02-13-06 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2006 Whereas, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, acknowledges that as a result of the legislative action of the Indiana General Assembly this session, new short and long-term economic development opportunities may be offered if the proposed “Major Moves” legislation becomes reality ; and Whereas, the Common Council recognizes that the Governor has proposed a 200-plus page lease agreement which would be authorized if the “Major Moves” bill is passed thereby leasing the Indiana Toll Road and creating public-private partnerships referred to as “P3” as a mechanism for financing large public works projects such as highways; and Whereas, the Common Council believes, that if the proposed state legislation and lease are determined to be in the best interests of the residents of Indiana, that ALL Toll Road counties should have the opportunity to benefit from grants and other economic development opportunities; noting that currently eighteen (18) states have such legislation in place which authorize the creation of such partnerships; and Whereas, the South Bend Common Council further believes, that ALL Toll Road counties should have the opportunity to participate in a regional development authority; if it is determined that such overall enabling state legislation is needed to curtail the projected $2.8 billion shortfall in addressing the state’s critical transportation needs over the next ten (10) years and if the proposed new funding mechanism is found to be in the best interests of Indiana and her residents. Now, Therefore, be it resolved, by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. On behalf of all of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council acknowledges that the current version of House Bill No. 1008 is only patently unfair to St. Joseph and La Porte counties who are the Toll Road counties who would not be given the opportunity to participate in a regional development authority as currently proposed. Section II. The South Bend Common Council notes that St. Joseph County lies within the heartland of the manufacturing belt and metropolitan regions of the Upper Midwest and Canada. The City of South Bend is located just ten (10) miles south of the Michigan state line; is approximately ninety (90) miles east of the City of Chicago and is accessible via Interstate 80/90, the Indiana Toll Road. In light of South Bend’s proximity to Chicago, it has the largest rail and intermodal transfer point in the country which is vitally important to South Bend and St. Joseph County, Indiana, and need ongoing economic development tools to continue to be a viable and thriving area which creates st employment and economic opportunities needed in the 21 century. Section III. The South Bend Common Council believes that there is clear and convincing evidence that St. Joseph County, Indiana, truly is the economic engine in this geographic area of the state and that it is pivotally important that St. Joseph County be included along with ALL of the Toll Road counties to participate in a regional development authority mechanism, if such enabling legislation is passed by the Indiana General Assembly. The following statistics summarize some of key statistics which support our request: th The City of South Bend is the county seat of St. Joseph County; which is the 4 largest th city in the State of Indiana, with St. Joseph County being the 4 largest county in the State of Indiana of its 92 counties, with our area having a $4.36 billion buying income based on disposable income after taxes The South Bend Fire Department has provided vital public safety services to the Indiana Toll Road by contract, since September of 1985, which address hazardous materials spills and related incidents, and continues to provide such vital services which help ensure the safety of those using the Indiana Toll Road 12