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REGULAR MEETING June 10, 2019
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden went on, So, that is change number two (2). If you go down to the
<br /> next Whereas clause, we have deleted the word `necessary' in that section. Then, kicking to
<br /> sections one(1),two (2), three(3) and four(4), I'll quickly go through those changes. They are all
<br /> very minor and coincide with some of the earlier changes. So, section one (1), we are suggesting
<br /> a change in the scheduled meeting time. From 9:30 a.m. to the recommended 4:00 p.m., the
<br /> compromised time or later. We actually inserted the word 'may' to read ...may provide more
<br /> citizens of South Bend an opportunity to attend the meetings.' Then we inserted some additional
<br /> language there that basically talks about being respectful to the Commission, its staff, volunteers
<br /> and petitioners,by going with this compromise time.Then the last item is in section two(2), `...the
<br /> Commission should adopt rules and procedures by which any person attending such a meeting is
<br /> able to engage the Redevelopment Commission per agenda item.' That actually coincides with an
<br /> earlier portion of the document just suggesting both the Commission Members will be served well
<br /> by public input and perhaps even the petitioners themselves. Just as many of our Boards and
<br /> Commissions meet and they have an opportunity to do that, members can speak per agenda item.
<br /> We thought that was important. There will be an in favor and against, similar to here. The merits
<br /> of the Commission item will still be weighed and voted on by the Commission. I think we are
<br /> staying in our lane as a Council. I think we are being respectful to the changes suggested but we
<br /> certainly wanted to formalize the request for the meeting time change and then a change in the
<br /> format for public engagement.
<br /> Councilmember Karen White, 1912 Malvern Way, South Bend, IN, served as a co-sponsor to this
<br /> bill. Councilmember Karen White stated, I think Councilmember Broden has done an excellent
<br /> job at summarizing the resolution as well as the changes. I wish to thank Councilmember Gavin
<br /> Ferlic, our Attorney, Bob Palmer, and Dan Buckenmeyer from Community Investment. We have
<br /> a substitute version because he made comments at Committee and we were able to incorporate
<br /> those suggestions within this particular resolution. The resolution, I believe, is important because
<br /> it really clarifies, for our public, the role of the Redevelopment Commission, what it does, and
<br /> then our role as Council Members. Again, it is a resolution that encourages continued
<br /> communication as well as public engagement. Again, I'm excited to be a part of this resolution
<br /> and we ask the Council adopts the resolution as presented.
<br /> Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, 1109 Duey Street, South Bend, IN, served as a co-sponsor for this
<br /> bill. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic stated,Thank you Councilmembers Broden and White,Attorney
<br /> Bob Palmer, and for being responsive to what Mr. Buckenmeyer said.
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, So,in closing,if I may,this is non-binding.That is important
<br /> to point out. However, we hope it is embraced by the Department and the Commission Members,
<br /> both current and future, Mayoral and Council appointments, and by the Administration, as well.
<br /> Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis asked, Do we know when we will hear any response back from
<br /> the Administration on this? Are they in agreement to this being put in place?
<br /> Councilmember Karen White replied, I can only speak to the brief conversation with the Mayor.
<br /> He is aware of this resolution being forthcoming.
<br /> Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis followed up, Ok,because I like the 4:00 p.m. Area Plan starts at
<br /> 3:30 p.m. and other things start at 4:00 p.m. so I think that is good. TRANSPO starts at 4:00 p.m.,
<br /> so,there are other meetings that start around that time that the public want to go to. So, I think that
<br /> was a good move from that standpoint. I see the wisdom in doing that. I am hoping they will
<br /> respond to us and they appreciate the spirit of it and they are able to move forward with that.
<br /> This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and
<br /> opponents were given an opportunity to be heard.
<br /> Conrad Damion, 718 East Broadway Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I wish I had known you were
<br /> doing this. Some way or another, you didn't get the word out very well. This is something I've
<br /> been concerned about for ten (10) years and have complained about for that long. I'm glad to see
<br /> you are dealing with this issue. I fairly regularly attend the Redevelopment Commission meetings
<br /> and I haven't seen the resolution, but I'm glad it is as comprehensive as Councilmember Broden
<br /> suggests it is. I don't think the community understands what the Redevelopment Commission does
<br /> very well and I'm glad to know that is in the resolution. I think that, on a personal level, 9:30 a.m.
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