02-10-03 Community & Economic Development

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tontnutt Bart Community an Cranantit Istinlopinent 1amm.Ut*t The February 10, 2003 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karl King at 4:47 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, King, Kirsits, Aranowski, Pfeifer, Kelly, Coleman, Kuspa and White; Community & Economic Development Director Jon Hunt, Michael Beitzinger, Patrick McMahon of Project Future, Mark Eagan of the Chamber of Commerce, Don Inks, Bill Schalliol, Terry Bland of the ,aztf.j k tttf 'Crib= and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member King called for a presentation on Bill No. 03-17 which would approve an interlocal agreement between St. Joseph County and the City of South Bend for the use of certain grant money. Mr, Bill Schalliol, an Economic Development Planner, made the presentation. He noted that St. Joseph County received a grant in the amount of$44,687 from the Indiana Development Finance Authority for evaluating potential environmental contamination in the area east of 514 West Ireland Road. The city's Department of Community and Economic Development would serve as the grant administrator. The work under the grant is to be completed by April 1, 2003. Mr. Schalliol provided a drawing of the subject property. He noted that a similar resolution will be acted upon by the County Council on Tuesday evening. No one in the public spoke in favor or against the proposed Resolution. Following discussion, Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 03-17 be recommended favorably to Council. Council Member King noted that a letter dated February 10, 2002 (copy attached) has been received asking that Bill No. 03-18, which would have authorized the Mayor to submit an application to EPA for a Brownsfield Job Training Grant, be withdrawn. The Bill will be struck from the agenda this evening. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 5-03 which would amend Chapter 2, Article 6 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing "Tax Abatement Procedures". Council Member King, the sponsor of the Bill, made the presentation. Council Member King stated that the Bill has been under discussion for the past two (2) years. A great number of Community and Economic Development Committee meetings have taken place and a great deal of research has gone into the project. The City Administration and the public have provided input throughout. The proposed ordinance reflects "new thinking" on tax abatement incentives. The Bill sets forth the goals which all parties have agreed upon, namely that it would encourage private sector entities to invest and rehab resulting in higher economic values and would encourage other actions for the right to receive other public benefits. Council Member King noted that there was a strong interest in tightening up the relationship and partnership between the city and the parties who receive abatements through strong contractual agreements. The City would use Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) modeled after the successful programs in the City of Indianapolis. He further noted that the tax abatement program Community and Economic Development