Sheila Niezgodski made a motion to send Bill No. 06-22 to the Personnel and Finance Committee for a public hearing and third reading on February 14, 2022. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. UNFINISHED BUSINESS President Sharon L. McBride stated that the Mayor's Office is planning a second (2°d) installment of the Meet the Mayor and Team of South Bend initiative for FebruM 8 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at O'Brien Center. Council will have a table at the event. NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. stated that if the country is in critical need of a baby box, access should be made available across the entire City. 9 REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 24, 2022 Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. asked if there is any standard timeframe for a response when a department head receives an email or voicemail. Councilmember Karen L. White responded that there is no policy to this effect. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. suggested a policy be drafted to this effect, as Councilmembers deserve answers for their constituents. Attorney Bob Palmer stated that he would research policies to this effect. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. stated that he is not in favor of virtual meetings, as first responders are working and kids are in schools. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan reminded the public that every family is eligible for free at-home COVID rapid tests from covidtest.gov. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Jason Banicki, 3822 Ford Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that employees of the City should have to disclose their residential addresses when speaking at the meeting, rather than stating what floor of the County -City Building they are on. Strongtowns.org has resources on topics such as road design and city infrastructure. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, President Sharon L. McBride adjourned the meeting at 9:52 R.m. 10