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Your Committee HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The January 5, 1981 meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Develop-
ment Committee was called to order at 4 :30 p.m. in the Informal Meeting Room
by its Chairman, Councilman John Voorde.
Persons in attendance included: Councilmen: Serge, Beck, Crone, Voorde,
Taylor, and McGann; Citizen members : Marc Bramer and Chris Davey; Kevin
Horton; Steve Queior of the Chamber of Commerce; Pat Mahon; and Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Chairman Voorde announced that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss
the tax abatement procedures presently being followed by the City pursuant
to Ordinance No. 6763-80; and whether any changes or amendments should be
pursued.
Pat McMahon of the Redevelopment Department then was called upon for
comment. Mr. McMahon explained that the City Administration' s position on
tax abatement was that it should be a tool for development in distressed
areas for anyone who wishes to locate in such distressed areas. He saw it as
an incentive for people to move into an area in order to make it "healthy
again" .
Mr. McMahon then reviewed a handout which developed this theory further.
It suggested:
(1) Establishment of Primary Urban Development Areas
(a) Downtown, East Bank, Monroe/Sample, Ethanol site, and Stude-
baker Corridor.
(b) Each would have tax abatement for five (5) years, with review
by the Council after that period.
(2) Other Urban Development Areas
(a) Same basic criteria now found in the present ordinance except
that a minimum of 10 acres of 5 contiguous lineal blocks would
be required, or proof by the petitioner establishing that
development would not take place without abatement, and a
filing fee of $50. 00
(3) Participants in Future Tax Increment Areas Prohibited From Filing
For Taxy:Abatement
The handout prompted considerable discussion by the Committee. Council-
man McGann stated that the Council has reviewed the designation of certain
geographic areas previously, and that he was against it then and now. He
was against the concept of signing a "blank check" .
Councilman Szymkowiak questioned whether business like Kreamo Bakers,
Inc. would qualify under the proposal, and was told it would not unless it
met the second set of criteria. He then pointed out several other areas
in the 2nd District, as well as the City at large which should qualify for
tax abatement.
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Councilman Crone questioned whether we were right back to where we
were before the passage of the ordinance, but with new "formulas and
techincalities. "
Councilman Taylor believed that more "home rule" was needed in this
area. He questioned whether the proposed changes would help or hinder
the City' s ability to attract new business into the City rather than going
elsewhere.
Councilman Voorde added that we should look at what other Indiana
cities are doing in this area for further information. He further suggested
that the Committee continue to review the proposed changes so that a
future meeting can be set to discuss this matter further.
Councilman Taylor made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
Councilman McGann. The meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Voorde, Chairman