South Bend Common Council Meeting

August 14, 2017 on the 4th Floor of the County-City Building
All were present except for Councilperson Jo Broden
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Honoring Karen L. White, Alley Closings, use of Synthetic Canibinoids, Police Body Cameras, Keyhole Condos on Ironwood
REMINDER: BUDGET overviews start on WEDNESDAY - Find out how your tax $ will be spent in 2018!
* Councilperson Karen L. White was honored for her 42 years of service to the community and her retirement from IUSB
* 45-17 Vacation of Alleys near the Civil Rights Heritage Center 
The Edmondson's mailed 28 notices to people within a 150' radius
They have put in new sidewalks, 22 trees
They want to make it a pedestrian walkway so it is safer for both adults and kids
They hold neighborhood gatherings and plan to put in a vegetable garden
It was opposed by Neil Andrews who produced 16 neighbors who were against and 2 neutral about the project
The motion passed unanimously and the alleyways will be vacated by the city
* 46-17 The Council did an amendment to the ordinance to add to "Disorderly House" activities to include synthetic canibanoids
They hope to bring pressure on establishments selling it and educate the community
They are finding elementary school kids up to 78 year olds using it.
This has put a strain on both the police department and Memorial ER who reported 981 intakes in 2016
Members of the community, the Police Chief and a representative from Beacon Health spoke about it.
The measure passed unanimously
* Discussion about the Homeless
Councilman Dr. David Varner was dismayed to see over 30 people sleeping in the treelawns near the viaduct and overturned garbage cans
Chris Anderson has started his work with DTSB to work with the Homeless
Councilman Gavin Ferlic asked about what other communities are doing and if they are sending people here from other areas.
Councilman Oliver Davis stressed there are multiple solutions needed to help this problem and was disappointed the City will not implement the Day Work Program
* POLICE BODY CAMERAS
The Chief states in 1997 the SBPD was the first in the state to have video with audio
Bids for the cameras have been put out and the close of bids in on Sept. 12th
There are 7 different body camera vendors being evaluated by both the SBPD and the FOP
They are expected to have the 170 cameras operational in the first quarter of 2018
There was discussion on how policies will need to be adapted for this new technology
* POLICE APPLICANTS
There are around 300 applicants, but they are not as racially diverse as they had hoped
* HONORING RETIRED OFFICERS
Councilman Oliver Davis comment he would like the Council to be notified so the Officers can be honored for their service
* 1st Reading of Bills were read
47-17 Vacation of a Street
48-17 Tax Abatements NOTE: Not sure for what business/property
49-17 Licensing for scrap metal and recycling
* POCKET NEIGHBORHOOD ON IRONWOOD
Neighbors are still upset over the total clearing of the property, including beautiful trees
They seemed to be even more upset the number of units has been increased from 22 to 30
Meeting about this Tuesday at 3:30 pm at the County-City Building with the Area Plan Commission. Like/Dislike you can come to the meeting and/or call 574-235-9571 August 28th will be a hearing on the matter.
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