06-28-99 Community & Economic Development

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Committee Zeport: Community and Economic Development Committee to the tommou Eoultstl of the ettp of foutb nb: The June 28, 1999 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by Council Member Roland Kelly, Chairperson of the Committee at 4:15 p.m.in the Council informal meeting room . Persons in attendance included Council Members: Kelly, Pfeifer, King, Sniadecki, Varner, Ujdak, Sniadecki and Coleman; Nancy Van Scoyk, Robert Hunt, Eugenia Schwartz, Pam Meyer, Carol Bellin, Mike Beitzinger, Sherece M. Tolbert, Gunther Jordan,Robert M.Wilcox,Terry Bland, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Kelly noted the petitioner for Bill No. 45-99 has requested that it be continued until the Council meeting of July 12th and that the petitioner for Bill No. 46-99 has requested that it be continued until the Council meeting of July 26th. The Committee then heard a summary of the tax abatement reports (copies attached) from Mike Beitzinger. He highlighted specific points of the five(5)parts from the 1998 Annual Report which address: general information&tax revenue impact; general information& project cost; employment impact; tax delinquencies and abatements approved during the past year. Council Member Ujdak inquired about American Tool and Die. Council Member Pfeifer inquired about the procedure which the department uses to follow- up on those who have not filed their required annual report. Mr. Beitzinger stated that they pursue such individuals or companies through mail and telephone calls. He noted that originally there were approximately 24 who had not filed their reports which has now been narrowed down to about 4. The Council Attorney suggested that certified mail be used for those who have not complied with this filing requirement. She also suggested that Mr. Beitzinger then report back to this Committee of his results so the the Committee could then decide whether to pursue these companies under the applicable provisions of the South Bend Municipal Code. Council Member Kelly agreed with the Council Attorney's suggestion and noted that the Council could then pursue fining those in non-compliance or reviewing their entire abatement grant. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that the City pursue employment compliance also. She further suggested that written statements be pursued by the City. Dr. Varner noted that in reviewing various Compliance Reports, that in some instances petitioners have noted that they have been unable to hire qualified individuals. Mr. Beitzinger noted he would follow-up on all suggestions. Council Member Kelly noted that the Annual Report is a great summary of the overall value of tax abatement as a tool to foster job creation and housing.