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Community&Economic Development Committee <br /> South Bend Common Council <br /> The July 25,2001,meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee <br /> was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 4:08 p.m. in the <br /> Council Informal Meeting Room. <br /> Persons in attendance included: Council Members Kelly,Varner, and Kirsits; <br /> Richard Jackson,Felicia Davis,Michael Beitzinger,Jon Hunt,Terry O'Brien,Don Inks, Cheryle <br /> Greene,Kevin Hunter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. <br /> Council Member Kelly noted that the purpose of the meeting was to continue discussion <br /> of proposed changes to the existing tax abatement procedures and guidelines. Council Member <br /> Kelly began by inquiring about the implementation of any new guidelines. <br /> Don Inks noted that he believed that the upfront guidelines could be implemented <br /> relatively easily. The key question would be the amount of monitoring which the City desired. <br /> He also noted that the"mega projects"are still an open issue which need to be discussed. <br /> Council Member Kelly noted that a larger staff may be warranted and he inquired about <br /> the possibility of having unannounced visits to locations which receive tax abatement. <br /> Jon Hunt voiced concern about announced visits, citing the fact that the federal <br /> government always provides notice before coming on site. He believed that such a policy could <br /> create alot of ill will and he voiced concern about the officials doing such site inspections. <br /> Council Member Varner stated that essential information which should be tracked could <br /> be developed on a check list and then monitored on a regular basis,perhaps via affidavit. Dr. <br /> Varner noted that the development of more assessment has already been highlighted as one of <br /> the City's primary goals through the tax abatement process. <br /> Don Inks thought that this concept would work. <br /> Council Member Kirsits suggested quarterly reviews. He also voiced concern about <br /> projects where there have been Build Indiana Funds involved and substantial infra structure <br /> expenses and then the petitioner also asks for tax abatement, He believes that the city is giving <br /> tax abatement out like one would give candy to children. He realizes that the city must be <br /> competitive with regard to other communities however stated that three(3)years rather than five <br /> (5)years should be the base amount. <br /> Jon Hunt noted that our main competitor is not Mishawaka currently. Mishawaka does <br /> have the lock on retail development at the current time,however. He stressed that Blackthorne <br /> is the place to be for industrial development. The City will go head to head with Mishawaka in <br /> this area when Capital Avenue is opened. $ 1.50 per square foot is added when developing in <br /> the downtown due to parking. Competition now is from such cities as Kalamazoo,Fort Wayne, <br /> -Community&Ecnomic Development Committee Meeting Minutes of July 25,2001 <br />