09-14-2026 Common Council Meeting Recording

The September 14, 2026 South Bend Common Council meeting included no contract awards, RFPs, or purchasing approvals. The Council adopted Ordinances 52-26 and 53-26, creating a city permitting system for short-term rentals and a zoning special-exception requirement for newly established, non-owner-occupied rentals. The permit fee is $150, renewals are free, and the ordinances take effect January 1, 2027; existing rentals may qualify as legal nonconforming uses. Members and public commenters debated neighborhood impacts, implementation, grandfathering, and coordination with nearby jurisdictions, with Council members pledging continued discussion and review. The Council also adopted Resolution 26-30 issuing or renewing scrap-metal dealer licenses, including a license for South Bend Metal Recyclers and contingent licenses for certain operators. The resolution cited compliance checks and outstanding conditions for Alternative 2 and Republic Services, as well as reporting issues involving Big Bulldog Auto Parts and LKQ Pick Your Part Midwest.

Budget measures advanced for further consideration, including a 2026 supplemental appropriations ordinance listing amounts such as $1.44 million from the General Fund, $12,390,600 from the Local Income Tax Economic Development Fund, and $1,087,632 from the Consolidated Building Fund; a 2026 budget-transfer ordinance; and the 2027 city and South Bend Public Transportation Corporation budget and tax measures. No final budget appropriations were approved at this meeting. The Council also adopted a zoning special exception for a two-unit dwelling at lot 17 in the North Sunnyside Second Edition, tabled another zoning item to September 28, and advanced a proposed Community Police Review Board ordinance addressing training, quorum, attendance, and participation requirements.