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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-25 �4SpUT11 PEACE' a 1865 OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK D:1WN M.JONES, CITY CLERK Residential Neighborhoods September 25th, 2023, 3:30 P.M. Committee Members Present: Karen White, Sheila Niezgodski, Canneth Lee, Henry Davis Jr. Committee Members Absent: Amika Micou Other Council Present: Lori Hamann, Rachel Tomas Morgan, Sharon McBride Others Present: Dawn Jones, Bob Palmer, Victoria Trujillo, Shayla Kimbrough, Adjia Sambe Presenters: Sharon McBride, Heidi Biedinger Agenda: Bill No. 23-56—A Resolution Announcing the formation of a Reparatory Justice Commission & Lead Update — Heidi Biedinger-Burnette, PhD MPH, University of Notre Dame Members marked with an asterisk (*) are in virtual attendance. The full recording of the committee meetings can be found at the following link: https://does.southbendin.gov/WebLink/O/fol/360589/Rowl.aspx Committee Chair Karen White called to order the Residential Neighborhood Committee meeting at 3:30 p.m.; Chair White began the portion of the meeting after the roll call by City Clerk Dawn Jones. Chair White opened the floor to the presenter. Council President, Sharon McBride, with offices on the 4th floor of the County-City Building began speaking about Bill No. 23-56. According to McBride, the Reparatory Justice Commission's mandate is to investigate the various facets of reparatory justice and how they might be applied to the City of South Bend. According to McBride, the commission will have its own chairperson, be independent of the Common Council, and decide how to proceed with the reparation's conversation. The members of the commission were stated as David Buggs, Wilner Cusic, Conrad Damian Aladean de rose, Jeff John Duffy, Judith Fox, Darryl Heller, James Lewis, Cordell Martin, Alma Powell, Trina Robinson, Gilbert Washington, Cassandra White and Regina Williams Preston. McBride requests that the resolution be passed and open the floor to any questions. Committee Chair White opened the floor to the full council for comments. Committee member Canneth Lee stated that he believes that this is a very important topic to the community, and this is a great step in the right direction for the city. There was more EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 227W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend.Indiana 46601 p574.235.9221 f574.235.9173 TTS 574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov •CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK discussion by council members as they expressed gratitude for the Bill and the assembled board of commissioners. Committee member Henry Davis, Jr. voiced a few concerns to be addressed which McBride responded to. Chair White Karen White then redirected the meeting to allow for any other Council members that wished to comment. Council member Lori Hamann wanted to ask for clarification on how the council could identify ARP funds as a possible way of establishing investment when they have made very clear in the budget meetings that there are no excess ARP funds available. Committee Chair White stated that she would follow up with Hamann with the answers to her question. The floor was opened to the public by Chair White. Jorden Giger, 302 S Falcon St,provided public comment,thanked the council, and asked why there was no apology made or included in the Bill for the LaSalle Park contamination. McBride stated the sole reason for this meeting was to propose the new commission and that being the only thing being identified on this day. Peter Loutzenhiser, 4620 Acacia Place, voiced his support of this Bill. He notified the council about generations of his family witnessing racism and racial injustice. He believes that the Bill being presented will do South Bend justice. Mr. Loutzenhiser expressed his confidence about the Bill bringing forth good things for the community. Katherine Redding 1409 E Miner St, spoke in favor of Bill 23-56. Ms. Redding added that she is aware of the previous environmental terrorism that LaSalle Park has sustained for many decades and how she is glad that South Bend is able to move forward as a community. She appreciates the council moving forward with Bill No. 23-56. Clark Power, 1117 Napoleon St,commented briefly to agree with the previous public speakers and spoke about the repairs needing to be made in the community. Mr. Power expressed his gratitude for this Bill bringing the city closer to a change. Jordan Pallo, 1920 Prospect St, spoke in favor of the Bill due to her experience with family and friends that have been affected by the racism and generational trauma in the community. Ms. Pallo believes this is a great and necessary step in moving the process forward. Dania Straughan, 706 California Ave., voiced her support of Bill No. 23-56 The public hearing portion was concluded. Councilman Canneth Lee moved for passage of the bill with a favorable recommendation which was seconded by Davis. The votes are as follows. Canneth Lee Aye Henry Davis Aye Sheila Niezgodski Aye Karen White Aye EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 227W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend.Indiana 46601 p574.235.9221 f574.2359173 TTD574.235.5567 wvwv.sciuthbendin.gov 2 •CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK Committee Chair White opened the floor for the second presenter, Heidi Biedinger, 50933 Sharp Stone Court. Biedinger began her presentation by thanking the council for being present during her updates about lead poisoning prevention in St. Joseph County. Ms. Biedinger presented the estimation of contamination of lead in South Bend homes and how active the City of South Bend has been with the advocation to prevent damage to children and families. The rates of lead poisoning in St. Joseph County have been detected in up to 30%for children. Ms. Biedinger provided information regarding lead poisoning prevention programs and resources within the community. She also provided information of the lead testing kits recommended by the city. Committee Chair White thanked Biedinger for the presentation and the meeting was concluded. With no further business, Chair White adjourned the meeting at 4:12 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Karen White, Committee Chair EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 227W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend.Indiana 46601 p574.235.9221 f574.235.9173 TTD574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov 3