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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-97 Community & Economic Development- -.--------. / aonzmitte& 046,9Pe: , ' Community and Economic Development Committee /f .9-6.- di& awwww, atowd ed. ei., etraaa gge.a• The April 14, 1997 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member John Broden at 4:50 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, Pfeifer, Kelly, Broden, Varner, Ujdak, Coleman, Hosinski, Sniadecki; Robert J. Moody Jr., Chris Loveett, Dennis Staley, William Conners, Robert Wozny, Mike Beitzinger, Gene Oakley, Joyce Boyler, Kevin Butler, Becky Bohman, Robert Wosney, Beth Leonard, Sue Hodgson, Charlotte Huddleston, John Wolfe, Robert Warner, Mike Wesaw, Greg Baloo, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Broden noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Bill No,25- 97 which would transfer $443,000 among various accounts within the Department of Community and Economic Development. Beth Leonard made the presentation. Following discussion, Council Member Coleman made a motion seconded by citizen member Sue Hodgson that Bill No. 25-97 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The committee then reviewed Bill No.97-19 which is a 10 year real property tax abatement request for Corporate Services Inc. located at 5681 West Cleveland Rd. Mr. Mike Beitzinger reviewed the report dated March 21, 1997 (Copy Attached). The report notes that the petitioners in the business of creating and printing mailing lists and labels, laser printing of letters, certificates and surveys and custom packaging. Total cost of the new building is one million dollars with 10-15 new permanent jobs being created. The report concludes that the petitioner qualifies for a 10 year real property tax abatement. Mr. Robert Wozny made the presentation on behalf of M/W, LLC. He noted that their company had received two previous tax abatements. They have grown on both a local and national scale. Following discussion, citizen member Sue Hodgson made a motion seconded by Council Member Coleman that Bill No.97-19 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The committee then reviewed Substitute Bill No. 97-14 which is a resolution urging the Indiana State Legislature and the Governor to establish a State Gaming Study Commission and to delay any form of expansion of gaming or gambling in the State of Indiana and to establish a greater St. Joseph County Bipartisan Study Committee on Gaming. Council Member Coleman noted that this is a jointly sponsored resolution by Council President Kelly, Council Member Ujdak and himself. Each of the Council Members noted that the i overall intent and objective is to allow study and research to begun on this area so that it is , an objective overview. Council Member Ujdak noted that the resolution would become a mechanism to urger the Governor to take positive actioft. He noted that he is personally against all forms of gaming. 1 1 rms.- Community and Economic Development Committee April 14, 1997 Page 2 Under public comment, Becky Bohman of the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County stated that no goods and no services would result from the Potowatami Indians establishing a casino in the city of South Bend or St. Joseph County. She stated that the casino is not inevitable and that it should be a choice. She stated that all commissions should study to cost to society,the effect on value systems and the effect on families. Charlotte Huddleston spoke in favor of the proposed casino stating that she believed it would open up new jobs to the community. Mr. John Wolfe of the Indiana Coalition against gambling is the St. Joseph County Coordinator from Valporaiso,Indiana. He spoke in favor of the proposed resolution. He said that a state wide referendum should take place. He stated that it is bad economics,bad government and bad for families to have casinos. Mr.William Conners from Michigan spoke in favor of the bill. Mr. Richard Warner of North Liberty the President of the NLTC spoke in favor of the proposed resolution. Mr. Kevin Butler an attorney for the Pokagon band of Indians spoke in opposition to the proposed resolution. Mr. Mike Wesaw the Financial Director of the Pokagon band of Indians spoke in opposition to the proposed resolution. He stated that no one understands the Indiana Gaming Policy Act. Mr. Greg Baloo of the Pokagon band of Indians spoke in opposition to the proposed resolution. He stated that the Tribal Council has been in operation for 12 years. Mr.Dennis Staley stated that he is from the St.Joseph County Building Trades and that he has circulated a petition which had over 300 signatures in favor of the casinos. Chris Loveett of the Union Steel Workers spoke in opposition to the resolution. He stated that jobs are critical to the area. Mr. Robert J. Moody Jr. of the Pokagon band of Indians spoke in opposition to the proposed resolution. Under committee discussion, Council Member Coleman stated that the overall intent is to establish a specific local Study Commission so that citizens can gain information and take responsible action. Council President Kelly stated that all aspects of gaming should be studied through both a state and local commission. He stated that reasoned decision making must take place. Following much discussion, Council Member Coleman made a motion seconded by Council Member Pfeifer that new Section two be added to the bill (See attached bill). The motion passed. Community and Economic Development Committee April 14, 1997 Page 3 Council Member Coleman then made a motion seconded by citizen member Hodgson that the bill is amended(See attached)be sent favorably to Council. The motion passed. There being no further business to come before the committee the meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member John Broden Chairperson Community and Economic Development Committee Attachments 1 (;I