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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-10-04 Residential Neighborhoods Wasnmittee,See/tell: The May 10,2004 meeting of the Residential Neighborhoods Committee was called to order by its Chairperson,Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer at 4:45 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter,Pfeifer,Kelly,Puzzello, Varner, Kuspa, Coleman,Kirsits and White;David Wigstrom,Darlene Murdick,Penny Hughes,Jim Foster, Gladys Kopola, Terry Bland of the SSoutk Bend azind2e,and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Pfeifer noted that the members of the Committee included Council Members Dieter,Kuspa,Coleman and herself. Council Member Pfeifer stated that the meeting was called to receive additional information form the Michiana Income Property Owners Association(MIPOA)with regard to their concerns related to property taxes. Mr. David Wigstrom, a member of MIPOA and concerned citizen passed out a copy of a "Resolution of the Board of Directors and Members of Michiana Income Property Owners Association, Inc.", a letter from Vicki Black entitled"St. Joseph County Tax Reassessment Appeal",one-page summaries from the St. Joseph County Public Library website setting forth information on Portage Township,Mishawaka,and Penn Township(copies attached). Darlene Murdick, Vice-President of MIPOA;Penny Hughes, Secretary of MIPOA; and Jim Foster,a member of MIPOA then introduced themselves to the Committee. Mr. Wigstrom read the attached resolution. He noted that they want relief,especially in the inner city. He stated that MIPOA does not represent slum landlords and take pride in providing quality houses for rent. Darlene Murdick then reviewed the attached comparisons and passed around two(2)houses one which was a rental which has a tax obligation of$3,230 and the other being owner-occupied which has a tax obligation of$1,219;with both houses being substantially the same otherwise and both being built in 1950. She expressed concern especially for the disabled and the elderly who would be unable to pay the increased costs averaging of at least$100 per month. Penny Hughes notes that households in South Bend have decreased by 5.8%in the past 10 years and by 13.5%in the past 20 years,while Mishawaka and Penn Townships have had their household increased. Dr. Varner noted that some of the increases reflect the building of apartments,while expressing the need for people to stay in South Bend and raise their families here. Dr. Varner noted that Residential Neighborhoods Committee May 10,2004 Page 2 one of the problems is the assessment process itself. He also noted that accurate statements must be included in their resolution,and pointed out that the 2nd Whereas clause is not factually accurate. Council Member Pfeifer agreed that all of the factual information must be accurate and suggested that MIPOA review all of the information set forth in their resolution. Council Member Coleman noted that recently the Council had the opportunity to meet with State Senator John Broden who reported on the climate downstate in the General Assembly. He noted that Senator Broden stated that he did not think that a roll back was realistic since many communities were not affected like South Bend. Council Member Coleman suggested that all parties work together for relief. Following discussion,Council Member Pfeifer suggested that MIPOA work on refining their resolution where necessary so that it is factually accurate throughout; and then consider contacting Senator Broden with the updated information,as well as the City of South Bend's new Executive Director of Community and Economic Development Sharon Kendall,noting that she has extensive background in working in other communities throughout the state. It was noted that the Community and Economic Development Office number is 235-9375. Dr. Varner noted that all of us would like to find a workable solution, and if all of the information is accurate work together in contacting the state legislature. Council Member Kirsits inquired about the reassessment,and was advised that the assessor's office is still working on what is an"acceptable gross rent multiplier". Council Member Pfeifer thanked the MIPOA representatives for their input. She then inquired several times if David Frank was present for the Committee meeting. When no one came forward,Council Member Pfeifer adjourned the Committee meeting at 5:12 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Charlotte Pfeifer, Chairperson Residential Neighborhoods Committee KCF:kmf Attachments