04-13-15 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 13, 2015 Councilmember White Chairperson, Community Relations Committee, reported that they met this afternoon on this bill and sends it to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Presenter: Councilmember Oliver Davis, 1801 Nash St. South Bend – The popular businesses th that I represent in the 6 District are willing to leave the light on to welcome new businesses and th companies that bring in jobs and new living spaces. Recently at a 6 District meeting the residents stated that we should do something to welcome our new neighbors of the Potawatomi Indians. Councilmember Oliver Davis presented Resolution 15-22, whereas… One of the key topics was we need to have more conference facilities, and have a friendly and welcoming attitude. That is what we are here to present to you tonight. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. – This resolution can you explain the mission? Councilmember Oliver responded one of the concerns in the meeting was there are negative views towards the Potawatomi Indians, which may lead them to consider other areas to host their place. Our neighbors wanted to show them that we welcome them. This is separate from the cities negotiations, and the administration. When you look at the proposed situation as it relates to jobs, this can have a ripple effect towards new business on State Road 23 quarter with continued development. When it comes to tribal land, the issues of what we can and cannot do is up to their own government. Those are things that we would be looking at in government on how we work together. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Those wishing to speak in favor of this bill: Jesse Davis – P.O. Box 10205, South Bend – I am in favor in welcoming them here. Our Mayor stated that we welcome everybody. The big elephant in the room is it’s about the Casino. This will create jobs. There are concerns about crime, well we already have that here. I think people are concerned because they will not have control over what they will be doing. We need to promote people being here. Sherry Richmond, 1015 S. Gladstone Ave., South Bend – Citizens should be for putting a Casino in South Bend since it will create over 2,000 jobs. Anytime we have homelessness because there are no jobs is not a good look for our city. It will help Americans achieve the American dream. st They say South Bend represents the 21 Century, but I can’t tell. We should have more for our city, so young professionals don’t leave. Charity starts at home and we should keep our money in our city. Keep a positive mind on building a casino in South Bend, it can bring huge funds to our city. Samuel Brown, 222 E. Navarre St., South Bend – I am in favor of welcoming the Potawatomi Indians. They have a solid track record from Buffalo. I would like for the council to pass this. I am for anything that will make our city a better place. We have had enough failure in our city. All I ask is that we use the facts to make this decision. Tammy Chin, 2630 Prairie Ave., South Bend – I would like to welcome the Casino, as it will be a great opportunity for employment. The qualifications will be a high school diploma, proving a great source for employment for our residents, as many are working on their GED and don’t have the means to go to college. Jerry Niezgodski, 113 N. Elliot, South Bend – I would like to speak in favor on welcoming the Potawatomi Indians to South Bend. I would like to point out the Town and Country Shopping center, and the University Park Mall where South Bend had the opportunity to host those but said no to both. This is going to happen somewhere, why not here. They have a fantastic record of giving back to the community and are very hospitable. I hope when the time comes the same attitude prevails then. 16