HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-97 Community & Economic Development Committee Report:
Community and Economic Development Committee
To the Common Council of the City of South Bend:
The March 24, 1997 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee
was called to order by its Chairperson, Councilmember John Broden at 4:50 p.m.
in the Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Kelly, Aranowski, Pfeifer, Broden,
Varner, Udjak, Coleman, Hosinski, Sniadecki; Kevin Butler, Becky Bonham, John
Wolfe,Mike Beitzinger,Mayor Luecke,Dick Nussbaum,William C. Groome III, Dwayne
Davis, Ann Carol Simmons, Cathy Roemer, Dennis Staley, Eric Brown, Mike Wesan,
other members of the public,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Councilmember Broden noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Substitute
Resolution No. 97-16 which is a six (6) year Real Property Tax Abatement request for the
property Y located at 250 East Sample e Street.
Mr.Mike Beitzinger reviewed the report from the Community and Economic Development
Department dated March 19, 1997 (copy attached). He noted that the project consists of
approximately one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) of physical improvements to
two (2) buildings which would be used as a painting and body works center. The
petitioner qualifies for a six (6)year real property tax abatement under Section 2-79.1 of the
South Bend Municipal Code.
Mr. Groome then showed an artist rendering of the facility and answered questions on
behalf of the Petitioner.
Following discussion, Councilmember Sniadecki made a motion, seconded by
Councilmember Pfeifer, that Substitute Bill No. 97-16 be recommended favorably to
Council, The motion passed.
The Committee then reviewed Resolution No. 97-14 which addresses Casinos and the
expansion of gambling in the State of Indiana. Councilmember Coleman then provided a
substitute version of said resolution to the Committee(copy attached). He noted that he is
one of three (3) sponsors which include Council President Kelly and Councilmember
Udjak. He noted that the overall topic is a "moving target" with much activity currently
taking place downstate.
Councilmember Coleman note that the Resolution sets forth the overall spirit which
emphasizes the need for more information and public forums to discuss the impact of
proposed casinos and the expansion of gambling in the St.Joseph County area.
Becky Bonham of the Chamber of Commerce noted that the lottery legislation was based
on a public referendum. She noted that the Chamber of Commerce has taken a position that
there is ample availability to gambling in the state currently. She stated that the Chamber
believes there is no compelling evidence to warrent an expansion of this form of gambling
and that there are quality of life issues involved which warrent the Council to adopt the
Substitute Resolution.
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Community and Economic Development Committee
March 24, 1997
Page 2
Mr.John Wolfe of Valparaiso stated the he is the State coordinator against legalized
gambling. He spoke in favor of the Council adopting the Substitute Resolution.
Mr. Kevin Butler, the Pokagon Band attorney, spoke in opposition to the proposed
resolution. He noted that he would encourage a study and believes that the legal matters
are extremely complicated. He further noted that the letter sent by Congressman Roemer
with the regard to the legal references are erroneous and believes that public information
and public education need to take place.
Mr. Mike Wesan, the treasurer of the Pokagon Band, then provided two handouts to the
Committee(copy attached). He spoke against the proposed resolution. He stated that it is
the Pokagon Band position that land would be taken into trust and a casino would be
opened and the concurrance of Governor O'Bannon is not necessary.
Mr. Dennis Staley of the trade unions asked the Council to postpone action on the proposed
resolution. Mr. Eric Brown of the sheet metal workers also spoke in opposition to the
porposed resolution.
Councilmember Hosinski stated that he believes that the resolution may be premature.
Councilmember Varner believes that the spirit of a public study should go forward since
Elkhart County had such a study and the potential impact of casinos on the community as a
whole.
Council President Kelly stated that he would prefer unanimous action on a proposed
resolution by the Common Council. He stated that he is personally against the expansion
of this type of gambling in the State and believes that there are significant community
values and input which are necessary to study
Councilmember Aranowski stated that he has received several calls on this proposed
resolution. He questioned Mr. Butler when the public education process will take place.on
this topic.
Councilmember Udjak stated that he has serious and real concerns which involve the effect
on the youth of our community and our community in general. He stated that he is
opposed to any expansion for personal and moral reasons, however, made it clear that he
is not anti Indian nor anti union. He believed that a delay may cause action to be taken by
the Council that would be too late.
Councilmember Pfeifer stated that she is concerned with all types of gambling especially
since many people who gamble usually have the least in economic resources.
Councilmember Pfeifer also stated concerns and reservations with regard to one group of
individuals being singled out and believes an economic study and social issues should all
be studied with regard to all types of gambling.
Following further discussion, Councilmember Sniadecki made a motion seconded by
Councilmember Pfeifer that Substitute Bill No.97-14 be tabled.
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Community and Economic Development Committee
March 24, 1997
Page 3
Councilmember Coleman stated that the overall goal is to foster further study before formal
Pi governmental action is taken on this issue.
Ai% There being no further business to come before the committee,the meeting was adjourned
at 5:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Councilmember John Broden,
Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
Attachments
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