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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-10-2025 Common Council Meeting MinutesREPORT 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: 02-10-2025 MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND FOUND THEM TO BE CORRECT. THEREFORE, WE RECOMMEND THE SAME BE APPROVED: 1:;" TROY WA NER SH Y BOLDEN IMPSON APPROVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL ON: 02-24-2025 ATTEST: BIANCA L. TI CITY CLERK REGULAR MEETING February 10, 2025 Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana,met in person on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Council President Canneth Lee called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Pastor Mark Lantz of Christian Center Church and Pledge to the Flag was given. City Clerk Bianca L. Tirado announced: Good Evening,members of the public. For audio quality, we will be muting everyone not speaking by default to maintain good audio quality for the Council and yourselves. If you would like to speak during the meeting on a specific agenda item, please submit your request in the chat - directions to do so are in the chat. We ask that you provide your FULL NAME] and [ADDRESS], as those are required for all speakers at in-person Council meetings. Please note the attached link for the meeting recording: http://docs.southbendin.gov/W ebLink/browse.aspx?dbid=0&mediaid=391354 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, President Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers 2nd District Sharon L. McBride 3rd District Troy Warner*4th District, Committee of the Whole Sherry Bolden-Simpson 5th District Sheila Niezgodski 6th District Karen L. White At-Large Rachel Tomas Morgan At-Large, Vice President COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT Dr. Oliver Davis At-Large OTHERS PRESENT Bianca L. Tirado City Clerk Elivet Quijada-Navarro Chief Deputy City Clerk Matthew Neal Deputy Director of Policy Bob Palmer Council Attorney Members marked with an asterisk(*) are in virtual attendance. SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES: January 27, 2025 Council President Lee requested reports from the Sub-Committee on Minutes. Clerk Tirado stated that the Sub-Committee on Minutes inspected the January 27, 2025 Common Council meeting minutes and recommend they be approved. Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson moved to approve the January 27, 2025 Common Council meeting minutes, which was seconded by Councilmember Sharon McBride and carried by a vote of eight(8) ayes with one councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee—Aye Council Vice President Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride—Aye Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski—Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Absent Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye SPECIAL BUSINESS 1 REGULAR MEETING February 10, 2025 Councilmember Karen White introduced the Youth Advisory Council members, and they were sworn in. James Mueller, Mayor of South Bend, with offices on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, gave an annual address regarding finances and the general condition of the City. Mayor Mueller gave a financial summary of 2024 stating that there was a surplus in General Plus Funds.The three million four hundred five thousand four hundred and seventy-six dollar ($3,405,476) deficit for Special Revenue Funds was largely due to the nine million dollar ($9,000,000) investment in the Dream Center. Many funds are obtained for specific projects and are expected to be spent accordingly. The City's current high cash balance includes funds that are set to be spent on investment projects. The total debt service is just over three hundred million dollars. The City's outstanding debt per capita is in line with cities of comparable size, and South Bend's debt payments have remained stable. The City has a Double A (AA) bond rating. The combined Net Book Value of all the City's assets is four hundred ninety-four million one hundred eighteen thousand four hundred and thirty-four dollars ($494.118,434). Property tax revenue and income tax revenue have increased. At the end of 2024 the City had one thousand one hundred and forty- eight (1,148) full-time employees. The State is currently considering property tax reforms that would have an impact on the City. The City will also see an impact due to a presidential executive order regarding federal funds. Matthew Deahl, Youth Advisory Council Member, 52032 Iron Forge Court, Granger IN 46530, asked what new sources of revenue the City expects to see in the next few years, and asked if the City has plans to make expenditure reductions. Mayor Mueller stated that attempting to replace the cuts proposed by Senate Bill One (1) with an increase in income tax would be irresponsible. The City will need to see both an increase in revenues and cuts where possible. Analise Mckenna, Youth Advisory Council Member, 212 East Napoleon Street, South Bend IN 46617,requested information regarding the timeline of the Kennedy Park renovations. Mayor Mueller stated that the uncertainty of federal funds has disrupted the timing of the project; however, if the City is able to secure a contract, construction could start in the fall at the earliest but more likely not until next year. Council Vice President Rachel Tomas Morgan asked if there are updates regarding Readi 3.0. Mayor Mueller stated that there are not updates regarding Readi 3.0. Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson asked for information regarding State funding for the maintenance of streets. Mayor Mueller stated that the City is awaiting proposals from the State House and Senate. Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski asked if there are plans to make adjustments regarding the debt service and outstanding projects in anticipation of Senate Bill One(1). Mayor Mueller stated that the City has not planned speculatively for Senate Bill One (1) and is hopeful policymakers will not make an extreme policy decision. Councilmember Niezgodski asked about the City's potential response to Senate Bill One(1) if the legislation passes. Mayor Mueller stated that projects would need to be scaled back as the City would not be able to entirely cover the federal government's funding. Councilmember White thanked Mayor Mueller and stated that it is important to begin having conversations regarding potential responses to the proposed State legislation. Council President Lee thanked Mayor Mueller for the presentation and requested clarity regarding the City's cash reserve health. Mayor Mueller stated that the City is exceeding its goals and has more cash reserves than it has annual expenditures. 2 REGULAR MEETING February 10, 2025 REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICES None. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. BILLS ON THE THIRD READING None. RESOLUTIONS BILL NO. 25-09 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 635 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601 AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A TWO-YEAR (2) VACANT BUILDING TAX ABATEMENT FOR STUDEBAKER ADMIN QOZB LLC Clerk Tirado read the resolution to the Council. After the reading Council President Lee requested a committee report. Councilmember White stated Bill No. 25-09 was heard in the Community Investment Committee and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation. Council President Lee requested that the petitioner(s) state their name and address and share key points before the council. Joseph Molnar,Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity, with offices on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, stated that Bill No. 25-09 is a two-year (2) vacant building tax abatement for property located at 635 South Main Street. The building was constructed as the headquarters of Studebaker in the early twentieth (20th) century. The primary objective of the project is to stabilize the building,to preserve the building, and to position the building for future development. The project will include structural stabilization and environmental remediation, with a total investment of nine hundred and twenty thousand dollars ($920,000). Kevin Smith, petitioner, 326 West South Street, South Bend IN 46601, stated that he is looking forward to eliminating the impediments that are preventing the building from being developed. Council President Lee opened the public hearing. Sue Kesim,4022 Kennedy Drive, South Bend IN 46614, thanked the petitioner for their attention to sustainability and support of technological advancements. Councilmember White moved for the adoption of Bill No. 25-09, which was seconded by Councilmember Bolden-Simpson, and carried by a vote of eight(8) ayes with one councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee—Aye Council Vice President Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride—Aye Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski—Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Absent Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye 25-10 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY 3 REGULAR MEETING February 10, 2025 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 445 NORTH SHERIDAN STREET, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46619 AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF AN EIGHT-YEAR (8) REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR GLC SHERIDAN, LLC 25-11 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 445 NORTH SHERIDAN STREET, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46619 AS AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A FIVE-YEAR (5) PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR GTA CONTAINERS, LLC Councilmember Warner moved to hear Bill Nos. 25-10 and 25-11 together, which was seconded by Councilmember White and carried by a vote of eight (8) ayes with one councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee—Aye Council Vice President Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride—Aye Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski—Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Absent Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye Clerk Tirado read the resolutions to the Council. After the reading Council President Lee requested the committee reports. Councilmember White stated Bill Nos. 25-10 and 25-11 both were heard in the Community Investment Committee and both come to the Full Council with favorable recommendations. Council President Lee requested that the petitioner(s) state their name and address and share key points before the council. Joseph Molnar,Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity,with offices on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, stated that Bill No. 25-10 is an eight-year (8) real property tax abatement for property located at 445 North Sheridan Street and Bill No. 25-11 is a five-year (5) personal property tax abatement for property located at 445 North Sheridan Street. Great Lakes Capital GLC) Sheridan is the property owner; however, GTA Containers will be the tax abatement recipient and beneficiary. The project will create fifteen (15) new full-time jobs, and the total investment will be fourteen million two hundred thousand dollars ($14,200,000). Council President Lee held the public hearing and nobody spoke. Councilmember Warner thanked the petitioner for their investment. Council Vice President Tomas Morgan thanked the petitioner for their investment. Council Vice President Tomas Morgan moved for the adoption of Bill No. 25-10, which was seconded by Councilmember Niezgodski, and carried by a vote of eight (8) ayes with one councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee—Aye Council Vice President Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride—Aye Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski—Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Absent Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye 4 REGULAR MEETING February 10, 2025 Councilmember McBride moved for the adoption of Bill No. 25-11, which was seconded by Councilmember White, and carried by a vote of eight(8) ayes with one councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee—Aye Council Vice President Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride—Aye Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski—Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Absent Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye 25-12 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROVING AN ORDER OF THE SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION APPROVING A CERTAIN DECLARATORY RESOLUTION FOR THE RIVER WEST DEVELOPMENT AREA ADOPTED BY THE SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Clerk Tirado read the resolution to the Council. After the reading Council President Lee requested a committee report. Councilmember White stated Bill No. 25-12 was heard in the Community Investment Committee and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation. Council President Lee requested that the petitioner(s) state their name and address and share key points before the council. Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment, with offices on the 14t1i floor of the County-City Building, stated that Bill No. 25-12 establishes a new tax increment financing (TIF) allocation area to support the River Walk development.The Redevelopment Commission approved a development agreement with the Indiana-based development company J.C. Hart Company for a new two hundred and ninety-one (291) apartment unit complex development. The development includes three hundred and ninety-eight (398) parking spaces and a minimum private investment of sixty-one million five hundred thousand dollars ($3,500,000). Bill No. 25-12 will create a TIF allocation area specifically for the parcel outlined in the resolution. The project will return to Council regarding bond ordinances in March should Bill No. 25-12 pass. The property tax increment generated by the development will be used to cover the debt service on the bonds. No City cash or existing TIF revenues need to be appropriated for this incentive, as only future property tax incremental revenues will be utilized. The project's infrastructure, construction, and demolition would commence later this year through 2028. Todd May,Vice President of Development at J.C. Hart, 805 City Center Drive, Carmel IN 46032, stated that J.C. Hart is an Indiana-based company and believes in long-term ownership. J.C. Hart manages more than six thousand seven hundred and fifty(6,750)multifamily units within Indiana and Ohio. Councilmember Warner requested clarification of how this project fits into the redevelopment plans of the area. Caleb Bauer stated that this project's parcel is not a part of the River Glen Office Park that was purchased by the Redevelopment Commission. Holiday Properties owns the site and they will continue to own the northernmost Crowe building. Council Vice President Tomas Morgan asked what drew the petitioner to invest in South Bend. Todd May stated that the size and location of South Bend played a large role in the decision to invest, as well as South Bend's rental and vacancy rates. Council President Lee held the public hearing, and nobody spoke. Council Vice President Tomas Morgan thanked the petitioner for investing in the City. Council President Lee thanked the petitioner for their investment. 5 REGULAR MEETING February 10, 2025 Council Vice President Tomas Morgan moved for the adoption of Bill No. 25-12, which was seconded by Councilmember Niezgodski, and carried by a vote of eight (8) ayes with one councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee—Aye Council Vice President Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride—Aye Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski—Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Absent Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye 25-13 A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF A DECLARATORY RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 225 SOUTH MICHIGAN, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601 AND 229 SOUTH MICHIGAN, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601 AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF AN EIGHT-YEAR (8) REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR RSPG GLOBAL CONSULTING LLC Clerk Tirado read the resolution to the Council. After the reading Council President Lee requested a committee report. Councilmember White stated Bill No. 25-13 was heard in the Community Investment Committee and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation. Council President Lee requested that the petitioner(s) state their name and address and share key points before the council. Joseph Molnar,Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity, with offices on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, presented Bill No. 25-13. Bill No. 25-13 is an eight-year (8) real property tax abatement for Center City Place which has been vacant for the last decade. Locally based development company RSPG Global Consulting, LLC purchased Center City Place and will be spearheading the rehabilitation project. The project will consist of restoring the historic facade, completing extensive repairs, opening a hotel, and bringing in active businesses. The total estimated investment is five million eight hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars($5,825,000). Christina Miller, petitioner, 1311 Sunnymede Avenue, South Bend IN 46615, stated that she is happy to answer any questions. Council President Lee held the public hearing, and nobody spoke. Council President Lee thanked the petitioner for their investment. Councilmember Bolden-Simpson moved for the adoption of Bill No. 25-13, which was seconded by Councilmember McBride, and carried by a vote of eight (8) ayes with one councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee—Aye Council Vice President Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride—Aye Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski—Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Absent Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye BILLS ON FIRST READING BILL NO. 6 REGULAR MEETING February 10, 2025 06-25 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROVING A PETITION OF THE ADVISORY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 411 COTTAGE GROVE AVENUE COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 1 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its first(1st) reading. Council President Lee entertained a motion to send Bill No. 06-25 to the South Bend Board of Zoning Appeals on March 3, 2025 and to the Zoning and Annexation Committee for a public hearing and third(3rd) reading on March 10, 2025. Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers moved to send Bill No. 06-25 to the South Bend Board of Zoning Appeals on March 3, 2025 and to the Zoning and Annexation Committee for a public hearing and third (3rd) reading on March 10, 2025, which was seconded by Councilmember Niezgodski and carried by a vote of eight(8) ayes with one councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee—Aye Council Vice President Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride—Aye Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski—Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Absent Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye 07-25 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE 5, TO UPDATE THE PROCEDURES FOR VACATION OF PUBLIC WAYS AND PUBLIC PLACES Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its first(lst)reading. Council President Lee entertained a motion to send Bill No. 07-25 to the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee for a public hearing and third(3rd) reading on February 24, 2025. Councilmember White moved to send Bill No. 07-25 to the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee for a public hearing and third(3rd)reading on February 24, 2025, which was seconded by Councilmember Niezgodski and carried by a vote of eight (8) ayes with one councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee—Aye Council Vice President Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride—Aye Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski—Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Absent Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye UNFINISHED BUSINESS Council President Lee stated that Council Vice-President Tomas Morgan and Councilmember Niezgodski responded to a question regarding missing reports. NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Bolden-Simpson encouraged people to sign-up for tutoring South Bend's children at www.wernakeindiana.org, and highlighted local business Practical Resale. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Sue Kesim, 4022 Kennedy Drive, South Bend IN 46614, spoke regarding the accessibility of information. 7 REGULAR MEETING February 10, 2025 Katie Elliot, 117 North Lafayette Boulevard, South Bend IN 46601, spoke regarding St. Margaret's House's Winter Walk. Logan Foster, 1138 College Street, South Bend IN 46628, spoke regarding the South Bend municipal code. Sarah Foster, 1138 College Street, South Bend IN 46628, spoke regarding accountability. ADJOURNMENT Council President Canneth Lee adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m. 8