HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-28-2024 Common Council Meeting Minutes (Signed) REPORT OF SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES
TO THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND:
THE SUB-COMMITTEE HAS INSPECTED THE MINUTES OF THE
DATE: 10-28-2024
MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND FOUND THEM TO BE CORRECT.
THEREFORE, WE RECOMMEND THE SAME BE APPROVED:
TROV WARAk
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SHERItif BOLDEN-SI PSON
APPROVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL ON: 11-13-2024
ATTEST:
BIA A L. TI D , CITY CLERK
REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2024
Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, met in person on
Monday, October 28, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. Council President Sharon McBride called the meeting to
order. Pastor Micah Klutinoty of Gospel City Church gave the invocation.
Good afternoon members of the public, for audio quality, we will be muting everyone not
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ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT
Canneth Lee 1" District, Committee of the Whole
Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers 2"d District
Sharon L. McBride 3Cd District, President
Troy Warner 41h District
Sherry Bolden-Simpson 5th District
Sheila Niezgodski 61h District, Vice-President
Rachel Tomas Morgan At-Large
Karen White At-Large
Dr. Oliver Davis At-Large
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT
None.
OTHERS PRESENT
Bianca L. Tirado City Clerk
Elivet Quijada-Navarro Chief Deputy City Clerk
Matthew Neal Deputy City Clerk/Director of Policy
Talia Thornton Director of Special Projects
James Luk Public Relations Intern
Palmer Council Attorney
Members marked with an asterisk (*) are in virtual attendance.
SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES:
October 14, 2024
Council President McBride requested reports from the Sub-Committee on Minutes.
Clerk Tirado stated that the Sub-Committee on Minutes has inspected the October 14, 2024,
Common Council meeting minutes and recommended that they be approved.
Councilmember Troy Warner motioned to approve the October 14, 2024, Common Council
meeting minutes, which was seconded by Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers and carried
via a vote by voice.
SPECIAL BUSINESS
The Council read a special resolution recognizing Rise Up Academy.
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REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2024
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICES
None.
RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Councilmember Troy Warner motioned to resolve into the Committee of the Whole, which was
seconded by Council Vice-President Shiela Niezgodski and carried via a vote by voice.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
BILL NO.
42-24 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,AMENDING THE
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED 829 SOUTH 27TH STREET
COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 3 IN THE
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Bill No. 42-24 has been tabled until November 13, 2024.
44-24 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,ANNEXING TO AND
BRINGING WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,AND AMENDING
THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 25471, 25481,AND 25491
CLEVELAND ROAD, COUNCILMANIC
DISTRICT NO. I IN THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA
Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its second (2"d) reading.
After the second (2"d)reading, Councilmember Lee requested the committee report.
Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis stated that Bill No. 44-24 went 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.
Skip Morrell, Principal Development Planner, with offices on the 14th floor of the County-City
building, Skip Morrell, Principal Development Planner located on the 14th floor of the County-
City building, explained that Bill No. 44-24 involves the annexation and rezoning of a property
currently designated as R (single-family residential) in St. Joseph County,with plans to
incorporate it into the city as industrial land. The site is currently farmland surrounded by
vegetation, industrial properties, and residential areas. The proposed development includes an
8,000-square-foot office space and a 15,000-square-foot warehouse for outdoor storage, along
with the preservation of the existing farmhouse on the property. This plan aligns with the city's
annexation policy and has received a favorable recommendation from the Plan Commission.
Regarding Bill No. 24-34, it is noted that water and sewer services are already available, so no
additional infrastructure is necessary. The Cleveland Poppy annexation area will fall under the
South Bend Common Council's District 1, which includes SBPD Beat 22, Fire Station eleven
(11), Emergency Medic Station eleven (11), and Neighborhood Services Enforcement five (5).
Angela Smith, with Danch Hamer&Associates, with offices at 1643 Commerce Drive, South
Bend, IN 46628, stated that the proposed development is consistent with the surrounding
industrial areas. She noted that they are currently working on the layout and are eager to enhance
the property. As a local company specializing in wastewater and water extensions for
municipalities, the presence of the water tower behind their office symbolizes their strong
relationship with the City.Angela Smith noted that two (2)public hearings were held for
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REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2024
neighbors, with several expressing enthusiasm for industrial development and support for local
businesses.A follow-up virtual meeting had no public attendees.
Matt Cain, the petitioner and President of HRP Construction, with offices at 5777 Cleveland Rd,
South Bend, IN 46628, shared that his company has always been based in South Bend, despite
relocating three times.As a water and wastewater contractor, the City of South Bend has been a
significant customer. Currently, HRP Construction employs sixty (60)people, with that number
fluctuating seasonally. They have outgrown their current location and are looking to update and
expand while remaining within the city limits of South Bend.
Councilmember Lee held the public hearing, and nobody spoke.
Councilmember Dr. Davis expressed gratitude to the petitioner for their commitment to keeping
their business in South Bend and for taking the time to meet with the neighbors.
Councilmember Lee noted that as the representative for the first district, he is pleased to witness
more growth and development in the area.
Council President McBride motioned to send Bill No. 44-24 to the Full Council during the
November 13, 2024 Council meeting with favorable recommendation, which was seconded by
Councilmember Dr. Davis 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 Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye
Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Aye Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye
61-24 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE 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 YEAR 2025 (SUBSTITUTE)
Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its second(2°d)reading.
After the second (2nd)reading, Councilmember Lee requested the committee report.
Councilmember Niezgodski stated that Substitute Bill No. 61-24 went before the Personnel and
Finance 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.
Kyle Willis, City Controller, with offices on the 121h floor of the County-City building, stated that
this bill addresses the salary structure for sworn members of the South Bend Fire Department. It
authorizes a ten percent (10%) salary increase for firefighters, along with a two thousand five-
hundred-dollar ($2,500) residency bonus. The bill also eliminates the third-class firefighter
position and raises the starting pay for recruits from forty-eight thousand dollars($48,000)to fifty-
six thousand dollars($56,000).This adjustment comes because of successful negotiations, leading
to a one-year contract between the union and the fire department.
Fire Chief Carl Buchanon, 1222 South Michigan Street, South Bend IN 46601, expressed his
gratitude to the Council and city administration for their successful negotiations and acknowledged
the dedication of the men and women who serve the community.
Russ Buysse,Fire Fighter and Local 362 President,4025 Lincolnway West, South Bend,IN 46628,
expressed appreciation to the Mayor and the Councilmembers who participated in the negotiations,
highlighting their pivotal role in achieving the positive outcomes we are witnessing. The one-year
contract created will help address staffing conflicts moving forward, ensuring smoother operations
and better service for the community.
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REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2024
Councilmember Lee held the public hearing, and nobody spoke.
Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers expressed gratitude to the Fire Department and looked forward
to participating in future negotiations.
Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson thanked the department for their expertise in the
community and expressed her appreciation for their compassion, which, coupled with their
knowledge, has had a positive impact on those they serve.
Councilmember Karen White appreciated her colleagues and the Mayor, feeling proud of the
success of the contract.
Councilmember Dr. Davis thanked the Fire Department for their role in ensuring his safety.
Council President McBride also extended thanks to the Fire Department for their dedicated service.
Councilmember Lee expressed his gratitude for being part of the negotiations.
Council Vice President Niezgodski motioned to send Substitute Bill No. 61-24 to the Full Council
with a favorable recommendation, which was seconded by Councilmember Dr. Davis 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 Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye
Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Aye Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye
62-24 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,TO VACATE THE
FIRST EAST-WEST ALLEY SOUTH OF NAPIER
STREET BETWEEN CHESTNUT STREET AND
TERMINATING IN PARCELS 018-3076-3055
AND 018-3076-3053;AND THE FIRST NORTH-
SOUTH ALLEY EAST OF CHESTNUT STREET
BETWEEN PARCELS 018-3076-305301 AND
018-3076-3052 AND TERMINATING IN THE
NORFOLK-SOUTHERN RAILROAD RIGHT OF-
WAY(SUBSTITUTE)
Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its second (2"d) reading.
After the second (2"d) reading, Councilmember Lee requested the committee report.
Councilmember Warner motioned to accept Substitute Bill No.62-24, which was seconded by
Councilmember White and carried via a vote by voice.
Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis stated that Substitute Bill No. 62-24 went before the Public
Works and Property Vacation 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.
Ariel Geary, 705 Lafayette Northeast Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, representing South Bend
Metal Products, petitioned to vacate the alley between Chestnut Street and the parcels 018-3076-
3055 and 018-3076-3053. The petitioner aims to replace the fence for the benefit of the shop and
its employees.
Councilmember Lee clarified that the committee members received the appropriate images of the
map for the presentation during committees.
Councilmember Lee opened the public hearing.
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REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2024
Carl Nichols, Pastor at Gethsemane Church of God located at 308 Walnut Street, South Bend, IN
46601, mentioned that their church will be breaking ground in the spring adjacent to the parcels
specified in this bill. He inquired whether this construction would pose any obstacles to their plans.
Ariel Geary responded that the construction should not interfere with their activities.
Councilmember Lee closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers emphasized that Carl Nichols is well-informed about the
upcoming construction plans.
Councilmember Dr. Davis motioned to send Substitute Bill No. 62-24 to the Full Council with a
favorable recommendation, which was seconded by Councilmember White 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 Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye
Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Aye Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye
RISE AND REPORT
Councilmember Lee motioned to rise from the Committee of the Whole and report back to the Full
Council, seconded by Council Vice President Niezgodski and carried via a vote by voice.
REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED
Council President McBride stated that the Full Council is now back in session.This portion of
our meeting is where bills are given a third (3`d) reading and action is taken regarding bills that
were heard during the Committee of the Whole.
BILLS ON THE THIRD READING
BILL NO.
61-24 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE 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 YEAR 2025 (SUBSTITUTE)
Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its third (3`d) reading.
After the third (3`d)reading, Council President McBride requested a committee report.
Councilmember Lee stated Substitute Bill No. 61-24 was heard in the Committee of the Whole
and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation.
Council Vice President Niezgodski motioned for the passage of Bill No. 61-24, seconded by
Councilmember Dr. Davis, 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 Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye
Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Aye Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye
62-24 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, TO VACATE THE
FIRST EAST-WEST ALLEY SOUTH OF NAPIER
STREET BETWEEN CHESTNUT STREET AND
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REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2024
TERMINATING IN PARCELS 018-3076-3055
AND 018-3076-3053;AND THE FIRST NORTH-
SOUTH ALLEY EAST OF CHESTNUT STREET
BETWEEN PARCELS 018-3076-305301 AND
018-3076-3052 AND TERMINATING IN THE
NORFOLK-SOUTHERN RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-
WAY
Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its third (3rd)reading.
After the third (3rd) reading, Council President McBride requested a committee report.
Councilmember Lee stated Bill No. 62-24 was heard in the Committee of the Whole and comes to
the Full Council with a favorable recommendation.
Councilmember Dr. Davis motioned for the passage of Bill No. 62-24, 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 Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye
Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Aye Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye
RESOLUTIONS
BILL NO.
24-34 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
ADOPTING A WRITTEN FISCAL PLAN AND
ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR THE
PROVISION OF SERVICES TO THE
CLEVELAND POPPY ANNEXATION AREA IN
WARREN TOWNSHIP
Clerk Tirado read the resolution to the Council.
Council President McBride asked for a committee report.
Councilmember Dr. Davis stated that this Bill was heard in the Zoning and Annexation
Committee and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation.
Skip Morrell, Principal Development Planner, with offices on the 14th floor of the County-City
building, Skip Morrell, Principal Development Planner located on the 14th floor of the County-
City building, explained that Bill No. 24-34, it is noted that water and sewer services are already
available, so no additional infrastructure is necessary. The Cleveland Poppy annexation area will
fall under the South Bend Common Council's District 1, which includes SBPD Beat 22, Fire
Station eleven (11), Emergency Medic Station eleven (11), and Neighborhood Services
Enforcement five(5).
Council President McBride held the public hearing, and nobody spoke.
Council Vice President Niezgodski motioned for the adoption of Bill No. 24-34, seconded by
Councilmember Dr. Davis, 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 Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye
Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Aye Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye
24-35 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE
ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY
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REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2024
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS
WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 321 WEST
WAYNE STREET, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
46601 AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA
FOR PURPOSES OF A TEN-YEAR (10) REAL
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR HISTORIC
HEARTHSTONE LLC
Clerk Tirado read the resolution to the Council.
Council President McBride asked for a committee report.
Councilmember Warner stated that this Bill was heard in the Community Investment Committee
and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation.
Mark Bemenderfer, Business Development Manager, with offices on the 141h floor of the
County-City building, presented Historic Hearthstone LLC. This abatement aims to transform
the site into a mixed-use development, featuring a restaurant as the anchor tenant, along with
office spaces for Indiana Landmarks and South Bend Trademarks. The total investment is
projected to be two point five ($2,500,000)million dollars. Currently, the tax impact stands at
four thousand six hundred and thirty-six ($4,636) dollars, with an estimated future tax impact of
fifty-five thousand three hundred and ninety-six($55,396) dollars. The project includes four
hundred seventy-one thousand two hundred and forty-eight ($471,248) dollars in tax abatement
and eighty-two thousand seven hundred and thirteen ($82,713) dollars in taxes to be paid.
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan asked to clarify the timeline for the beginning of
construction.
Regina Emberton, the petitioner at 615 West Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46601, announced
that construction will begin immediately, with plans to open by the summer season and be fully
operational by the end of 2025.
Councilmember Tomas Morgan expressed gratitude for their investment in the community.
Council President McBride held the public hearing, and nobody spoke.
Council Vice President Niezgodski motioned for the adoption of Bill No. 24-35, 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 Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye
Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Aye Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye
24-36 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
CORRECTING SCRIVENER'S ERROR IN
RESOLUTION NO. 5096-24 DESIGNATING
CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY
KNOWN AS 123 NORTH DR. MARTIN LUTHER
KING JR. BOULEVARD, SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA 46601 AN ECONOMIC
REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A
NINE-YEAR (9) REAL PROPERTY TAX
ABATEMENT FOR AFP I I I CORPORATION
Clerk Tirado read the resolution to the Council.
Council President McBride asked for a committee report.
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REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2024
Councilmember Warner stated that this Bill was heard in the Community Investment Committee
and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation.
Mark Bemenderfer, Business Development Manager, with offices on the 141h floor of the
County-City building, explained that this bill aims to correct a scrivener's error found in
Resolution 5096-24, adopted at the October 14, 2024, Council Meeting. This declaratory
resolution designates the parcels as an Economic Revitalization Area for tax abatement purposes
and specifies the duration of this designation. The previous resolution mistakenly set the end date
as December 31, 2033; it will be corrected to December 31, 2027.
Council President McBride held the public hearing, and nobody spoke.
Councilmember White motioned for the adoption of Bill No. 24-36, 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 Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye
Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Aye Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye
24-37 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE
ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS
WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 123
NORTH DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
BOULEVARD, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601
AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR
PURPOSES OF A NINE-YEAR (9) REAL
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR AFP III
CORP.
Clerk Tirado read the resolution to the Council.
Council President McBride asked for a committee report.
Councilmember Warner stated that this Bill was heard in the Community Investment Committee
and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation.
Mark Bemenderfer, Business Development Manager, with offices on the 141h floor of the
County-City building, presented a confirming resolution indicating that the petitioner,AFP I I I
Corp., is looking to invest nine point two ($9,200,000) million dollars. To date, they have already
invested four million, one hundred ninety-six thousand, one hundred ninety-two ($4,196, 192)
dollars into the property and plan to expand their staff by adding five(5) employees, resulting in
an annual payroll of one hundred sixty-six thousand, four hundred ($166, 400) dollars. The
amount of taxes abated under this resolution will be one hundred twenty-two thousand, one
hundred twenty-two ($122,122) dollars, and it is estimated that tax collections will increase from
three hundred thirteen thousand, twenty-three ($313,023) dollars to four hundred forty-eight
thousand, three hundred eighty-three ($ 448,383) dollars following the project.
Council President McBride held the public hearing, and nobody spoke.
Councilmember Dr. Davis thanked AFP 111 for their investment in the downtown community.
Councilmember Lee also expressed gratitude to the petitioner for their commitment to the area.
Councilmember Bolden-Simpson thanked them for their investment in this beautiful building.
Councilmember Warner motioned for the adoption of Bill No. 24-37,seconded by Councilmember
Tomas Morgan, and carried by a vote of nine (9) ayes.
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REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2024
Council President Sharon McBride—Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski—Aye
Councilmember Canneth Lee—Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye
Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye
Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Aye Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye
Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye
BILLS ON FIRST READING
BILL NO.
63-24 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA,ANNEXING TO AND
BRINGING WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, CERTAIN LAND
LOCATED IN CENTRE TOWNSHIP,
CONTIGUOUS THEREWITH; COUNCILMANIC
DISTRICT NO. 5, FOR LAND SOUTH OF
LAFAYETTE FALLS PHASE I ANNEXATION
AREA AND WEST OF SOUTH US-31 HIGHWAY,
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its first (I")reading.
Council Vice President Niezgodski motioned to send Bill No. 63-24 to the Zoning and Annexation
Committee for a public hearing and third(3"d)reading on November 13,2024,which was seconded
by Councilmember Warner and carried via a vote by voice.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Councilmember Dr. Davis requested an update on the train whistling occurring past curfew hours.
He also expressed interest in receiving a briefing on the discrimination lawsuit between the United
States and the South Bend Police Department.
Council President McBride stated that she would reach out to transportation to explore possible
solutions.
Bob Palmer, the Council Attorney with offices on the 4th floor of the County-City building,
mentioned that he has not received any communication from transportation. In response,
Councilmember Dr. Davis suggested sending a letter to them.
NEW BUSINESS
Council President McBride motioned to move the first Common Council meeting in November
would be moved from November 11, 2024, to November 13, 2024, because the city observes
Veterans Day on the I I", which was seconded by Councilmember Dr. Davis, and carried via a
vote by voice. Council President McBride also introduced the Common Council meeting dates for
2025.
Councilmember Dr. Davis shared that he attended a key to the city ceremony for Nevin
Longenecker and was proud to represent the city.
Councilmember Bolden-Simpson expressed gratitude for the park dedication that took place last
week.
Council Vice President Niezgodski thanked law enforcement officials and others for their
contributions to Hurricane Helene.
Councilmember Lee expressed gratitude to Intend Indiana for their investment in the community.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Sarah Foster, 1138 College Street, South Bend IN 46628, spoke regarding a matter that occurred
following the May 13, 2024, Common Council meeting.
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REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2024
Logan Foster, 1138 College Street, South Bend IN 46628, spoke regarding a matter that occurred
following the May 13, 2024, Common Council meeting.
Charles Boros, 1409 West Western Avenue, South Bend,IN 46619, stated that he needs assistance
with applying for an alley vacation.
Council Vice President Niezgodski responded that she had received information from the clerk's
office and will reach out to him after the meeting.
Rod Goodchild, 837 S 241h, South Bend, IN 46615, spoke regarding Potawatomi park.
Councilmember Lee stated that he will follow up with Rod to collaborate with Venues, Parks, and
Arts.
Don Foster, 132 Chapin Street, South Bend, IN 46601, spoke regarding a matter that occurred
following the May 13, 2024, Common Council meeting.
Council President McBride stated that she did not need to restrain Council Vice President
Niezgodski in any way following the May 13, 2024, council meeting. She affirmed that people are
allowed to voice their opinions during the privilege of the floor, but she will not be cornered into
making a statement, and this will be her only comment on the matter. She noted that the police
report has been finalized and that the rules committee has met to determine the path forward,
emphasizing her support for the committee's decision.
Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers mentioned that Logan Foster reached out to her earlier in the
day, trying to get her to make a statement, noting that two (2) councilmembers had already done
so. She clarified that she is neither of those councilmembers and does not feel compelled to
comment on the police report, given that the matter has been finalized with both the police
department and the rules committee. After re-reading the police report,she noted that Logan Foster
stated that Council Vice President Niezgodski did not assault him, and she is basing her stance on
that information. She added that she will not be making any further comments.
Council President McBride responded that if any further action were to be pursued, she would
recommend going to the prosecutor's office, as no additional statements or actions will be taken
by the council moving forward.
Council President Sharon McBride adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m.
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