10-11-71 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING REGULAR MEETING (Cont.) COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (Cont.) ORDINANCE (Cont.) SOUTH BEND CIVIC PLANNING ASSOCIATION, INC. 403 Lincolnway West South Bend, Indiana OCTOBER 11, 1971 Committee of the Whole October 11, 1971 South Bend Common Council South Bend, Indiana Mrs. Allen and Gentlemen: Before you this evening is an ordinance authorizing the issuance of general obliga- tion bonds of the City in the amount of $1,630,000 (as amended) to cover the cost of several projects. Among these projects is purchase of land along the river for a cultural center, improvement of Phase III of the airport industrial park, and im- provements to the Morris Civic Auditorium, and land and building for a new fire station. The ordinance, as amended, eliminates the purchase and renovation of the Palais Royale building as a convention center. We approve the elimination of this part of the plan as we had made a study of the cost of operation and maintenance of the Auditorium, as well as income, and felt the addition of the Palais would only in- crease the cost to the taxpayers. This study showed that from 1959 through 1970 the Auditorium budgets totalled $639,294.52 while the income was $198,335.11. The estimated 1971 and 1972 budget total $127,413.27 and income $42,500.00. In addition may we call to your attention that the downtown renewal plan shows a convention center at the south part, and this should be more than sufficient in view of the many facilities already available in the area. The cultural center plan is to be developed from private funds and this should be followed very carefully by all concerned and involved. The success of the development of the airport industrial park has helped this community's economy, and the property taxpayers have shared in its cost. We wonder, however, why consideration was not given to using some of the cumulative capital improvement fund for at least part of this, and thus helping to relieve the burden of the property taxpayer. We recommend that this particular part of the proposal proceed very cautiously until the master plan for the development of the airport is approved, and until we know just what direction the development is to take. Un- fortunately the airport plan has played a small part in the Area Transportation study. It is important that the plan be known as it could well affect federal fund participation in the airport development. In summary we of Civic Planning support the bond issue before you tonight, yet we ask that our comments be kept in mind as the program develops and before funds are expended. Respectfully, SOUTH BEND CIVIC PLANNING ASSOCIATION Inc. /s/ Keith J. BonDurant Keith J. BonDurant, President center Mr. Terry S. Miller, 1101 Bellevue, South Bend, Indiana asked if building a civic /required any zoning changes, what buildings will be erected and if the money for building is to come from the department of development. City Attorney Shepard.-J. Crumpacker answered that the plan was done some years and zoning changes were made at that time with the marking of pertain areas to be used for specific functions. Councilman Reinke commented that the land Wii purchased by the City but improvements will be made by private enterprise. Mr. Bickel commented that a half- million dollars was contributed by donations with specific funds for a civic center. Mr. Miller then asked about the maintenance of these buildings questioning if such costs would fall back on the City; if buildings are constructed privately and given to the City, the City has no control over the outside costs of building and maintenance. Mr. Crumpacker agreed that there were many details to be worked out between builders and the City. Councilman Reinke commented that all funds will be donated before anything is started including funds for maintenance. Mr. Miller stated he was 100% in favor of the plan but was wondering how it would be accomplished. Councilman Janet Allen asked Mrs. Warner if a person making the donation for the civic center would be independent about design, building, maintenance, etc. Mrs. Warner explained that civic leaders would work with the City in a joint endeavor and Mr. Crumpacker said all concerned will be satisfied. Councilman Laven questioned Mr. McGinty's statement concerning the Federal Grant of $1,870,000. Mr. McGinty replied this would be accomplished by matching grants with the City participating. Councilman Reinke made a statement regarding the amendment to the ordinance for the general bond issue stating he was against the first one. He thanked the members of the Civic Planning Association, Fair Tax Board, Mark's Restaurant and McDonald Studio for their efforts in apprising the Council that this was not a wise ordinance as originally proposed. Councilman Laven concurred with Mr. Reinke's statement that the purchase of the Palais Royale was not a wise investment. He felt it was significant that, through the efforts of Mr. Bickel and the Administration, when changes are made, the tax levy for 1972 will be reduced by 3 cents because of this action. This is a reasonable action and the definite results will be benefi- cial and he commended the Administration for listening to the citizens in this matter. Councilman Craven made a motion that the ordinance, as amended, go to the Council as favorable. The motion was seconded by Councilman Walter M. Szymkowiak. Motion carried.