03-09-09 Community and Economic Development Committee

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MARCH 9.2009 •,,R i ~- _}~ COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Committee Members Present: Timothy Rouse, Chairperson; Henry Davis, Vice-Chairperson; Ann Puzzello, Karen White Other Council Present: Derek Dieter; Tom LaFountain; AI "Buddy" Kirsits; Oliver Davis; David Varner Others Present: Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand; Mayor Stephen Luecke; Don Inks Agenda: Bill No. 09-19 -Requesting Redevelopment Commission Study in Greater Detail the Plan to Fund New Tech High Bill No. 09-19 -This bill requested the Redevelopment commission study in greater detail a request to fund New Tech H.S. and meet with the Council to discuss the notion further. Chairman Tim Rouse began the meeting by noting the Redevelopment Commission met on Friday, March 6, subsequently by a vote of 3-2 evidenced the intent to fund the project with a contribution of TIF dollars. Though this action mostly pre-empted the Council bill, Mr. Rouse opened the meeting for discussion. Karen White wondered what the Redevelopment Commission discussed prior to voting. Councilmember Varner stated the dollar amounts requested totaled over $3 million over the next two years. Perhaps more dollars after that. Discussion amongst the Council shifted to other possible sites than the Marycrest Building for the new High Tech School. Don Inks said due diligence was not completed on Marycrest; but no other building appeared tenable. Henry Davis suggested a building in the downtown TIF namely in Monroe Park. Tim Rouse suggested no action be taken on the bill. Dieter asked for passage now receiving support from Councilmember Puzzello. Councilmember White said future decisions need to include the Council. Specifically, more info was needed by the Council regarding the location and funding of the High Tech H.S. proposal. Councilmember Rouse expressed disappointment that the Redevelopment Commissioners were not present. Councilmember Dieter concurred. Councilmember's Rouse and Dieter asked Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand to research the Council's role in distribution of TIF dollars. The Mayor interjected suggesting the guidelines for use of TIF dollars were intentionally broad to allow flexibility. Councilmember Oliver Davis responded calling the guidelines vague and needed to be tightened to define the Council's role. After all, he maintained, Council Members were elected by and were held accountable by the public to oversee expenditure of taxes. Appointed Commissions should not usurp that authority. Councilmember Rouse distributed a study conducted by the SPEA division of IUSB focusing on who pays for public services in St. Joseph Benefit vs. Burdens. Councilmember Rouse asked the Council to study the document. In light of this Councilmember Dieter suggested a two week delay on consideration of the bill. Councilmember White motioned for a continuance until March 23, 2009, seconded by Councilmember Henry Davis: All supported save Councilmember Puzzello.