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REGULAR MEETING June 221`1, 2020
<br /> Councilmember Jake Teshka stated that he is philosophically opposed to Medicare for all but also
<br /> stated his belief that this Resolution was outside of the purview of the Common Council.
<br /> Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan commented on the virtue of resolutions such as these and
<br /> challenged her Council colleague to think about how they would be able to bring about change at
<br /> a larger scale.
<br /> Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. thanked everyone that has worked with him and the co-sponsors
<br /> on the Resolution. He then challenged the notion that this was not within the purview of the
<br /> Common Council and he believes it is.
<br /> Councilmember Lori K. Hamann stated that all politics are local, and she believes these types of
<br /> resolutions do bring about that value.
<br /> Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski mentioned that it is the COVID-19 pandemic language that
<br /> helps her support the resolution.
<br /> Councilmember Henryvis Jr. made a motion to adopt Bill No. 20-17. Councilmember Lori K.
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<br /> Hamann seconded this motion which carried by roll call vote of seven (7) ayes and one (1) nay
<br /> (Councilmember Jake Teshka.)
<br /> 20-18 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE
<br /> CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, ACKNOWLEGING
<br /> THE COMMITMENT OF THE CITY
<br /> ADMINISTRATION AND POLICE DEPARTMENT TO
<br /> QUICKLY IMPLEMENT SOME NEEDED POLICE
<br /> REFORMS
<br /> Councilmember Troy Warner, chair of the Health and Public Safety Committee,reported that they
<br /> met this afternoon and send this bill to the full Council with a favorable recommendation.
<br /> Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski, 4942 Scenic Drive, South Bend, IN, served as a presenter for
<br /> this bill. Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski stated, Whereas, the South Bend Common Council
<br /> continues to be both saddened and outraged at inequality and disparity in the use of force by many
<br /> police departments which continues across the country resulting in death and injury to a
<br /> disproportionate number of people of color;and,Whereas,on June 15,2020 Mayor James Mueller,
<br /> Chief of Police Scott Ruszkowski and Michael Patton, the City's Diversity Compliance &
<br /> Inclusion Officer, held a press conference to discuss racial justice in South Bend and the progress
<br /> of local steps taken; and, Whereas, Mayor Mueller and/or Chief Ruszkowski each made
<br /> commitments to quickly take steps to implement some necessary police reforms; and,
<br /> Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan, 114 Chapin Street, South Bend, IN, served as a presenter
<br /> for this bill. Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan stated, WHEREAS, among those steps are:
<br /> releasing a revised police officer discipline matrix; releasing the recommendations for police
<br /> reform made by 21 CP Solutions after the death of Eric Logan; and cooperation with the Common
<br /> Council in the consideration and possible enactment of an ordinance creating a Citizens' Review
<br /> Board; and, Whereas, although choke holds have not been taught during training of South Bend
<br /> police officers,the Use of Force Policy will be amended to specifically forbid choke holds,strangle
<br /> holds or similar moves;and,Whereas,these are just initial steps that can be taken quickly,adequate
<br /> police reform will require much more through cooperation of the residents, the City
<br /> Administration, the Police Department, the Common Council, and all other stakeholders.
<br /> Councilmember Sharon L. McBride, 415 East Broadway Street, South Bend, IN, served as a
<br /> presenter for this bill. Councilmember Sharon L. McBride stated, Now, therefore, be it resolved
<br /> by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana,as follows: Section One(I)The South
<br /> Bend Common Council hereby acknowledges and appreciates the initial commitments expressed
<br /> at the press conference. Section Two (II)The South Bend Common Council seeks the cooperation
<br /> of the City Administration, the Police Department, the residents, and all other stakeholders in
<br /> exploring and implementing other needed police reforms. Section Three (III) This Common
<br /> Council pledges to continue to explore and implement ways to make America's promise of
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