06-14-10 Community & Economic Development Committee

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~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~: ~1 ~' ` ~~ Community and Economic Development Committee 2010 South Bend Common Council The June 14, 2010 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Timothy A. Rouse at 4:10 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Kirsits, Varner, LaFountain, Rouse, Oliver J. Davis, Henry Davis, Jr., and Puzzello; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Rita Kopola, Director of Code Enforcement Catherine Toppel, Jeff Parrott of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Rouse noted that the Committee members include Council Members Henry Davis, Jr., Karen L. White, Ann Puzzello and himself, as Chairperson. He noted that Council Member White will be unable to attend today's Committee meeting. Bill No. 10-28: 9 year Real Property Tax Abatement Request for 3425 W. Lathrop Drive Bill No. 10-29: 5 year Per'1 Property Tax Abatement Request for 3425 W. Lathrop Drive Council Member Rouse noted the petitioner for Bill Nos. 10-28 and 10-29 representing McCormick & Company, Inc. have requested that the Bills be continued indefinitely. Miscellaneous Business: Council Member Rouse requested the Council Attorney to read an item into the record. The Council Attorney read the Mayor's letter dated June 9, 2010 addressing Bill No. 25-10 (Tax Abatement: Continue until the August 9, 2010 SBCC meeting) and Bill No. 26-10 (Sewer Rates to set the public hearing for June 28, 2010) in its entirety (copy attached) Council Member Rouse noted that he has asked the Council Attorney to provide a memorandum this week which address the concerns she raised with regard to Bill No. 25-10 regarding the proposed tax abatement regulations. He also noted that Pat McMahon, Project Future Director, will be returning to the city today and will be working on their suggestions on tax abatement policies, along with the Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Luecke stated that he wished to give the Council a brief update on grass mowing. He noted that as a result of an early Spring and a wet season that grass mowing has been a challenge. The Park Department is working 10-hour days, 6 days a week plus have added additional staff and are utilizing Public Works staff also. They should be caught up by the end of this week. Catherine Toppel, Code Enforcement Director noted the HEA 1358 took effect on July 1, 2009. It provides among other things that the city would not have to re-notify property owners on various public nuisance abatement actions. She is working with the Legal Department in light of discrepancies in the law. The City is planning to implement this system "next season", noting that title searches will still be needed, with unpaid obligations being placed on the property owner's tax bills.