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REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018 <br /> None from the public wished to speak in favor of or opposition to this bill. <br /> Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 18-69. Councilmember Karen White <br /> seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes. <br /> 18-70 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL <br /> OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, RENEWING AND <br /> EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE SOUTH <br /> BEND URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONE <br /> Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, chair of the Community Investment Committee, reported that they <br /> met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation. <br /> Pam Meyer, Director of Neighborhood Development for the Department of Community <br /> Investment with offices on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as <br /> the presenter for this bill. Ms. Meyer stated, I also serve as Director of the Enterprise Association <br /> and manage the Enterprise Zone Program. The resolution before you is based on new legislation <br /> that was effective earlier this year. It allows a city with an Enterprise Zone to have their local fiscal <br /> body renew and extend that zone for a final five (5) year period. The current zone that we have <br /> expires December 31St, 2018. This five (5) year extension would allow it to extend through <br /> December 31St, 2023. The Enterprise Zone Program was created in the 1980s and is basically a <br /> business incentive reinvestment program for distressed areas around the State. South Bend was <br /> one(1) of the first(1St) cities in the State of Indiana to receive an Enterprise Zone. We had one(1) <br /> successful one(1)that lasted for twenty(20) years. We were then allowed to apply for the second <br /> (2nd) one (1) which is the current one (1) we have. This is the last and final extension that we can <br /> have. I would be happy to answer any questions but I do have the answer for Councilmember <br /> Broden's earlier question about the Sample Street Business Complex and the percentage of <br /> occupancy. The last report we got as of November 16th,2018 states that we are just shy of seventy- <br /> five percent (75%). We have one hundred and twenty-five (125) units and ninety-three (93) of <br /> those were occupied. I would say, historically, that is a very significant and good percentage for <br /> the complex. <br /> Council President Tim Scott opened the floor to questions from Council Members. <br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis asked, Once the program is over in five (5) years, what happens to <br /> the tenants and to the ownership of everything? Could you explain that? <br /> Ms. Meyer replied, Certainly. All we are talking about today in terms of this extension is the Zone <br /> Program. That is the tax benefits available through the State of Indiana for any business located <br /> within that geography called the Enterprise Zone. The Association, which is the governing body <br /> of an Enterprise Zone, will still be in place. It is a non-profit and it will still manage, own and <br /> operate that facility until, or unless, it is sold to a different party. <br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis followed up, So the Association will still be in place. What will not <br /> be in place? <br /> Ms. Meyer replied, The opportunity for businesses to take advantage of the tax benefits. <br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis interrupted, But those who have already taken it, that place would <br /> still be considered? <br /> Ms. Meyer replied, That is correct. <br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, Ok, I'm at peace. Thank you. <br /> This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and <br /> opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. <br /> None from the public wished to speak in favor of or opposition to this bill. <br /> Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 18-70. Councilmember Karen White <br /> seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of eight(8) ayes. <br /> 18-71 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL <br /> OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA <br /> 3 <br />