HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-30-13 Common Council Meeting Minutes
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana met in the
Council Chambers of the County-City Building on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting was called to order by Council President Derek Dieter and the Invocation and
Pledge to the Flag were given.
ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBERS:
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Present: Tim Scott 1 District
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Henry Davis, Jr. 2 District
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Valerie Schey 3 District (Present 7:03)
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Fred Ferlic 4 District
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Oliver J. Davis 6 District, Vice-President
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David Varner 5 District
Derek Dieter At-Large, President
Gavin Ferlic At-Large
Karen L. White At-Large, Chairperson Committee of the Whole
OTHERS PRESENT:
John Voorde City Clerk
Janice I. Talboom Deputy
Mary Beth Wisniewski Chief Deputy
Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand Council Attorney
RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
At 7:05 p.m. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the
Whole. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9)
ayes. Councilmember White, Chairperson, presiding.
Councilmember White, explained the procedures to be followed for tonight’s meeting in
accordance with Article 1, Section 2-11 of the South Bend Municipal Code.
Councilmember White stated that a brochure may be found on the railing in the Council
Chambers explaining those procedures.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand it determined between the City Administration and
the Common Council that it would be in the City’s best interest to have a special meeting this
evening given that there were ongoing discussions since Monday’s meeting. By State Law all
the budgets and salary items have to be approved if they are going forward for next year by
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November 1. Pursuant to our City Code specifically Section 2-5, I do have to make information
into the record this evening. I would like to confirm that on October 22, 2013 a call of a special
meeting of the South Bend Common Council was duly made an signed by five (5) members of
the City Council and that called was served by City Clerk John Voorde so copies are on file in
the City Clerk’s Office. On October 23, 2013, Captain Scott Ruszkowski of the South Bend
Police Department delivered certified copies of the certified call of meeting to each of the nine
(9) Councilmember’s. Verification of the Service is now on record in the City Clerk’s Office, so
therefore, this is a legal meeting.
Councilmember White: I want to share with the Councilmember’s again that this has been a
long process; we have had the opportunity to express our concerns and questions. I do ask that
you allow me recognize you in terms of any questions or concerns that you might have. Again,
Bill Nos. 44-13; 45-13; and 46-13 are in the Council Portion, which means that we will not have
public input regarding these three bills.
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: Councilmember White I would like to again read
into the record that in light of the fact Bill 44-13 which is the Levying of Taxes and Fixing of
Rate of Taxation for the 2014 Calendar Year, the City Council did indeed pass that by a nine (9)
to zero (0) vote at the Regular Meeting of the South Bend Common Council on Monday,
October 28, 2013, in light of the action, the proper motion this evening on the bill listed 44-13 to
strike it from the agenda.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
BILL NO. 44-13 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE CITY
OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, LEVYING
TAXES AND FIXING THE RATE OF
TAXATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF RAISING
REVENUE TO MEET THE NECESSARY
EXPENSES OF THE CIVIL CITY OF SOUTH
BEND FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 2014
Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to strike this bill from the agenda. Councilmember
Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand stated that additional a motion would be in order to
move two bills. Bill No. 54-13 which is the teamster salary ordinance to be immediately
followed by Bill 53-13 which is the Non-Bargaining Salary Ordinance to this part of the agenda
for the Council. We would need a motion to that effect.
Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to accept the motion. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic
seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
BILL NO. 45-13 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING MONIES
FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE
EXPENSES OF SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS OF
THE CIVIL CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING
JANUARY 1, 2014 AND ENDING DECEMBER
31, 2014 INCLUDING ALL OUTSTANDING
CLAIMS AND OBLIGATIONS, AND FIXING A
TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL TAKE
EFFECT
Council Attorney stated that there will be two motions. For benefit of the public the proposed
budget is sitting before Mr. Voorde. The first motion would be to accept all the amended budget
pages filed by the Department of Administration & Finance which are on record and filed with
City Clerk’s Office. Councilmember Varner so moved the motion, Councilmember Scott
seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Council Attorney Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand stated that the second motion would be to amend those pages as reflected in
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2 Substitute Bill 53-13 setting Maximum Salaries and Wages for Appointed Officers and Non-
Bargaining Employees as further amended by the City Council. Councilmember Oliver Davis so
moved the motion, Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of
nine (9) ayes.
Chairperson White: I don’t believe that this is a substitute.
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: You have technically amended everything by
accepting the amended pages.
Councilmember Varner, Chairperson of the Personnel & Finance Committee, reported that Bill
No. 45-13 including amendments as amended was heard in committee this afternoon and comes
to the Council with no recommendation.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: Councilmember White at this point I would like
for you to call upon Council President Dieter to make a disclosure.
Councilmember Dieter: That I’m a member of the South Bend Police Department disclosure?
Since 1975 and I am able to discuss and vote on this and receive no monetary compensation for
my vote either way.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: If I could add to that Mr. Dieter’s has also filed
the conflict of interest forms required by State Law and they are on file with the Circuit Court as
well as with the State Offices in Indianapolis and Office of the City Clerk.
Chairperson White advised to the public that this bill is in the Council Portion Only and so that
there will not be a Public Hearing on this particular bill.
Mayor Buttigieg: Again, I will try not to spend too much time covering this bill this evening. I
want to thank the Council for all the work that was done on this bill and thank all the members of
the community who came out because budgets are not always flashy. But this budget is about
what kind a city we are going be and what kind of government we are going to have. Which it is
why it has been so important because of the process that has led us to where we are? This has
been a compilation which I mentioned earlier has involved over a dozen meetings and
discussions with great deal of difficulty. I hope the spirit of give and take is the prevailing one.
We certainly feel that this is a finely crafted budget that goes well over the fifty yard line in
working to assure that those concerns brought to light by Council are addressed by the
administration’s proposal. It addresses not only the day to day operations of government but also
finds resources to support two (2) priorities like job creation throughout the city with the
continued development of our 311 service and tackling vacant and abandoned housing. It is a
prudent budget that balances the general fund and keeps the city within our needs and helps to
preserve the outstanding fiscal strength and reputation that South Bend has. Also, again thanks
to input from the Council in the more recently amended version. More resources for
neighborhood concerns; concerns including safety, including the need for lighting and an
elevated amount of resources for curbs and sidewalks and also setting aside funds to address the
residents around the New Energy Plant to have more certain about the ability to keep water out
of their homes. It makes the investments that we need in order to change the way we do
business, create a place where people want to live and businesses want to invest. I just want to
dwell a moment on one of the most publicly commented on dimensions of this bill. Because I
think that there have been some ideas discussed today about late breaking changes to that and
that is the Smart Streets program. Specifically to make sure that the streets near and around the
downtown area are configured in a way that supports growth. The current proposal has taken on
more input including to make sure that we are doing the work in phases and that we are doing
this work in the most cost effective way. It is not just a result from conversation with
Councilmember’s but with members of the community, in public meetings and focus groups and
has not only community perspective, Council perspective, and Administration perspective and of
course a great deal of engineering and design knowledge built in. I am concerned that any
further changes that may be applied during its growth and development would represent a delay
on the kinds of projects that could be given an opportunity to be addressed. (inaudible) We have
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
worked very hard to strike the right balance and making sure that there is action. A change to
this proposal that would strip out for example the importance of William and Lafayette Streets
being addressed next year will have the effect of tipping the balance back in favor of planning
and away from action. It would strip the community in particularly the downtown community an
opportunity to see real work, shovels going into the ground, something changing before our eyes
at the very moment where downtown growth and economic development seems to be catching
fire. It will be a statement to let us wait instead of lets us act, let us plan instead of let us move.
We believe that it is an opportunity to do both, we can plan and we can move, we can act, but
also act in a way that keeps us flexible and develops real tangible changes as early as next year.
But also gives us the proof of concept that we can learn from. We can refine our strategy as a
city to make sure that downtown really is a vibrant place in the community. Our city will be a
better place to live, work and do business. I am asking for the Council’s partnership in seizing
this opportunity. Let’s get started, the comeback of downtown South Bend.
Chairperson White: At this time, we will have questions regarding Bill 45-13. I am going to
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start from 1 District Councilmember Tim Scott and work through, to make sure that each
Councilmember if you have any questions about portions of this bill, on job creation, 311, vacant
& abandoned housing initiative; safety; neighborhood concerns in terms of lights, curbs and
sidewalks and then the smart streets. Those are the areas that I have heard thus far. I want to
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start with 1 District Councilmember Tim Scott.
Councilmember Scott: Can I defer?
Chairperson White: Yes you may.
Councilmember Henry Davis: Sure, thank you. Could you go over the list?
Chairperson White: Job creation, 311; vacant & abandoned housing initiative; neighborhood
concerns that the Council had raised; safety; lights; curbs and sidewalks and the smart streets. I
just want to make sure that I didn’t leave anything out. And the corridors, and New Energy as
well. So it’s the corridors and New Energy.
Councilmember Schey: Can we ask other questions too, that pertain to this bill.
Chairperson White: That pertains to this bill, that’s right.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.: I am fine.
Chairperson White: I just wanted to summarize the main ones that we have been discussing, but
that does not mean that you can’t discuss any other items that pertain to this bill.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.: I am aware of that, I didn’t corridor at all. That’s the first time
that I heard it and that’s the reason that I was asking.
Chairperson White: That was my fault.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.: The curbs and sidewalk program, now is that going to be part
of the share cost program with the City and the property owner.
Mayor Buttigieg: So, there is currently a cost share program which enables residents to co-pay
with the city and that is the structure that we are working as of right now. With that said, I think
we can continue to be open to suggestions on changes or refinements to make sure that we are
striking the right balance to make sure that all properties that are able to contribute and we have
the dollars to go further and at the same time making sure that we are address the needs in the
neighborhoods were there may not be a lot of folks who feel that they have the resources to pay.
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.: Well my suggestion and I am glad that you said that and I am
glad that we share the same thoughts. A suggestion that as of right now we probably look at
maybe a person’s personal income level and base it upon a percentage rather than what is
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obviously out there right now. Because I do have a number of residents in the 2 District
including seniors who are on a fixed income who have no way possible the funds to participate
in such a program. And in some of those areas that they are in are the areas that have decayed, in
some way, shape or form, the infrastructure, and so how do they get back to that level of looking
for that investment from the City but also from people who might want to move into the area and
that being a barrier. The corridor project, how are we going to graduate this corridor project? I
am very concerned about the corridors. We have shared this conversation in the past and in the
interest of Smart Streets, the two corridors are very Smart Streets, alright they bring in traffic all
day and every day, they are main arteries and in some ways they have been neglected at the very
high level and I am almost really torn between the two because one is obviously, both of them
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are in the 2 District alright, and I would never want one side of the 2 District against the other
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side of the 2 District, that is counterproductive. But what I am looking for is a happy medium
with residents that are on Lincoln Way Corridor and also the Western Avenue Corridor that they
can feel proud that their city is investing in that area; as well as they are interested in investing
downtown. It makes no sense to a resident living at one way and the other way and the
investment is not there. So are we going to look into investing at a higher level in the corridor
program?
Mayor Buttigieg: Yes, we certainly hear that message in the most recent revisions to the budget
speak to that concern to assure that this as you said is a comprehensive smart streets model
Downtown of course benefits when Lincoln Way West is improved because that is the first
impression for so many people in our city. And I would also suggest that folks throughout the
city including on Lincoln Way West and Western benefit downtown and that economic
development creates more jobs for downtown. The budget we have now proposed includes
$2.25 million to address the needs of corridors and neighborhoods and that is an area that is
candidly will continue to need work even beyond that $2.25 million dollars that I will be
proposing in partnership with the neighbors and those folks affected will be able to provide input
as that program is funded.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.: Can TIF action be a supplement as well for those areas? If so,
how can we do it?
Mayor Buttigieg: One thing that the administration is open to is expanding TIF areas so that
they can better allows us to employ some of those different resources because it is beneficial for
the whole city to have work done there. And that is something else with program that they are
proposes to fund now for next year in the budget there will be an opportunity to develop a plan
that has the right level of input that will also guide priorities and decide how that TIF expansion
should unfold.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.: How is that plan or how can that plan be developed is there a
time stamp? And to be all honest with you the last time we had this conversation was LaSalle
Square when we were promised I don’t know at least $2 million or $1.5 million or something
like that, it never came to fruition whatever we were promised. And, so are we looking at time
stamps to get some of these things done and I’m only advocating for these things and I’m going
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to be clearly honest because both of these big projects are happening in the 2 District and I’m
not going to be torn in half or be one side versus the other, I’m not doing that. I think both
deserve invest, equitable investment, so at what point do we begin the planning process?
Mayor Buttigieg: As soon as possible in fact preliminary conversations already taking shape to
be sure that those who are in the area are able to have their input into how this should work. I
regret that I am not in the position to comment on detail on the LaSalle Square project, because it
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
was before this Administration. I certainly can understand the frustration because nobody can
look at either of those corridors and say that our work is done or say that we are where we need
to be. And so I would regard this as something with a great deal of urgency. And work should
begin right away perhaps we are in a position to do work even before next year. And to continue
to make sure that their voices are heard. I will turn it over to Community Investment Director
Scott Ford.
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Scott Ford, Executive Director, Community Investment, 14 Floor County-City Building, South
Bend, Indiana: I just wanted to follow up with the Mayor’s comments with regard to the corridor
program. As it has been presented to Councilmember’s we reached and RFP in July and
received 20 responses from 22 teams of national and local teams. We are down to our final 3
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and look forward to awarding that contract in November and anticipate the 1 public meeting
will be in January. It will be a six (6) months process and it is very much oriented toward
delivering a series of actionable items for the corridors specifically that would involve a lot
neighborhood engagement in this process. Looking at it through a fact phased business plan you
are looking at what the market is and also forming that and using that to help to deliver a series
of recommendations that may include things like business assistant and or land use regulation
changes like infrastructure improvements to start having an immediate impact. That’s one
reason why we have asked for funding amount including so that we can act on that with the
completion of the plan.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.: Thank you for responding to my request to put more funds in
there for the corridor program. Thank you for doing that, and I’m finished.
Councilmember Schey: I defer.
Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic: Thank you Karen, First of all I want to publicly thank Karen
and Mark Neal, this budget process is very painful. I want to thank Dr. Varner also, and I was
also going to acknowledge him and Kathy and John, they made it come to life, in fact, I know
more about the city budget than my own budget, so thank you. But I would like to ask Scott, on
the two way streets, why is your chronology important? You phased these out for the Council
explain why the chronology is important?
Scott Ford: I appreciate speaking to that. So, you know originally for nearly 100 years, the
streets in downtown South Bend were a two-way network. When they switched to the one-way,
the principle went from destination to evacuation. And the mode shift was to evacuate people
through town at a high speed. So looking at a way how we can reconstruct the road network and
again go back to downtown being a destination. We need to look at two points of confluence
and there is one at the north at Michigan right where it crosses the river. If you look at the peak
traffic there you need to distribute the traffic among four streets rather than two. So rather than
just being on Main and St. Joe, you distribute along Lafayette, Main, Michigan and St. Joe. So
in order to get the south bound traffic if you can think of this an unfortunately I don’t have a map
to point to, but you need to get some of the traffic to divert on Bartlett and then down Lafayette,
so that helps release some of the pressure on Main and St. Joe. So as you look at sequencing,
you look at being able to restore the last few blocks of Lafayette and Williams back to two way
traffic and then we go to at the same time concurrently you complete the due diligence process
on Main and St. Joe so that in our negotiations with INDOT we are able to have an informed
conversation we’re able to get there as soon as possible. So that’s in terms of the sequencing of
Lafayette & Williams then Main & St. Joe.
Councilmember Dr. David Varner: No, I’m pretty much all questioned out after eighteen
sessions.
Councilmember Oliver Davis: A couple of things. I’m back to Scott Ford. Often times when a
business has come into town the focus is getting the business first and then dealing with the
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
infrastructure second, is there any reason why we are putting in a sense the cart before the horse
in this kind of thing when it comes down to Lafayette and issues because of the fact that those
two streets. Do you have any prospective businesses that are already planning to through in any
aspect or any part of those streets has there any potential prospects that we currently have that
are looking to come to fruition on these streets because what I was told that this is going to help
some of the other that are not necessarily going to be affected because of the fact that those are
Michigan and Main Streets and those businesses over there already have two way streets and so
many of those that are advocating for this there business is not going to be affected this and so is
there any rationale as to why this is being done at this time?
Scott Ford: Absolutely, and I appreciate your question. I think that some of the comments that
have been made publicly in the last few weeks you have heard from a number of respective
businesses that have indicated but for the prospect of two-way streets they would not be
expanding or seeking to locate in downtown South Bend. I know that has come up several times
and some of those businesses are represented here this evening.
Councilmember Oliver Davis: For clarity, and the business that you shared about, in terms of
that business, what I said in my comments, at that presentation that I was there along with you,
that particular business is not being affected by the Lafayette, that’s phase two and everything.
I’m talking about phase one.
Mayor Buttigieg: Actually, I received a communication the other day; I haven’t had a chance to
talk to Scott about this. From one investor, who represented that he would be prepared to make
over a million dollar investment in business along or around Lafayette.
Scott Ford: To be able to make those substantial improvements along Main & St. Joe, Lafayette
is a key component of that, so that, technically we need to improve the traffic along Lafayette
and be able to make the conversion on Main & St. Joe. I can also speak to the city’s investment
at the Cove and certainly we would like to amplify the good work that is going on at the Cove.
So any improvements to Lafayette will help speak to that.
Councilmember Oliver Davis: In my District when it comes down to this administration along
with the previous administration, had promised the people in the Rum Village area that we have
a corridor where a lot of people come in and that is Ewing, and they said that Ewing Avenue was
going to be done in three different phases, and I went by some of the key people and our former
Rum Village Neighborhood President today, and nothing has been done there. That money was
switched over to the Sample Street bridge was supposed to be fixed and to our knowledge and
the people that actually came out and said that they were going to do that from the City and
nothing has been done there and we having people coming in from that area to the city to the
downtown. We had concerns that were expressed to me that the focus has been on those parts of
it but promises that have been made for phase one from Gary Gilot to other administrators that
have been part of this administration have not kept their commitments to Ewing, Sample and
other places and now the focus has been there. Is there some rationale why?
Scott Ford: I can’t speak to the actions of the previous administration. I know that the proposal
that is before you is very actionable. That’s why the funding request is in, so that we actually see
action this year. That’s specifically why it is shaped the way it is.
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Eric Horvath, Director, Public Works, 13 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd.,
South Bend, Indiana: Ewing needs to be done, there are some issues there. We started work
there in terms of getting some of the utility work done; our own staff did that work just this
summer. The issue is as always trying to get funding for these projects, so we are working with
MACOG, on getting federal funds for Ewing and going through the federal design process,
which takes significant time and there are steps that have to been gone through, public hearing,
etc. It’s a very timely process, it’s been on-going for years, we need to speed up that process and
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
move forward and need to continue to push to have funding from MACOG for the Ewing
corridor.
Councilmember Oliver Davis: The time frame that was given to us by was 2013/2014 with
completion in 2015 given the money that was transferred. The money that was transferred to the
Oliver Sample Street Bridge because that is a major corridor for those who live on the West Side
who have to deal with that bridge and the structure is not safe. And that is a major corridor to
come to downtown for those of us who live on the West Side. So we were promised that was
going to be 2013/2014 and it was going to be completed by 2015 and we were also going to have
county funds because of the bridge. So where are we?
Eric Horvath: That work is in its preliminary phases. (inaudible, microphones not working) It
won’t be done 13/14. We would like to see the construction start in 14.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic: No questions.
Councilmember Dieter: I defer to Councilmember’s Scott and Valerie Schey.
Councilmember Tim Scott: I will be quick. Scott you might want to be up there. Could you talk
about the timing? There has been mention about different timing may be changing the phases
around. Could you elaborate a little more on that? What it takes from INDOT and such to deal
with the two main arteries that we having coming through the city and the length of that versus
working on the other streets?
Scott Ford: (inaudible)
Councilmember Tim Scott: So part of that revenue that would come from INDOT might, would
go into this project.
Scott Ford: Absolutely.
Councilmember Tim Scott: So the project might be less than what the budget actually is.
Scott Ford: For Main & St. Joe. For example in other communities the State actually pays to
improve roads.
Councilmember Scott: One other question, you have businesses that are or could make an
economic impact along St. Joe, Main, if these were able to be switched.
Scott Ford: Absolutely.
Councilmember Scott: Okay.
Councilmember Schey: This is the portion only for questions not comments correct?
Chairperson White: This is the portion for questions that pertain to this bill.
Councilmember Schey: My smart streets question is kind of a lengthy comment, with a question
at the end, so what I will likely do is save my smart streets question for the comments sections. I
will ask a couple of questions though that have not been raised, that I would welcome more
information on. The one question that has to do with appropriations out of Fund 408, that’s the
EDIT fund. We have a $50,000 amount appropriated for increased business outreach/diversity
initiative and there has been a lot of discussion, so I was just curious, is this funding for the
Michiana African American Chamber of Commerce or are these dollars for something different?
Mayor Buttigieg: I certainly think that the funding is consistent (inaudible)
Councilmember Schey: So, it’s a line item that has yet to be determined where that money will
go.
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
Mayor Buttigieg: (inaudible)
Councilmember Schey: That as the first question. My second question I have is that we also
have in Fund #408 we have $40,000 appropriated for an IN focus fellow, so I guess I always
thought the Notre Dame Interns that work in the Mayor’s Office and elsewhere were doing their
internships on a voluntary basis. I didn’t realize that there was money associated with that.
Mayor Buttigieg, Sure, let me clarify the distinction between the interns in the Mayor’s Office
and the fellowships. Interns in the Mayor’s Office are usually full-time/part-time students. The
IN focus program is for people who have graduated. They have deferred job opportunities at
other prestigious companies in order to spend that year in South Bend working on various
projects. We call it the brain gain program.
Councilmember Schey: How do we make sure that, that is fair, so for example, what are the
eligibility requirements, what’s the application process, how do we make sure that everyone is
being treated fairly and given an equal opportunity to become the IN focus fellow.
Mayor Buttigieg: This fellowship is open to any graduate of that program.
Councilmember Schey: We the City of South Bend, our HR Department screen the applicants.
Mayor Buttigieg: This is not a city program. IN focus has their own applicant and screening
process.
Councilmember Schey: And then the last question that I have for you is certainly we do some or
a variety of accounting methods with how we manage the budget and one thing that I didn’t
completely understand and either you or maybe Mark might be able to explain. The 2 million
dollars that we are appropriating for the vacant & abandoned initiative, that’s money that was
currently in the EDIT fund that we are moving to the loss recovery fund. Can you explain the
rationale of paying for the vacant & abandoned initiative out of the loss recovery fund?
Mayor Buttigieg: I will defer to somebody, who has more expertise in dealing with those fund
numbers. But I will say philosophically (inaudible)
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Mark Neal, City Controller, 12 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South
Bend, Indiana. (inaudible)
Councilmember Schey: I guess because in reading the footnotes on the yellow sheets which
there are abundance of yellow sheets, and abundance of footnotes, but doing my due diligence,
my understanding by reading the footnotes was that the action that was actually taking place was
that the money from the EDIT fund is being transferred to Fund #227 and the project was being
funded out of Fund #227, is that an accurate?
Mark Neal: (inaudible)
Councilmember Schey: So the full $2 million dollars that if we appropriate tonight, the full $2
million will be coming from Fund #227.
Councilmember Dieter: Okay, thank you very much. First of all I would like to thank the
administration and everybody, I know sometimes there is a lot of work and a lot of things that
the Council will ask and you guys have provided us with mountains of paperwork. So thank you
for that. First and foremost I would thank you on behalf of all downtown business people by
putting funding for adequate police patrols. Secondly, I think that (inaudible), I talked with
Chris about (inaudible) and that is a project that really needs to keep going. Thirdly, Scott if
you could come up again and explain that Lafayette & William are more of a traffic flow outlet
as opposed to business development. Is that an accurate statement? You need those streets so
when you start to work on Main & Michigan you have arteries that cars can flow out on. I don’t
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
know if you ever did, have you guys, it was in the thing, I may have missed it, what do you
anticipate about Bartlett by the school and then heading south on Lafayette by the Hospital.
Mayor Buttigieg: I will let Scott speak to the technical aspects.
Scott Ford: (inaudible)
Councilmember Dieter: Did any of the residents have concerns/comments of the increased
traffic flow going by there.
Scott Ford: It is not going to be that noticeable.
Councilmember Dieter: How about the school corporation with increased traffic going south
bound?
Scott Ford: We are looking at Bartlett Street. Right now we are at the construction level, so as
we go into design detail obviously we going to continue partnership.
Councilmember Dieter: It’s actually a double fence because it is out there. And, also the
District Representatives are under much more pressure from people like Oliver said, especially
Olive & Ewing. Again, I would encourage as much as possible because I know that he has taken
a lot in his District of things that have gone on and especially on Ewing Street, if there are ways
to help get that project going and help him specifically, because he hasn’t receive a lot.
Councilmember Oliver Davis: I would like to defer to our attorney. Could you clarify the page
where the funds are for New Energy, the $350,000 for the wells. Could you clarify that?
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Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: For the benefit of the public, on October 18 the
City Council sent recommendations as far as considerations for amendments and one of them
included construction of wells near the former New Energy Plant over a series of discussions in
collaboration with the City Administration, one of the many pages of the amended pages that
were filed by Mr. Neal and his staff, including under the loss recovery fund Fund #227 on page
number 737 a comment under the Smart Streets funding that there would be a reduction of
$350,000 for and I am quoting “for future placement of wells near the Ethanol Plant.” So again,
if you need further elaboration of that from the Controller’s Office Mr. Neal is shaking his head
that he would do it, but it is in the budget.
Councilmember Oliver Davis: Further elaboration Mr. Neal.
Mayor Buttigieg: Just to be really quick that the idea is (inaudible)
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.: Thanks, there has been a considerable amount of construction
jobs that could potentially happen if this Smart Street deal goes through. I am aware of that, I
am very concerned and have been concerned for some time about local labor, and at this point
and time I am going to ask and request that there may be a potential look at or a value of a
project labor agreement at a level that doesn’t extend us into and including all of Southwest
Michigan and not folks that are in St. Joseph County, more specifically South Bend, Indiana.
Mayor Buttigieg: I appreciate that suggestion and certainly agree with local labor.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr: Is that your view/values or is that just an answer of how you
think things should work. I’m not hearing like we are going to work towards that nor do it. It’s
kind of like yeah.
Mayor Buttigieg: We have not entered into any specifics about a potential project labor
agreement. But we certainly do value and look forward to the spirit of conversation. There is no
PLA written into the budget, but we are in dialogue with local labor and agree with the goal that
we need to make sure that we are doing everything we can to support local labor. (inaudible)
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.: That’s great, so in past years we have put that project labor
agreement as being around 20-25 percent sometimes 30 percent. I am trying to get closer to see
where we are at with these things. Again, I have a strong issue of us having local labors here and
for whatever reason we find it is cheaper to employ people outside of the community saying we
are doing a better job by doing it, but the problem is that the folks that live here are still
unemployed, so they can spend their money here in South Bend. So I am directing my interest
towards making sure that South not only gets a façade change if that happens, but it also gets the
economic impact by folks who actually need the jobs and be able to spend their money in places
South Bend, Indiana.
Chairperson White: At this point, it is still in the Council portion, I am going to give each
Councilmember an opportunity to make any closing comments and then we would take action at
that point.
Comments back and forth amongst Councilmember’s at this point.
Councilmember Dieter: A lot of comments up here, but from me that we have to have this.
Eric Horvath: We agree, we want to see it happen.
Councilmember Dieter: I need a timeline so when people ask me.
Eric Horvath: We want to make it happen as quickly as we can.
Councilmember Dieter: Give me a time, two years, three years?
Eric Horvath: I would say that the negotiations with INDOT in the beginning next year, and then
sometime hopefully we would have an agreement. I would say that I can see jurisdiction
transfers take as much as ten years. We don’t anticipate it taking that long with previous
conversations with INDOT. They are going to be helpful throughout the whole process as was
everyone who came to those initial meetings because INDOT understood that this a major
project that people wanted to see happen.
Chairperson White: I am going to ask Councilmember’s for their comments at this time.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic: I certainly appreciate all hard work that went into the but
especially the two-way smart streets project. (inaudible)
Councilmember Oliver Davis: I am thankful that the funding for the wells has been included.
The anticipation for the two-way (inaudible)
Councilmember Dr. David Varner: I want to echo comments made by the Mayor. Having sat
through eighteen of these now, this is without a question, the most comprehensive budget
hearings with all the questions from Councilmembers and answers from Mark Neal, John
Murphy and their staff, getting back with those answers, through e-mails; meetings etc. I can’t
tell you how many times I saw that as a struggle in previous years. I would like to invite
everyone here that has sat through all these meeting next year, because I can guarantee you that
there will be equally important issues and hopefully prevalent discussion and final analysis what
we end up with is something that we all need to go home and start working on next year. Thank
you.
Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic: I want to second Councilmember Ferlic’s comments and
Councilmember Dr. David Varner’s Comments on thanking the administration, they’ve bent
over backwards, they compromised a lot. From their initial proposals a month ago, and so the
public should know that, the public should also know that we have a $343 million dollar budget
and as far as the smart streets is concerned there is really only $4.1 million dollars anointed
going towards smart streets. We have an $11 million dollar budget, but $4.9 million of that goes
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
to Memorial which we have to do, we have to maintain a world class institution as any of you
know economically they have a much poorer payer mix in St. Joe so we, the city has to help
them out, to maintain our excellence in medicine and in the infrastructure $725,000 going to curb
and sidewalks, another $1.75 to corridors, so that leaves you with $4.1 million dollars for the
smart streets out of $343 million dollar budget. I am excited about Bill 45-13; I think that we
have to seize the moment. I had a great opportunity in the past month to go around with the
major grocery marketer in this area, and I should him around downtown South Bend and I asked
him if he would put in some type of grocery store, because what we need here is a grocery store,
a pharmacy, everybody knows that. He said that if we can get the people, that he will obviously
do it. Okay, so there’s a real plus and this street project creates the density that we need. Also, I
had the great opportunity of going around with a restaurant, a major chain restaurant owner, I
spent a Sunday, going around downtown South Bend and he also said he would consider putting
in a “chain” restaurant in downtown South Bend if we had the density. The only way that you
are going to get the density, is with plans like Scott Ford is offering. So, that’s why I am excited
about this whole thing and I think that there can be a whole economic renaissance in South Bend
and I like to ask the community people, the downtown community people how many of you are
in favor of this downtown streets, please stand up. I apologize, I defer to Chairperson White.
Can you ask that question?
Chairperson White: We are not in the public portion, but the Council can look out in audience
and ascertain and acknowledge that.
Councilmember Ferlic: Karen has taught me a lot.
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Councilmember Schey: First, with all due respect to my honorable colleague from the 4
District I do need to correct the record, the amount appropriated for the curb & sidewalk program
is actually $1.1 million and not $725,000. For the record please make that correction. I have a
lengthy comment. I received numerous phone calls and I feel that it is my responsibility to share
with all here tonight, my thoughts, opinions and feelings on this. So, first I want to thank
everyone for participating in the democratic process and I also want to thank those of you in the
rd
3 District that have put your trust in me to be a good fiscal steward of your money we are
spending your money and I take that very seriously. So thank you for coming tonight and thank
you for sharing your thoughts and concerns over the past couple of weeks. With every resident I
have explained that as a representative of the tax payers of South Bend I take my responsibility
to provide fiscal oversight very seriously. The request that is before Council tonight is to
appropriate $11.4 million dollars for this project and I am talking about the smart streets, which I
think we probably all knew. As you can all appreciate this is a very significant appropriation and
therefore should demand a great amount of detail. For me personally I rely less on the narrative
describing the project and more on the numbers describing the cost. The street scape scenes the
photographs they have all been lovely, but I what I rely on more heavily is the fact and figures. I
will share that I have continued to ask the administration for additional detail in terms of a
detailed cost analysis for each phase. And I appreciate a lot of these details have not yet been
worked out, but I have not yet received the level of detail as far as cost information that I need to
ensure me that we have explored every opportunity for value engineering and economies of
scale. To better illustrate this for everyone here tonight I will focus on two phases. I will focus
on phase two which is the Jefferson Street project which has a budgeted cost of $1.475 million
and a significant portion of that cost is coming from the installation of storm sewers. And Phase
Three which would be the Bartlett Street/Leeper Park Roundabout which has a budgeted cost of
$4.9 million. So to help explain where I see opportunities for value engineering on just these
two phases I will refer back to the combined sewer overflow presentation that our Public Works
Director Eric Horvath made to the Utilities Committee on August 26, 2013. It terms of
addressing the drainage issues on Jefferson by installing storms sewers I would prefer that we
first complete the scheduled work of installing the $24.5 million dollar storage tank at Howard
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
Park as well as the $10.3 million dollars storage tank at the old fire station which may
significantly mitigate the need for the storm sewers. Additionally, I believe that there could be
economies of scale by combining the scheduled work at Howard Park with the installation of the
storm sewers on Jefferson. As far as the Leeper Park Project goes, we have plans to install a $49
million; we have plans to do $49 million dollars’ worth of combined sewer overflow project
there. We have plans to install and 8.7 million gallon storage tank at Leeper Park. So my point
is that there has been an artificial deadline imposed on this project by leading the public to
believe that it a vote does not take place on this project tonight that the project is dead. It’s not,
what I personally feel is we need to look at not only the smart streets project, but the other
scheduled construction projects that we have on going. And I think by doing that and we have
not taken the time to do that. And I think by taking the time to do that those numbers that I just
shared with you for the combined sewer overflow those are significant dollars and if you are
going to tear up the streets why do it twice? So, my questions, my plea to the Administration
and my requests to the community that have been so generous with your time, your phone, your
e-mails, is please understand that if a vote does not take place on smart streets tonight, it’s not
that the project is dead, what we are trying to do is save you guys some money. I know, it’s a bit
of a novel concept, but if there are opportunities for value engineering, economies of scale, heck
if we are installing a, the storage tank that is going to go in at Howard Park in Spring, that’s a
multi-million dollar project. Wouldn’t it make sense to combine that construction work the
potential for storm sewers on Jefferson. And Leeper Park, how much did I say that storage tank,
that’s a $49 million dollar construction project, why would we do that work in isolation from the
roundabout. I’m not an engineer, but to me that just doesn’t make sense. And, so I will leave
you all with both thank you for entrusting me with providing oversight for your tax dollars and
then I would also say that I hope you understand that if the vote does not take place tonight and
that the Council asks to continue to work with the Administration to look at these various
construction projects and how we might be able to achieve economies of scale and also do some
value engineering, we should all be grateful for that opportunity cause it could save us all a lot of
money. And with that I’m done.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.: Thank you. I’m tired to say the least. You guys have fatigued
me. I’ve never met this much over a budget since I have been a Councilmember. As a matter of
fact I think we met so much because a lot of information probably wasn’t being given out in the
way that it probably should have. Do I commend everyone for showing up all the time, sure I
do. However, I think we have done a lot of things that are probably been inconsistent to a lot of
things that have been out there. Hope that we will be able to work at this better next year,
because this was very grueling, it was very rough. It was rough and I think that it was rough for
no reason. The other part that I am very concerned about you know is our priorities. We have
joblessness rate in here again, I keep going back to beyond the State average, beyond national
average, and we are the highest in employment in a five (5) county region. And, sure these jobs
or perceived jobs proposed jobs may come in and I give value to it, because I think me and the
gentlemen that are here business owners are going to invest their money. But it does not tap at
not anywhere close to where we are at in the employment levels, nowhere close. What I do see
happening is that many folks that like to place in South Bend will be able to play a lot harder in
South Bend. But the folks that are a part of South Bend, that live in South Bend won’t get the
benefit of the gain that we need and the investments that we need in our neighborhoods. I have
not shied away from talking about what goes on in District 2 and even in the total City of South
Bend. I have not shied away from that, I have always stood on the point, that if we don’t have
jobs here, our crime goes up, and as you see crime is high and jobs are low. So they run hand in
hand. Businessmen make profits period, there is business to make profit. I don’t begrudge any
businessman from making a profit because that is what he is supposed to do. Just like I don’t
begrudge a Councilmember for voting their wishes of their constituency base. I think that we
need to be clear and honest about our intentions, I’m really unhappy with continuing to hear how
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
people are doing this to help South Bend and all of these value based decisions are going to be
made. Let’s be honest we are adults now, if you want to make a profit, just say that’s what you
are doing making a profit. And, that’s just what you say, I mean just be honest. If you are going
to be you know a philanthropist, well say that as well. If that is the case, then pay for the streets
on your own. But I want to make sure that we’re clear here as to what we are going to do with
this city, and not smoke screen it, and put people in a position to make a decision based upon
time or the unwillingness of certain individuals. South Bend does need to move forward I
believe it; I want to see it happen. I think that we all will be happy to see it happen. But it needs
to be responsible, it has to be responsible, and we cannot not include the folks that live in the
neighborhoods, not in the immediate area, but outlying areas, it’s a community of 100,000 folks
and some of the folks that are here I don’t know if everybody lives in South Bend, but this
represents a small very, very, very small percentage of folks that are living in South Bend,
Indiana. We can go on down from seniors all the way down to infants, we can go from black, we
can go from white, we can talk about legacy, we can talk about Hispanic culture, we can talk
about being Hungarian, we can talk about all those things, but our focus is and has to be to
remain true we need to make sure that the people of South Bend, the people of South Bend, are
getting the gain out of any and every project that we are doing. And, I digress.
Councilmember Tim Scott: Thank you Chairperson White. And thank you Dr. Dave Varner for
guiding us down this path and bringing it home. I also want to thank the Administration. All the
citizens in South Bend, I have lived in other communities where you don’t get the reaction and
the response like you do in South Bend. For me, this is my first term, I noticed it during the
campaign, I noticed it since then, I like that about South Bend. I also like the fact so many
members of my community, my district, has chimed in on this, and they are excited, the
anticipation. For the budget, for the two-way streets, we talk about improving in moving South
Bend, well it starts here, and it starts now. Councilmember Oliver Davis, I understand the past,
and there are a lot of things that I could not control at the time, because I wasn’t on Council on
what happened in the past. What I can do is look at is our term and tenure now in going forward.
And while we are here we don’t want the actions of the past or what has happened in the past to
happen on our watch. I’m committed to helping anybody on this Council that commitments be
made and kept. But it is an exciting time, something we all talked about, something that I ran on,
walking distance in downtown is where we live and people want to see change and it starts now.
And, I think that this is a good program, talked to Ian Blackwood several times, participated in
the workshops and charrettes and Councilman Dieter, Lockwood, yeah okay, thank you. And,
Councilman Dieter there is a lot of input from the NNN and Chapin Park Area on this matter on
both sides and I commend the administration for reaching out to those people and making sure
that they are being heard and things are going to go the right way. As I said in the past, Leeper
Park, you know it’s a very historic park, and I truly believe that we can have historic
preservation but make improvements and make improvements for the better for us. I don’t think
that the park was intended to be designed with a chain link fence and asphalt around a duck
pond. I really think that we can make improvements and it starts here. I am excited about
starting now having jobs in South Bend, having construction on this project for two-ways and
moving forward.
Chairperson White: I would like to as well thank the Councilmembers we have spent a lot of
time together during the eighteen meetings that we have had and various conversations and just
going over the information that the Administration has submitted to us. I would like to
personally thank the Mayor and his Administration. I have been on the Council for quite some
time and I just reflected on some of the previous budget processes that we have had. And, when
we started this budget process the Mayor and the Administration had identified, if I’m not
mistaken twelve or thirteen priorities. It was at that time that I indicated that you need to
prioritize those priorities. Throughout the budget process the Administration has been very
flexible with the Council, this is the first time that I have been on the Council that our priorities
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
that we had expressed in terms of curbs and sidewalks; in terms of adequate lighting; in terms of
addressing the corridors; as well as other areas, one of which was addressing New Energy
challenges with the wells and other areas I felt were so important for our neighborhoods.
Throughout the budget process, I continue to state that we have to make our neighborhoods
better as we looking at downtown South Bend as we are looking at different District; there are
certain Districts that we have to address. I would continue to voice that concern throughout the
upcoming budget processes to see more in terms of our prime directive towards the
neighborhoods. But I wanted to publicly not only thank the Council, but to thank the
administration because this is the first budget since I’ve been part of that I can say I see some of
our priorities. I can see where the Councilmember’s had clearly articulated the need for curbs
and sidewalks. Would I like to have more of course, will I ask for more, you can bet on that. It’s
been a long process, the bottom line is that we will never agree on every bill, every item that will
come before us. When we reach consensus, that’s well, when we don’t the bottom line is what’s
best for our community, what’s best for our citizens and the ability to move forward. And the
Councilmember’s that we have before us, they are committed to making sure that South Bend is
a better community for all of our citizens. And, so as your Chair of the Committee of the Whole,
it’s been a wonderful experience and that is the end of my comments.
Councilmember Dieter: I like to move for favorable recommendation.
Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic: Second
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: The motion should be for the amended version.
Councilmember Schey called for a point of order that she would like to make an amendment.
Chairperson White stated that she would like to go to the Council Attorney in regard to making
sure that they follow the proper procedures at this time.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand advised that as long as the Chair recognized both
motions they would be appropriate, the motion and the second.
Chairperson White stated that she did not recognize because so many people were speaking.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand advised that Councilmember Schey is order to
make an amendment by proper motion.
Councilmember Schey made an amendment to maintain the $1.95 million dollars that is earmark
for Smart Streets in Fund #227, which will cover the $1.8 million needed for Phase I, but would
like to delete the $4.5 million that is earmarked in the Major Moves Fund #412. Councilmember
Oliver Davis seconded the motion. The motion was defeated by a roll call vote of eight (8) nays
and one (1) aye (Councilmember Schey.)
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to accept the Smart Streets budget as proposed.
Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic seconded the motion.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand called for a point of order at this time. The
amended budget before the City Council approves the funding as proposed by the
Administration. So a separate motion would not be necessary, if they are included in Bill 45-13
as amended.
Councilmember’s Gavin Ferlic and Dr. Fred Ferlic rescinded their motion.
Councilmember Dieter made a motion to delete Trinal, Edit Fund #408, $50,773, on page 151.
Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9)
ayes.
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
Councilmember Dieter made a motion to recommend this bill to full Council with a favorable
recommendation as amended. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion, which carried by a
voice vote of eight (8) ayes and one (1) nay (Councilmember Schey.)
BILL NO. 46-13 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING MONIES
FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE
EXPENSES OF THE DESIGNATED
ENTERPRISE FUNDS OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2014, AND ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 2014 INCLUDING ALL
OUTSTANDING CLAIMS, AND
OBLIGATIONS, AND FIXING A TIME WHEN
THE SAME SHALL TAKE EFFECT
Councilmember Varner, Chairperson, Personnel & Finance Committee, reported that this
committee met on this bill and sends it to the full Council with no recommendation.
Mark Neal, City Controller made the presentation for this bill.
Mark Neal: Bill No. 46-13 is submitted to you for your favorable consideration.
Councilmember Schey: As the Chair of the Utilities Committee we are scheduled to discuss the
proposed sewer rate increases. Is the proposed sewer rate increase already including in this bill.
Mr. Neal: There is a sewer rate increase in that bill, but we do think that there will be some
changes in those sewer rates.
Councilmember Dieter made a motion to send this bill to the full Council with a favorable
recommendation. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of
nine (9) ayes.
BILL NO. 53-13 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL FIXING
MAXIMUM SALARIES AND WAGES OF
APPOINTED OFFICERS AND NON-
BARGAINING EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE
CALENDAR YEAR 2014
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Chairperson White: I do believe that we need to action to accept the 2 Substitute of Bill No.
53-13.
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Councilmember Scott made a motion to hear the 2 Substitute version of this bill as on file with
the City Clerk. Councilmember Schey seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of
nine (9) ayes.
Councilmember Dr. David Varner, Chairperson, Personnel & Finance Committee reported had a
hearing on Substitute Bill No. 53-13 and sends it to the full Council with no recommendation.
Chairperson White: At this time we would like to call the presenters to the podium. Mayor Pete
Buttigieg and City Controller Mark Neal. I need to ask our Council Attorney would this be the
time to read the amendments.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: No, we would let the Mayor go first and then we
will do that.
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
Mayor Buttigieg: Thank you and good evening. I will be brief because much of what is
discussed and contemplated in this bill had been discussed quite a bit both in this chamber and in
public. But I would like to revisit the reason why the administration believes that it is so
important to make these adjustments. We are in the process of working to insure that the salary
structure of our City needs two very important criteria: Internal Equity and External
Competitiveness. The idea with internal equity is that within our organization people who work
in substantially similar levels of responsibility can be entitled to substantially similar levels of
pay. I want to remind everybody that this is a salary fixing and an ordinance fixing maximum
salaries. So that performance can always come into the equation in terms of whether an
employee is paid the maximum salary allowable by law or something short of that. The principle
of internal equity is that the maximum salaries associated with any position should reflect a
comparable nature to other similar positions internally. When I speak about external
competitiveness, I speak about the imperative for every organization including a government and
especially one with the kinds of responsibilities that the administration of the City of South Bend
has. To ensure that it is paying every position at a level that is consistent with the market. It is
consistent with what other people doing similar jobs in communities nearby with similar costs of
living are paid. While I cannot promise adoption of this ordinance will completely satisfy those
goals and acknowledge that there is more work to be done to ensure that kind of external
competitiveness and internal equity exits for every position in the city. I do strongly submit to
you that this moves us in the right direction by a great deal especially when it comes to a number
of positions that we are rightly challenged on last year when we were first requesting a number
of salary changes for position that were mostly vacant. The question that was asked of us at the
time was why are you only adjusting the salaries for positions that are vacant because you need
to recruit for them. What about positions that are currently occupied, is it fair to people working
in those jobs that you only seem to be contemplating salary changes for those that are vacant.
While some of the contemplated changes are here are vacant, I would especially draw your
attention to those at water works. Many of them are for positions that are currently occupied.
Our goal in researching what the going rate is for these kinds of jobs was to make sure that we
have a way to from what in some cases represent bargain basement salaries to move us into the
middle of the pack. To put us somewhere close to the average of comparable cities and I think
we can move from the back of the pack to the middle on these positions with these proposed
changes. I also just want to note that we did make one amendment incorporating a suggestion
from members of the Council, the position of Director of Community Outreach be given a raise
of 10% consistent with what was suggested to us earlier. So that is one change you would note
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in the 2 Substitute Bill. We have a chance to better position our city to be internally equitable
and externally competitive and we believe this a very important step on the path on a having a
very robust salary structure for our city as a whole. Thank you.
Chairperson White: Thank you. At this time I would like to ask our City Clerk to read into the
record the various amendments.
City Clerk John Voorde: Deputy Director of Public Works new position funded at $90,000;
Deputy Mayor new title funded at $98,000; Director of Water Works currently funded at $69,721
to be $81,000; Executive Director of the Morris Performing Arts Center currently $76,775 to
$90,000; Ordinance Violation Bureau Clerk currently $33,866 expected funding $39,643; Parks
Superintendent currently $77,041 proposed $90,000.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: All of the other positions will be at 7% that will
be read into the record.
City Clerk John Voorde: Assistant Zoning Administrator $53,338; Building Commissioner
$79,374; Chief Code Inspector $46,418; Chief of Staff to Mayor $66,751; Deputy Chief of Staff
to the Mayor $63,413; Deputy City Controller $73,440; Director of Central Services $69,721 at
present; Director of Community Outreach $45,000 to be $45,900; Director 311 Customer Service
$52,000; Director of Code Enforcement $70,623; Director Communication Center currently
$56,541; Director of Office of Sustainability $70,782; Director of Human Rights $55,347;
Director of Streets $70,968; Director of Safety & Risk $53,040; Director of Water Works
$69,721 we covered that one; Director Environmental Services $73,089 up to $81,000; Forester
$53,836; Manager of Environmental Compliance $60,757; Network Engineer $54,737 that’s it.
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
Councilmember Dieter: Madam Chair may I make a.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: The Director of Outreach, I believe $49,500. So
those are all the recommendations from the Personnel & Finance Committee this evening. So, if
the Council would want to entertain a motion on that before the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Dieter: I would like to make an amendment Madam Chair.
Chairperson White: Yes
Councilmember Dieter: That the Deputy Mayor Salary instead of $98,000 it be $100,431.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: The problem with that would be that the Mayor
would have to recommend that under State Law the Council can only reduce at this stage.
Councilmember Dieter: Ok.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: The maximum recommended by the Mayor was
$98,000.
Chairperson White: At this point I want to ask Councilmembers if you have any questions
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regarding the 2 Substitute Bill 53-13. Questions regarding salaries, you will an opportunity if
you would like to make any comments but the questions should pertain to the salary ordinance.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: Again, just a point of reference, if there is going
to be an amendment that amendment should be made and then the questions to the presenter
would be appropriate but then we should go directly to the public hearing.
Councilmember Dr. David Varner: The point that I would like to make for the sake of better
understanding is that these numbers that the Council provides are not the salaries, these are the
maximum allowable salaries within the structure and the management aspects of the Mayor’s
Office and the Administration they can work within the previous year’s salary and the maximum
salary to find a level that suits the need if they can find the level that suits the need. So what we
aren’t designating an absolute salary we are designating an absolute maximum. And I think that
allows discretion in a number of instances for the salary to be at the Administration’s level rather
than at the Council’s level. That’s a clarification that I wanted the public to hear.
Councilmember Henry Davis: Sure, what is going to be the measurement, whoever, is going to
answer this Mark Neal, Mayor Buttigieg? In speaking to this and the increases in salary the ones
that have been asked for, what is the measurement of success of results for these positions. Is
there a measurement?
Mayor Buttigieg: So, the way we think of it administratively and I think the way you would
find most organizations do in setting salaries is that you set the salary associated with a position
based on the what the market says is right for that position. You set the actual salary for the
incumbent in that position based on performance. So when we talk about wanting to make sure
that compensation reflects results, that would be something that we would look to capture less in
the legal maximum on what the salary could go up to which is what’s contemplated here, but
rather as a management decision in the decision about whether to go all the way up to that cap or
pay some other level. That would be a chance to contemplate properties not of the position but
of the individual in it. Possibly include performance but also like qualifications and tenure.
Councilmember Henry Davis: So qualifications and tenure, so how do you grade these things?
For the lack of a better way of asking the question.
Mayor Buttigieg: In terms of deciding how to evaluate employee’s performance? I think that is
something that we candidly can do more work on. I think that there is an opportunity to develop
more formalized structures than we have had historically for assessing performance of
individuals. And we are working on one of the benefits of us now having a talent manager
position within the HR Department. As we have more bandwidth to formalize those processes.
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
Right now they happen on a department by department level and I think that it is fair to say that
each department handles that a little bit differently.
Councilmember Davis: Well you know in looking at and hearing the $90,000; $90,000; you
know it just seems to be a bit excessive compared to what we already have. I understand how
you are matching them up but when we were talking a couple days ago, I asked about this EEOC
report because I wanted to match against, I wanted to see a full picture of what our employee
base looks like. And why it is necessary is because we need to get our census data back from the
Federal Government it speaks to how many people measure obviously, their gender, also by race,
age, just a (inaudible) demographic report, and what I am looking at right here at this EEOC
report from last year to this year there is not much of a change mirroring the population that
currently lives here. My expectation was that we were going to try to begin to change some of
the ways that these things work for all for all people who live here in South Bend it is not a
certain segment of South Bend getting the high paying salaries versus another segment getting
the lower paying salaries. So, my question again as far as how you are grading these things and
recruiting folks in, are you being a little bit more sensitive to the fact that the numbers that are on
this EEOC reports not reflected at all. I’ve looked at the changes and I’ve only see like maybe
two, maybe three changes total. Which does not amount to a very much of a changed based
upon the information that you provided to me today and the information that I was provided
close to a year ago.
Mayor Buttigieg: Very sensitive. It is a goal of this administration that the work force of the
City of South Bend reflects the community that we all serve. And I think that the relationship
between a government and the public is better when the government resembles the republic and
it’s make-up across gender, ethnic, racial, and other lines. I believe that we are making progress;
I believe that there is a lot of work yet to be done. I would want to point out and want to correct
something that I said last night, for the handful of positions I have been most directly involved
with, appointments the Mayor’s Office, and appointments of department heads in the year 2013,
I think I represented last night that I thought about 80% of those were women or minorities or
both. That was incorrect; the correct figure was 100%. 100% of Department Heads that I have
hired or Mayor’s Office personnel that I have brought in during the year 2013, have been
women, minorities or both. I do not mean to say that means our work is done, far from it. We
have a lot of work to do and I think most governments would say the same, when it comes to
making sure that personnel at every level and especially and senior level, reflect the public of the
community that they serve. But we are certainly sensitive to the reasons that we provide this
EEOC data and will be very open to suggestions down the line on how to accelerate our progress
toward that goal that we share.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.: Just in order of fairness, I just don’t see it happening, I don’t.
I am a bit concerned about the level of fairness as it relates to folks working on our end who is
getting the high salaries and who is not. I just don’t see it happening.
There was discussion between Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. and Council Attorney Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand about asking a question of the petitioner and making a statement.
Chairperson White: I am going to ask again that any comments be directed to me as the Chair
and that you will have opportunity to ask your question.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.: Who are you talking to me or Kathy?
Chairperson White: I am talking to the whole Council.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.: So, looking at the changes in the budget, just give me a
second; paying attention to changes in the budget I am concerned about privatization, and the
reason that I am concerned about it is because of the graduation of low level salary employees or
hourly employees either A: not getting a raise or getting a small raise or those positions unfilled
and then we see an increase of salaries at higher levels and more new jobs at the higher levels.
And I have seen models like this in other cities where they do this and the city goes into specialty
services and these ones that are out here will go into a private company for city services. Is that
where we are headed?
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
Mayor Buttigieg: I think that many of the cities that have turned to more privatization have done
so because they have been unable to pay competitive salaries in-house. So as a matter of our
vision and intent going forward for our compensation structure the more that we are paying
competitively public employees, city employees, the less pressure that would create to turn to
private sector actors to do work that might be better done within the public sector if only we are
able to pay the right people doing the work.
Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.: I hope that we don’t want privatization. I just the model of
going down the street with it and it concerns me deeply, it does. I’m done.
Chairperson White: Ok, thank you. I want to make sure that if there are any other
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Councilmembers who have any questions regarding the 2 Substitute Bill 53-13.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: Is there a motion so that the public has the right to
speak.
Councilmember Oliver Davis: Motion to approve.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: No, a motion with regard to the amendment that
Councilmember (City Clerk) Voorde (inaudible) correctly.
Councilmember Schey made a motion to accept the amendments as presented. Councilmember
Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes and one (1) nay.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic: I apologize what was the motion?
Chairperson White: The motion was to, please Council Attorney.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: The motion was to accept the positions and the
amounts read by City Clerk John Voorde to amend substitute Bill 53-13.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic: To incorporate all these amendments. Okay, nay would be my
vote.
Chairperson White: So the motion was made and seconded and Councilmembers had an
opportunity to vote on that and it received a favorable recommendation in regards to accept those
amendments at this time. I wanted to make sure that our City Attorney will also outline the next
steps for us.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: Our public hearings on this bill and only this bill
this evening any member of the public has the right to speak either in favor or in opposition for
five (5) minutes and ask that you give your name and address for the record. All those that are
speaking in favor of the bill first will speak initially followed by those in opposition. Then the
presenters have the right to a rebuttal.
st
Chairperson White: I will ask 1 District Councilmember Tim Scott to keep time for us.
nd
Chairperson White: At this time is there anyone present wishing to speak in support of a 2
Substitute Version of Bill 53-13 as amended.
Councilmember Tim Scott: I will give you a one (1) minute exit warning.
The following individual spoke in favor of the bill:
Cecil Eastman, 57112 Peachstone Avenue, South Bend, Indiana: I should also point out as many
know I am an employee of the City. My position is not part of the list that was read off by Mr.
Voorde this evening. If I am fortunate enough to be part of the city next year as I expect to be, I
should be the proud recipient of 2% raise. But saying that, the importance of this increase cannot
be understated and it really shouldn’t be taken too lightly. It’s not just a matter of whether or not
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
the individuals who are currently holding onto the position receive a raise that might be in parity
with other cities it’s a matter of recognizing the work that is being done and it’s also a matter of
being able to attract worthy colleagues. I look forward to improving the City in the best way that
I possibly can and I look forward to working with the best possible people and best way to get
those best possible people are to offer something attractive to them. Thank you.
There being no one else present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in
opposition to this bill, Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion for favorable
recommendation to full Council concerning Bill No. 53-13 as amended. Councilmember Schey
seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of (the voice vote was not able to be counted)
Councilmember Oliver Davis asked for a roll call vote. Roll Call Vote (six (6) ayes:
Councilmember’s Henry Davis Jr.; Schey; Dr. Fred Ferlic; Dr. David Varner; Oliver Davis; and
Dieter and three (3) nays Councilmember’s Scott; Gavin Ferlic and White.)
Chairperson White: This bill will be sent to the full Council with a favorable recommendation.
BILL NO. 54-13 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, IDIANA, FIXING MAXIMUM WAGES
OF TEAMSTER EMPLOYEES FOR CALENDAR
YEAR 2014
Councilmember Scott made a motion to accept the substitute version of this bill as on file in the
Office of the City Clerk. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a
voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
Councilmember Dr. David Varner, Chairperson, Personnel & Finance Committee, reported that
Bill No. 54-13 then substituted and accepted was heard in Public Hearing this afternoon and
comes to the Council with a favorable recommendation.
th
Cheryl Greene, Assistant City Attorney, 12 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson
Blvd., South Bend, Indiana: I am pleased to be here tonight along with Jim Szucs who is the
bargaining agent for the Teamster Work Group Union #364 and very pleased to report that after
a three months, 55 hours meeting with 19 different work groups represented by 20 Teamster
employees. We have reached an agreement as to wages and working conditions for 3 years
beginning 2014 through the end of calendar year 2016. That agreement will be as reported in
Bill No. 54-13 the substitute that is provided to you. A 2% increase for each of the three years.
At this time I would also like to thank very much all the many people who have participated in
this process as you could well imagine the 20 stewards representing the Teamsters as well as the
City’s Administration Team represented by Eric Horvath, Public Works, Phil St. Clair, Parks &
Recreation, Jan Hall helping with the Human Resources, Mark Neal, City Controller, my
paralegal Mary Arndt, to take notes as well as participation by Councilmember’s Dr. David
Varner, Oliver Davis, Valerie Schey and Gavin Ferlic. It was sometimes like herding cats to get
this accomplished. We are very happy to report that tonight and ask for a favorable
recommendation on Bill No. 54-13.
Jim Szucz, 2405 E. Edison Road, South Bend, Indiana: I am the Business Agent for the
employees in the Parks & Recreation and Public Works Department covered by the collective
bargaining agreement between the City and the Teamsters and Kathy we didn’t want to forget
you also. The Parks & Recreation work groups under the collective bargaining agreement,
maintenance group, skilled trades group, zoo employees, golf course employees, the centers, and
the arborists, and the public works departments covered under the collective bargaining
agreement, all of the employees from the street department, sewer department, traffic & lighting,
water works, construction maintenance workers, meter department workers, customer services
representatives water treatment employees, the equipment services division employees, waste
water employees, organic resources and building maintenance employees, today approve the
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
city’s offer for a three year collective bargaining agreement. Therefore, I recommend to the
Council to please approve the resolution before you.
Chairperson White: Prior to going to the public hearing portion. Councilmember’s do you have
any questions? Seeing none and we thank you so much and we will now move to the Public
Hearing Portion.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard.
There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to
this bill, Councilmember Dr. David Varner made a motion for favorable recommendation to full
Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried
by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
RISE AND REPORT
Councilmember Scott made a motion to rise and report to the full Council. Councilmember
Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
ATTEST: ATTEST:
_____________________________ ____________________________
John Voorde, City Clerk Karen L. White, Chairperson
Committee of the Whole
REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED
Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend reconvened in the
Council Chambers of the fourth floor of the County-City Building at 9:04 p.m. Council
President Dieter presided with nine (9) members present.
BILLS – THIRD READING
ORDINANCE NO. 10264-13 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING MONIES
FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE
EXPENSES OF SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS OF
THE CIVIL CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING
JANUARY 1, 2014 AND ENDING DECEMBER
31, 2014 INCLUDING ALL OUTSTANDING
CLAIMS AND OBLIGATIONS, AND FIXING A
TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL TAKE
EFFECT
This bill had third reading. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to amend this bill as in
the Committee of the Whole, seconded by Councilmember Scott. Additionally, Councilmember
Scott made a motion to pass this substitute bill, as amended, seconded by Councilmember Dr.
Fred Ferlic. The bill passed by a roll call vote of eight (8) ayes and one (1) nay (Councilmember
Schey.)
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
ORDINANCE NO. 10265-13 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, APPROPRIATING MONIES
FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE
EXPENSES OF THE DESIGNATED
ENTERPRISE FUNDS OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2014, AND ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 2014 INCLUDING ALL
OUTSTANDING CLAIMS, AND
OBLIGATIONS, AND FIXING A TIME WHEN
THE SAME SHALL TAKE EFFECT
This bill had third reading. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to pass this bill.
Councilmember Scott seconded the motion. The bill passed by a roll call vote of eight (8) ayes
and one (1) nay (Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.)
ORDINANCE NO. 10266-13 AN ORDINANCE FIXING MAXIMUM
SALARIES AND WAGES OF APPOINTED
OFFICERS AND NON-BARGAINING
EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE
CALENDAR YEAR 2014
This bill had third reading. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to amend this bill as in
the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Dr. David Varner seconded the motion which
carried by a voice vote of six (6) ayes and three (3) nays (Councilmember’s Scott, Gavin Ferlic,
and White.) Additionally, Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to pass this bill as
amended in the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Dr. David Varner seconded the
motion. The bill passed by a roll call vote of six (6) ayes and three (3) nays (Councilmember’s
White, Gavin Ferlic, Scott.)
ORDINANCE NO. 10267-13 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, IDIANA,
FIXING MAXIMUM WAGES OF TEAMSTER
EMPLOYEES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2014
This bill had third reading. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to amend this bill as in
the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Dr. David Varner seconded the motion which
carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Additionally, Councilmember Dr. David Varner made a
motion to pass this bill as amended. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion. The
bill passed by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: Before you adjourn, each of the
Councilmember’s need to sign those documents and will be available some time on Friday. The
necessary documents, we will be sending you an e-mail as soon as those documents are ready,
we need your signature that day.
Councilmember Schey asked if we can use a signature stamp.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand: No you cannot.
Council President Dieter: I thank everyone for coming.
SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2013
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, President Derek D. Dieter adjourned
the meeting at 9:07 p.m.
ATTEST: ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
John Voorde, City Clerk Derek D. Dieter, President