HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-2023 Council 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
DA TE: 03-27-2023
MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND FOUND THEM TO BE CORRECT.
THEREFORE, WE RECOMMEND THE SAME BE APPROVED.
THIS RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL IS MADE RECOGNIZING
THAT 3 CURRENT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL WERE NOT SEATED IN 2023
AND AS SUCH WILL BE ABSTAINING FROM ANY FORMAL APPROVAL OF
OLD MINUTES.
SHERRY BOLDEN-SIMPSON
APPROVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL ON: 04-22-2024
ATTEST: ~j~
BIANCAL.TlRADO YCLERK
REGULAR MEETING March 27, 2023
Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend , Indiana, met in person on
Monday, March 27, at 7:00 p.m. Council President Sharon McBride called the meeting to order.
Dawn Jones 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 the 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.
Please note the attached link for the meeting recording:
https://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/browse.aspx?dbid=0&mediaid=364574
Council meetings are also available at Michiana Access Channel on both their website and
their Facebook page.
ROLL CALL
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Canneth Lee
Henry Davis Jr.
Sharon L. McBride
Troy Warner
Eli Wax
Sheila Niezgodski
Lori K. Hamann
Rachel Tomas Morgan
Karen L. White
OTHERS PRESENT:
Dawn M. Jones
Victoria Trujillo
Kenneth Hardy
Bob Palmer
SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES :
None.
SPECIAL BUSINESS
23-14
l st District, Committee of the Whole
2 nd 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
Council Attorney
PUBLICLY RECOGNIZING , COMMENDING ,
AND HONORING THE RILEY HIGH SCHOOL
WILDCATS 2022-2023 BOYS SWIM TEAM ON
A SUCCESSFUL SEASON AS: CITY
CHAMPIONS , NORTHERN INDIANA
CONFERENCE (NIC) SECOND (2 nd ),
SECTIONAL CHAMPIONS , AND STATE SIXTH
(6 th) OVERALL
Clerk Jones read the special resolution to the Council.
Councilmember Eli Wax , Chief of Police Scott Ruszkowski , and Council President Sharon
McBride presented Special Resolution No. 23-14, recognizing , commending, and honoring the
Riley High School Wildcats 2022-2023 boys swim team on a successful season as: City
Champions , Northern Indiana Conference (NIC) second (2 nd ), Sectional Champions , and State
sixth ( 6th) overall.
Councilmember Troy Warner made a motion to adopt Bill No . 23-14, which was seconded by
Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski and carried by a unanimous vote of acclimation.
REGULAR MEETING
23-12
March 27, 2023
PUBLICLY RECOGNIZING THE INDIANA
ATHLETIC TRAINERS' ASSOCIATION AND
ACKNOWLEGING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS
NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINING MONTH
Clerk Jone s read the special re solution to the Council.
Council Vice President Niezgodski and Council President McBride presented Special Resolution
N o. 23-12 , recognizing the Indiana Athletic Trainers Association , and acknowledging the month
of March as National Athletic Training Month .
Councilmember Warner made a motion to adopt Bill No . 23-12 , which was seconded by
Council member Rachel Tomas Morgan and carried by a unanimous vote of acclimation.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICES
Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment , with offices located on the 14 th floor
of the County-City Building, stated that the Department of Community Investment (DCI) has been
undertaking the review of the Comprehensive Plan since the middle of 2022 .
Mark Funkhouser, 24 Culross Drive, Rocky Point NY 11778 , stated that the project team spoke
with City agencies, hosted thematic workshops , hosted Council and community events , hosted
neighborhood workshops , spoke with community organizations , and held a speaker series to lay
the foundation for a fiscally sound community-driven Comprehensive Plan to cultivate
connections and facilitate access to opportunity in South Bend. The project team recommends that
the Comprehensive Plan be centered around the idea that the City's core function is to promote
connections for a more prosperous community. Decisions about land use , transportation , economic
development, community services , etc ., as they are informed by the Comprehensive Plan , should
re flect the City's role as a convener and catalyst, connecting people to each other, to place and to
opportunity . The project team recommends the Comprehensive Plan focus on ensuring security as
a foundation for progress , facilitating access to opportunity , and building community through
relationships.
Councilmember Hamann thanked Mark Funkhouser for his work and asked about the inclusion of
an anonymous employee survey.
Mark Funkhouser stated that anonymous surveys are not specifically outlined in the report but
stated that the City should pursue them.
Councilmember Warner requested information regarding the practical applications of community
connectivity.
Mark Funkhouser answered that one (1) example of community connectivity would be to have the
South Bend Police Department (SBPD) host regular meetings with community members.
Lawrence Greenspun , Drucker Institute , 1507 McKinley A venue, South Bend IN 46617 , stated
that community connectivity helps to build trust.
Councilmember White stated appreciation for the presentation and requested a physical copy of
the report. Councilmember White also stated that there is a need for community members to feel
heard and inquired about the next steps for the Comprehensive Plan .
Caleb Bauer stated that the next step is to use this roadmap to draft a fonnalized Comprehensive
Plan . After drafted , there will be another round of community input and review before bringing a
finalized plan to the Council for adoption .
Council Vice President Niezgodski thanked DCI for their work and requested clarification
regarding the legal deadline requirements for the Comprehensive Plan.
Caleb Bauer stated that under State statute the Comprehensive Plan needs to be adopted by the end
of 2026.
Councilmember Lee thanked Lawrence Greenspun and Mark Funkhouser.
2
REGULAR MEETING March 27, 2023
Council President McBride thanked Lawrence Greenspun , Mark Funkhouser, and Councilmember
White.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. requested the amount spent on the Comprehensive Plan currently .
Caleb Bauer stated that one hundred and forty-seven thousand four hundred and ninety-seven
dollars and eighty-three cents ($147 ,497.83) of the two hundred thousand dollar ($200,000)
maximum had been spent.
RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Councilmember Wax motioned to resolve into the Committee of the Whole , which was seconded
by Council Vice President Niezgodski and carried by a vote of nine (9) ayes.
Council President Sharon McBride -Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski -Aye
Councilmember Canneth Lee -Aye Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. -Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner-Aye Councilmember Eli Wax -Aye
Councilmember Lori K. Hamann -Aye Councilmember Karen L. White -Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan -Aye
PUBLIC HEARINGS
BILL NO .
07-23 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
THE SOUTH BEND , INDIANA , AMENDING
THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED 1007 AND 1011 HOWARD ST.
COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY
OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Clerk Jones read the bill to the Council for its second (2 nd ) reading .
After the second (2 nd ) reading, Councilmember Lee requested the committee report.
Councilmember Hamann stated that Bill No. 07-23 came before the Zoning and Annexation
Committee and comes with a favorable recommendation.
Councilmember Lee requested that the petitioner(s) state their name and address and share key
points before the council.
Angela Smith, Zoning Administrator, with offices on the 14 th floor of the County-City Building,
stated that Bill No. 07-23 seeks to rezone the properties located at 1007 and 1011 Howard Street
from Urban Neighborhood One (Ul) to Neighborhood Center (NC). The site is currently vacant ,
and the proposed use will be for the Notre Dame Law Clinic. Bill No . 07-23 comes from the South
Bend Planning Commission with a favorable recommendation.
Wayne Richardson , petitioner, 811 Lawrence Drive, Fort Wayne IN 46804, stated that their plan
for the property will be for a non-residential three (3) story building. The building would house
four (4) Notre Dame Law School clinics: Applied Mediation , Community Development, Housing,
and Exoneration Justice. Notre Dame has conversed with the neighborhood's residents regarding
the project.
Councilmember Lee requested questions from the Council, and nobody spoke.
Councilmember Lee held the public hearing, and no members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Wax stated that a legal clinic provides an incredible opportunity for residents and
law students .
Councilmember Warner stated that hands-on training for law students is vital and is hopeful to see
further development from Notre Dame.
Councilmember Tomas Morgan stated appreciation for Notre Dame.
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REGULAR MEETING March 27, 2023
Council President McBride stated that the Notre Dame 's law clinics have created good
opportunities for the South Bend community.
Councilmember Lee stated that Notre Dame law students have helped with Group Violence
Intervention 's expungement clinics , and thanked Notre Dame for their investment in South Bend .
Councilmember Warner motioned to send Bill No. 0 7-23 to the Full Council with a favorable
recommendation , which was seconded b y Councilmember Hamann and carried by a vote of nine
(9) ayes.
Council President Sharon McBride -Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski -Aye
Councilmember Canneth Lee -Aye Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. -Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner-Aye Councilmember Eli Wax -Aye
Councilmember Lori K. Hamann -Aye Councilmember Karen L. White -Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan -Aye
14-23 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND , INDIANA AMENDING
CHAPTER SIX (6), BY ADDING ARTICLE
FIFTEEN (15), SECTIONS 6-94 THROUGH 6-108
INCLUSIVE TO REQUIRE LANDLORDS AND
TENANTS TO PARTICIPATE IN BED BUG
REMEDIATION
Bill No. 14-23 was tabled until April 10, 2023.
15-23
Bill No. 15-23 was tabled indefinitely.
RISE AND REPORT
PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND , INDIANA, VACA TING THE
FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: 1100
BLOCK OF CORBY BOULEY ARD BEING A
PART OF CORBY BOULEVARD AS SHOWN ON
THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION RIGHT OF WAY PLANS
FOR SR 23 , R/W CODE 3786 , DES NO. 9133615 ,
PROJECT NO . STP-S050-(007) DATED
DECEMBER 19 , 2011 AND BEING SITUATED IN
THE WEST HALF OF THE NORTHWEST
QUARTER OF SECTION 6, TOWNSHIP 37
NORTH , RANGE 3 EAST, PORTAGE
TOWNSHIP , CITY OF SOUTH BEND , ST.
JOSEPH COUNTY , INDIANA SOUTH BEND ,
INDIANA
Councilmember Hamann motioned to rise from the Committee of the Whole and report back to
the Full Council , seconded by Councilmember Wax and carried by a vote of nine (9) ayes.
Council President Sharon McBride -Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski -Aye
Councilmember Canneth Lee -Aye Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. -Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner-Aye Councilmember Eli Wax -Aye
Councilmember Lori K. Hamann -Aye Councilmember Karen L. White -Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan -Aye
REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED
4
REGULAR MEETING March 27, 2023
President McBride stated the Full Council is now back in session. This portion of our meeting is
where bills are given a third (Yd) reading and action is taken regarding bills that were heard
during the Committee of the Whole.
BILLS ON THE THIRD READING
BILL NO.
07-23 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA , AMENDING THE
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED 1007 AND 1011 HOWARD ST .
COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY
OF SOUTH BEND , INDIANA
Clerk Jones read the bill to the Council for its third (3 rd ) reading.
After the third (3 rd ) reading, President McBride requested a committee report.
Councilmember Lee stated Bill No . 07-23 was heard in the Committee of the Whole and comes to
the Full Council with a favorable recommendation.
Councilmember Warner motioned for the passage of Bill N o. 0 7-23 , seconded by Councilmember
Tomas Morgan , and carried by a vote of nine (9) ayes .
Council President Sharon McBride -Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski -Aye
Councilmember Canneth Lee -Aye Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. -Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner-Aye Councilmember Eli Wax -Aye
Councilmember Lori K. Hamann -Aye Councilmember Karen L. White -Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan -Aye
RESOLUTIONS
BILL NO .
23-11 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF THE SOUTH BEND , INDIANA,
DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA ,
COMMONLY KNOWN AS 213 WEST
WASHINGTON STREET, SOUTH BEND, IN
46601 AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION
AREA FOR PURPOSES OF AN EIGHT-YEAR (8)
REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR
APARTMENTS AND COMMERCIAL SPACE AT
TOWER AT WASHINGTON APARTMENTS AT
TOWER AT WASHINGTON SQUARE LLC
Clerk Jones read the resolution to the Council.
After the reading President McBride requested a committee report.
Councilmember Tomas Morgan stated Resolution No . 23-11 was heard in the Community
Investment Committee and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation.
President McBride requested that the petitioner(s) state their name and address and share key
points before the council.
Erik Glavich , Director of Growth and Opportunity, with offices on the 14 th floor of the County-
City Building, stated that Bill No . 23-11 is a declaratory resolution for a mixed-use development
real property tax abatement for Liberty Tower located at 213 West Washington Street. The
developer seeks to build ninety (90) new apartments on the top nine (9) floors if the building , as
well as restore and create new meeting event spaces and a bar/lounge (with rooftop access) that
will be open to the public . The project will create about nine (9) new jobs.
5
REGULAR MEETING March 27, 2023
AJ Sime, representative of the petitioner, 213 West Washington Street, South Bend IN 46601,
stated that the Aloft Hotel phase of the Liberty Tower project has been successful , and stated that
he is looking forward to the continuation of the Liberty Tower project.
Council President McBride requested comments from the Council.
Councilmember Hamann requested clarification regarding the impact Bill No . 23-11 will have on
the Beacon Hospital project.
Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment, with offices located on the 14th floor
of the County-City Building, stated that this new investment will just add additional revenue to
those that the City has already contemplated to go toward funding the debt service.
Councilmember Hamann stated that because of the mixed-use status of the abatement, it does not
fall under the requirements for affordable housing, but there are one (1) bedroom apartments being
built.
Mark Neal , Bradley Company , 112 West Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 300 , South Bend IN 46601 ,
stated that the average price of an apartment would be around two dollars ($2) per square foot.
Council Vice President Niezgodski requested clarification regarding the number of floors to be
developed.
Erik Glavich stated that the apartments would span nine (9) floors .
Councilmember Wax requested information regarding where this investment will leave the
completion of the Liberty Tower project.
Erik Glavich stated that after the completion of this phase of construction , everything in the Liberty
Tower will have been remodeled .
Councilmember Tomas Morgan requested information regarding the southern side of the first (1 st)
floor of the Liberty Tower.
AJ Sime stated that the southern side of the first ( l5t) floor of the Liberty Tower will have retail
space to be leased.
Councilmember Lee stated that prior to the renovation of Liberty Tower the building was in
disrepair and stated that this investment will economically and socially impact South Bend
positively.
Councilmember Davis Jr. asked ifthere are any projections of how this investment will impact the
value of the apartment space.
Erik Glavich stated that the current assessed value of the apartment space is about one and a half
million dollars ($1 ,500 ,000), and the City estimates that this project will raise the assessed value
to twelve-point-seven million dollars ($12 ,700 ,000).
Councilmember Davis Jr. stated that he is concerned the rising values of downtown properties will
too greatly increase the cost of living for downtown properties .
Caleb Bauer stated that DCI has focused on affordable housing developments and is working to
add three hundred and fifty-two (352) new affordable units in South Bend over the next few years .
Councilmember Davis Jr. stated that his district is struggling to find affordable housing and
requested infonnation regarding the new affordable homes.
Caleb Bauer stated that the Monreaux Devereaux Peters affordable housing project and the Real
America Diamond View Apartments project are both happening in Councilmember Davis Jr.'s
district.
Councilmember Davis Jr. stated that seven hundred (700) houses were lost in his district.
Caleb Bauer stated that those homes were vacant and abandoned.
Councilmember Warner stated that Councilmember Davis Jr. has voted in opposition to homes on
Pagin Street as well as the Diamond View apartments , both of which are located in his district.
6
REGULAR MEETING March 27, 2023
Councilmember Tomas Morgan stated that Councilmember Davis Jr. has , at times, voted against
affordable housing and investment within his district.
Councilmember Wax thanked the petitioner for their investment in South Bend.
Councilmember Tomas Morgan motioned for the adoption of Resolution No. 23-11, seconded by
Councilmember Lee , and carried by a vote of nine (9) ayes.
Council President Sharon McBride -Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski -Aye
Councilmember Canneth Lee -Aye Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. -Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner-Aye Councilmember Eli Wax -Aye
Councilmember Lori K. Hamann -Aye Councilmember Karen L. White -Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan -Aye
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF THE SOUTH BEND , INDIANA ,
RECOMMENDING TO THE MAYOR CERTAIN
APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF
THE COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD OFFICE
(SUBSTITUTE)
Council Vice President Niezgodski motioned to accept Substitute Bill No . 23-13, which was
seconded by Councilmember Lee and carried by a vote of nine (9) ayes .
Council President Sharon McBride -Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski -Aye
Councilmember Canneth Lee -Aye Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. -Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner-Aye Councilmember Eli Wax -Aye
Councilmember Lori K . Hamann -Aye Councilmember Karen L. White -Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan -Aye
Clerk Jones read the resolution to the Council.
After the reading Council President McBride requested a committee report.
Councilmember Warner stated Substitute Bill No. 23-13 was heard in the Community Relations
Committee and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation.
Council President McBride stated that this resolution recommends the applicants Stephanie Ball
and Pastor Charles King to the Mayor to fill the position of Director of the Community Police
Review Board .
Councilmember Hamann inquired about a timeframe for the Mayor's decision.
Councilmember Warner stated that there is not a timeframe outlined in the legislation regarding
the Mayor 's decision for a Director of the Community Police Review Board.
Councilmember Lee stated that both applicants are great choices.
Council Vice President Niezgodski thanked all applicants and stated that she is glad the process is
moving forward .
Councilmember Davis Jr. stated that the Community Police Review Board is a tool to build trust
within the South Bend community.
Council President McBride held the public hearing , and no members of the public spoke.
Councilmember White motioned for the adoption of Substitute Bill No. 23-13, which was
seconded by Councilmember Hamann , and carried by a vote of nine (9) ayes.
Council President Sharon McBride -Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski -Aye
Councilmember Canneth Lee -Aye Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. -Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner-Aye Councilmember Eli Wax -Aye
Councilmember Lori K. Hamann -Aye Councilmember Karen L. White -Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan -Aye
7
REGULAR MEETING March 27, 2023
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF THE SOUTH BEND , INDIANA,
CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A
DECLARATORY RESOLUTION DESIGNATING
CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND , INDIANA , COMMONLY
KNOWN AS 2652 JACLYN COURT , SOUTH
BEND , IN 46614 AND 3161 YOUNGS COURT ,
SOUTH BEND, IN 46614 ECONOMIC
REVITALIZATION AREAS FOR PURPOSES OF
A SIX-YEAR (6) REAL PROPERTY TAX
ABATEMENT FOR THE ROBERT HENRY
CORPORATION
Clerk Jones read the resolution to the Council.
After the reading President McBride requested a committee report.
Councilmember Tomas Morgan stated Resolution No . 23-15 was heard in the Community
Investment Committee and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation.
President McBride requested that the petitioner(s) state their name and address and share key
points before the council.
Erik Glavich , Director of Growth and Opportunity, with offices on the 14th floor of the County-
City Building, stated that Bill No . 23-15 is a confinning resolution for the industrial development
real property tax abatement petition for the Robert Henry Corporation .
Councilmember Lee requested questions from the Council , and nobody spoke .
Councilmember Lee held the public hearing, and no members of the public spoke .
Council Vice President Niezgodski motioned for the adoption of Resolution N o. 23-15, seconded
by Councilmember Lee , and carried by a v ote of nine (9) ayes.
Council President Sharon McBride -Aye
Councilmember Canneth Lee -Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner-Aye
Councilmember Lori K. Hamann -Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan -Aye
Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski -Aye
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. -Aye
--------
Council member Eli Wax -Aye
---------l
Councilmember Karen L. White -Aye
BILLS ON FIRST READING
BILL NO .
FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE
SOUTH BEND , INDIANA , OF THE CITY OF THE
SOUTH BEND , INDIANA , AMENDING THE
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED 616 , 618 SHERMAN A VE
COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. l IN THE CITY
OF SOUTH BEND , INDIANA
Clerk Jones read the bill to the Council for its first (1 st) reading.
Councilmember Hamann motioned to send Bill No . 16-23 to the South Bend Planning
Commission on April 17, 2023 , and to the Zoning and Annexation Committee for a third (3 rd )
reading and public hearing on April 24, 2023 , seconded by Councilmember Lee and carried by a
vote of nine (9) ayes.
Council President Sharon McBride -Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski -Aye
Councilmember Canneth Lee -Aye Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. -Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner-Ay e Councilmember Eli Wax -Aye
8
REGULAR MEETING March 27, 2023
Councilmember Lori K . Hamann -Aye Councilmember Karen L. White -Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan -Aye
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Councilmember Davis Jr. stated that he is receiving phone calls regarding a concern of the lack of
traffic at the MLK Center. Councilmember Davis Jr. requests a report regarding the lack of traffic.
Councilmember Davis Jr. stated that he is interested in having a policy change regarding the non-
profit pilot program in South Bend .
Councilmember Canneth Lee requested clarification from Councilmember Davis Jr. regarding the
proposed policy change.
Councilmember Davis Jr. stated that he is not suggesting churches should be required to pay taxes ,
rather he would like to have a discussion regarding the amount of non-profit businesses in South
Bend.
NEW BUSINESS
Councilmember Lee stated that they are devastated by the closing of the Portage Road Walmart
and are working to make sure that the two hundred and seventy (270) employees and the people
with prescriptions are taken care of.
Councilmember Hamann stated that the TRANSPO Board approved the Connect Plan for sixty
percent (60%) ridership and forty percent (40%) coverage . MACOG will be voting in April to
approve the final plan.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Reverend Henry L. Davis Sr., 215 N. Sheridan Street, South Bend IN 46619 , requested information
regarding affordable housing.
Councilmember Hamann stated that people living at eighty percent (80%) or below the median
household income qualify for affordable housing but agrees that there should be more discussion
regarding the requirements for affordable housing.
Council President McBride stated that she would follow-up with more information regarding
affordable housing.
ADJOURNMENT
Council President Sharon McBride adjourned the meeting at 9: 15 p.m.
9