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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-22-14 Common Council Meeting MinutesREGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 1 Disclaimer: Undergoing technology updates experienced some loss of video & audio recording for dictation. 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, September 22, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Council President Oliver Davis and the Invocation and Pledge to the Flag were given. ROLL CALL COUNCILMEMBERS: Present: Tim Scott 1st District Henry Davis, Jr. 2nd District (returns from medical leave) Valerie Schey 3rd District, Chairperson Committee of the Whole Dr. Fred Ferlic 4th District Dr. David Varner 5th District Oliver J. Davis 6th District, President Derek Dieter At-Large, Vice President Gavin Ferlic At-Large Karen L. White At-Large, OTHERS PRESENT: Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand Council Attorney John Voorde City Clerk Janice I. Talboom Deputy Kareemah Fowler Chief Deputy REPORT FROM THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES Councilmember Schey made a motion that the minutes of the September 8, 2014, meeting of the Council be accepted and placed on file. Councilmember Tim Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. SPECIAL BUSINESS BILL NO. 14 -81 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, PUBLICLY HONORING SOUTH BEND'S DISTRICT 11 ALL STARS WHO CAPTURED THE 2014 SENIOR SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES CROWN AND ARE NOW THE USA CENTRAL CHAMPIONS REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 2 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 3 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 4 Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. made the presentation honoring South Bend’s District 11 All- Stars. The return is beautiful when we have the Softball World Series Champions. This is a result of our cities hard work in the community. Councilmember Davis, thanked the coaches for everything that they provide for this community, and the players for their hard work. We have a Hall of Fame here in South Bend and now they will be added to the history of this city. Coach- I would like to thank the council and Councilmember Henry Davis for recognizing the young ladies for their accomplishments, and for inviting us. It was a great honor representing South Bend, in the World Series, thank you very much. Councilmember Scott- Ladies and Coaches thank you for all that you have done and congratulations, you have set the bar high. I hope you continue this life lesson to everything that you do. Congratulations Councilmember Schey- Congratulations that is a huge accomplishment, keep up the good work. Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic- Congratulations Ladies, I’ve seen our former Mayor, Governor Joseph Kernan try to hit a softball and he struck out every time. Councilmember Dr. Varner- I’m very pleased that you won not only one time but back to back, that is something special. Thank you and I’m very proud of you. Councilmember President Davis- Congratulations and I hope this is one of many successes throughout the years whether in softball or in school. Councilmember Dieter- I would like to congratulate the girls but also thank Grace Snyder and Mr. Weinberg who have devoted their lives to help them with this accomplishment. When you go home to your parents tonight, make sure you tell everyone you appreciate their help from the time they put in the hours spent, your coach’s efforts, and resources that it took to make this happen. I think this experience with competition, travel, and teamwork will help you later in life. Great work, and thank you to the Silver Hawks for the bats they provided and everyone in the community towards their support. Councilmember Mr. Ferlic- Congratulations and thank you so much for representing South Bend so well. Councilmember White- I thank you for a job well done and representing our city so well. Councilmember Dieter I move for adoption by acclamation, motion seconded by Dr. Varner, which was carried forward by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. ANNOUNCEMENT: REPRESENTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION WILL BE CHIEF OF STAFF – KATHRYN ROOS REPORTS OF CITY OFFICES- DEPUTY MAYOR MARK NEAL Deputy Mayor Mark Neal- Came to report the 2015 budget, all the budget information beginning in August, committee meetings, or all online under the administration and finance tab, including this presentation will be up tonight. Council Attorney interjected to ask if it was the city report or the budget at the time Deputy Mark Neal- Council Attorney, I was not going to have a city report other than the budget presentation. Council Attorney stated prior to the report they would need to resolve into the committee of the whole. RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 5 At 7:20 p.m. Councilmember Scott made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Schey, Chairperson, presiding. Councilmember Schey, explained the procedures to be followed for tonight’s meeting in accordance with Article 1, Section 2-11 of the South Bend Municipal Code. Councilmember Schey, stated that a brochure may be found on the railing in the Council Chambers explaining those procedures. PUBLIC HEARINGS Council Attorney at this time a motion to combine for purposes of Public Hearing Bills 43-14, 44-14, & 45-14. So moved by Councilmember Dieter. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 43 -14 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, LEVYING TAXES AND FIXING THE RATE OF TAXATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF RAISING REVENUE TO MEET THE NECESSARY EXPENSES OF THE CIVIL CITY OF SOUTH BEND FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015 BILL NO. 44 -14 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING MONIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE EXPENSES OF SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS OF THE CIVIL CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2015 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015 INCLUDING ALL OUTSTANDING CLAIMS AND OBLIGATIONS, AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL TAKE EFFECT BILL NO. 45 -14 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING MONIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE EXPENSES OF THE DESIGNATED ENTERPRISE FUNDS OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND INDIANA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2015 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015 INCLUDING ALL OUTSTANDING CLAIMS, AND OBLIGATIONS, AND FIXING A TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL TAKE EFFECT Council Attorney a motion to accept substitute Bill 43-14 as on file with the office of the City Clerk. So moved by Councilmember Scott. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Schey, Chairperson, Personnel & Finance Committee, reported that they met this afternoon on this bill and there is no recommendation at this time. Deputy Mayor Mark Neal- My apologies Council, I would like to again go over the budget for 2015 and open the discussion to Public Hearing. A vision for the city, to provide the basics for the city, good government and an environment where everyone can thrive. The last city topic is the focus on developing jobs, but also the aspiration of being the city of choice. People who choose to live here, invest here, and play here. We talked about how we can leverage our city, and inform by good data, breaking down bureaucratic walls, and working with our community REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 6 with enthusiasm and ideas. Finally, having a city workforce reflective of our needs and requires us to draw the absolute top-talent. We want to help all those that are challenged and prosecute those who do wrong. Performance management we have to measure what we are doing, and leveraging technology on how we do our jobs. Our focus is how we can help our residents with our housing stocks, with focus on public safety, quality of life in neighborhoods and diversity. The budget is divided in seven categories including 120 funds. Council public hearings began in the middle of August, along with department presentation. The budget deadline is November 3rd. Finally the budget must have approval of certain control funds of approved the DLDL. In the budget we highlighted key choices we must make, recognizing reality in current funding levels and honoring them, balanced budget as long as we have cash available, leverage on investment technology, safety responsibilities, and efficiency (but we have included a 2% pay increase). Deputy Mayor highlighted a few priorities and expectations for the focus on 2015 including workforce economic development, Smart Streets investment, and KPI performance management system with over 1,300 new jobs announced this year, workforce training to make sure we are providing job skills. Vacant and abandoning housing focused on repairs and rehabilitations to private ownership as much as we can $3 million devoted to that in 2015, as well as money from the state of $1.6 million, KPI we have taken action over 598 properties to date, working to complete 402 propertied before 2015 and beyond that and increasing the value and improving the life as part of who we are as community. Information Technology with performance management there is an 8% increase in the budget of $5.4 million has been submitted for review, we added several key members to this team to help our city and focus on training and more efficient. To indicate the work we have been doing in innovation in 2014, we have has increased by almost 200% our billing rate for code violations than last year with focus on data. I want to highlight the organizational structure of the Executive Branch, we have 10 departments there are no changes in 2014. Deputy Mayor Mark Neal, highlighted the importance that we want to be the employer of choice that has the greatest talent, we have to recruit, train, and compensate a highly devoted work group. We are seeing another round of retirements and will continue to see that over the next few years, we have to hire in the replacements. In 2015, we have 1,090 new positions that will be there, reflective of our new consolidated 911 center, and other departments consolidating to be the most efficient. We have had a budget kick off meeting on June 5th, we have been into this budget process for 3 ½ months and have had 12 public meetings, we are getting there and are towards the end. The revenue expenditure summary indicates total revenue of $273 million, and total expenditures of $311 million, they are 15% reduced for 2014 due to the amended cumbrances in previous year. We expect similar property tax collections in 2015. The collection rate ranges from 90-95%, the amount collected projected in 2015 is $46.4 million for our civil city. These taxes are volatile based on the economy, we are expecting a 2.85% increase from 2014 to 2015. The 2015 Budget Expenditures of administration is about 4%, public safety 24%, economic development 20%, utilities expense 30%. The final thoughts our overall city budget is $311 million with a deficit of $37.9 million as we had an issue with bonds in previous years, so that’s a big chunk of that. The General Fund is balanced of $52.6 million. We are looking to finish the budget sometime in October. Councilmember Schey- in the new budget we are only looking at one new staff full time person? Petitioner responded the net positions were reduced. Councilmember Schey, I thought he mentioned a new position for IT is that a reorganization? That’s a new position. Councilmember Schey, also on the county and for the zoo, those funds have they been reallocated or do they remain in those budgets, or are those addressing the budget issues? Petitioner we have obtained that from the county, and the zoological society, the cost don’t disappear is just the positions have been transferred. Councilmember Schey, can you email those copies to the council? Petitioner, we can do that, along with the comparison from 2014. Councilmember President Davis- with the tax collection rate is there anything more than 95% that is collected and what are they doing to try and get 100%? Petitioner- we got it only a few times at 100%, occasionally we have hit over 100% due to delinquent taxes, it is very rare, there might be other cities but it’s rare to be consistently at 100% or above. Council President, is there anything else that we can do to help that process or make it higher? Petitioner, I would need to get that some thought I’m not an expert in accounting. Councilmember Dr. Ferlic- what percentage of the overall budget is capital versus property expenses is that 60/40? Petitioner- yes, but it is$53 million over 3 of the 110, it’s about 20%. REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 7 Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr - thank you for your report, there was an aggressive attempt to get the public more in tuned or to get them to call in to say what they thought should happen on the western corridor or western Ave, I noticed at recreation centers there are numbers to call to get additional programs, was administration able to put those number together to come up with those priorities or is that something that is still being measured? Petitioner- we came up with these priorities about a month ago, and went down the line in council, and we kind of calculated your responses, I do have some people from Community investment if you want to ask them any questions. Councilmember Davis- it wasn’t corridors it was an attempt to poll the community in to find out what priorities maybe from a list of 1 to 10? There was something’s in the action plan but there was some other numbers out there, with the priorities, I’m a bit confused and also concerned because if we are looking at what the public wants, all of these things should be identical, I’m still having a level of concern and uncertainty. How do we get these things done and paid for if there is more money going out than coming in? They’re not the same. Petitioner responded thank you for your comments. We have to use the applications city voice for another initiatives and information data, for parks, vacant and abandon, the corridors project, we have been using that tool on specific activities as it helps inform us as to what residents see as important. I won’t say we got everyone right but I do think what we have done is we are hearing the same issues, but we may have use slightly different language, but in the end we are focusing on economic development jobs, cleaner neighborhood, importance of public safety and improving the quality of life and that is how it is summarized. There are many ways that we are doing that, through allocations, and we continue to discuss the issues, and take all that in account and that we are making changes that are consistent to what we are hearing from you. Councilmember Davis- is the council privy to the information from the campaigns and advertisements on the percentage points are and the priority from those phone calls? Petitioner responded, what we did do is put all those response online and is still available. Councilmember Davis is that reflective in the budget, that those are happening, and addressing the issues, along with the prioritization? I want to make sure there is a true number on return of investment: what’s going to happen, how is this working for us or are the level of service at an optimal level or are we still working on it, or something happened and we need to do better next year? He pointed out that he is concerned with several streets and the level of traffic and if that will bring in new business, those are the things that I’m looking for on these projects? What is the number for the return that I’m looking at? Petitioner- the public private partnership at the zoo is an example, that the transition is going well from both sides, there is also help and private fundraising efforts. I think it will take time to measure but we will be happy to share information made as these things happen. We will continue to keep a dialogue as the budget and projects come about. Councilmember Davis I’m not seeing diversity, and is not reflective of our city. When I look at these projects, for instance the road projects downtown I just see a lot of white Caucasian men, no women, and no minorities or minorities being displayed and may even be outside contractors, in terms of whose working and whose not. I personally don’t see it. Petitioner- there has been some turnovers in our city, but is does take time and there has been some retirements but it is something that we are working on. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Councilmember Schey asked Council Attorney Kathy since a vote is not going to take place tonight what is the appropriate action for the proper motion. Council Attorney Kathy at this time a motion to continue 43-14 in the Council portion in October 13th and set Third Reading. So moved by Councilmember Scott, and seconded by Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 8 Council Attorney Kathy the bill 44-14 also to continue this bill Council portion in October 13th and set Third Reading for the same date. So moved by Councilmember Scott, and seconded by Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. And Council Attorney Kathy the bill 45-14 also to continue this bill Council portion in October 13th and set Third Reading for the same date. So moved by Councilmember Scott, and seconded by Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 46 -14 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING, ADOPTING AND APPROVING THE SOUTH BEND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CORPORATION'S 2015 BUDGET AND LEVYING THE TAX AND FIXING THE RATE OF THE TAXATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF RAISING REVENUE TO FUND THE SOUTH BEND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CORPORATION, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015 Councilmember Schey, Chairperson, Personnel & Finance Committee, reported that this committee held a Public Hearing on Bill Nos. 46-14 and sends them to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Presenter: David Hague- Manager of the South Bend Public Transportation Corporation- 1401 S Lafayette Blvd. I’m here to present our projects for the 2015. Our total budget is $10,119,297 million assuming that 2015 is balanced like in previous years with no increase in fares or increase in services. Our wages will be addressed during tax month, expected increases marginally as we see a rise in different expenses in 2015. We’re proposing $0 in order to continue the level of service needed with adding on a person to help meet the needs. The budget will have a 15% increase to establish a wellness program and to see a return on our investment. With the new CGE technology, we are able to see nearly $300,000 savings by replacing one for 16 buses with compressor after gas. Our revenue is dependent upon taxes, local tax, state assistance is a $42 million fund, and receive under $2 million from fees. The preventative maintenance is where we have capitalize our maintenance expenditures and use federal dollars for that. Passenger fare would bring in about 16%, I would like to point out that we have one of the lowest tax paying fares in the state, starting in 2015 we will look at not increasing fares but looking at how we can do more for frequent passengers. We will continue to work on our buses, investing on new busses will help us when we reduce our operation cost. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr.-last year we were in a situation where routes need to be changed or cut, and happen to be in areas that were impoverished, is there any way to restore some of those rights? Second question since the poverty rates are increasing, is there an opportunity for us to have partnerships with other counties, to get folks from South Bend to Elkhart for jobs, speaking with residents some aren’t able to get to and from work, can we do drop offs and pickups, to help out with our county, to help with lowering violence and housing with people not being able to pay their own way? Petitioner when service was cut in April 2012, while we cut 15% of our service, we became a more sufficient and reliable tool, what we are looking at right now how can we sustain service but continue to control expenses and add revenue so we can add service. Right now we are borrowing against capital dollars just to keep service on the street, we would love to expand service and plan to look on investment. We are looking at Goshen and City of Mishawaka on identifying a more sustainable site, so there is the possibility of bringing others in as well. We know there are areas that we need to add service, but right now is maintaining what we have, that is the biggest challenge today, and more sustainable connections long-term. Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic, do you have a plan when 80% of the funding from the federal government drops? REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 9 Petitioner the money that the transit is funded by the highway trust fund, and congress has recently put an abate on that so we are continuing to watch that constantly to bridge that gap with the highway trust fund going bankrupt, we are continuing to test the water. Councilmember Dr. Varner- I would like our Council Attorney to let the public know the councils role and approval or not approval of the budget and the input that the council has in regards to what’s on here as opposed to what we do with the city administration to the city budget? Council Attorney Kathy- This is a separate fund that was created by a change in state law about 2 or 3 years ago. So basically you review it, your separate board reviews and that is on the listing abates that the city controls, after public discussion you have the opportunity to pass or reject this bill. Councilmember Dr. Varner- the main purpose of that was, that we don’t have the same input as we do on the city administration and the whole city budget? Council Attorney Kathy- correct. Councilmember White- thank you so much. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Council Attorney Kathy interjected the proper motion would be to continue bill 46-14 to the Council portion to October 13th, So moved by Dr. Varner. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion which carried forward by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. RISE AND REPORT Councilmember Derek Dieter made a motion to rise and report to full Council. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. ATTEST: ATTEST: ____________________________ ____________________________ John Voorde, City Clerk Valerie Schey, Chairperson Committee of the Whole 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 8:24 p.m. Council President Oliver Davis, presided with nine (9) members present. BILLS – THIRD READING There were no third readings to present to the full Council at this time. RESOLUTIONS BILL NO. 14 -77 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 1827 BENDIX ROAD, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 10 Councilmember Tim Scott, the Zoning and Annexation Committee met and send this to the full council with a favorable recommendation. Presenter: Parklands Building. This was at the Public Hearing on August 6th meeting, for area board of zoning appeals, for retail sales in the light industrial district and they gave a favorable recommendation. Petition Anne Watson- Executive Director- 520 Crescent Ave- we are hoping you approve this bill so we can start construction on the joint property, for the retail store, facility is about 42,000 sq. ft., 12,000 used as a retail store, on Argon Trail the rest will be used to process our donation that we receive. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Derek Dieter made motion to pass bill 14-77. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 14 -82 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 501 WEST SOUTH STREET AS AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF AN EIGHT (8) YEAR REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR SWING- BATTER- SWING, LLC. REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 11 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 12 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 13 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 14 Councilmember, Gavin Ferlic, Chairperson Community Investment sends 14-82 to the full Council favorably. Councilmember Dieter, I would like to declare that I’m an employee of Swing-Batter-Swing and Security at 401 Shield. Council Attorney Kathy being that there is no conflict of interest Councilman Derek Dieter may vote. Brock Zeeb,Community Investment 14th floor- I just want to let council know the only change is from 11,000 sq. ft. to 17,000 square feet. Andrew Berlin- Owner of Swing-Batter-Swing- I plan on making the presentation on baseball and the Chicago Cubs coming to town, but sitting hear listening the conversation. I would like to talk about the partnership between business and government and what it means to the city. We are building a facility for the Cubs. The proposed partnership that the city would partner with me and in turn bringing baseball back to life and former glory, the other part is helping to revitalize downtown. 1. I’ve been here for three years only, and I’ve seen a renaissance going on in South Bend, 2. I employee people, I work hard as an employee myself, in order to continue our renaissance that we have to be competitive and present ourselves as a united force, it is only because of that partnership. Let’s be competitive, let’s be better than the other cities, and let’s continue those partnerships. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Schey made motion to move for the adoption of bill 14-82. Councilmember Tim Scott seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 14 -83 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND DESIGNATING A CERTAIN AREA WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1203 NORTH NOTRE DAME AVENUE AS A RESIDENTIALLY DISTRESSED AREA FOR PURPOSES OF (5) FIVE -YEAR RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT OF MICHAEL SEAMON REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 15 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 16 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 17 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 18 Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, Chairperson, Community Investments met and sends bill 14-82 to the full Council favorably. Presenter: Dale Devon- Member of Devon Builders-17877 State Road 23- I’m one of the builders for the revitalization, I’m representing the owner. This will be our 11th abatement that we have asked for over the last several and we are asking that the Council pushes this one through. Councilmember Dieter how much longer will that area be economically distressed? Petitioner, from the year to date from 2013 we have pulled about 97 home permits, and year to date this year we only pulled 88 permits. In a good year, we would pull from 500 to 800 permits, our numbers are still so far down in the city, because of Notre Dame it is a blessing. These incentives do help a lot, to build Notre Dame Ave but people aren’t willing to go there just yet. I would love to see some synergy within that area. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. - not only does VP Dieter have a valid question, getting people to reinvest in areas that are quiet, should it take over a different tone, and clear it all out, so the approach to developing doesn’t look like it happens with existing home and abandoned homes that have been knocked down, it’s only when it’s cleared out is when it happens. Petitioner responded if I’m a buyer, and spend money home a new home or reinvest, so if I build it around an area that has $40,000 value it will drop that value, but if I build in an area that already has great property value than I build synergy around that home. Councilmember Davis- there was a study about housing done in South Bend, we are still down there, I’m just making sure we can come up incentives of tax abatements and creating a tiff district works wonders. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Those Wishing to Speak in Opposition: Antonius Northern- 211 S Michigan St- My concern is the property tax abatements that we are using, I’m hoping those will be allocated to companies that are interested in reinvesting in the citizens of the city of South Bend. So those dollars can be used so we can reinvest in our own community. What I hope is that the council gives tax abatement to entities to train individuals on demolish of those properties or the renovation for the area, so the citizens in that area could in return be the potential buyers for those homes or neighborhoods. As opposed to looking for new investments, if we can get investment in our community that those getting tax breaks are providing jobs for that community. We may not be able to have a substantial amount of homes for $200,000 homes but we may put in homes that are durable for those that are in that area. Its not that I’m opposed to any abatement, but I want to make sure that I speak up to the council that we are ensuring that people in that area have the means to buy those homes as oppose to looking outward for dollars. Rebuttal: Without the abatement if no one were to come and build these houses, I would like to say that the property values that are there now are almost tripling in value. So the tax recovery is almost three or four times higher than what it is today, if we aren’t offering tax incentives than the values in property tax for people will be a larger pool to come. Councilmember Schey made motion to move for the adoption of bill 14-83. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 14 -87 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROVING REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 19 THE SOUTH BEND FIRE DEPARTMENT 2014 STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 20 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 21 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 22 Councilmember Scott, as a disclaimer my wife served on the stakeholders and put her input to plan, according to Council Attorney I can’t vote on this. Councilmember Dieter, Chairperson Public Health and Safety met and send bill 14-87 to the full Council with a favorable recommendation Presenter- Steven Cox, South Bend Fire Chief- 1222 S Michigan St- I’m requesting to approve the strategic action plan, the plan was created by a joint committee of firefighters to represent us along with some of stakeholders. We plan on following these plans and meeting with the committee every four months and rotate people through that committee. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt this Resolution. Councilmember Schey, seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. BILLS -FIRST READING BILL NO. 47 -14 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE, ARTICLE 11, DEFINITIONS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF ACCESSORY - STRUCTURE, BUILDING, OR USE This bill had first reading. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr made a motion to refer this to Area Plan Commission. Councilmember Schey seconded the motion, which was carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 48 -14 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE, ARTICLE 3, COMMERCIAL /MIXED USE DISTRICTS, TO ADD A NEW SUBSECTION TO COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT AND GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT RELATIVE TO THE OUTDOOR DISPLAY AND SALES OF AUTOMOBILES This bill had first reading. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr made a motion to refer this to Area Plan Commission. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion, which was carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 49 -14 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, SETTING THE ANNUAL SALARY FOR THE MAYOR FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2015 This bill had first reading. Councilmember Schey made a motion to refer this bill to Personnel and Finance Committee for a Second and Third reading and Public Hearing for October 13, 2014. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. seconded the motion, which was carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 50 -14 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 23 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, SETTING THE ANNUAL SALARY FOR THE CITY CLERK FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2015 This bill had first reading. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr made a motion to refer this to Area Plan Commission for a Second and Third reading, Public Hearing for October 13, 2014. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion, which was carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 51 -14 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, SETTING THE ANNUAL SALARY FOR THE COMMON COUNCIL FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2015 This bill had first reading. Councilmember Schey made a motion to refer this to Personnel and Finance Committee for a Second and Third reading and Public Hearing for October 13, 2014. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion, which was carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 52 -14 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FIXING MAXIMUM WAGES OF TEAMSTER EMPLOYEES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2014, 2015, 2016 This bill had first reading. Councilmember Schey made a motion to refer this to Personnel and Finance Committee for a Second and Third reading and Public Hearing for October 13, 2014. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion, which was carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 53 -14 FIRST READING ON A BILL FIXING MAXIMUM SALARIES AND WAGES OF APPOINTED OFFICERS AND NON - BARGAINING EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2015 This bill had first reading. Councilmember Schey made a motion to refer this to Personnel and Finance Committee for a Second and Third reading and Public Hearing for October 13, 2014. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion, which was carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 54 -14 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FIXING THE ANNUAL PAY AND MONETARY FRINGE BENEFITS OF SWORN MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2015, 2016, AND 2017 This bill had first reading. Councilmember Schey made a motion to refer this to Health and Public Safety Committee for a Second and Third reading and Public Hearing for October 13, 2014. Councilmember Tim Scott seconded the motion, which was carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 55 -14 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FIXING THE ANNUAL PAY AND MONETARY FRINGE BENEFITS OF SWORN MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH BEND FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2015, 2016, AND 2017 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 24 This bill had first reading. Councilmember Schey made a motion to refer this to Health and Public Safety Committee for a Second and Third reading and Public Hearing for October 13, 2014. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion, which was carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. UNFINISHED BUSINESS REPORTS FROM AREA BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS BILL NO. 14-84 – SPECIAL EXCEPTION – 746 S. ARNOLD ST. BILL NO. 14-85 – SPECIAL EXCEPTION – 509 S. EDDY ST. BILL NO. 14-86 – SPECIAL EXCEPTION – 609 E. LASALLE Councilmember White made a motion to refer bill 14-84 to the Zoning & Annexation Committee for October 13, 2014. Councilmember seconded Scott the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. REPORT FROM AREA PLAN COMMISSION BILL 42-14 – ANNEXATION/REZONING – 17316 &17688 STATE ROAD 23 Councilmember White made a motion to refer bill 14-85 to the Zoning & Annexation Committee for Public Hearing on October 27, 2014 with Third Reading on November 10, 2014. Councilmember Tim Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. NEW BUSINESS No new business was reported to the full Council at this time. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Jesse Davis- P.O. Box 10205- I came to the council with issue of workers being at a City Workers house, I asked the council please be diligent and doesn’t get tucked away on a desk, so the public is kept blind and the council is kept blind. Make sure you get a copy of the report and stay on top of this. Jerry King- 730 N Carol St - I wish the technology would get us document readers, about 2 weeks ago I came about the city workers, I’m here for follow up, to have you look into how city workers do their work. Jerry provided photos of the neglectful work. I will talk with Dr. Ferlic about it. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, President Oliver Davis adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m. ATTEST: ATTEST: ____________________________ ____________________________ John Voorde, City Clerk Oliver Davis, President