HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-09-2024 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: 12-09-2024
MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND FOUND THEM TO BE CORRECT.
THEREFORE,WE RECOMMEND THE SAME BE APPROVED:
TR Y WARNER
SHE BOLDEN-SIMPSON
APPROVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL ON: 01-13-2025
ATTEST: tAft1i14- 1/4)A1
BIANCA L. TI ' i 0, ITY CLERK
REGULAR MEETING December 9, 2024
Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, met in person on
Monday, December 9,2024, at 7:00 p.m. Council President Sharon McBride called the meeting to
order. Professor Alexander Hsu of Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion gave the
invocation.
Good afternoon members of the public,for audio quality,we will be muting everyone not speaking
by default to maintain good audio quality for Council and yourselves. If you would like to speak
during the meeting during the public portion, please submit your request in the chat- directions to
do so will be listed 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.
If you have any questions, please use the link provided in the Teams chat to submit them.
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Please note the attached link for the meeting recording:
https://docs.southbendin.gov/W ebLink/browse.as px?dbid=0&mediaid=388623
Council meetings are also available at Michiana Access Channel on both their website and
their Facebook page.
ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT
Canneth Lee 1st District, Committee of the Whole
Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers 2nd District
Sharon L. McBride 3rd District, President
Troy Warner 4th District
Sherry Bolden-Simpson 5th District
Sheila Niezgodski 6th District, Vice President
Rachel Tomas Morgan At-Large
Dr. Oliver Davis At-Large
Karen White 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
Bob Palmer Council Attorney
Members marked with an asterisk(*) are in virtual attendance.
SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES:
November 25, 2024
Council President McBride requested reports from the Sub-Committee on Minutes.
Clerk Tirado stated that the Sub-Committee on Minutes has inspected the November 25, 2024,
Common Council meeting minutes and recommended that they be approved.
Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis motioned to approve the November 25,2024,Common Council
meeting minutes, which was seconded by Councilmember Canneth Lee and carried via a vote by
voice.
SPECIAL BUSINESS
1
REGULAR MEETING December 9, 2024
None.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICES
None.
RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Council Vice-President Sheila Niezgodski motioned to resolve into the Committee of the Whole,
which was seconded by Councilmember Karen White and carried via a vote by voice.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
BILL NO.
64-24 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,TO VACATE THE
FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: THE
FIRST EAST-WEST ALLEY SOUTH OF HURON
STREET BETWEEN SOUTH WALNUT STREET
AND TERMINATING AT THE PARCEL
IDENTIFIED AS 018-3082-319602
Bill No. 64-24 had been tabled until June 9, 2025.
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
66-24 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR BUDGET
TRANSFERS FOR VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS
WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA FOR THE YEAR 2024(SUBSTITUTE)
Councilmember Dr. Davis motioned to accept the Substitute Bill No. 66-24, which was seconded
by Council Vice President Niezgodski and carried via a vote by voice.
Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its second (2nd) reading.
After the second (2nd) reading, Councilmember Lee requested the committee report.
Council Vice President Niezgodski stated that Substitute Bill No. 66-24 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 12th floor of the County-City Building, stated
that there were several budget transfers to discuss. The first was a transfer of two hundred
thousand dollars ($200,000) from the General Fund for the Fire Department EMS division,
covering capital lease purchase expenses and repair maintenance expenses. The second transfer
was one hundred thirty thousand dollars ($130,000) from Fund 279, Innovation and Technology,
to cover supplies and equipment expenditures. Lastly, a transfer of two hundred twenty-five
thousand eight hundred six dollars ($225,806) from Fund 711, the self-funded employee benefits
fund, to cover expenses related to the Wellness provider.
Councilmember Lee held the public hearing, and nobody spoke.
Council Vice President Niezgodski motioned to send Substitute Bill No. 66-24 to the Full Council
with a favorable recommendation, which was seconded by Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-
Rodgers and carried by a vote of nine (9) ayes.
2
REGULAR MEETING December 9, 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
67-24 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,APPROPRIATING
ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR CERTAIN
DEPARTMENTAL AND CITY SERVICES
OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2024 OF
$500,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND (#101),
$29,532 FROM THE PARKS AND RECREATION
FUND (#201), $270,000 FROM THE MOTOR
VEHICLE HIGHWAY FUND (#202), $200,000
FROM THE LOSS RECOVERY FUND (#227),
$700,000 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
CAPITAL FUND (#287), $40,000 FROM THE
LOCAL INCOME TAX—ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT FUND (#408), $1,127,792
FROM THE CONSOLIDATED BUILDING FUND
(#600), $100,000 FROM THE WATER WORKS
OPERATIONS FUND (#620), $120,000 FROM
THE SEWAGE WORKS OPERATIONS FUND
(#641), $600,000 FROM THE SEWAGE WORKS
CAPITAL FUND (#642),AND $300,000 FROM
THE POLICE PENSION FUND (#702).
(SUBSTITUTE)
Council Vice President Niezgodski motioned to accept the Substitute Bill No. 66-24, which was
seconded by Councilmember White and carried via a vote by voice.
Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its second (2nd)reading.
After the second(2nd) reading, Councilmember Lee requested the committee report.
Council Vice President Niezgodski stated that Bill No. 67-24 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 12th floor of the County-City Building, stated
that, unlike previous years, there are fewer budget items to highlight this year.A few key
appropriations include Fund Two-Eight-Seven (287), the Fire Department Capital Fund, with an
appropriation of seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) for the purchase of new fire trucks.
The budgeted amount for new trucks came in much higher than expected, which justifies this
appropriation.Another appropriation is Fund Six-Zero-Zero (600), the Building Department,
with an allocation of one million, one hundred twenty-seven thousand, seven hundred ninety-two
dollars ($1,127,792) for county and city payments. This is the profit-sharing split between the
county and city as per a local agreement. Finally, in Fund 702, the Police Pension Fund, there is
an appropriation of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) to cover pension-related costs for
the 1925 Police Pension Plan. This appropriation will cover expenses related to pension checks
for retirees, with the costs to be reimbursed by the state.
Councilmember Lee held the public hearing, and nobody spoke.
Council Vice President Niezgodski motioned to send Bill No. 67-24 to the Full Council with a
favorable recommendation, which was seconded by Councilmember Tomas Morgan and carried
by a vote of nine(9) ayes.
3
REGULAR MEETING December 9, 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
68-24 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 11155-24,WHICH FIXED
MAXIMUM WAGES OF TEAMSTER
EMPLOYEES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025,
2026, 2027,AND 2028, TO CORRECT THE
WAGE TABLES FOR THE WATER WORKS
CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE WORK
GROUP AND ADJUST TIMING OF RESIDENCY
INCENTIVE PAYMENT
Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its second (2nd) reading.
After the second(2nd)reading, Councilmember Lee requested the committee report.
Council Vice President Niezgodski stated that Bill No. 68-24 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 12th floor of the County-City Building, stated
that this Bill amends the 2025 Teamster salary ordinance. The bill addresses corrections to wages
in the Water Works Construction and Maintenance group. Additionally, it changes the language
regarding the residency incentive payment, which was originally stated as January, to now be set
in December.
Councilmember Lee held the public hearing, and nobody spoke.
Councilmember Tomas Morgan motioned to send Bill No. 68-24 to the Full Council with a
favorable recommendation, 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 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
69-24 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 10980-23, WHICH FIXED
MAXIMUM WAGES OF TEAMSTER
EMPLOYEES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024 IN
CONFORMITY WITH ORDINANCE NO. 10863-
22 TO AMEND THE TIMING OF THE CITY
RESIDENCY INCENTIVE AT SECTION II(1) OF
THAT ORDINANCE
70-24 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 10978-23,WHICH FIXES
MAXIMUM SALARIES AND WAGES OF
4
REGULAR MEETING December 9, 2024
APPOINTED OFFICERS AND NON-
BARGAINING EMPLOYEES OF EXECUTIVE
DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024, TO
ADJUST TIMING OF RESIDENCY INCENTIVE
PAYMENT
Councilmember Warner motioned to hear Bill Nos. 69-24 and 70-24 together, which was
seconded by Council Vice-President Niezgodski and carried via a vote by voice.
Clerk Tirado read the bills to the Council for its second (2nd)reading.
After the second(2nd)reading, Councilmember Lee requested the committee report.
Council Vice President Niezgodski stated that Bill No. 69-24 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 12th floor of the County-City Building, stated
that the language for the residency incentive payment is being changed from January to
December in both bills. This adjustment reflects the intent to have the payments made in
December instead of January.
Councilmember Lee held the public hearing, and nobody spoke.
Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson motioned to send Bill No. 69-24 to the Full Council with
a favorable recommendation, 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 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
Council Vice President Niezgodski motioned to send Bill No. 70-24 to the Full Council with a
favorable recommendation,which was seconded by Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers 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
71-24 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 11160-24, WHICH FIXES
MAXIMUM SALARIES AND WAGES OF
APPOINTED OFFICERS AND NON-
BARGAINING EMPLOYEES OF EXECUTIVE
DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025, TO MAKE
POSITION CHANGES IN VENUES PARKS &
ARTS AND ADJUST TIMING OF RESIDENCY
INCENTIVE PAYMENT
Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its second (2nd)reading.
After the second (2nd)reading, Councilmember Lee requested the committee report.
5
REGULAR MEETING December 9, 2024
Council Vice President Niezgodski stated that Bill No. 71-24 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 12th floor of the County-City Building, stated
that there are several amendments that need to be made to the ordinance. The first(1 S)
amendment involves changing the residency payment language from January to December. The
second amendment is a title change from Foreman Four(4) and Foreman Five(5)to Golf
Hospitality Events Manager in the Venues, Parks and Arts (VPA) Department's Golf Division.
Additionally, the salary cap for the chief development and marketing officer is being reduced
from one hundred thirteen thousand three hundred eight dollars ($113,308) to one hundred ten
thousand six hundred twenty-two dollars ($110,622)to align with the salary caps for other chief
positions within the VPA. Next, the deputy director position is being removed from the VPA
Department, and the title of the director of development is being changed to director of
development and special events, with a correction to the 2025 salary cap, now set at eighty-four
thousand three dollars ($84,003). The final amendment is the removal of the director of
experience position.
Council Member Tomas Morgan emphasized that, other than the decrease in the salary cap for the
Chief Development and Marketing Officer, the amounts for the other positions were the same as
those that were approved and there were no increases.
Councilmember Lee held the public hearing, and nobody spoke.
Council Vice President Niezgodski motioned to send Bill No. 71-24 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
Council Vice President Niezgodski motioned to rise from the Committee of the Whole and report
back to the Full Council, which was seconded by Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers 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 (3rd)reading and action is taken regarding bills that
were heard during the Committee of the Whole.
BILLS ON THE THIRD READING
BILL NO.
66-24 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, FOR BUDGET TRANSFERS
FOR VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA FOR THE
YEAR 2024 (SUBSTITUTE)
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 Substitute Bill No. 66-24 was heard in the Committee of the Whole
and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation.
6
REGULAR MEETING December 9, 2024
Council Vice President Niezgodski motioned for the passage of Substitute Bill No. 66-24,
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 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
67-24 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA,APPROPRIATING
ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR CERTAIN
DEPARTMENTAL AND CITY SERVICES
OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2024 OF
$500,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND (#101),
$29,532 FROM THE PARKS AND RECREATION
FUND (#201), $270,000 FROM THE MOTOR
VEHICLE HIGHWAY FUND (#202), $200,000
FROM THE LOSS RECOVERY FUND (#227),
$700,000 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
CAPITAL FUND (#287), $40,000 FROM THE
LOCAL INCOME TAX—ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT FUND (#408), $1,127,792
FROM THE CONSOLIDATED BUILDING FUND
(#600), $100,000 FROM THE WATER WORKS
OPERATIONS FUND (#620), $120,000 FROM
THE SEWAGE WORKS OPERATIONS FUND
(#641), $600,000 FROM THE SEWAGE WORKS
CAPITAL FUND (#642),AND $300,000 FROM
THE POLICE PENSION FUND (#702).
(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. 67-24 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 Substitute Bill No. 67-24,
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
68-24 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA,AMENDING ORDINANCE
NO. 11155-24, WHICH FIXED MAXIMUM
WAGES OF TEAMSTER EMPLOYEES FOR
CALENDAR YEAR 2025, 2026, 2027,AND 2028,
TO CORRECT THE WAGE TABLES FOR THE
WATER WORKS CONSTRUCTION AND
MAINTENANCE WORK GROUP AND ADJUST
TIMING OF RESIDENCY INCENTIVE
PAYMENT
7
REGULAR MEETING December 9, 2024
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. 68-24 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. 68-24, seconded by
Councilmember Warner, 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
69-24 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA,AMENDING ORDINANCE
NO. 10980-23,WHICH FIXED MAXIMUM
WAGES OF TEAMSTER EMPLOYEES FOR
CALENDAR YEAR 2024 IN CONFORMITY
WITH ORDINANCE NO. 10863-22 TO AMEND
THE TIMING OF THE CITY RESIDENCY
INCENTIVE AT SECTION II(1) OF THAT
ORDINANCE
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. 69-24 was heard in the Committee of the Whole and comes to
the Full Council with a favorable recommendation.
Councilmember Bolden-Simpson motioned for the passage of Bill No. 69-24,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
70-24 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA,AMENDING ORDINANCE
NO. 10978-23, WHICH FIXES MAXIMUM
SALARIES AND WAGES OF APPOINTED
OFFICERS AND NON-BARGAINING
EMPLOYEES OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND FOR
CALENDAR YEAR 2024,TO ADJUST TIMING
OF RESIDENCY INCENTIVE PAYMENT
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. 70-24 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. 70-24, seconded by
Councilmember Warner, and carried by a vote of nine(9) ayes.
8
REGULAR MEETING December 9, 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
71-24 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA,AMENDING ORDINANCE
NO. 11160-24, WHICH FIXES MAXIMUM
SALARIES AND WAGES OF APPOINTED
OFFICERS AND NON-BARGAINING
EMPLOYEES OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND FOR
CALENDAR YEAR 2025,TO MAKE POSITION
CHANGES IN VENUES PARKS &ARTS AND
ADJUST TIMING OF RESIDENCY INCENTIVE
PAYMENT
Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its third (3`d)reading.
After the third (3rd)reading, Council President McBride requested a committee report.
Councilmember Lee stated Bill No. 71-24 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. 71-24, seconded by
Councilmember Warner, 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.
24-42 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE
ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS
WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 530 S.
MICHIGAN STREET, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
46601 AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA
FOR PURPOSES OF A TWO-YEAR (2) VACANT
BUILDING TAX ABATEMENT FOR
EMPOWERHER DEVELOPMENT, LLC
24-43 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE
ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS
WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 530 S.
MICHIGAN STREET, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
46601 AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA
FOR PURPOSES OF AN EIGHT-YEAR (8) REAL
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR
EMPOWERHER DEVELOPMENT, LLC
9
REGULAR MEETING December 9, 2024
Council President McBride motioned to hear Bill Nos. 24-42 and 24-43 together, which was
seconded by Councilmember Warner, and carried via a vote by voice.
Clerk Tirado read the resolution to the Council.
Council President McBride asked for a committee report.
Councilmember Warner stated that Bill Nos. 24-42 and 24-43 were heard in the Community
Investment Committee and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation.
Joseph Molnar, Vice President of the Board of Public Works, with offices on the 13`h floor of the
County-City building, stated the property is a vacant old historic building bult in 1923 located on
the south part of downtown. The business is seeking a vacant building tax abatement for two (2)
years and a mixed-used development real property tax abatement for eight(8)years, which would
incentivize renovating the building for a commercial kitchen food market and hotel chain, creating
at least eight (8) new full-time employees and investment worth one million, six hundred thirty-
one thousand, five hundred dollars($1,631,500).The vacant building tax abatement will lower tax
by eleven thousand, one hundred nineteen dollars ($11,119) over two (2) years and the mixed-use
development real property tax abatement would lower tax by ninety-three thousand,seven hundred
twenty-two dollars($93,722)over eight(8)years.The abatements would incentivize rehabilitating
the building, which is not believed to be able to survive the next few years if it does not receive
this investment.After ten(10)years,the city will see taxes increase from one hundred six thousand,
nine hundred thirty-four dollars($106,934)to two hundred ninety-seven thousand, seven hundred
seventy-three dollars ($297,773) with the abatement of the project going forward as planned.
Jasmine Bradley, 2201 Lincoln Way West, South Bend, IN 46628, stated that the building project
being presented will become a shared commercial kitchen, as well as a collective food hub and
farmer's market space. The goal of the project is to address food insecurities and provide an
affordable space for people in the community who can use SNAP, WIC, and other benefits. It will
also serve as an affordable space for entrepreneurs to grow their food businesses and include an
educational component to teach youth and young adults about food, culinary arts, and
entrepreneurship. She thanked the council for their time.
Councilmember Tomas Morgan asked what the timeline for development is.
Jasmine Bradley continued by stating that they applied for the READI 2.0 grant, with the hope of
receiving it and starting the project in the upcoming spring of 2025. The project is expected to be
completed in different phases, with the goal of finishing by the fall of 2027.
Council President McBride held the public hearing, and nobody spoke.
Councilmember Warner wished the petitioner luck in receiving the READI 2.0 grant.
Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers thanked the petitioner for her development efforts in the second
(2nd) district.
Councilmember Warner motioned for the adoption of Bill No. 24-42, which was 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
Councilmember Warner motioned for the adoption of Bill No. 24-43, 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 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
10
REGULAR MEETING December 9, 2024
BILLS ON FIRST READING
BILL NO.
74-24 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, ESTABLISHING A MERIT
BOARD SYSTEM GOVERNING THE SOUTH
BEND FIRE DEPARTMENT
Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its first(1 St)reading.
Council President McBride motioned to send Bill No. 74-24 to the Health and Public Safety
Committee for a public hearing and third (3`d) reading on January 13, 2025, which was seconded
by Council Vice President Niezgodski and carried via a vote by voice.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Councilmember Lee stated that the bills heard tonight are a great use of tax abatements. He also
mentioned the recent tour of the new Claey's Candy facility and how impressive their expansion
was. He expressed pride in seeing the community thrive.
Councilmember Tomas Morgan reminded fellow councilmembers that they can tour or shadow
three-one-one (311). He also noted that David Finley presented on the 2024 Community Survey
and encouraged anyone interested in a follow-up meeting to reach out to him.
NEW BUSINESS
CANCELLATION OF THE DECEMBER 23, 2024, COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Sue Kesim,4022 Kennedy Drive, South Bend IN 46614,spoke regarding the 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.
Brendan Crumlish, 1091 Riverside Drive, South Bend IN 46616, spoke regarding privilege of the
floor.
Logan Foster, 1138 College Street, South Bend IN 46628, spoke regarding the Common
Councilmembers salaries.
Manuel Herbert, 500 Harrison Avenue, South Bend, IN 46616, spoke regarding Bill No. 64-24.
Council President McBride recommended Manuel Herbert speak to the Council after the meeting
adjourned for further clarification.
Council President Sharon McBride adjourned the meeting at 9:46 p.m.
11