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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-09-2026 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: 02-09-2026 MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND FOUND THEM TO BE CORRECT. THEREFORE, WE RECOMMEND THE SAME BE APPROVED: TRAY SLIER BOLDEN-SIMPSO APPROVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL ON: 02-23-2026 ATTEST: I O CITY CLER K L. T REGULAR MEETING February 9, 2026 Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, met in person on Monday, February 9th, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. Council President Canneth Lee called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Reverend Matthew D. Johnson, and the Pledge to the Flag was given. Please note the attached link for the meeting recording: https://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/browse.aspx?dbid=0&mediaid=404638 Council meetings are also available at Michiana Access Channel on both their website and their Facebook page. ROLL CALL COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT Canneth Lee Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers Sharon L. McBride Sherry Bolden -Simpson Sheila Niezgodski Karen L. White Dr. Oliver Davis Rachel Tomas Morgan COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT Troy Warner OTHERS PRESENT Bianca Tirado Jasmine Jackson Matthew Neal Veronica Pitt -Payne Bob Palmer 1st District, President 2nd District Pi District 5th District 6th District, Vice President At -Large At -Large At -Large 4th District, Committee of the Whole City Clerk Chief Deputy City Clerk Deputy Director of Policy Director of Special Projects Council Attorney Members marked with an asterisk (*) are in virtual attendance. SUB -COMMITTEE ON MINUTES: January 26, 2026 Council President Lee requested reports from the Sub -Committee on Minutes. City Clerk Bianca Tirado stated that the Sub -Committee on Minutes inspected 2026 Common Council meeting minutes and recommend they be approved. Councilmember Sherry Bolden -Simpson moved to approve the January Council meeting minutes, which was seconded by Council Vice President Sheila carried via a vote by voice. SPECIAL BUSINESS None. the January 16, 26, 2026 Common Niezgodski and REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICES James Mueller, Mayor of South Bend, with offices on the sixth (6th) floor of City Hall, South Bend, IN 46601, presented a PowerPoint summarizing the City's financial position, including liquidity, debt, capital assets, revenues, and expenditures. Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis asked about the Mayor's points of pride and potential concerns. Mayor Mueller said he is most proud of the City's AA bond rating and healthy cash reserves. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan asked what it would take for the City to have a stronger bond rating. 1 REGULAR MEETING February 9, 2026 Mayor Mueller said the administration is working toward a higher bond rating by investing in growth. Councilmember Karen L. White asked about rate increases and how they will be introduced to residents. Mayor Mueller said rate increases will be necessary for the City to fund essential services such as trash pickup and water treatment. He acknowledged that many residents are already struggling to pay their utility bills. He said the administration is working to minimize the increases and introduce them gradually by seeking federal relief and using debt financing for infrastructure improvements. Councilmember Bolden -Simpson asked about the table on slide sixteen (16) showing 2025 expenditures exceeding revenues in several accounts. Mayor Mueller said there was some intentional spend -down in 2025, and accumulating more cash is not as beneficial to the City's bond rating as new investments. He said 2025 revenue was also lower than anticipated, and the City will need to go further with budget cuts in the coming years. Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers asked what the City can do for residents who are unable to afford rate increases. Mayor Mueller spoke about the City's Utilities Assistance Program (UAP). He said they can reevaluate the eligibility threshold and level of assistance offered by UAP. Council President Lee asked about the Mayor's vision for 2026. Mayor Mueller said 2026 priorities include public safety, continued investment, continued growth, and neighborhood infrastructure. Council President Lee opened the floor for public comments. Analise McKenna, Youth Advisory Council Member, 212 Napoleon Street, South Bend, IN 46617, asked how the City can protect equitable access to healthcare considering rising insurance costs and the possible termination of the County -City emergency medical services (EMS) agreement. Mayor Mueller said healthcare issues are determined at higher levels of government, and municipalities can advocate and make the best of what the state and federal governments give them. He said the City will make their case to the County to maintain the EMS contract, and different levels of government have to work together to solve these problems. Myomie Hicks, Youth Advisory Council Member, 742 South 31 st Street, South Bend, IN 46615, asked what the City can do to help low-income and single -parent households meet their basic needs. Mayor Mueller spoke about the challenges of addressing inequity at the municipal level with limited resources. He said the City does not have the funds to do it alone, and they seek partnerships whenever possible. Jorden Giger, 302 South Falcon Street, South Bend, IN 46619, spoke about his concern for the City's most vulnerable residents and the need for more affordable housing. He expressed opposition to the City's use of tax abatements and asked what policy tools can be used to help residents in need. Mayor Mueller spoke about the City's strategy of promoting economic growth with tax abatements and tax increment financing (TIF). He said growth generates revenue for the City, allowing them to invest in neighborhoods that have been historically underserved. Jesse Davis, PO Box 10205, South Bend, IN, expressed opposition to the use of TIF and tax abatements. He said they erode the City's tax base and limit the City's ability to provide services and meet resident needs. Katherine Redding, 1409 Miner Street, South Bend, IN 46617, expressed concern regarding the City's eviction rate, lead pipes in the existing housing stock, and high utility costs. She expressed disagreement with the administration's strategy of investing in growth. Council President Lee closed the public hearing. 2 REGULAR MEETING February 9, 2026 Council Vice President Niezgodski moved for the Full Council to hear Resolutions before resolving into the Committee of the Whole. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tomas Morgan and carried via a vote by voice. RESOLUTIONS BILL NO. 26-05 Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council. A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2614-2626 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46614 AND 109 WEST ECKMAN STREET, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46614 AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A SIX -YEAR (6) REAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR DAVID A NUFER, LLC Councilmember White stated that Bill No. 26-05 went before the Community Investment Committee and comes with a favorable recommendation. Erik Glavich, Director of Growth and Opportunity, with offices on the fifth (5th) floor of City Hall, South Bend, IN 46601, presented the bill. He said the petitioner is planning to build a laundromat on a vacant lot on the City's south side. He provided values for current and projected property tax revenue. David Nufer, owner of Burton's Laundry, 2409 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615, spoke about the need for a laundromat on the south side. He said they would reduce pricing by ten to twelve percent (10-12%) for customers during the abatement period. Council President Lee commented on the additional tax revenue the City will collect during the abatement period compared to the vacant lot. Council Vice President Niezgodski moved to take a five (5) minute recess due to disruptive public comments. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Tomas Morgan and carried via a vote by voice. Following the recess, Council President Lee resumed the meeting and opened the public hearing. Jesse Davis, PO Box 10205, South Bend, IN, spoke against the bill. He expressed opposition to the use of tax abatements. Erik Glavich said projects often cannot move forward without a tax abatement. He asked the Council to support the resolution. Barbara Brownell, 1407 Sunnymede Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615, asked what the four (4) new jobs will pay. She expressed concern about businesses offering low wages while accepting tax abatements. Council President Lee closed the public hearing. Councilmember Sharon McBride spoke about the community need for a Laundromat on the southeast side. She expressed excitement for the project and the opportunity to provide more residents with access to laundry services. Councilmember Bolden -Simpson echoed Councilmember McBride's comments and thanked the petitioner for developing in that area: Council President Lee expressed support for the bill and the petitioner's ongoing investment in the City of South Bend. 3 REGULAR MEETING February 9, 2026 Councilmember Tomas Morgan moved for the passage of Bill No. 26-05, which was seconded by Councilmember Bolden -Simpson and carried by a vote of eight (8) ayes with one (1) Councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee — Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski — Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers — Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride — Aye Councilmember Troy Warner —Absent Councilmember Sherry Bolden -Simpson — Aye Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan — Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis — Aye Councilmember Karen L. White — Aye RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Councilmember Tomas Morgan moved to resolve into the Committee of the Whole, which was seconded by Councilmember Bolden -Simpson and carried via a vote by voice. PUBLIC HEARINGS BILL NO. 02-26 PUBLIC HEARING 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 1114 MAYFLOWER ROAD COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 6 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its second (2nd) reading. After the second (2nd) reading, Councilmember Dr. Davis stated that Bill No. 02-26 went before the Zoning and Annexation Committee. He said the bill comes with no recommendation because the petitioner was not present at Committee. Brian Killen, Zoning Administrator, with offices on the fifth (5th) floor of City Hall, South Bend, IN 46601, presented the bill. He said the petitioner is seeking a special exception for a daycare center in the suburban one (S 1) zoning district. The building was previously a daycare and has been vacant for several years. David Turner, Petitioner, 50771 Hollyhock Road, South Bend, IN 46637, spoke about the plans for the daycare facility and the community need for childcare services. Councilmember Bolden -Simpson asked about vouchers and facility operating hours. David Turner confirmed they will be accepting vouchers. He said their operating hours will be 7:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Council President Lee asked about the opening timeline and licensing status. David Turner said they plan to open within nine (9) to twelve (12) months. He clarified that the facility would be a licensed daycare center, not a ministry. Council Vice President Niezgodski held the public hearing, and nobody spoke. Council President Lee moved to send Bill No. 02-26 to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation, which was seconded by Councilmember McBride and carried by a vote of eight (8) ayes with one (1) Councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee — Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski — Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers — Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride — Aye Councilmember Troy Warner — Absent Councilmember Sherry Bolden -Simpson — Aye Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan — Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis — Aye Councilmember Karen L. White — Aye 4 REGULAR MEETING February 9, 2026 Councilmember McBride moved to hear the presentations for Bill Nos. 03-26 and 04-26 together. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers and carried via a vote by voice. 03-26 04-26 PUBLIC HEARING 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 1307 CORBY BOULEVARD COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA PUBLIC HEARING 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 1301 CORBY BOULEVARD COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Clerk Tirado read both bills to the Council for their second (2"d) reading. After the second (2"d) reading, Councilmember Dr. Davis stated that Bill Nos. 03-26 and 04-26 went before the Zoning and Annexation Committee and both come with a favorable recommendation. Brian Killen, Zoning Administrator, with offices on the fifth (5th) floor of City Hall, South Bend, IN 46601, presented the bills. He said the petitioner is requesting special exceptions to build duplexes on two (2) parcels of Corby Boulevard. He showed images of the property and design renderings. Elissa Gunsorek, Petitioner, 7821 Morse Road, New Albany, OH 43054, spoke about the project. She said the two (2)-unit dwellings were designed to blend seamlessly with the single-family homes in the neighborhood. Council President Lee asked about the construction timeline. Elissa Gunsorek said construction would begin within a few months. Council Vice President Niezgodski held the public hearing for Bill No. 03-26, and nobody spoke. Council President Lee moved to send Bill No. 03-26 to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation, which was seconded by Councilmember Tomas Morgan and carried by a vote of eight (8) ayes with one (1) Councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee — Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski — Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers -- Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride — Aye Councilmember Troy Warner — Absent Councilmember Sherry Bolden -Simpson — Aye Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan —Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis — Aye Councilmember Karen L. White — Aye Council Vice President Niezgodski held the public hearing for Bill No. 04-26, and nobody spoke. Council President Lee moved to send Bill No. 04-26 to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation, which was seconded by Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers and carried by a vote of eight (8) ayes with one (1) Councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee — Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski — Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers — Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride — Aye Councilmember Troy Warner — Absent Councilmember Sherry Bolden -Simpson — Aye Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan — Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis — Aye Councilmember Karen L. White — Aye 5 REGULAR MEETING February 9, 2026 05-26 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ISSUE ONE OR MORE SERIES OF ITS TAXABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BONDS AND APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING OTHER ACTIONS IN RESPECT THERETO IN CONNECTION WITH THE COLFAX CORNER ML, LLC PROJECT Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its second (2nd) reading. After the second (2nd) reading, Councilmember White stated that Bill No. 05-26 went before the Community Investment Committee and comes with a favorable recommendation. Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment, with offices on the fifth (5th) floor of City Hall, South Bend, IN 46601, presented the bill. He gave an overview of the Innovation Development District (IDD) tax capture tool and the Colfax Corner project. He said the project would develop the old South Bend Tribune building into a research and office facility for four hundred (400) new jobs, with the University of Notre Dame as the anchor tenant. He said the bill authorizes the City to issue a developer -backed bond that will be purchased by the developer and repaid by future IDD tax revenues generated by the project. Councilmember Dr. Davis asked about parking. Caleb Bauer said the City's existing public parking portfolio has capacity, and upcoming projects such as the Morris Performing Arts Center phase three (3) parking garage will provide additional capacity across multiple locations. Council Vice President Niezgodski opened the public hearing. Donald Crafton, 17590 Green Oaks Court, Granger, IN 46530, spoke in favor of the bill on behalf of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association, a potential Colfax Corner tenant. He asked about public transportation, security, and culture. Peter Isaac, Ancora Vice President, 325 North East Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302, responded on behalf of the developer. He spoke about transportation, creating a walkable downtown, and promoting existing bike infrastructure. He spoke about creating a safe environment with well -lit, highly visible spaces. He said the building will have a blend of uses, including public and community space on the ground floor. Councilmember Dr. Davis asked if they use models from other cities to address these issues. Peter Isaac said they always apply their best practices, but they customize solutions for every community. Matt Graybill, 906 West Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46601, spoke in favor of the bill on behalf of South Bend City Church. He said the University of Notre Dame has had discussions with City Church and other neighborhood stakeholders. Steven Haines, 201 West Mishawaka Ave, Mishawaka, IN 46545, spoke in favor of the bill on behalf of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. He said the project would bring more people downtown. Kevin Smith, 635 South Lafayette Boulevard, South Bend, IN 46601, spoke in favor of the bill. He expressed excitement for the investment in the City's downtown and said the community is moving forward. William Elliot Smith, 728 Whitehall Drive, South Bend, IN 46615, spoke against the bill. He said the vote should be postponed until all documents related to the City's agreement with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) are made public. Sam Spark, 330 West Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46601, spoke against the bill. He said there has not been enough resident engagement with the process, and more information should be shared with the public. 6 REGULAR MEETING February 9, 2026 Council Vice President Niezgodski closed the public hearing. Caleb Bauer said the City has processed all public records requests related to the project. He said they have been speaking about the project publicly and working with community stakeholders for one and a half (1Y2) years. Councilmember Tomas Morgan thanked Caleb Bauer and said IDD designation is a unique opportunity for the City. Council President Lee said he will be supporting the bill. Councilmember Bolden -Simpson moved to send Bill No. 05-26 to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation, which was seconded by Councilmember Tomas Morgan and carried by a vote of eight (8) ayes with one (1) Councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee — Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski — Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers — Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride — Aye Councilmember Troy Warner — Absent Councilmember Sherry Bolden -Simpson — Aye Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan — Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis — Aye Councilmember Karen L. White — Aye 01-26 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, REPEALING, SUPERSEDING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 1, SECTION 2-10.1 BY ESTABLISHING THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL RULES COMMITTEE AND ELIMINATING THE PROCESS AND PROCEDURES FOR FILING COMPLAINTS AGAINST COUNCIL MEMBERS Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its second (2"d) reading. After the second (2"d) reading, Council President Lee stated that Bill No. 01-26 went before the Rules Committee and comes with a favorable recommendation. Council President Lee presented the bill. He said the South Bend Common Council's complairit process conflicts with the Indiana Open Door Law and is not aligned with other municipalities in the state. He said the current process is vulnerable to abuse, and the high volume of meritless complaints use up public resources. He spoke about due process concerns and listed alternative avenues for residents to seek redress. Councilmember Dr. Davis expressed opposition to the bill. He said the complaint process should have been revised based on best practices from other municipalities, not removed. Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers asked Attorney Palmer about other remedies that exist for resident concerns. Bob Palmer, Council Attorney, with offices on the third (3'd) floor of City Hall, South Bend, IN 46601, listed the alternative statutory remedies for complaints against Councilmembers. He provided the following citations: Ind.Code 5-11-5-1 "Report to the examiners- Filing copies- Civil proceedings to recover funds - Review by officer or chief executive officer of entity examined- Criminal Prosecutions" Ind.Code 5-8-1-35 "Malfeasance, accusation, hearing, judgment" Ind.Code 5-14-5-6 "Filing complaint" (Open Door Law) Ind.Code 34-13-5-1 et seq. Public lawsuits Ind.Code 34-13-3-5 "Lawsuit against governmental entity- Lawsuit against employee- Payment of Judgment against employee- Counsel" 7 REGULAR MEETING February 9, 2026 Ind.Code 35-44.1-1-1 "Public Servant offenses- Performance of official duties- Acceptance of unauthorized property- Use of non-public information for gain- Failure to deliver records penalty" Ind.Code 35-44.1-1-3 "Public servant offenses involving other government employees" Ind.Code 35-44.1-1-5 "Offenses involving pecuniary interest" Council Vice President Niezgodski opened the public hearing. Sue Kesim, 4022 Kennedy Drive, South Bend, IN 46614, spoke against the bill. She spoke about the importance of accountability and suggested a citizens' review board. Jesse Davis, PO Box 10205, South Bend, IN, spoke against the bill. He expressed concerns about receiving fair judgments through the courts. Sam Spark, 330 West Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46601, spoke against the bill. He referenced a prior complaint that was not addressed under the current process. Katie Holmes, 1709 Miner Street, South Bend, IN 46617, spoke against the bill. She referenced the same unaddressed complaint. Council Vice President Niezgodski closed the public hearing. Councilmember Bolden -Simpson spoke about the challenges of ensuring fairness and due process for both residents and Councilmembers. She acknowledged resident frustrations about the unaddressed complaint. She spoke about the importance of taking accountability for mistakes and treating others with respect. Councilmember Dr. Davis said he will not be supporting the bill. A discussion ensued between Councilmember Dr. Davis and Council President Lee about the complaint referenced during the public hearing and how it was handled. Council Vice President Niezgodski entertained a motion. Council President Lee moved to send Bill No. 01-26 to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation, which was seconded by Councilmember Tomas Morgan and carried by a vote of six (6) ayes with two (2) nays and one (1) Councilmember absent. Council President Canneth Lee — Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski — Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers — Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride — Aye Councilmember Troy Warner — Absent Councilmember Sherry Bolden -Simpson — Nay Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan — Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis — Nay Councilmember Karen L. White — Aye RISE AND REPORT Council Vice President Niezgodski moved to rise from the Committee of the Whole and report back to the Full Council, which was seconded by Councilmember Tomas Morgan and carried via a vote by voice. REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED Council President Lee stated that the Full Council is now back in session. This portion of the 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. 01-26 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, REPEALING, SUPERSEDING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 1, SECTION 2-10.1 BY 8 REGULAR MEETING February 9, 2026 ESTABLISHING THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL RULES COMMITTEE AND ELIMINATING THE PROCESS AND PROCEDURES FOR FILING COMPLAINTS AGAINST COUNCIL MEMBERS Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its third (3`1) reading. After the third (3`d) reading, Council President Lee requested a committee report. Council Vice President Niezgodski stated that Bill No. 01-26 was heard in the Committee of the Whole and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation. Council Vice President Niezgodski moved for the passage of Bill No. 01-26, which was seconded by Councilmember Tomas Morgan and carried by a vote of six (6) ayes with one (1) nay and two (2) Councilmembers absent. Council President Canneth Lee — Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski — Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers — Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride — Aye Councilmember Troy Warner — Absent Councilmember Sherry Bolden -Simpson —Nay Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan — Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis — Absent Councilmember Karen L. White — Aye 02-26 PUBLIC HEARING 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 1114 MAYFLOWER ROAD COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 6 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its third (3`d) reading. After the third (3`d) reading, Council President Lee requested a committee report. Council Vice President Niezgodski stated that Bill No. 02-26 was heard in the Committee of the Whole and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers moved for the passage of Bill No. 02-26, which was seconded by Councilmember Tomas Morgan and carried by a vote of seven (7) ayes with two (2) Councilmembers absent. Council President Canneth Lee — Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski — Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers — Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride — Aye Councilmember Troy Warner —Absent Councilmember Sherry Bolden -Simpson — Aye Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan — Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis — Absent Councilmember Karen L. White — Aye 03-26 PUBLIC HEARING 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 1307 CORBY BOULEVARD COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its third (3`d) reading. After the third (3`d) reading, Council President Lee requested a committee report. 9 REGULAR MEETING February 9, 2026 Council Vice President Niezgodski stated that Bill No. 03-26 was heard in the Committee of the Whole and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers moved for the passage of Bill No. 03-26, which was seconded by Council Vice President Niezgodski and carried by a vote of seven (7) ayes with two (2) Councilmembers absent. Council President Canneth Lee — Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski — Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers — Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride — Aye Councilmember Troy Warner —Absent Councilmember Sherry Bolden -Simpson — Aye Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan — Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis — Absent Councilmember Karen L. White — Aye 04-26 PUBLIC HEARING 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 1301 CORBY BOULEVARD COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its third (3'd) reading. After the third (3`d) reading, Council President Lee requested a committee report. Council Vice President Niezgodski stated that Bill No. 04-26 was heard in the Committee of the Whole and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Tomas Morgan moved for the passage of Bill No. 04-26, which was seconded by Council Vice President Niezgodski and carried by a vote of seven (7) ayes with two (2) Councilmembers absent. Council President Canneth Lee — Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski — Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers — Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride — Aye Councilmember Troy Warner — Absent Councilmember Sherry Bolden -Simpson — Aye Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan — Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis — Absent Councilmember Karen L. White — Aye 05-26 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ISSUE ONE OR MORE SERIES OF ITS TAXABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BONDS AND APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING OTHER ACTIONS IN RESPECT THERETO IN CONNECTION WITH THE COLFAX CORNER ML, LLC PROJECT Clerk Tirado read the bill to the Council for its third (3'd) reading. After the third (3'd) reading, Council President Lee requested a committee report. Council Vice President Niezgodski stated that Bill No. 05-26 was heard in the Committee of the Whole and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation. Council Vice President Niezgodski moved for the passage of Bill No. 05-26, which was seconded by Councilmember Tomas Morgan and carried by a vote of seven (7) ayes with two (2) Councilmembers absent. Council President Canneth Lee — Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski — Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers — Aye Councilmember Sharon McBride — Aye Councilmember Troy Warner — Absent Councilmember Sherry Bolden -Simpson — Aye 10 REGULAR MEETING February 9, 2026 Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan — Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis — Absent Councilmember Karen L. White — Aye BILLS ON THE FIRST READING None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS Council President Lee spoke about the recent ribbon cutting for the Raclin Murphy Encore Center. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Council President Lee opened privilege of the floor. Sue Kesim, 4022 Kennedy Drive, South Bend, IN 46614, spoke about poverty and home ownership rates in the City. She suggested zoning changes to convert rentals into single family homes. She said the City should look at taking similar actions to Detroit to address vacancy and blight. She spoke about the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) in zoning to analyze community needs. Caleb Bauer addressed the comments. He said the land value tax proposals in Detroit would not be allowable under Indiana Code. He said restricting rentals would decrease affordability and force out low-income residents. Council President Lee closed privilege of the floor. ADJOURNMENT Council President Lee adjourned the meeting at 10:38 P.M. 11