04-10-2023 Common Council Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING April 10, 2023 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Sue Kesim, 4022 Kennedy Drive, South Bend IN 46614. She would like to know from the council who can read a financial report, an annual report. She had asked about the debt number given from the mayor's report was $207 million, but on the Indiana Gateway site, the amount was $220 million. She asked the council, and no one got back to her. She would like to know why there is a discrepancy. President Sharon McBride stated that she will appoint Vice President Sheila Niezgodski to get updated information, as she is on the finance committee. Ms. Kesim also asked for a list of the abatements, as she completed a FOIA, and she hasn't seen the listing yet, and should be listed. She also wants to see if giving zero ($0) for ten(10) years was legal. President McBride stated that she will consult with the council attorney, Bob Palmer, regarding these matters. John Pinter, 1224 Runnymede, South Bend IN 46617 Director for the United Religious Community, at 501 N. Main, South Bend IN 46601. They are hosting a group from the Central Asia and Mongolia Caucuses, and Afghanistan Delegation, and introduced them to the council. Henry L Davis Sr, 215 N. Sheridan St, South Bend IN 46619. Posed a question about affordable housing definition. President Sharon McBride explained that affordable housing is considered affordable when rent or mortgage plus utilities is no more than 30% of a household gross income. Henry L Davis, Sr., stated the term has been flipped on poor people, and poor people think they can afford it when they hear affordable housing. Someone making$12-$15, or $30,000 cannot afford a house. The second question was is there money to build the dream Center. Out of sixty($60)million, only two ($2)million was left. Per President McBride, money form the ARP fund were appropriated and voted on out of the original ARP funds for the Dream Center. Councilmember Lori Hamann stated that she has a statement from Aaron Perry per her email. The email was read. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, President Sharon L. McBride adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.