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REGULAR MEETING
<br />FEBRUARY 13, 2017
<br />to the South Bend community. Councilmember Broden stated, Gladys, the building wasn't
<br />enough, so this is exciting. As we go about town, there will be more opportunity —not just to
<br />interact with individuals whose lives he's so richly touched, but, really, to have yet another
<br />reminder of his impact on our community. Congratulations, Councilmember White and Mayor
<br />Pete. Thank you for your leadership on this richly deserved recognition.
<br />Councilmember Randy Kelly stated, I also had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Martin and he was
<br />truly an inspirational man, and his legacy continues to this day. Countless people considered him
<br />a mentor and, again, he continues to inspire. So, it is also a privilege for me to be able to vote on
<br />this resolution tonight.
<br />Councilmember Regina Williams- Preston stated, I am of that age where pretty much any —
<br />definitely African-American—person around my age or within a certain range in South Bend
<br />that you talk to will have a story to tell about how Charles Martin touched their life.
<br />Councilmember Williams- Preston agreed with Mr. Douglas that Mr. Martin had a way of
<br />making everyone feel special. She stated, He was not just a leader or a mentor for youth, but he
<br />was a leader of leaders in this community. Even those who weren't related to him —they weren't
<br />his own kids, but they were his kids. Councilmember Williams- Preston stated that she was
<br />pleased to hear that the former Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard would take on Mr.
<br />Martin's name. She stated, I think it is definitely a fitting tribute —not that we need a physical
<br />reminder, because I think people live in our hearts forever. But, as the generations go, it is
<br />something that will be there as a reminder to our children and the children coming, as an
<br />example of what we need to do to really make change in our community.
<br />Councilmember Tim Scott stated that he moved to South Bend within months of Mr. Martin's
<br />passing, and therefore did not get a chance to know him. Councilmember Scott stated, But it was
<br />amazing to hear the stories. I mean, absolutely larger than life for the twenty -three (23) years that
<br />we've been here. Having the Charles Martin Center within the 1St District and knowing that we
<br />will see this sign in the street is truly fitting. I am very proud to put my name on this and move
<br />forward.
<br />Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 17 -06 by acclamation.
<br />Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9)
<br />ayes.
<br />REPORTS OF CITY OFFICES
<br />Representing the City Administration: Mayor Pete Buttigieg
<br />MAYOR'S ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE
<br />COMMON COUNCIL ON FINANCES AND THE
<br />GENERAL CONDITION OF THE CITY
<br />PURSUANT TO § 2 -3.1 OF THE SOUTH BEND
<br />MUNICIPAL CODE
<br />Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of the City of South Bend, IN, served as presenter of the Annual Address
<br />on Finances and the General Condition of the City of South Bend. Mayor Buttigieg stated, For
<br />the benefit of the audience, let me just mention the premise of this address. This Annual Address
<br />by the Mayor is prescribed by the City Code. We have followed the custom of treating this as a
<br />specific address for the purpose of getting a sense of, as the statute says, general conditions and
<br />finances of the City without going into the full update known as the State of the City Address,
<br />which is being scheduled for a date in late March at Riley High School. I want to let you know
<br />some of the big picture highlights of what's been happening, from an administrative perspective,
<br />over the past year. We're proud that Administration - related economic development has brought
<br />$260,000,000 in private investment to the City, since the beginning of last year (2016), and that
<br />six - hundred and fifty -one (65 1) jobs are expected to be associated with that. Of course, we track
<br />both jobs delivered and jobs announced —this is the number of jobs announced. In terms of jobs
<br />delivered, we have seen, as a community, an increase to the tune of 7,000 jobs since 2012, and
<br />our unemployment rate is now below five percent (5 %). I am also pleased to note that the labor
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