10-23-78 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 23, 1978 REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED (CONTINUED) RESOLUTION NO. 650 -78 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND OPPOSING THE ST. JOSEPH COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROPOSAL TO PURCHASE THE SEARS BUILDING. WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of South Bend recognizes that the Sears Building located in the near downtown will soon be vacated; and WHEREAS, the Council believes that the future use of this building will have a definite effect on the city property tax revenues; and WHEREAS, the Council believes that all property owners should be encouraged to develop the highest and best uses of their properties; and WHEREAS, The Common Council opposes the St..Joseph County Board of Commissioners proposal to purchase the Sears Building since it would not necessarily be the best use for the property, nor would it continue to generate property tax revenues. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, that: SECTION I. The Common Council rededicates itself to programs which would further the sound economic development of our City. SECTION II. The Council recognizes the increasing hardships resulting from the declining property tax revenues. SECTION•III. The Council believes that properties like the Sears Building contribute to the economic growth and stability of our city and therefore should be retained on the tax rolls. SECTION IV. The Common Council believes that the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners should reconsider their proposal to purchase the Sears Building, and encourages them to work with the city officials in developing long and short term plans which would stimulate sound economic growth in both the city of south bend and St. Joseph County. SECTION V. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Common Council, and its approval by the Mayor. /s /Rogert G. Taylor Member of the Common Council A public hearing was held on this resolution at this time. Council Member Taylor indicated that the purchase of the Sears Building has been a topic in the news media for the past several weeks. He indicated that since he agreed with the Mayor's position, he thought this would give the Council the opportunity to go on record as opposing the sale of the Sears Building to the Board of Commissioners. He said he thought it was very premature on the part of the County Commissione: to even be discussing such a purchase. He said the City would be much better off if it could retian the building on the tax rolls. He indicated there was a good chance the building could be sold for some type of private use, where the CIty could retain the taxes. Council President Parent asked the City Clerk, Irene Gammon, to read a letter from County Commissioner Henry R. Ferrettie, regarding the County's position on the purchase of this Building-: Mr. Roger 0. Parent President, South Bend Common Council 4th Floor, County -City Building South Bend, Indiana 46601 Dear Roger: This letter is to let you and the other South.BendCity Council members know that we are not opposed to the spirit of the resolution pertaining to the Sears Building. First, the County Commissioners are dedicated to programs which will further the sound economic development of South Bend and all of St. Joseph County. Second, it is an important goal of County Government to stimulate the expansion of the property tax base. Third, properties such as the Sears Building should not be left unused for a long period of time because of their central location and potential adverse effect on the whole downtown area. Fourth, the County Commissioners have no plans to acquire the Sears Building if a private enterprise shows serious interest in the building. The County Commissioners are committed to finding a facility for the Department of Public Welfare which is central on the bus line, with ample parking, and adequare for the work to be done, at the lowest possible cost to the taxpayer. Please remember that space saving money through low office housing costs for the Department of Public Welfare would keep taxes down and have longer run impact on taxes than simply keeping a building on the tax rate. Lastly, the Commissioners are disappointed that Councilman Robert Taylor would feel that he has to file a resolution with the Council to make us aware of his views. From the start, we have been open to public opinion on the matter of relocating the Department of Public Welfare. More than simply being "open ", we formed a citizens group to look for alternative solutions to the problem. The Sears building was their number one recommendation. We invite Mayor Nemeth, Councilman Taylor, and any other Council member to join us in serious discussions on this issue, we will be more than glad to receive their help. Please call me as soon as possible to set a date and time. I am waiting for your reply. Thank you. Sincerely, THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, COUNTY OF ST. JOSEPH, INDIANA Henry R. Ferrettie Member