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CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK <br /> Ms. Steele replied, That's a great question. So, what we're initially saying is right now we have <br /> people functioning at capacity. As you noticed, we have been working harder and more in depth <br /> in everything than we ever have before. What I'm saying is now that we've hit three(3), instead of <br /> say hiring professional services or outside counsel to cover those, since I've hit three (3) different <br /> and new departments or expanded,I'm saying that's one(1)person. But,I will probably go through, <br /> I'm anticipating, and rearrange assignments, based on what goes together. Because you're <br /> absolutely right, it may not be somebody who does well with zoning and does well with diversity. <br /> It needs to be somebody who can do well and make sure that they're covering each thing well. <br /> Councilmember Dr. Davis stated, Because I had asked about that thing last year, regarding the <br /> zoning person, that was my concern. I'm glad to know that's how you're looking at keeping that in <br /> house from that standpoint. <br /> Ms. Steele replied,Yes, sir. <br /> Councilmember Dr. Davis followed up, In terms of the legal question. In terms of the one (1) for <br /> utilities, in terms of possible litigation for whether we should go into litigation for the whole thing <br /> with our water, the Combined Sewer Overflow Consent Decree, where does that fit in in terms of <br /> that? <br /> Ms. Steele replied, So, we are already supporting the City's Public Works and they are already <br /> covered by one (1) of our Assistant City Attorneys, Clara McDaniels. And she does a very good <br /> job supporting them. We also have, if you are thinking of the Consent Decree in particular, we <br /> have outside counsel helping us to renegotiate a certain portion of that. But in day to day support, <br /> it's one (1) of our Assistant City Attorneys. <br /> Councilmember Dr. Davis stated, Okay, all right. I know we're coming up on what's going to be <br /> the next move with that issue. <br /> Ms. Steele replied, Yes sir, you're correct. And I was trying to make sure I stayed very succinct on <br /> this,to respect your time. But there are so many things that we are doing that we're not able to put <br /> up here (referencing the presentation), so I anticipate you asking about other things. So, I <br /> appreciate it. <br /> Councilmember Dr. Davis stated, Thank you. Okay, I'm at peace. <br /> Councilmember Scott stated,Yes, Dr. Davis kind of stole the thunder on the person. I like the idea <br /> of the person for Public Safety, Diversity and Area Plan. Those are divided up among probably <br /> three(3) other people now? How many people now? More than three (3)? <br /> Ms. Steele replied, Right now, everybody's doing a little bit. I'm anticipating a little bit with what <br /> the Disparity Study will say. As you know this has been an initiative we have supported very <br /> strongly. And so, the Disparity Study, not knowing what the final document will say, we're <br /> thinking that it's going to say something about making sure that diversity and inclusion is followed <br /> in every department throughout the City with every contract. And it's going to require some initial <br /> drafting of policies and procedures and getting in and getting everything set in a way that isn't <br /> anticipated right now by anyone because we don't have the document. And then the Human Rights <br /> EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION 1 INCLUSION j EMPOWERMENT <br /> 455 County-City Building 227W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f 574.235.9173 TTD 574.235.5567 wvwv.southbendin.gov <br /> 15 <br />