03-23-09 Community and Economic Development Committee

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BILL NO. 18-09 This bill asks the Council to appropriate $2,000,000 from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to be used for building and equipment costs at Innovation Park. Don Inks upon being questioned by Councilmember Henry Davis again assured him no direct city dollars were involved. These dollars were state dollars awarded to the city for a specific purpose not eligible for use elsewhere. Councilmember Varner asked Don Inks to explain the Certified Tech Park grant process designed by the state. Inks stated up to $5 million dollars could be made available for the development of the park. The $2 million represents all the city can currently command. Varner also asked if heavy truck traffic on S.R. 23 presented a problem for sensitive research work. David Brenner said these possible vibrations had been taken into account. Councilmember White motioned, Councilmember Puzzello gave a second and all supported a favorable recommendation to full Council. BILL N0.19-09 Chairperson Rouse allowed Pam Meyer, Director of Community Development to present the bill. She explained the Department of Justice (DOJ) grant of $175,000 was awarded to the city for funding the first year of a second site for the Weed and Seed program. Weed and Seed areas can fund increased police patrols, graffiti paint-over supplies, Bridges out of Poverty classes, a youth art contest and an after school program. In response to Councilman Dieter's queries about start-up time for site #2, Pam Meyer said a Director should be on board in 2 weeks. Assuming passage of the bill, dollars were available now. Ann Puzzello motioned. Councilmember White seconded and all supported the recommendation to send to Council favorably. BILL N0.09-19 This is the resolution the Council hoped would prompt the Redevelopment Commission to hold off supporting a $1.3 million dollar pledge of TIF funds and an implied promise of $1.7 million more to support the New Tech High School proposal. In that the Redevelopment Commission by a 3-2 decided to go ahead, the Council continued consideration of this Resolution from their last meeting. In addition to the TIF fund question the resolution asked the School Board and the Redevelopment Commission form more information regarding the proposal. Also included was a request for better collaboration among entities involved. Chairperson Rouse explained that the resolution was sponsored by both Dieter and Varner; but was supported by all. Dieter thanked Rouse's forbearance and commended Superintendent Kapsa's cooperation with Rouse's Community and Economic Development Committee. Councilmember Rouse for his part, again urged study of the Hojnacki document and also chastised the Redevelopment Commission for their lack of cooperation with the Council. Having made his point, he suggested the resolution be continued indefinitely for further discussion. Councilmember White so motioned. Councilmember Puzzello seconded and all supported the continuance recommendation. BILL N0.09-26 This bill requests real property tax abatement for a single family residence at 1029 N. Notre Dame Avenue to be built by Robert & Kelly Bretz. Chairperson Rouse asked Mr. Bob Mathia of the Department of Economic Development to detail the proposal. He indicated this $450,000 cost to construct a home on its $60,000 lot would generate over $24,000 in new tax revenue while abating only approximately $2,200 over the 5-year period. Questions asked by Tim Rouse revealed the home was not located in a TIF area. Catherine Andres moved the bill go to the full Council favorably. This motion was seconded by Councilmember White and supported by all save Henry Davis.