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REGULAR MEETING April 22, 2019
<br /> standpoint. Expressly, as a part of the process, we tied in one (1) of our lead Council Members,
<br /> and I'm sorry, not to offend anyone, but Councilmember Karen White. She has been a strong
<br /> proponent, is robust and interactive with our budget process for the Council on an annual basis.
<br /> She is the chair of the Personnel and Finance Committee. Thank you, Councilmember White.
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden went on,Those statements are to highlight Councilmember White's
<br /> strong leadership but in no way diminish the work of anyone to my left, or right, or the members
<br /> who are not present tonight. Everyone lifts hard on this Council and the budget process, which we
<br /> will be kicking off come July, will be over fifteen (15) to twenty (20) meetings that we all sit in
<br /> and make sure that our tax dollars are spent in wise ways. Going further on in the Whereas, it was
<br /> important for us to include the opportunities that can be presented by taking climate action.Climate
<br /> action provides opportunities for South Bend to improve our air quality, mobility, public health,
<br /> social equity, energy independence and energy security, and the quality of our natural
<br /> environment; it also can serve to attract jobs and economic development opportunity and increase
<br /> long-term competitiveness. Action on climate change supports the development of a livable,
<br /> sustainable City with a strong economy and high quality of life. Action can also improve resilience
<br /> in the face of climate change and other challenges.
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden continued, The resolution then goes into the past actions of our
<br /> Mayors, our Office of Sustainability and the Council. Then, as we jump to section twelve(12), we
<br /> actually acknowledge, almost a year ago to the date, Mayor Pete Buttigieg signed the Global
<br /> Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, pledging us to implement policies and to undertake
<br /> measures to reduce and limit greenhouse emissions, to prepare for the impacts of climate change,
<br /> to increase access to sustainable energy, and to track progress of these policies and measures in
<br /> meeting or exceeding the Paris Agreement objectives. So, our pathway has been long and I'm
<br /> excited tonight, as a Council, to put forth this resolution. I do want to recognize a member in
<br /> tonight's audience. The Council Member that brought this to my attention, over fourteen (14)
<br /> maybe fifteen(15)months ago, Randy Kelly. Please stand up. Thank you very much.
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden went on,Now what we will do is just kick into the heart of tonight's
<br /> resolution, beginning with Councilmember White.
<br /> Councilmember Karen White, 1912 Malvern Way, South Bend, IN, served as a presenter for this
<br /> bill. Councilmember Karen White stated, Before I read the resolution into the record, I would like
<br /> to thank Councilmember Broden for doing the heavy lifting. She's done an amazing job and the
<br /> other Council Members as well. I really like the statement you made. Working together, we can
<br /> bring about change. I think this is an excellent example of a number of individuals, from various
<br /> walks of life, coming together to work on this critical issue. I started my journey in regard to
<br /> becoming more aware and involved in this about a year ago. I was invited to go to the Robinson
<br /> Center. A group of young individuals did that presentation and I left that meeting energized and
<br /> overwhelmed. I want to give all the young people a round of applause. The future of South Bend
<br /> is in good hands. Now, I'll read the Resolve portions.
<br /> Councilmember Karen White continued, Therefore, be it resolved the South Bend Common
<br /> Council hereby supports the City Administration's current Q-Two (2)/Q-Three(3) 2019 initiative
<br /> to develop a climate action plan that: specifies climate actions most impactful in South Bend,
<br /> identifies ambitious but achievable greenhouse gas reduction goals customized to South Bend,
<br /> includes both immediate internal actions and longer-term programs and policies, and outlines
<br /> appropriate timelines for implementing the specific climate actions and achieving the greenhouse
<br /> gas reductions; and, Therefore,be it resolved,the South Bend Common Council requests this plan
<br /> be completed by the Fall of 2019, and the Administration's planning process include appropriate
<br /> stakeholder feedback, consider Council and Administration priorities, including but not limited to
<br /> opportunities for climate action to increase social equity, maximizing benefits and minimizing
<br /> impacts on individuals and businesses; and consideration of any action through the lens of the
<br /> "triple bottom line." This approach posits we can slow the pace of climate change in ways that
<br /> save money,build a better quality of life for our residents, and drive economic growth.
<br /> Councilmember Jake Teshka, 2419 Chesire Drive, South Bend, IN, served as a presenter for this
<br /> bill. Councilmember Jake Teshka stated, Therefore, be it resolved, and to this end of triple net
<br /> returns, the South Bend Common Council will look to support the Administration's current and
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