08-08-01 Community & Economic Development

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Committee import: Community & (rottomit Debeiopmeut Committee The August 8, 2001 meeting of the Community & Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 4:10 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Coleman, Varner, King and Kelly; Kevin Hunter,Jon Hunt, Don Inks, Greg Jones and Kathy Cekanski Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Kelly stated that this meeting was called to continue the discussion and review of the City's tax abatement procedures. Don Inks then reviewed a one-page handout addressing "Previous Abatements Granted vs. New Tax Abatement Proposal-Examples from 1998 to 2001" (copy attached). He also reviewed portions of the 20-page handout (copy attached) reflecting examples. Discussion took place on "mega projects" with such considerations as using a five-year base amount plus additional years as additional criteria were met such as 50 % size increases,jobs, $ per hour, square footage, level of pay,etc. Dr. Varner noted that if the original purpose of tax abatement is to gain assessment, then the city should also address speculative developments also as a part of the ordinance process. Council Member King noted that developments should be keyed to base levels and then be geared to property investment. Bonus levels could include jobs, quality of jobs, number of jobs, additional square footage, and level of pay. Council Member King gave an example of a fully automated project and how it would be addressed. Council Member Coleman noted the Associates project and noted that once a building is built that the development could grow based on inventories. Council Member Kelly stressed the need for a "user friendly" ordinance to spur additional development. Mr. Hunt stated that the Administration would prepare a draft ordinance so that the process could move forward. Council Member King noted that the list of items previously given to the Committee was provided as "food for thought". He suggested that it be refined and that values be assigned to each item so that proper thresholds could be developed. Council Member King suggested that a separate meeting be held to discuss the list of items. Following discussion, it was suggested that the next meeting be held on Wednesday, September 12 at 4 p.m. in light of the budget hearings which would soon be starting. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kelly adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Roland Kelly, Chairperson Community and Economic Development • KCF:kmf Attachments