HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-12-2024 Personnel and Finance Meeting MinutesOFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
BIANCA L. TIRADO, CITY CLERK
PERSONNEL & FINANCE
Committee Members Present:
Committee Members Absent:
Councilmembers Present:
Councilmembers Absent:
Others Present:
Agenda:
SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 5:30 P.M.
Sheila Niezgodski, Canneth Lee, Angela
Smith*, Ross Deal, Karen White
Troy Warner, Rachel Tomas Morgan
Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers
Sharon McBride, Sherry Bolden-Simpson,
Dr. Oliver Davis
Bianca Tirado, Matthew Neal, Samuel Turck,
Talia Thorton, Bob Palmer
Community Investment Budget Presentation
Members marked with an asterisk (*) are in virtual attendance.
Please note the attached link for the meeting recording:
https://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/0/edoc/385561/Department%20of%20Community
%20Investment%20Budget%20Hearing%20Part%20One.mp4
https://docs.south bendin.gov /Web Link/0/edoc/385562/Department%20of%20Comm unity
%20Investment%20Budget%20Hearing%20Part%20Two.mp4
Please note the attached link for the meeting presentation:
https://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/0/edoc/385540/DCI%202025%20Budget%20Presen
tation %20(Filed).pdf
Committee Chair Sheila Niezgodski called to order the Personnel & Finance Committee meeting
at 5:30 p.m.
Committee Chair Sheila Niezgodski provided information regarding the 2025 Budget Overview
process. City Residents can access the City Budget Survey to provide their input using the
following link: https://southbendin.gov/budget/. Additional questions pertaining to this meeting or
the budget hearing can be emailed to the Personnel and Finance Committee Chair, Sheila
EJivet Quijada-Nav;m o
Ci IIFF 0 EPL.:T\' CITY (I.Ell~
INTEGRITY I SERVICE I ACCESSIBILITY
Matthew Neal
Oiil'CTY/ 01RECI-Oll OF POLICY
Samuel Turck
DIRECTOR OF SPECI.IL OF PROJEC rs
EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 1227 W. Jefferson Blvd. I South Bend, Indiana 46601 I p. 574.235.9221 If. 574.235.9173 1 www.southbendin.gov
CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK
Niezgodski, at sneizgodski(w,southbendin.gov and they will be directed to the appropriate
department. The Final Budget Hearing is scheduled for October 14, 2024.
2025 Community Investment Budget Presentation
Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community [nvestment (DCI), with offices on the 14th floor
of the County-City Building presented the 2025 budget proposal for DCI. Caleb Bauer introduced
Director of Engagement and Economic Empowerment Mary McAfee, Director of Neighborhood
Services and Enforcement Kenisha Wells, Coordinator on Homelessness Carl Hetler, Property
Development Manager Erin Michaels, Deputy Director of Growth and Opportunity Joseph
Molnar, Director of Growth and Opportunity Erik Glavich, Building Commissioner Randy James,
Director of Sustainability Alex Bazan, Deputy Executive Director of Community Investment Sarah
Schaefer, Director of Department Finance Rosa Thomas, Chief Neighborhoods Officer Elizabeth
Maradik, and Chief Planner Tim Corcoran.
The agenda for the presentation is as follows, an overview on the DCI, a breakdown of the DCI
organizational structure, DCI's 2024 accomplishments, the proposed 2025 expenditures, an
overview of the redevelopment funds, and goals for 2025. There are six (6) divisions within DCI.
The Sustainability team is a two (2) member team including a Project Manager and the Director
of Sustainability. The Coordinator on Homelessness Carl Hetler was added early into 2024 and is
currently not in a specific division. Caleb Bauer stated the importance of having a City staff
member dedicated to helping the homeless in the City. The Chief Planner Tim Corcoran runs
Planning and Community Resources. This team handles the zoning needs of the City, as well as
the creation and adoption of neighborhood plans. The Downtown Neighborhood Plan is currently
being developed. Building Commissioner Randy James runs the Building Department. The
Building Department serves multiple jurisdictions both the City of South Bend and areas in St.
Joseph County. The Engagement & Economic Empowerment (EEE) division is in the community
attending neighborhood association meetings, hosting quarterly neighborhood consortium
meetings, and managing the Innovation Grants for Neighborhood Information, Transformation,
and Enhancement (IGNITE) Grant program which provides funding for neighborhood selected
projects. Mark McAfee leads the EEE. The Growth & Opportunity team manages all the tax
abatements which come before the Council and loan portfolios. The Manager -Property
Development was recently moved into Growth & Opportunity and manages any real estate
transactions that involve City-owned property. The Neighborhoods division is led by Elizabeth
Maradik the Chief Neighborhood Officer. This division has multiple teams within it.
Neighborhood Health and Housing oversees the Rental Safety Verification program, the Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) Lead Hazard Reduction Grant implementation, and housing
counseling services. Two (2) Federal Grant Manager positions manage several entitlement grants
received by the City and by St. Joseph County. These two (2) staffers also serve as staff to St.
Joseph County Housing Consortium, which represents all of the County. They also receive and
administer home fronts, which are affordable housing development funds. Neighborhood Services
and Enforcement (NSE) is overseen by Kenisha Wells. NSE manages both environmental code
enforcement and building law matters. There are ten ( 10) inspectors in this team. The South Bend
Animal Resource Center (SBARC) is tasked with enforcing the Animal Care and Control
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p_ 574.235.9221 f_ 574.235.9173 www.southbendin.gov
CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFI CE OF THE CLE RK
Ordinance in the municipal code. Caleb Bauer stated that the work that SBARC does is incredibly
important. There will be adjustments made to salaries in SBARC.
Caleb Bauer stated that there will be two (2) new Assistant Director positrons, one (1) in
Neighborhoods, and one (1) for the planning team. Both of those positions will be funded by the
elimination of some currently vacant positions in those teams. There will be one ( l) new full-time
position after the restructuring. The Neighborhoods division contains four ( 4) different teams, and
the Chief Neighborhoods Officer currently has double the amount of direct reports than any other
division leader. Adding an Assistant Director to assist with the management of those direct reports
is vital. The removal of a Senior Planner and creation of an Assistant Director position would
directly oversee the zoning and historic preservation teams. Two (2) Building Commercial
Combination Inspectors will be added to the department. There are currently two (2) types of
building inspectors working for DCI, the traditional Building Inspector who is specialized in one
(1) field. The other is the Commercial Building Inspector that has multiple licenses for inspecting.
The goal of these two (2) new positions is to help existing inspectors increase their experience and
certifications. This will in turn allow for more flexibility within the inspections team. The new
position will be funded by new permit revenues which have increased significantly in the last few
years. There will be one (1) part-time Veterinarian for the SBARC. As of now, those services are
contracted with the Elkhart County Humane Society. This hire will save money and time due to
the reduced need to travel for the animal's healthcare. This hire will allow for lost cost spay and
neuter services to the residents of the City. One (1) part-time Engagement Specialist is also being
proposed. There has been a significant growth in neighborhood associations in the City, this
position would assist with outreach to these organizations. The EEE staff attends every other
meeting for all of the neighborhood associations in the City. All the positions being eliminated are
currently vacant. They are a Neighborhood Admin Assistant One (1 ), Property Inspector, Senior
Planner, and a Building Inspector.
All the higher-than-standard salary cap increases are in the Neighborhoods division with the
exception of one (1 ). Senior Inspectors will receive a cap increase, there are two (2) Senior
Inspectors on the NSE team. Code Inspectors will receive a cap increase of five-point seven percent
(5.7%). All three (3) types oflnspectors will be encompassed under this job title. There is a salary
cap increase of thirty-three percent (33%) for the Executive Assistant -Neighborhoods, which will
include a title change with an increase in responsibility. The Hearing Secretary will see a six-point
eight percent (6.8%) increase. This position handles all paperwork pertaining to code enforcement
hearings. The last four increases are all in the SBARC. The shelter is frequently full. The City is
well below the mark of other Indiana municipalities of similar size when it comes to Animal
Welfare Officer pay. The SBARC Manager will receive a cap increase of seven-point nine percent
(7.9%). The SBARC Assistant Manager will receive a ten-point seven percent (10. 7%) cap
increase. The Animal Welfare Assistant will receive a twelve-point seven percent (12.7%) cap
increase. The Animal Welfare Officer position will receive a cap increase of sixteen-point five
percent (16.5%). These increases are intended as a one-time correction. There will be a cap
increase for the Manager -Business Development of four-point six percent (4.6%). This position
manages the revolving loan portfolio which doubled in 2021 to about sixteen million dollars
($16,000,000).
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f. 574.235.9173 www.southbendin.gov
CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFF ICE OF TH E CLERK
Committee Chair Niezgodski asked when raising the salary cap, are all the employees in those
positions going to be brought up to the cap.
Caleb Bauer stated no. New employees will not be brought up to the cap immediately.
Committee Member Lee asked what is the currently salary for the Executive Assistant -
Neighborhoods.
Caleb Bauer stated that the current cap is forty-nine thousand dollars ($49,000) and the new cap
will be sixty-nine thousand dollars ($69,000).
Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers asked if DCI is eliminating an Inspector position.
Caleb Bauer stated that they are eliminating an Inspector position that is currently vacant.
Committee Member Karen White asked if the new positions were offset by the elimination of other
positions.
Caleb Bauer stated that DCI will net (1) full-time employee after this transition period.
Committee Member White asked how long those positions had been vacant.
Caleb Bauer stated that most of them were recently staffed, but the Property Inspector has been
vacant for some time, as the department did not have a use for that position.
Citizen Member Ross Deal asked why increase the salary caps all at once instead of spreading it
out throughout several years.
Caleb Bauer stated that DCI has a structural problem with its salaries. Specifically, at the SBARC
Animal Welfare Officers have been assaulted and had to call the Police. These same officers are
being paid less than the same position in different municipalities in the State.
Committee Chair Niezgodski asked if DCI eliminated the Building Inspector position, and where
is the person currently in that title going to move.
Caleb Bauer stated that the individual has the qualifications to become a Commercial Combination
Inspector.
Caleb Bauer stated that the Mayor has laid out the five (5) pillars of strategic priorities for the City.
DCI is unique in that it touches all five (5) of those pillars. DCI has completed more than seven
hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars ($725,000) of repairs for fifty-four (54) homeowners
through the Home Repair Program. There are twenty (20) homes still in the process. DCI has
awarded eight-one thousand dollars ($81 ,000) to neighborhood associations through the IGNITE
Grant. This has resulted in projects such as small neighborhood scale playgrounds, new
neighborhood signage, and has resulted in the creation or revival of four (4) neighborhood
associations across the City. DCI has increased the maximum grant award, as well as allowing for
joint applications from two (2) neighboring neighborhood associations. The implementation of the
Neighborhood Improvement Bonds started in 2024. Out of the thirty-four million dollars
($34,000,000) in the bonds more than nine million four hundred thousand dollars ($9,400,000) has
been expended and nine million two hundred thousand dollars ($9,200,000) has been encumbered,
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd . South Bend, Indiana 46601 p. 574.235.9221 f_ 574.235.9173 www.southbendin.gov
CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK
meaning that it is part of an ongoing contract. DCI received four ( 4) National Historic Register
nominations, which can unlock federal tax credits for redevelopment or restoration of historic
landmarks.
Caleb Bauer stated that DCI has helped significantly in creating robust, sustainable infrastructure
in the City. DCI has done this through programs like the Energy Assistance & Solar Savings
Initiative (EASSI) which provides matching grant funding for non-profits and businesses for
energy efficient improvements. EASSI has provided support for ten (10) non-profits and six (6)
businesses. DCI has provided five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in public and private
investment for energy efficiency and solar projects. DCI is in the process of installing sixteen ( 16)
vehicle charging stations throughout the City in the next (5) years. The Michiana Area Council of
Governments (MACOG) was awarded Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) round one (1)
funding which comes from the Department of Transportation to cover the installation costs of the
vehicle charging stations. DCI has conducted energy assessments at fourteen (14) homes as part
of the Greener Homes program pilot. South Bend was the only city in the State to receive the
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Cities Gold Designation.
DCI continued and expanded the Vibrant Places matching grant program which provides matching
funds for favade improvements Citywide. Since the program launched more than two hundred
(200) businesses have applied. Forty-two ( 42) businesses have proceeded to the grant phase, with
six hundred and thirteen thousand, seven hundred and ninety dollars ($613 ,790) in City funds
invested. More than seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) in private investment has been
leveraged through this grant. DCI issued eleven (11) new low-interest revolving loans totaling one
million, six hundred and forty thousand dollars ($1 ,640,000) through two (2) new revolving loan
programs. They are the Revolving Business Enterprise Fund (RBEF) and the other is the Revolving
Loan Fund Two (RLF II). These loans have added sixty-three (33) jobs and retained twenty-eight
(28). DCI collected principal payments of one million six hundred thousand dollars ($1 ,600,000)
and interest & fee payments of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000). Ninety-one percent
(91%) of the loan recipients are minority owned and forty-five percent (45%) are women-owned.
The average number of employees per loan recipient was two-point six (2.6). DCI issued a request
for proposals for the Opportunity Fund which will provide low-interest microloans and business
coaching to small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Near Northwest Neighborhood is working
with DCI for the implementation of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) of funding
towards setting up financial empowerment centers. This will allow for free one-on-one financial
counseling for any resident of the City over eighteen (18) years old.
The Pathways program provides training to increase the skills of the workers but also give them a
pay increase and more responsibility. More than one hundred and eighty-eight (188) people
participated in 2024 with two (2) classes left in the year. Upskill SB has thirty-six (36) participants
in 2024. DCI hired a full-time Workforce Development Coordinator to support the strategic use of
workforce development funds , enhance partnerships with employers and job seekers, and
strengthen relationships with Community partners. As private investment is coming to the City
through major employers this position will continue that relationship to keep the City's businesses
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p. 574.235.9221 f. 574.235.9173 www.southbendin.gov
CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK
competitive. DCI assisted with the opening of the downtown YMCA, preserving gym access for
downtown residents and employees.
Demolition at the Drewrys Brewery site is ongo ing, fourteen thousand (14,000) tons of debris has
been removed. DCI completed the demolition of the Fun FIX after fire damage and the delay of
the project due to litigation with the property owner who was unwilling to resolve public safety
issues. Eighteen (18) other properties have been demolished in 2024. The Neighborhood
Enforcement Action Team (NEAT) crew assisted with twenty-one (21) neighborhood cleanups and
provided Tend the Bend trailer which removed four hundred and sixty-six ( 466) tons of trash. The
HUD Lead Grant provided the funding for lead remediation work at five (5) homes in 2024. Nine
(9) more households are in various stages of the grant process. DCI completed six hundred and
sixty-one (661) inspections through the Rental Safety Verification Program (RSVP). There is new
software to streamline inspection and compliance reporting. Six hundred (600) residents were
sheltered at least one (1) night through the Weather Amnesty program. Two hundred and ninety-
nine (299) animals were adopted from the SBARC in 2024. Four hundred and five (405)
interactions with unsheltered individuals to provide connections to services and resources in 2024.
DCI assisted unsheltered individuals and seniors with more than four thousand three hundred and
twenty-seven (4 ,327) loads of laundry in 2024.
Some key performance indicators from this past year include three hundred and sixty-two (362)
new jobs in the city and one hundred and sixty-three (163) jobs retained. Most of these jobs are
from Memorial Hospital. Private investment increased from four hundred and four million dollars
($404,000,000) in 2023 to four hundred and thirty-two million, five hundred thousand dollars
($432,500,000) in 2024. There were six hundred and sixty-one (661) RSVP inspections, fifty-three
(53) Housing Counseling services, seven thousand six hundred and fifty-seven (7,657)
environmental violations, eighty-two (82) certificates of appropriateness were issued, and one
thousand seven hundred and twenty-six (1 ,726) construction permits were issued totaling one
hundred and sixty-nine million, eight hundred thousand dollars ($169,800,000).
Funds spent or committed from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) totals fifty-two million dollars
($52,000,000). The part of programming that has been identified and is being implemented
includes Home Repair programs, Housing financing which has fostered new development across
the City, and affordable and market rate housing. Home buying assistance will accelerate in 2025.
The City-Wide Comprehensive Plan and Plan Implementation is ongoing. Land Bank startup costs
include the new land bank for properties in St. Joseph County. There have been several demolitions
funded in part by ARP dollars. Neighborhood Development Assistance has used ARP funds. Vacant
Building Development Financing is a financing opportunity to assist with the redevelopment of
vacant buildings in the City. Almost all the funds in Green Infrastructure have been expended with
the exception of a small Revolving Solar Loan Program. The Small Business Assistance program
is the primary driver for the Vibrant Places Grant. After those ARP funds are spent, the Vibrant
Places Grant will be a budget expenditure. Immigration Support has been expanded as a part of
the High Skill Immigration Fund. The Workforce Development project also expanded as a part of
the Pathways project and other workplace development programs. The Martin Luther King Jr.
Dream Center was a huge partnership with the Public Works Department, Venues Parks & Arts
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p. 574.235.9221 f. 574.235.9173 www.southbendin.gov
CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK
Department, and community leaders. Pre-K Centers provided funding for the Southeast
Community Center, the remainder of this fund is for a new neighborhood center in the Far
Northwest Neighborhood.
Caleb Bauer stated that the total DCI budget increase will be one-point four percent (1 .4%). The
Building Department budget will be increased by eight-point one percent (8.1 %). Building permit
fee increases fund the Building Department. When those revenues exceed the operating cost of the
department the extra dollars go into a rainy-day fund. The primary reason for the budget growth is
salaries and wages which will increase nine-point three percent (9.3%) in 2025. This is due to the
new full-time position in the department along with cost-of-living increases for the rest of the staff.
Repairs and maintenance also will increase by twelve thousand dollars ($12,000). Repairs and
maintenance in all subdivisions will be increasing. In Community Investment (Legacy) there will
be an overall decrease of one-point two percent (1.2%). Salaries and wages will increase by four-
point nine percent (4.9%). Fringe benefits will increase by six-point one percent (6.1%).
Professional Services and Education & Training will both decrease slightly. The Neighborhoods
subdivision will see a five-point seven percent (5.7%) increase in 2025. The Office of
Sustainability will see a decrease of sixteen-point three percent (16.3%).
DCI has purchased two (2) sports utility vehicles for the Building Department, three (3) trucks for
the Neighborhoods Department, and one (1) NEAT Crew dump truck for one hundred and ninety
thousand dollars ($190,000). These vehicles are normally not leased, they are bought with cash
from the capital fund. One (1) SBARC van cage will be purchased and installed. There will be a
fuel site allocation. The total Capital expenditures will be four hundred and seventy-three thousand
dollars ($473,000).
Caleb Bauer stated that the Strategic Initiatives funding will decrease slightly by 2025 . The budget
for Homelessness Strategy Implementation will remain the same from 2024 which was one million
one hundred thousand dollars ($1 ,100,000). The Home Repair Program will decrease to two
hundred and eighty thousand dollars ($280,000) for 2025. This is due to the remaining ARP funds
that need to be spent. Caleb Bauer stated that the Home Repair Program will increase significantly
after the ARP funds are expended. Demolitions will be decreased by fifty thousand dollars
($50,000) to five hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($550,000). Community Development Block
Grant Program (CDBG) will receive roughly the same amount of funding from the federal
government.
Caleb Bauer stated that the new Neighborhood Housing Initiative has been very successful. This
program includes a partnership with the Public Works department overseeing the Sewer Lateral
Reimbursement Policy, which can save homeowners by as much as twenty thousand dollars
($20,000). The System Development Charge has been waived for infill projects. Pre-approved
housing plans have been made available at no cost, which is up to five thousand dollars ($5,000)
of savings. The Kinder Institute analysis of appraisal gaps by Census tract was completed which
has informed the housing strategy of the City moving forward. Housing funding was awarded with
ARP allocation for workforce and affordable housing. DCI signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the Housing Authority to allocate one million dollars ($1 ,000,000) in
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227 W Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p. 574.235.922 1 f. 574.235.9173 www.southbendin.gov
CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK
assistance for vacancy reductions at units throughout the Housing Authority portfolio. Caleb Bauer
thanked the Council for approving that allocation to the Housing Authority.
Securing Affordable Housing has been a key concern for DCI. Low Income Housing Tax Credits
(LIHTC) have been the best tools for getting affordable housing. There are two (2) projects
currently under construction, the Diamond View Project, and the SB Thrive Project. There are two
(2) projects announced by construction has not commenced, The Monreaux Project and the
Advantix Development Core Project which will supply fifty (50) low-income units across the City,
but primarily the Northwest Neighborhood. More than seven hundred and twenty-five thousand
dollars ($725 ,000) has been invested in repairs to fifty-two (52) homes and nineteen (19) other
homes are still in process. The Climate Action Plan 2.0 has reached over one thousand (1 ,000)
people at different events across the City. DCI is in the drafting phase of the Climate Action Plan
update, which will be shared with the Council by the end of 2024. Downtown Plan 2045 has kicked
off, which saw over two hundred (200) people attend. Over one hundred and eighty (180) people
attended the workshops. There are three (3) neighborhood plans currently in progress for 2024,
LaSalle Park, River Park, and Potawatomi Park. Neighborhood plans for 2025 include a small
project in the Twyckenham Hills neighborhood. There are seven (7) economic development areas
in the City, the River West Development Area being the largest in footprint. The Southside
Development Area has the City's one percent (1 % ) stake of the Pokagon Gaming revenues which
is used for specific workforce development, education and poverty reduction. Revenues in these
economic development areas have increased which allows DCI to reinvest. It is also evidence of
ongoing economic growth within the districts. The 2024 revenues are projected, DCI will know
the true number in December 2024.
Redevelopment Funds were used for large projects spread throughout the City in 2024. Union
Station was recently purchased, the City is planning to reconnect Amtrak services to that location.
DCI has also been part of an eight million five hundred-thousand-dollar ($8,500,000) investment
to build one hundred and twenty-two (122) income-qualified homes in the Lincoln Park and
Southeast neighborhoods. A one hundred and two-million-dollar ($102,000,000) investment was
made into the Madison Lifestyle District. There was a two hundred and thirty-two million dollar
($232 ,000,000) investment into the Memorial Hospital Patient Tower. The Coal Line Trail
expansion is ongoing. The Four Winds field expansion has been funded through an expansion of
the Professional Sports Convention Area. The Neighborhood Improvement Bonds are being
processed.
Upcoming projects include the Redevelopment of River Glen and the old YMCA riverfront
properties. Completing the Drewrys Brewery demolition and pursuing full redevelopment of that
site. Additional funding for street paving will be needed. The continued restoration of Downtown
historic buildings. The Colfax Avenue Streetscape will be started. The Mishawaka Avenue
Streetscape project was part of the Neighborhood Improvement Bond. The Kennedy Park Revamp
received a fifteen million dollar ($15 ,000,000) federal grant.
Caleb Bauer stated that there are several grant opportunities in DCI. Chief among them being the
Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI 2.0). This is the economic
development program run by the State. The DCI staff has supported and provided letters of support
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATIO N INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p. 574.235.9221 f. 574.235.9173 www.southbendin.gov
CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK
for seven (7) projects that if awarded would total one hundred and thirty-seven million dollars
($137,000,000). Funds from Lilly Endowment Inc. would fund two (2) projects, the Riverfront
West project would bring four hundred and forty ( 440) housing units and one hundred and fifty-
four million dollars ($154,000,000) in private investment. The Westside Housing Revitalization
would supply over five hundred (500) housing units and one hundred and fifty million dollars
($150,000,000) in private investment. The Lilly Endowment Inc. has separate funding for
community foundations. Two (2) of those projects have included ten million dollars ($10,000,000)
for the Western Avenue Transformation District, and twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) for the
regional land bank and affordable housing investment fund. There are several federal grants in
process. In the EPA Community Change Grant passed threshold review, if awarded the City could
receive twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) to complete the Drewrys Brewery demolition. The
application is being prepared for the Department of Transportation Reconnection Our
Communities Grant. The City has received the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Forest Service Grant which is going to be implemented by the end of 2024. The HUD Pathways
to Removing Obstacles (PRO) Housing Grant application is due October 15, 2024.
Caleb Bauer presented the DCI goals for 2025. Increasing the supply of quality housing remains a
priority, including preserving affordability and revitalizing neighborhoods through targeted public
subsidy. Advance specific redevelopment projects at sites of priority such as the Rabbi Shulman
block, the Drewrys Brewery site, and the YMCA site. Reducing homelessness by increasing
shelter, permits for housing options, and improved outreach. Developing a plan to return Union
Station to public use as a passenger rail stop. Adopting and implementing the Downtown Plan,
LaSalle Park, River Park, and Potawatomi Park plans. Improving access to capital for small
businesses through our loan programs, including through the Opportunity Fund. Strengthen the
financial capacity of residents through the Financial Empowerment Center. Continue the
partnership with the University of Notre Dame on investments downtown. Provide resources to
build strong neighborhood associations. Implementing software for the Neighborhoods division
Inspectors. Promoting greater density within the urban core and surrounding neighborhoods.
Maximizing the impact of the different grants managed in DCI.
Committee Member White thanked Caleb Bauer for the presentation and asked what the salary
increase is for the employees not receiving a higher than standard increase.
Caleb Bauer stated that it will be three percent (3%).
Committee Member White asked about a position that would help manage the environmental
issues in the City.
Caleb Bauer stated that the position already exists, it will receive a new job description, and it was
moved somewhere else in the reporting structure.
Committee Member Lee thanked Caleb Bauer for the presentation and asked how residents can
apply for the Home Repair Program.
Caleb Bauer stated that the areas in the City that the census tracks have identified more than thirty
percent (30%) of households living below the poverty line, qualify for the Home Repair Program.
EXC ELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f. 574.235.9173 www.southbendin.gov
CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFF ICE OF THE CLERK
For the next round would be Citywide, but there would still be eligibility criteria. Caleb Bauer
stated that it can be difficult for some residents to do a full income verification. DCI will use the
Utility Assistance Program as the income qualification. The best way to receive the Home Repair
Program is to apply to the Utility Assistance Program if that resident qualifies.
Committee Member Lee asked when the next application period for the Home Repair Program
will open.
Caleb Bauer answered early in 2025.
Committee Member Lee asked for clarification on the COBO program.
Caleb Bauer stated that the City asks for proposals from nonprofit organizations for COBO funds.
CDBG funds are used primarily for affordable housing development, but have been used for rental
assistance, and substance abuse counseling.
Committee Member Gooden-Rodgers thanked the DCI staff for their work and asked if the
sidewalk is going to be replaced between College Street and Orange Street adjacent to the Martin
Luther King Jr. Dream Center.
Caleb Bauer stated the Coal Line Trail phase three (3) which is in the planning phase, will replace
the sidewalks in that area.
Committee Member Gooden-Rodgers asked for clarification regarding the Home Repair Program
application process.
Caleb Bauer stated that a resident can either complete a full income verification or be accepted
into the Utility Assistance program to qualify. A household making eighty percent (80%) of the
median household income will qualify depending on the size of the household.
Citizen Member Angela Smith asked about future funding of the Vibrant Places grant.
Caleb Bauer stated that in the next year, there will be modifications to the Vibrant Places Grant
language to make it more accessible to the residents.
Citizen Member Angela Smith asked for the Request for Proposal (RFP) statistics to be updated.
Caleb Bauer stated that the statistics have not been updated in the past two (2) years, and DCI will
provide those figures in writing.
Committee Chair Niezgodski asked if the new software to streamline compliance reporting will be
integrated with landlord registration.
Caleb Bauer stated that DCI is currently working to integrate those two (2) databases. That process
will be complete by the summer of 2025.
Committee Chair Niezgodski asked for the remaining balance in the Lead Remediation Fund and
when it will expire.
Caleb Bauer stated that he will provide it in writing.
EXC ELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p. 574.235.9221 f. 574.235.9173 www.southbendin.gov
• CITY O F SOUTH BEND I OFF ICE OF THE CLERK
Committee Chair Niezgodski opened the public hearing.
Sue Kesim, 4022 Kennedy Drive, South Bend IN 46614 stated that the City should consider the
Potawatomi Conservatory and would like the total dollar amount of abated taxes for 2024.
Caleb Bauer stated that there is an annual presentation to the Common Council reviewing all the
tax abatements for that year. The Potawatomi Conservatory may be part of the Potawatomi
Neighborhood Plan, but it is still being created.
Jorden Giger, 302 S. Falcon Street, South Bend IN 46619 asked about the LaSalle Park
Neighborhood Plan, how many Black contractors are currently participating in the Home Repair
Program, and who participates in the land bank project.
Caleb Bauer stated that every neighborhood plan has an implementation metric, balancing short-
term and long-term goals for the community. The LaSalle Park Plan has not been drafted yet, but
it will include an implementation metric. DCI works with the Neighborhood's residents when
creating a neighborhood plan. Caleb Bauer stated that DCI has been in contact with Black
contractors about the Home Repair Program and they are in the application process. Funds are
never attached to a neighborhood plan due to the plan being for a twenty (20) year period. Caleb
Bauer stated that attaching funds from one (1) budget year to a neighborhood plan would not make
sense. The land bank project is pursuing a joint grant opportunity through the three (3) Community
Foundations of Elkhart County, Marshall County, and St. Joseph County. If awarded it would allow
for the development of a land bank serving all three (3) counties. That land bank would be managed
byMACOG.
Henry Davis Jr., 5117 Idlewood Drive, South Bend IN 46614 stated that the City should implement
participatory budgeting when making neighborhood plans, and that a section of Western Avenue
was supposed to be repaved during the summer of 2024 but it was not.
Caleb Bauer stated that the paving on Western between Walnut Street and Olive Street will start
on October 1, 2024. Citizens' input on the budgeting process has increased and the City appreciates
and values that input.
Caleb Bauer stated that the DCI team is working hard in the field to provide services and improve
the lives of the residents of the City.
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p. 574.235.9221 f. 574.235.9173 www.southbendin.gov
CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFIC E OF THE CLERK
With no further business, Committee Chair Niezgodski adjourned the Personnel & Finance
Committee meeting at 7: 14 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sheila Niezgodski, Committee Chair
NOTICE FOR HEARING AND SIGHT IMPAIRED PER.SONS
Au:1:iliary· Aid or-Other-Scn·iccJ may he A,•ailable u1,on Request at No Charec.
Pluse :;,,c Rcasonabk Ad,·ancc Request when Possible
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
455 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p. 574.235.9221 f. 574.235.9173 www.southbendin.gov