November 16, 2017, IUSB "The Grill"
Speakers: Mr. Conrad Damian, SOAR President (Southeast Organized Area Residents) Ms. Sara Boukdad, EnFocus Consultant Ms. Kim Clowers, Founder of Fremont Youth Foundation Ms. Nia Okereke, Founder of Young Royalty Moderators and Sponsors: Dr. Elizabeth Bennion-Turba, American Democracy Project & IUSB Political Science Club Ms. Diana Hess, Neighborhood Resources Connection Ms. Hess defines Neighborhood Assets as a combination of Associations, Institutions, Land, Exchanges and Residents Ms. Kim Clowers became active after the shooting deaths of three teens in her area and wanting a safer neighborhood for her own children. It started with a small BBQ and expanded to a Block Party with 600 people and "Shakesphere in the Streets" with 300 people. The Fremont Youth Foundation focuses on Literacy. They have received books from Better World Books and they are providing literacy toys for tots all year around. In working with the Venue, Arts and Parks, they gave input on the $147K upgrade to the Freemont park which included a splash pad, wheelchair accessibility, a "Peace Park" to remember those killed and a speed bump to protect the children. She wants kids to know there is more to life than basketball and music. Juvenile Justice has dropped their literacy program. Ms. Nia Okereke, age 23, founded "Young Royalty" to empower black youth to see themselves as Kings and Queens and not as slaves. She descibes slavery as a "blip in history" and wants them to focus on a broader history. Her goal is to fill in the cultural gaps with high esteem and kindness, while desolving the separation from wanting better for themselves. She feels it is important to change their economic priorities from $300 shoes to eating healthy and valuing themselves. Part of her program included the "7 Principles of Kwanza". Mr. Conrad Damian became involved when he saw the City making changes WITHOUT the input of the residents in the neighborhood in creation of the "Southeast Neighborhood Master Plan". They met for 5 Tuesdays and decided to create SOAR (Southeast Organized Area Residents). They asked residents 2 questions: "What do you like about the SE Neighborhood?" Answers: Location, Diversity and Safe "What should we improve?" Answers: Curbs & Sidewalks, Vacant Lots (426 of them), Houses and Safety 466 Works is a Neighborhood Corporation buidling two homes. They enjoy having Lang Lab and "Art in our Park". Lighting has increased and they are working more closely with the EnFocus Interns to give resident input. There are 16 people who have lived in the neighborhood for over 40 years that have valuable insight and wisdom about the area. Ms. Sara Boukdad, a member of the Society of Female Engineers at Notre Dame says this project is a "Sandbox of Innovation" which includes a Native Tree Nursery to provide the City with lower cost trees to plant, analyzing soil for best uses, rain gardens and the use of Arch GIS to map projects. Notre Dame and other schools provide 30 interns for 8 and 10 week programs. They use a "Design Thinking Model". There are currently 409 vacant lots. Some lots have been purchased and split bewteen neighbors to give them bigger lots. Other lots have been used for rain gardens. The Bowman Creek Project included the 2 mile stretch of it. Some of it is underground and contamination was the reason for starting the project. There is also study to reduce the flooding of basements and sewers in the area with storm water management. 466 Works is a non-profit started by the Mount Carmel Baptist Church to improve the area around them. Their Community Development Corporation has gotten a block grant for $200K and is building 2 houses. AUDIENCE COMMENTS INCLUDED: * Programs for Goals and Anger Management and Anti-bullying may further help stear kids away from a violent lifestyle. * The literacy program could be enhanced by taking the kids on field trips so they could experience and see other lifestyles * There is a study of 11 Impact Areas which include evaluating the needs of Seniors in the LaSalle Area For more meetings and articles: #MichianaObserver
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November 13, 2017, County-City Building 4th Floor
Councilpersons Present for Committee: Tim Scott, Oliver Davis, Jo Broden, David Varner, Karen White, Gavin Ferlic Absent for Committee: John Voorde, Randy Kelly Absent for Full Council: John Voorde Tim Scott, Council President - Last meeting will be December 11, 2017 72-17 COMMON VARIANCES - Community Development wants to change the percentages for restaurants use of property outside. It also allows "Landscaping to be placed within the right-of-way" and skirt the need for off-street parking requirements. Mike Divita of Community Investment stated it is too much of a financial hardship for a business to meet the requirements to provide off street parking. This will mean that those with homes or other businesses next to these restaurants will have cars parking in the spaces they need. NOTE: Recently the Board of Public Works granted permits to both "Aloft" and "Fiddlers Hearth" to use the WHOLE sidewalk for outdoor dining and not leave a 5' walk through for pedestrians. This would require those wanting to cross in front to go out in the street to go past. This in in violation of ADA and SECTION V, Chapter 21, Article 3 subsection (b)(11) Outdoor Operations - vi "Shall be located as to not interfere or conflict with sidewalks, walkways..." Section 21-03.07 (G) Outdoor Seating for Restaurants. Why should variances and NOT be granted for these permits? The average Citizen and those with mobility issues should not come second. When the Council abdicates their oversight on these matters it means Community Development and Redevelopment can grant businesses rights and permits above the average Citizen. The Common Council is the voice of the people and a BALANCE of power. Both COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT and REDEVELOPMENT do *NOT* allow Citizen comments or input to their meetings and proceedings. Agendas are sparce and without packets leaving the public without insight unless they know to file for APRA or FOIA. Bottomline: Council voted "FAVORABLE" for reducing the rights of Citizens and surrounding businesses in favor of restaurants and bars. 73-17 Change of ENGINEERING STANDARDS - Community Development wants to reduce the "Clear sight area requirements and private street widths", as well as, reduce the "requirements for drive-through faciltiy standards" This means that businesses can be 10' from the property line instead of 25'. They used Indianapolis as a reference. This also reduces the 5 car clearance on drive through lanes. They used banks as an example, but consider how many cars you see for coffee or fast food establishments. By reducing this, cars will be able to extend out into roads and nearby properties. Council voted "FAVORABLE". 74-17 PYRAMIDING USES - "See rezoning to a less intense zoning district to permit certain uses, even though those uses are less intense than and are compatible with the uses found in their existing zoing district." Council voted "FAVORABLE". ZONING ORDINANCE UPDATE BRIEFING - Department of Community Investment There is a spreadsheet of "Zoning Quick Fixes - Reform to MU Mixed Use District Standards" November 6, 2017 where Community Investment wants to by-pass and reduce the requirements of businesses over private property owners. If you would like to view these 27 changes to the Zoning Ordinances, look on the City Website Documents section for "MU Reform Summary.pdf". Justification includes, "Allows fuller use of site consistent with traditional urban development". If you are unable to locate this document (part of the Common Council Meeting Packet), someone at the City Clerk's Office can guide you through the website areas to find it. If you have comments about these changes, please contact your Council Representative and the 3 At-Large Councilpersons. A decision on these will be made in January, but now is the time to comment. 78-17 TAX ABATEMENT ENFORCEMENT CODE AMENDMENT - "Sec. 2-84.14. - Failure of petitioner to comply may result in fines being imposed or termination of economic revitaliazation designation and repayment of taxes previously abated." This means if the recipient doesn't conform to the rules, there can be fines and repayment. "Department of Community Development shall randomly audit no less than five tax abatement recipients each calendar year and certify the recipients' compliance with the terms and conditions of their abatements." This means the Department that issues these abatements is also the one to do the examination and enforcement and the only plan to look at 5 out of the many Abatements issued. NOTE: Perhaps an independent group needs to look at ALL the Abatements given for millions of tax payer dollars. 79-17 TAX ABATEMENT ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY REVIEW CODE - Amending SECTIONS 2-84.9(c) AND 2-84.9 (e) of CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 6 - This is in reference to those getting Abatements be required to pay their employees a minimum of $10.10 or at least the minimum wage offered by the City of South Bend. This has been tabled indefinitely. 17-70 PROPERTY LOCATED at 3419 W. WASHINGTON STREET - This is in regards to variances for a new community center. They are working with the Venue, Arts and Parks on a 14,000 sq ft renovation along with a 11,000 sq ft addition for a multi-use gym. This community center will be open to the public. The exercise room will have additional windows and there will be a bike repair shop. Council voted "FAVORABLE". 80-17 1ST READING CITY MANAGEMENT of THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION - The Historic Preservation Commission will now be under Community Investment Department. Councilperson Jo Broden expressed concern that they have been at odds over projects in the past and will now report to and answer to the CDI, which may reduce their effectiveness. 17-74 PROPERTY LOCATED at 926 S. ERSKINE PLAZA - Exeption for adding a micro-blading/semi-permanent tattoo service in an existing beauty salon. BOYD vs HPC APPEAL #2017-0602A - This is a dispute between the owner and the Historic Preservation Commission over a roof line and the construction of the roof. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR - 12 people spoke about Homelessness issues in South Bend. John Shafer, Director for "Michiana 5 for the Homeless" lead his group. He has worked with the Street Homeless for *5 years*. He was NOT included in the Mayor's "Working Group", although he asked to be. Points made were that although some strides are being made to help, there are still gaps in availability. Those seeking shelter under the bridge had their belongings removed without there being any place to go. Services will provide for 10 Women at the Life Treatment Center, 30 Men at the Kraz Building and 15 Men at the Center for the Homeless. There are over 100 people on the streets. Jesse Davis remarked there is a building available that could be used, but the City is not interested. Previously Councilman Oliver Davis suggested a program used by other cities that gave the homeless a way to earn money. That was voted down. One woman stated the public is unaware of the extent of homeless women and children living on the streets and even more who are "couch surfing". Several mentioned the port-o-potty's were removed which means deficating in public and refusal of the hospital to let them use those facilities. It was also remarked that trash bins are not available. Because the wooden pallets were removed, they must now sleep directly on cardboard which soaks up water. The City posted signs downtown requesting people to not give to panhandlers. One suggested these are like signs in parks that say, "Don't feed the animals". Comments were from Citizen Advocates, homeless, and others. If you are interested in hearing the comments directly, live broadcasts were recorded and are now available - MiVocal on Facebook, City Recording and "Michiana Access TV" on YouTube. A copy of the Mayor's "Working Group" PDF is available on the City Website. Michiana 5 for the Homeless is having a blanket drive and John Shafer is willing to discuss the needs and issue of the Street Homeless. 574-607-3483 For more meetings and articles: #MichianaObserver REAL Services, Inc. Area 2 Agency on Aging with AARP Michiana
Monday, 2 pm, St. Paul's Sanctuary, 3606 S. Ironwood Drive, SB, 46614 Speaker: SHIP Counselor Mr. Virgil Mincy of Real Services, Inc. SHIP Counselors offer free guidance on how to navigate the websites and choices. They do NOT sell any insurance. To sign-up for an appointment: Appointments are available until December 7th Ms. Megan Rogers, BA Intake Team Leader PH: 574-284-7107 1151 S. Michigan Street, SB, 46601 megan@realservices.org * New Medicare Cards will be mailed out WITHOUT a Social Security # on them * Premiums for Part B are not announced yet * Part F Plan will end in 2020 * There are 165 improvements that were part of the Affordable Care Act, so repealing may effect Medicare * Multiple pharmacies may be in your plan, but Rx costs will differ, so shop the prices * Be sure to get Travelers Insurance if you plan to be out of your local area since your Medicare Plan may only cover doctors and services in your local area HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS: * Traditional Medicare * Traditional Medicare with Prescription Drug Plan * Traditional Medicare with Supplement Plan + PDP * Medicare Advantage Plan, which includes PDP TRADITIONAL MEDICARE: PART A PLAN - Blood, Home Health Services, Hospice Care, Inpatient Hospital Care, After deductible, no coinsurance for days 1-60 of each benefit period PART B PLAN - After deductible, 80% of all Medicare Approved services other than those covered in Part A MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS: * 10 Standardized Plans A - N * 40 Companies available in St. Joseph County, Indiana, +/- offering some of all of these plans * Premiums vary from lowest cost up to double for the same plan MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS: * 26 Plans available in St. Joseph County, Indiana for 2018 * Premiums vary from $17.70 to $157.40 * If no drugs, no reason to enroll in any plan other than the lowest premium * If you do take Rx's, use the "Plan Finder" to find the lowest cost plan for the year * Most plans have "preferred pharmacies" NOTE: Costs can be different and some plans are not accepted by some pharmacies MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS: * 16 Plans, including Rx drugs for 2018 * 1 PFFS * 7 PPO * 7 HMO * 1 HMO-POS * 2 new companies for 2018 - Meridian and Allwell * Continuing plans include Humana, Anthem and United (AARP) * Need to enter Rx to evaluate costs * Evaluate providers in the Network, whether HMO imposes unwanted restrictions or whether HMO benefits offset restrictions * Conversely, if drug cost is favorable, PPO plan may provide more flexibility regarding providers * Out of pocket spending limits should be considered. These limits either limit or increase ones risk for total medical out of pocket cost. This varies among the available plans from $4,100 to $6,700 in network. This information was provided by SHIOP Counselor Mr. Virgil Mincy, Real Services, Inc. For more meetings or articles #MichianaObserver Charles Martin Youth Center, South Bend, IN
November 3, 2017, 6:00 pm, Present: Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Councilperson Regina Williams-Preston, Councilperson Jo Broden Speaker: Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, Senior Fellow of the Racial Wealth Divide Initiative at Prosperity Now * SB is 54% White, 27% African American, 13% Hispanic and 1.4% Asian American * Hispanic households in SB have a 32.9% income poverty rate, 10 percentage points higher than the national Hispanic income poverty rate * Hispanic home median values are $60K, 1/3 the national average * Asian Americans in SB make half of the $74,245 annual median income for Asian Americans nationwide at $31,313 annually * Blacks make 1/2 of what White households make * Blacks are 2 times more likely to be in liquid asset poverty than whites * Black household income is $14K less than the national average and there is a 40.2% poverty rate MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME IN SB: * Black $21,242 * Asian $31,313 * Latino $35,318 * White $40,685 UNEMPLOYMENT RATE: * Black 9.2% * Latino 10% * White 4.9% HOUSHOLDS WITH ZERO NET WORTH: * Black 37% * Asian 16% * Latino 24% * White 16% HOMEOWNERSHIP RATE: * Black 35% * Asian 51% * Latino 63% * White 68% PROPERTY VALUES: * Black 70K * Asian (Not available) * Latino 60K * White 89K RACIAL DIVIDE PARTNERS: * Prosperity Now (formerly CFED) prosperitynow.org * Racial Wealth Divide Initiative (RWDI) at Prosperity Now - Facebook "Racial Wealth Divide" * City of SB, Human Capital and Inclusion EDUCATION - Bachelor Degree or Higher * Black 7% * Latino 6% * White 18% Former Councilperson Henry Davis says the "Racial Equtiy Audit" done by the EEOC done every 2 years has steadily declined Speaker Dedrick Asante-Muhammad says the focus needs to be at the State and Federal level Also mentioned a "Tax Base Sharing" used in Minneapolis Developing "Asset Development Ladders" would help Mayor's Promised Action Items: * Economic Development (to date has not benefited low income or Minorities) * Continue to work with the WorkOne Pathways Program that meets every Friday * Bring back the Minority Board which has not met for several years * Ask City Purchasing to make more of an effort to purchase from Women and Minorities * Use students in both Jr. High and High School for research and involvement * Ask himself the "10 Questions" (See photo) RECORDING OF THE FULL MEETING: YouTube: https://youtu.be/CH4sjd_Jn9w AUDIENCE COMMENTS: 30 min - Mr. Brown 33 min - Henry Davis 39 min - Woman asking about Equalizing Wealth 42 min - Antonius 49 min - Young Woman 50 min - Mayor Pete 53 min - Pastor 56 min - Mayor Pete 59 min - Mayor Pete with Next Steps UPCOMING MEETINGS: Nov 16th, 6 pm, Harrison Primary Feb 6th, 6 pm, Near Northwest Neighborhood Center Apr 3rd, 6 pm, Robinson Community Center June 7th, 6 pm, County-City Building For more information and PDF on this contact: Christina A. Brooks cbrooks@southbendin.gov For more Meetings and Articles: #MichianaObserver American Democracy Project
IUSB Activities Center, Rm 225, 11:30 am PANEL: Sam Centellas, Director of La Casa de Amistad, Cynthia Murphy, Recruitment/Retention Counselor IUSB, Erika, DACA Student at Ivy Tech, Marlen, DACA Student at St. Mary's * Approximately 800K DACA Students in the US and they are from all countries, not just Mexico, they include students from India, Africa, Asia, etc. * Estmates are 2,500 in Elkhart/St. Joseph Counties * Children who arrived here before the age of 16 and are under 31 years of age on June 15, 2012 Executive Order by President Obama * Individuals who are in school or possess a high school diploma * Applicants who have lived here for at least five years * People who have not committed serious crimes, confirmed with a background check and they have to be fingerprinted * Meeting these criteria will allow undocumented residents to obtain a driver’s license and Social Security number and a 2 year work authorization with a $495 fee * Students are often honor students afraid of getting in trouble and losing their status * They do not qualify for any social programs, but still have taxes deducted from their wages * They pay property and sales taxes also * They do NOT get Federal or State Tuition loans, grants, work study, Pell, University public dollars or assistance * Path to citizenship is often over a 20 year wait. Someone who came in 1995 still has no guarantee of a review in 2017 * Recinded by President Trump in September of 2017 with a 6 month grace period * Currently US House Bill #3440 and US Senate Bill #1615 would extend this program * Both the US Chamber of Commerce and AFL-CIO support these bills * They are often doing jobs no Americans want to do such as "simple basic jobs" * They are often at risk of being exploited by employers and it means wages overall are suppressed (Minimum wage has not increased since 2007) * Economic impact includes having many crops rot in the fields which will increase the cost of our food * "Anchor Babies" are a myth since just having a baby here does NOT make the parents citizens automatically and the child would need to reach 21 to claim parent as sponsored * People wanting to cross the Mexican/American border is actually declining as American companies build factories in Mexico * Cities with immigrants are rebounding since it means their population is increasing * Immigrants are more likely to be entrepreneurs who create net positive jobs, like they have in Toledo, Ohio Ms. Cynthia Murphy: (notes not quotes) * Since DACA, there has been an increase in earning power to pay debts to family and friends, and consumer products * Student volunteer in the community since they can come out of the shadows * There is a need for more doctors and nurses to take care of aging Baby Boomers * The original Congressional Bill fell short by just 3 votes and 5 Congress members didn't vote * Need to pass a "Clean Dream Act" that isn't tied to unpopular bills Mr. Sam Centellas: (notes not quotes) * Pathway to Citizenship is complicated and long, often over 20 years * There don't need to be more statuses, there are already 5 versions * Citizenship requires meeting a lengthy checklist, including both an oral and written interview * 10-12% of voters nationally are Latino * Federal judges didn't strike down the Dream Act because it is Constitutional * Original Act was Co-sponsored by Senator Lugar (R) from Indiana * Congress is considering a "Bridge Act" that would extend the program 3 years to find a more permanent solution * There are positive community benefits to the DACA students being here since 15% bought a house and 50% got car loans * Establishment has pitted poor groups against each other Erika - DACA Student: (notes not quotes) * Came here at age 7 since her parents wanted her to get an education and have a better life * Has a Work Permit, has to pay for her own books, housing and out-of-state tuition * It's like living in a "Glass Bubble" that can break at any time * Hard to live with uncertainty Marlen - DACA Student: (notes not quotes) * Has a "Mixed Family Status" where her mother, brother and sister are all full citizens * Family Re-unification takes years * Ran away from Mexico to be with them at age 12 and crossed by herself with 15 others, only 10 made it * With DACA she can drive without fear, is able to go to school, work (contributing taxes), interact with the community * Provide a better life for her son * Says her 7 yr old son worries about her leaving him and is very stressed * Knows there is probably a 20 year wait to get citizenship Audience Comments: (notes not quotes) * Fear and Bigotry keep people divided * Ignorance of the facts keeps people from supporting * Oppression remains as long as groups remain fragmented, which keeps the establishment from solving the issues in Congress * "No Human is Illegal" #DACA For more information on the topic, contact La Casa de Amistad - "To support DACA, please contact Walorski on House Bill #3440" For more articles and meetings: #MichianaObserver Councilpersons Present: All
Bill #17-49 Property located at 4321 S. Michigan Street NOTE: Variance to allow a Tattoo Parlor Bill #17-50 Property located at 315 N. Main Street Bill # 54-17 Rezoning for 3333 N. Kenmore Street NOTE: Rezoning at 3333 Kenmore – There is concern about the height with the airport nearby. Although there are 2 yards close by, they do not want to do any landscaping and take out mature trees. Drainage is of concern. Curb cut-ins are too close to solvent storage tanks where trucks enter and exit – fire hazard with toxic chemicals? Bill #55-17 Substitute Rezoning 212 E. South Street - Passed NOTE: Rezoning for 212 S. Street – Staff noted this would not be ideal (See page 3 of 3) “Not compatible with the residential character of the neighborhood.” "Most desirable use is one that is compatible with the single-family neighborhood.” Property Values – “If the site is developed for retail uses, surrounding property values could be adversely affected.” The developer wants to reduce landscaping to NONE and avoid the 10 parking spaces to NONE, which means people will park where residents want to park. Staff recommends, “Unfavorable” This house will be come a multi-lawyer office. Bill #17-71 Old National Area Fiscal Plan Bill #12-17 Rezoning and Annexation for Douglas & SR 23 17330 SR 23 - Tabled until Nov 13th NOTE: People spoke in opposition to this at the Area Planning Commission Rezoning 17330 SR 23 – 3 people took the time to come out and speak against this. They want to cut the driveway from the required 15’ to 6’ which isn’t the length of a car. 52 hedge plants are required and they want to only put in half. They want to exceed outside seating by double. Will this also cut into a 5’ ADA access sidewalk area? Bill #69-17 Street & Alley Vacation Corby and Eddy Street Residents spoke out against this stating it blocks access to their homes and city services such as trash pick-up and snow removal. Council tabled until Nov 13th asking the owner and residents to meet and work things out. Bill #17-69 Substitute Tax Abatement modification of GLC SBDC II NOTE: Abatement amount = $1,107,260 Bill #78-17 Substitute Tax Abatement Enforcement Amendment Tabled until Nov 13th NOTE: If someone receiving a Tax Abatement does not comply with the terms, they may be fined. City only needs to audit 5 of the Abatement recipients a year Bill #17-72 Issuing & Authorizing Bonds for SB Redevelopment District NOTE: Only 36 out of the 52 parks will get repair or upgrades. 16 will get no upgrades. Parks getting upgrades include: Kennedy, Fremont and Charles Black 22 Parks will get restrooms upgraded to ADA and 3 parks will get Universal Access playgrounds. There will be a "Series K" acquisition of properties to give more neighborhoods access to a park within 10 minutes walking distance. The funding will continue the College Football Hall of Fame Bond that ends in February 2018. Councilman Oliver Davis expressed a desire to make sure Transpo Routes connect and stop at various parks so all residents have access to them, especially since those speaking said they use other parks due to a lack of parks on the Westside. Bill #17-73 Issuing & Authorizing Bonds for SB PARK DISTRICT ***$12,200,000 Bond*** to fund improvements to Pulaski, Leeper, Howard and Seitz Parks, Riverfront Trail in River West TIF NOTE: The City will be borrowing money to do these projects by issuing a $12,200,000 bond with up to a 5% interest rate These bonds could extend to 2033 and cost up to $15M total Paying this back will be added to property taxes for approximately the next 15 years Issuing a Bond is = to a person putting expenses on a credit card. They will take 15 years to pay it off. The people paying these expenses are the Citizens with increased property taxes if TIF is not available. The concern is the River West TIF will expire before this is paid. Councilperson Jo Borden noted that Howard and Seitz parks are not physically located in the River West TIF District, they are ajacent to it. Instead of staying within their means and waiting until the City can afford these costs or paying with TIF moneys, it's now an added burden at a higher cost because there is now interest which will equal approiximately $2.8M. Every time you hear the City is "ISSUING A BOND" know that means your property taxes will be increasing or they are continuing a previous debt. Realize that Seniors on a fixed income and many of the poor in SB often lose their homes since they can't pay the increasing property taxes, meanwhile businesses are given huge abatements from paying their taxes Bill #75-17 October 2017 Transfer Ordinance - Passed Bill #76-17 October Civil City Appropriation - Passed $40,000 FROM GENERAL FUND (#101) NOTE: Additional Audit Fees due to SBACC Fund issues $117,571 FROM PARKS FUND (#201) $25,000 FROM COMMUNITY INVESTMENT OPERATING FUND (#211) $80,000 FROM STATE-SEIZED DRUG MONEY FUND (#216) $2,733 FROM UNSAFE BUILDING FUND (#219) $97,000 FROM LOCAL ROADS & STREETS FUND (#251) $25,000 FROM POLICE GRANTS FUND (#292) $90,000 FROM FEDERAL DRUG ENFORCEMENT FUND (#299) $362 FROM ZOO ENDOWMENT FUND (#403) $40,000 FROM PARKS CAPITAL FUND (#405) $11,755 FROM PROJECT RELEAF FUND (#655) NOTE: This is to raise the hourly rate to $11/hour and offer a bonus if people stay all 7 weeks $396,500 FROM SMART STREETS DEBT SERVICE FUND (#756). NOTE: Yet another $396K is being spent over and above on "Smart Streets" City received an award for them. Bill #77-17 Substitute October 2017 Enterprise Funds Ordinance - Passed $20,000 FROM EMS OPERATING FUND (#287) $7,823 FROM CONSOLIDATED BUILDING FUND – CODE ENFORCEMENT (#600) $100,000 FROM SEWER INSURANCE FUND (#640) $288,850 FROM SEWAGE WORKS OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE FUND (#641) $10,800 FROM SEWAGE DEPRECIATION FUND (#642) $200 FROM 2011 SEWER BOND FUND (#659). Bill #62-17 Substitute Fixing Maximum 2018 Salaries for Non-Bargaining Employees - Passed 7-2 Councilperson's Regina Williams-Preston and Oliver Davis voted Nay. NOTE: This allows the Mayor to give people up to $500 a month Auto allowance and up to $100 a month Cell phone allowance at his discretion. If all employees were given $100/mo or $1,200/year for cell phones and $500/mo or $6,000/year for auto allowance, how much would this be? How much is currently being given? This means the Mayor has the discretion of giving any employee and extra $7,200/year. (g) Allowances, (1) Auto Allowances (2) Cell Phone Allowances NOTE: Departments were advised to only increase salaries by 2% Some changed the job title and increased the amounts substantially above the 2% The Mayor removed his request for the Public Safety Director position. There were 4 new positions including a PR position for Public Works, 10 new Titles, 2 added from the County Historical Preservation 19 positions ignored the 2% and received more. The Mayor says this "normalizes" salaries and are "best practices". This is an area the Council is taking a closer look at in the next budget. Bill #65-17 Fixing Maximum Annual Pay and Benefits for SBFFD for 2018-2021 - Passed NOTE: This is decided by a Union Bargaining unit for the Fire Department Bill #51-17 3rd Reading Appropriating Monies for the purpose of defraying expenses - Passed NOTE: This is done when an area exceeds its budgeted amount and they need to cover the added expenses Bill #52-17 3rd Reading Appropriateing Monies for the purpose of defraying designated Enterprise Funds - Passed RESOLUTIONS: Bill #17-49 Zoning Appeal for 4321 S. Michigan Street Bill #17-50 Zoning Appeal for 315 N. Main Street This request if for an addiction treatment center for women. Upper Room Recovery Inc. They operate one for men next to this property. Bill #17-61 TAX ABATEMENT for 5 years for Masterbuilt, 325 S. Walnut Street, SB Bill #17-63 TAX ABATEMENT for 7 years for Tri-Pac, Inc. 3333 N. Kenmore St, SB Bill #17-67 TAX ABATEMENT for 5 years for Tri-Pac, Inc on Personal Property Taxes Bill #17-69 TAX ABATEMENT for GLC SBDC II, LLC. 23464 Adams Road, SB 46628 - Passed 8-1 NOTE: Abatement amount = $1,107,260 Instead of a graduated 9 year tiered Abatement, they are being given a 100% Abatement Bill # 17-71 ANNEXATION Old National Area - Tabled until Nov 13th Bill # 17-72 REDEVELOPMENT BONDS for the Parks - Passed Bill # 17-73 ISSUING PARK BONDS $12,200,000 (See notes above) - Passed BILLS 1st READING: Bill #79-17 TAX ABATEMENT Amending sections 2-84.9(c) and 2-84.9 (e) of Chapter 2, Article 6 NOTE: Requires those receiving tax abatements to pay a minimum of $10.10/hour to their employees SPECIAL EXPLANATION BY COUNCIL ATTORNEY: He explained that funds first come into the City and the Council can determine what funds go to Redevelopment. This was in response to the Ardmore Issue. It will mean the Council can decide to release/hold the $25M for the Ardmore/South Shore project. At this time $125K has been funded to study alternatives. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Bill #17-79 Zoning Appeal for 3419 W. Washington Street, SB NOTE: This reduced the amount of parking down to 116 spaces CONCLUSION: Councilperson Karen White stated she felt the Budget Process was open with 18 Public Hearings and that their priorities and Budget reflects the Citizen needs. For more articles and meetings: #MichianaObserver UPDATE on the RENAISSANCE DISTRICT
October 13, 2017, League of Women Voters, Chocolate Cafe Presenter: Willow Wetherall This District is 80 city blocks and is bordered by Chapin/Western/Sample/Michigan Studebaker used to be 128 acres of land The buildings have 1.2M Square Feet Houses 25 Telecommunication Companies Investment to date is $68.6M City/State/Federal provided $14,600,000 Kevin Smith has provided $54,015,100 He has been able to finance this project with his IQI Balanced Intelligence Companies which include: Deluxe Sheet Metal, Union Station Technology Center, Lone Wolf Construction, Infinity Fiber, South Bend Warehousing & Distribution, Woodsmith, International Thought Institute Note: Kevin Smith has an amazing amount of energy and vision Half of the 250,000 Square Feet space is already occupied It is the largest man-made structure in Northern Indiana and is made from poured in place concrete with columns every 25' It would have cost more to tear it down than to rehab it Both lead and asbestos contamination has been removed Unlike many developers, Kevin Smith has reused and recycled while incorporating the latest state-of-the-art sustainability practices on a massive scale The new windows are custom 3 pane glass windows with a brick imprint to update the look while preserving aspects of the past Rather than discard the hardwood factory floors, they were repurposed into new items while providing training and jobs for students in the surrounding neighborhoods For years, monthly update meetings have been held that both keep the public aware of the progress and solicit input The Renaissance District has some sharp contrasts - High tech innovation and homeless centers In an effort to accomodate both extremes, the Working Group was created The Working Group educated 200 people, which included 47 non-profits and government entities They discovered it costs taxpayers $15K/year to house and care for someone vs. $33K if they are living on the streets FUSE is working to provide more permanent housing NOTE: It's exciting to see so much positive progress! For more articles and meetings: #MichianaObserver TOPIC: Dog Park, Abatements, Budget, 100 Year Anniversary, Home Downspouts, Train Quiet Zones
October 9, 2017, County-City Building, 4th Floor Present - All Council Members 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Celebrate and honor the first African-American Church in South Bend @ 310 W. Monroe Street, SB 48-17 Chapter 2, Article 6 on TAX ABATEMENT REQUIREMENTS This requires those businesses getting a Tax Abatement to have wages equal to or above the minimum wage the City offers with increases of 2% every year. The minimum City wage is currently $10.10/hour. This is done to increase the number of higher paying jobs in the City. 17-60 MASTERBILT PERSONAL PROPERTY ABATEMENT They are investing in a new piece of $575K equipment which will result in hiring 2 more people at $18/hr so the City is giving them $16,292 off their taxes. 17-62 / 17-66 TRIPAC INC They got a 7 Yr Abatement on their taxes for moving from Michigan to 3333 N. Kenmore St. They promise to add 60 new jobs in the next 3 years that pay $18 - $33/hr and bring $5M in business Their Abatement was listed at $83,911 + $17,237 = $101,228 Total off their taxes 17-68 GREAT LAKES CAPITAL SPEC BLDG II 9 Yr Tax Abatement for a new building and 10 new jobs. Given $1,107,260 off their taxes NOTES: (Not exact quotes) Gavin Ferlic likes to use "Aggressing Tax Abatements". He is the Chairperson of the Community Investment Committee and works with Elevate Ventures, an Investment Firm. He said large Tax Abatements are less risk to the City than TIFs and other financing of private businesses. Jo Broden would like the Redevelopment Committee to meet at a later time in the day so more Citizens can attend these meetings and for there to be a Public Portion. Currently the Public is not allowed any input. Dr. Dave Varner noted SB has been handing out Tax Abatements for over 20+ years and Community Investment needs to come up with another way of attracting business. John Voorde noted the Abatement process is much more open than it used to be since years ago one person decided the property taxes--the Assessor. He held that position at one time. Regina Williams-Preston noted her constituents would prefer funding of peace building with a Citizen Review Board for Policing, Lead programs, more curbs and sidewalks and funding to help revitalize homes of those with low incomes, not just businesses. Karen L. White expressed an interest in greater funding for early childhood education. Marty Wolfson of the Forum for Economic Justice said he would like more spending and emphasis on neighborhoods, lead programs, low cost housing and more public input into Redevelopment. Audience - Would you be interested in a post detailing how much Tax Income has been given away in the last 10 years in the form of Abatements? 66-17 DISCONNECTING DOWNSPOUTS Chapter 17, Article 1, Section 17-4 In an effort to reduce water into sewers, the City requires all homes to be disconnected from the sewers. There are currently 1,400 - 1,500 left that are not in compliance. Businesses are allowed to continue to dump into the sewers if they pay a one time fee based on the square footage of their roofs. They said it is too much of a hardship to ask businesses to disconnect. 51-17 / 52-17 DEFRAYING EXPENSES of DEPARTMENTS - Council voted in Favor to pass this. Oliver Davis, Jr. asked for this to be continued and objected to the closing of public input. NOTE: There were an extensive number of accounts, but $ AMOUNTS WERE NOT DISCLOSED. 59-17 CITY CLERK received a 2% pay increase 60-17 COUNCIL receieved a 2% pay increase to $19,411 61-17 MAYOR receieved a 2% pay increase to $108,710 62- 17 NON-BARGAINING EMPLOYEES - Continued NOTE: Although they are only supposed to receive a 2% increase there have been some cases where the job title has been changed with a substantial increase. In the case of Police Department Techs that do fingerprinting and other crime analysis, the salaries were raised to be competitive in the industry and keep them here in SB. Dr. Dave Varner remarked that in the past, people making under $50K would get 2% increase and those over would only receive a flat $500 to reduce a pay gap since 2% of a higher salary was much higher. John Voorde concurred this was the case in the past. 63-17 TEAMSTER EMPLOYEES - Wages were set for 2017-2020 64-17 POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES - Barganing was accepted for 2018 65-17 FIRE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES - Continued since they are still in negotiation 17-64 CHANGE IN THE RIVER WEST DEVELOPMENT AREA The Council voted to move the City Cemetary, Leeper Park, Studebaker Museum and the History Museum into this TIF district to make funding available to them. NOTE: Different areas of the City are part of different TIF Disctricts and they have different $ amounts available to spend on civic projects or private businesses. By adjusting these boundaries, more or less $ becomes available in that area. 17-65 STUDY OF RAILROAD CROSSINGS There are two different railroads that run through the City. One has 90 trains a day and the other has 16 a day, which can result in a lot of horns. This study would look at what it would take to make more of the City "Quiet Zones" to improve the quality of life. FIRST READINGS - There were 12 of them. This was a 7 page Agenda. Only two will be highlighted here. 72-17 Chapter 21, Article 3 - PAY ATTENTION TO THIS ONE It changes Setback provisions, outdoor seating, changes landscaping requirements and parking. NOTE: Why? It is NOT OKAY to allow cafe seating that completely blocks sidewalks and expects people to use bike lanes to walk around these cafes. ADA requires 5' of sidewalk for anyone to pass through. Tuesday the Public Board of Works ONCE AGAIN approved a permit which is voilation. The City claims to be "Pedestrian Friendly" but does not seem to care if those with disabilities can easily walk through an area. This has been granted to Aloft, Fiddler's Hearth and others. 76-17 APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS Included in this is $396,500 more for "Smart Streets". The previous Controller, John Murphy, estimates the REAL cost to be around $41M. TOTAL 2018 BUDGET = $387,352,221 Still time this week to contact your Council Person to express what YOU want tax $ spent on. See list on the "Weekly Meetings Posts" when there is a Council Meeting. DOG PARK ANNOUNCEMENT 10:00 am at Rum Village on Wednesday, October 11th, $25K approved by Public Board of Works for Designs For more articles or meetings: #MichianaObserver SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION
Monday, 5:30 pm (Broadcast Live WETL 91.7 FM) 215 S. Martin Luther King Drive, 3rd Floor 574.393.6000 SOUTH BEND COMMON COUNCIL Monday 3:30 pm, County-City Building, Conference Rm, 4th floor 7:00 pm, County-City Building, Council Chambers, 4th floor (Broadcast Live) District 1: Tim Scott ~ tscott@southbendin.gov District 2: Regina Williams-Preston ~ rpreston@southbendin.gov District 3: Randy Kelly ~ rkelly@southbendin.gov District 4: Jo Broden ~ jbroden@southbendin.gov District 5: David A. Varner ~ dvarner@southbendin.gov District 6: Oliver J. Davis ~ odavis@southbendin.gov At-Large: Gavin Ferlic ~ gferlic@southbendin.gov At-Large: John Voorde ~ jvoorde@southbendin.gov At-Large: Karen L. White ~ kwhite@southbendin.gov Common Council ~ ccouncil@southbendin.gov 574.235.9321 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Tuesday, 9:30 am, County-City Building, 13th floor Linda Martin, Board Secretary, 574.235.9251 COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, 6:00 pm, County-City Building, Council Chambers, 4th floor 574.235.9658 MACOG Policy Board Meeting Wednesday, 10 am, 11th Floor County City Building NEW DOG PARK ANNOUNCEMENT Wednesday, 10 am, Rum Village Park 2626 S. Gertrude St, South Bend, 46614 REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Thursday, 9:30 am, County-City Building, 13th floor Mary Brazinsky, Board Secretary, 574.235.9337 -------------------------------------------------------- On Site Prayer Ministry Vigil Thursday, 5:30 pm For 26-year-old Dijon Jones, who was shot and killed on September 23rd in South Bend. Ravina Park. PLEASE NOTE DIRECTIONS: Due to limited parking (one side of the street only) the easiest way to get to the vigil site is to take Miami Street south from Lincoln Way East to Broadway, then turn right. You can park on the north side of Broadway, or the west side of Lebanon streets (they border the park). 574-387-1490. Housing and Economic Development Forum: Racial Injustice in South Bend Thursday, October 12, 6-8 PM St. Joseph County Main Library, 304 S Main Street, Colfax Auditorium League of Women Voters Friday, Noon, Chocolate Cafe, 122 S. Michigan Street, SB Learn about the new developments in the Rennaisance District County Agendas and Minutes http://www.stjosephcountyindiana.com/agendacenter Note: Call for schedule changes For more articles and meetings: #MichianaObserver |
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