HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-14-10 Community & Economic Development Committee~~~~~~
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Community and Economic Development Committee
2010 South Bend Common Council
The June 14, 2010 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the South
Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Timothy A. Rouse at
4:10 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Kirsits, Varner, LaFountain, Rouse, Oliver J.
Davis, Henry Davis, Jr., and Puzzello; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Public Works Director Gary Gilot,
Rita Kopola, Director of Code Enforcement Catherine Toppel, Jeff Parrott of the South Bend Tribune
and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member Rouse noted that the Committee members include Council Members Henry Davis,
Jr., Karen L. White, Ann Puzzello and himself, as Chairperson. He noted that Council Member White
will be unable to attend today's Committee meeting.
Bill No. 10-28: 9 year Real Property Tax Abatement Request for 3425 W. Lathrop Drive
Bill No. 10-29: 5 year Per'1 Property Tax Abatement Request for 3425 W. Lathrop Drive
Council Member Rouse noted the petitioner for Bill Nos. 10-28 and 10-29 representing McCormick &
Company, Inc. have requested that the Bills be continued indefinitely.
Miscellaneous Business:
Council Member Rouse requested the Council Attorney to read an item into the record.
The Council Attorney read the Mayor's letter dated June 9, 2010 addressing Bill No. 25-10 (Tax
Abatement: Continue until the August 9, 2010 SBCC meeting) and Bill No. 26-10 (Sewer Rates to set
the public hearing for June 28, 2010) in its entirety (copy attached)
Council Member Rouse noted that he has asked the Council Attorney to provide a memorandum this
week which address the concerns she raised with regard to Bill No. 25-10 regarding the proposed tax
abatement regulations. He also noted that Pat McMahon, Project Future Director, will be returning to
the city today and will be working on their suggestions on tax abatement policies, along with the
Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Luecke stated that he wished to give the Council a brief update on grass mowing. He noted that
as a result of an early Spring and a wet season that grass mowing has been a challenge. The Park
Department is working 10-hour days, 6 days a week plus have added additional staff and are utilizing
Public Works staff also. They should be caught up by the end of this week.
Catherine Toppel, Code Enforcement Director noted the HEA 1358 took effect on July 1, 2009. It
provides among other things that the city would not have to re-notify property owners on various
public nuisance abatement actions. She is working with the Legal Department in light of discrepancies
in the law. The City is planning to implement this system "next season", noting that title searches will
still be needed, with unpaid obligations being placed on the property owner's tax bills.
Community and Economic Development Committee
June 14, 2010
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Council Member Oliver Davis inquired about calls which he has received about the lack of equipment.
Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., noted that he had received similar calls.
The Mayor stated that he would look into this and get back to the Council.
Council Member Rouse noted that on the north side of Elwood, the mowing crew has done a fantastic
job and cited the young lady in particular who was on the crew.
Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. noted that he had sent afollow-up letter to the Code Enforcement
Director regarding enforcement procedures under the state law.
Ms. Toppel stated that she thought she had responded to his inquiry, but would look into it further. She
added in response to a question from Council Member Oliver Davis that often properties that are up for
sale have a clause which addresses who is responsible for routine maintenance such as mowing. Her
office will contact the real estate company first for compliance.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Rouse adjourned the
Committee meeting at 4:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitt(e)d,
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Council Mem er Timothy A. Rouse, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
Attachments