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Dane Vida, 2115 W. Western Avenue, stated, We thought we had done what we needed to do <br /> back in March of 2014. Those forms were filed and we thought we were good. We did not know <br /> we had extra paperwork to fill out. It became more and more complicated and we would have <br /> filled out the forms if we knew we had to do that. With what we've gone through the past three <br /> (3)years, I wish we never would have filed for an abatement. The cost has been ridiculous. <br /> Mike Lehman, representing MTI located at 1702 W. Washington Street, stated, We did file,but I <br /> filed to the email on the form but that email wasn't right. A year later is when we started the <br /> conversation with Community Investment. <br /> Councilmember Karen White stated, We appreciate the development and investment in South <br /> Bend and we also know there has been a lot of turnover in Community Investment. I would like <br /> Community Investment to come back at a later date and outline that process for us. <br /> Committeemember Kelly stated, They are meeting the most crucial goals with jobs and <br /> investment, and that is important. <br /> Committee Vice Chair Williams-Preston asked, What does the follow-up process look like? <br /> Mr. Mueller replied, We submit the annual tax abatement report in June. As part of preparing <br /> that report, we recognize there were companies that thought they filed. We are tracking all <br /> companies and following up with them. <br /> Councilmember Dr. David Varner stated, Over the years we have found some administrative <br /> issues. With these investments, if there are small administrative errors, we need to be willing to <br /> work with them. <br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden asked, Do we know where the error lies? Whether it is in the <br /> business or in the Department, the primary burden lies with the business. What would we lose if <br /> we tabled these in order to find the process and support going forward? I don't want a business to <br /> be in this position again going forward. The ball is getting fumbled somewhere, somehow. I <br /> would like these individuals that have been involved in the process to help inform and maybe <br /> come back before the Council to give specifics. Some of these are multiple years of Non- <br /> Compliance so there has to be some sort of noticing process. <br /> Kareemah Fowler, City Clerk with offices on the 4th floor of the County-City Building, stated, <br /> These come through the Clerk's Office as well. We met with Councilmember Ferlic and <br /> Angelina to go through the list of abatements. We found that at one (1)time, notices were <br /> contracted out to a company to do it and it was then brought back in-house. We thought that was <br /> a bit of the problem, but since bringing it back in-house,Alkeyna has met with the Auditor's <br /> office and Angelina. I don't know where we are at now but this is a result of our meetings. Right <br /> now we are on the right track and it is straightened out. If you look at these numbers you will <br /> notice they are consecutive. Before Scott Ford left, it was contracted out to a company to handle <br /> it. They were sending the forms directly to the Auditor's Office and completely bypassing the <br /> Clerk's Office so we didn't have the same information.Now we are back on track and we all <br /> 3 <br />