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REGULAR MEETING
<br />MARCH 27, 2017
<br />Ms. Rivera stated, I would just add that in St. Joseph County, in April, we have two - hundred
<br />(200) microfarmworkers coming through to live here and they stay throughout the April -to-
<br />October period. In July, you'll see somewhere between four - hundred and twenty -five (425) to
<br />five- hundred (5 00) in St. Joseph County. So, our folks are coming here to do the jobs that our
<br />Hoosiers are not willing to do, and working ten (10) to twelve (12) hours a day yet hardly
<br />making enough to even feed their own families. So, I think this is a great recognition. Thank you,
<br />Tim, and thank you, Council, for bringing this up.
<br />Councilmember Scott stated, And one more thing. All we Councilmembers— myself included
<br />we see an influx of people coming in to work in the spring and in the fall, and we run into
<br />housing issues within our community on this, as well. What we need to be is warm and
<br />welcoming, and make sure they have the rights for quality of life issues just like everybody else
<br />within the City. I definitely agree with the City ID program that we have. I have my own
<br />personal City ID —I know a couple other Councilmembers do, as well. I think that's important as
<br />well. That's something that we need to be aware of as Councilmembers.
<br />Those from the public wishing to speak in favor of this bill:
<br />Rudy Monterrosa, 418 West Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, IN, urged the Council to approve
<br />the resolution, as it is the hard work of these migrant workers that helps to keep food affordable
<br />for people in the area. Mr. Monterrosa also stated that this issue was near to him because his
<br />grandfather migrated from Mexico as a farmer, and it was his labor that kept food on the table
<br />for his family.
<br />Dr. Fred Ferlic, 1128 Georgiana Street, South Bend, IN, stated that migrant farmers need decent
<br />housing when they come into the City, and that it was his pleasure to state that he was in favor of
<br />this resolution.
<br />None from the public wished to speak in opposition to this bill.
<br />Councilmember Regina Williams- Preston stated, I just want to thank you for bringing this to all
<br />of our collective attention. In hearing this resolution, I'm recognizing how much I don't know
<br />and I look forward to getting more involved on this issue, because it is something that is very
<br />important.
<br />Councilmember Randy Kelly stated, Thank you, also, for bringing this to our attention and the
<br />attention of the community. I am really pleased that you mentioned children in this resolution as
<br />well, because I think many folks don't realize how many children are working as farmworkers,
<br />also. So, thank you.
<br />Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, I just wanted to echo thanks and piggyback on a couple of
<br />things, if I might: Long sleeve shirt drive is going on, coinciding with this awareness week.
<br />Special thanks to the Clerk's Office and the leadership of Kareemah Fowler and her staff.
<br />Councilmember Broden listed drop -off locations for the t -shirt program (La Casa de Amistad, at
<br />746 South Meade Street; Work One at 851 Marietta Street; the lobby of the County -City
<br />Building, as well as the 4th Floor; and the South Bend Community School Corporation offices at
<br />215 St. Joseph Street) and encouraged the public to support the initiative. Addressing Ms.
<br />Rivera, she stated, Logistically, I don't know how you do what you do. I think it is really key
<br />that our community understands that you serve all across Indiana. It's amazing, and the quality
<br />of the services are outstanding. I would just like to allow you an opportunity —if Friday nights
<br />are open: I found it very instructional, as a new Councilmember, having attended last year's
<br />event that you held at Work One. I don't know, though, if that is open to the public, or how folks
<br />can get more information about your organization and what it does year- round.
<br />Councilmember Oliver Davis asked Ms. Rivera if she wanted to describe what her organization
<br />does.
<br />Councilmember Scott stated, We'll put all the data on the Facebook page, on the Council page
<br />and all that, but go ahead.
<br />Ms. Rivera stated, I work for Proteus, Incorporated. It's a national organization that works with
<br />seasonal and migrant farmworkers. So, we pull them out of working in the fields and provide an
<br />F]
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