07-24-00 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 24, 2000 option income tax which is to be used for economic development could be utilized for the Hall of Fame. Mr. Barry Baumbaugh, 12032 Timberline Trace, Granger, Indiana, informed the Council that he opposed the Hall at its inception and there are people in Granger who oppose the Hall. Promises were made by politicians and the taxpayers should not have to pay for this building. He asked that the Council not put this tax on property owners. Mr. Baumbaugh stated that he encourages citizens to fight and remonstrate against this levy. Ms. Patricia Smith, 817 O'Brien Street, South Bend, Indiana, noted several projects ofprior Mayors. She noted that five (5) years ago she was against the Hall of Fame and she feels the same today. She stated that she would like her tax dollars to be spent for the police and fire departments because they are in her neighborhood. Mr. John Voorde, 1930 Dorwood Drive, South Bend, Indiana, indicated that he believes it is unfortunate that the citizens have to pay for the Hall of Fame with property taxes. Those tax dollars should pay for public safety. Mr. Voorde wondered if all ways have been used to finance the Hall. He indicated that an entertainment tax for the county would be an option for funding. Ms. Diane Zmyslo, 25669 Brick Road, South Bend, Indiana, noted that she does have a business in the City and asked why the City would not ask these corporations that were to be sponsors, where their donations were because now the City wants to bleed the taxpayers. In rebuttal, Mayor Luecke stated that everyone agrees that the original projections were not correct. He noted that he has not made any commitment to Joseph Kernan as indicated by some individuals. Additionally, a petition remonstrance is not available for this type of tax levy and this levy was approved by the State Tax Board when the initial bonds were issued. What they are asking for now is to refinance existing bonds and levy a tax to make that payment. Mayor Luecke stated that he wanted to make it clear that the City has negotiated contracts with the Police and Fire Departments over the years which they have ratified. Police and Fire are paid out of the general fund and that is where the City has been taking funds for the Hall of Fame. By levying a tax to cover the Hall, more funds will be made available. Further, Mayor Luecke stated that all property owners in the City of South Bend would pay this tax. EDIT and COIT dollars are being utilized for many projects which the Mayor outlined and he noted that it is expected that those funds will continue to be used for new facilities for the Police and Fire Departments. The choice would be whether to use those funds for the Hall of Fame or for other projects. He further noted that when asked whether the City has tried all sources of alternative financing, the answer is that the City has not tried all but people have worked very hard to secure alternative financing. In many cases there are other competitors for funds. In regards to the use of food and beverage taxes, Mayor Luecke noted that these funds were talked about for such things as a convention and visitors center and other investments in the community. He noted that this tax levy will not preclude the City from looking for alternative sources of funding. Councilmember Kelly stated that the City simply has to pass this tax levy. It does have an impact on the economy in our community. The building is there and it must be paid for and therefore he , will support this Resolution. Councilmember Varner stated that he asked for information concerning the bonds and just received that information today. The agreement with the NFF that has been in the works has still not been consummated. Councilmember Varner stated that he believes it is premature to act on this matter tonight. He stated that he proposes that the Mayor sit down with the NFF and insist that they begin to pay their fair share. If they will not, then the City needs to find another use for the building. Councilmember Varner made a motion to continue this bill until at least the second Council meeting