HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-26-05 Community & Economic Development f Community and Economic Development Committee
2005 South Bend Conunon Council
The September 26, 2005, meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee
was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:15 p.m. in the
Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Puzzello, Kirsits, Kuspa, Varner, White,
Dieter, and Rouse; Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Sharon Kendall, Fred Thon, Charles Leone,
Laura J. Guy, Richard Hill, Thomas "Chip" Lewis, City Clerk John Voorde, Jamie Loo of the
South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member Puzzello noted that the Committee meeting was called to receive a presentation
from Downtown South Bend.
Laura J. Guy,Executive Director of Downtown South Bend introduced Richard Hill and Thomas
"Chip" Lewis to the Committee. She noted that they are still discussing flags in the downtown
and hope to have a special event featuring IU South Bend where IU flags would be flown.
DTSB has offered to put up and take down the flags if IU South Bend would donate them,
however IU South Bend does not have the funding to do that currently.
Handouts were then provided to the Committee consisting of a multi-page handout entitled
"Downtown South Bend-A Commitment To Growth- BID: The Business Improvement District
Initiative"and"DTSB Appendix A"(copies attached).
Ms. Guy stated that they looked at business improvement districts throughout the country. She
noted that DTSB began in 2002 and that their target date for a BID is 2007. They have a
$200,000 goal for voluntary contributions for the transition period. The petition process requires
2/3's approval as well as approval by the Common Council. The county would collect the
money and then disperse it to the city. She then highlighted portions of the handouts.
In response to a question from Council Member White, Ms. Guy stated that the $200,000 was a
kick-start demonstration bid. They have a shortfall for 2005 and 2006. In 2007, city property
owners would pay and that DTSB would not ask the city for any additional funding over the
amount for 2006.
Dr. Varner inquired what the city's projected percentage would be. Ms. Guy stated that the City
is the 2nd largest property owner with Memorial being the largest. Approximately 50% of the
properties are governmental or not-for-profit. The county would be required to pay, however the
law prohibits federal properties to be assessed. The assessment is based on assessed values.
Ms. Guy stated that the top property owners include: Memorial, City of South Bend, St. Joseph
County, Holladay Properties, and Madison Center. She stated that about 75% of the property
owners are projected to pay less than$125 per year.
September 26,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes
Page 1-
,1 Council Member Rouse stated that he is basically supportive however there is much more
information that is needed such as how would properties which the city would like to get rid of
be addressed.
Council Member White noted that allot of information has been provided and that she would
like to have another meeting with DTSB officials after they have met with the County
Commissioners.
Mr. Lewis noted that although the largest property owners have been the focus of today's
discussions that 51% of the property owners is necessary.
In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Ms. Guy stated that the proposed timetable is listed
on the last page.
Council Member Puzzello also suggested that another meeting date be scheduled perhaps in
early January 2006.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned by
Council Member Puzzello at 4:40 p.m.
Res•-ctfully su. itted,
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Co 1 Member a ' V zello, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
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Attachments
September 26,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes -Page 2-11111.iiiiiiii