HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-06-01 Community & Economic Development QCommitt a *oat:
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The June 6, 2001 meeting of the Community and Economic Committee was called to order by its
Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: King, Varner and Kelly; Citizen Member Kevin
Hunter, Jon Hunt, Don Inks, Michael Beitzinger, Terry O'Brien, Don O'Blenis, Eric Brown, and
Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Jon Hunt and Council Member Karl King then distributed their handouts to the Committee (copies
attached). It was noted that the documents were intended to be "food for thought". Council
Member King noted that the city of Kalamazoo requires 2/3's local commitments of its companies
which receive abatements.
Dr. Varner inquired what the overall incentive was for each proposed category.
Council Member King noted that it was similar to having plain vanilla ice cream and then selecting
toppings for it. ki&ORposed that there be a base-line tax abatement which would be available for
meeting basic A . Additional years of abatement would be based on additional criteria being
met. He noted Moto a petitioner would be required to meet a minimum criteria in order to be
considered for abatement. Once the minimum threshold was met, then the petitioner would have to
meet a number of parts out of each category for bonus tax abatement years to be added.
Mr. Hunt stated that the Committee would need to bring other people into the process for input.
Council Member King suggested meeting with Pat McMahon for guidance for example.
Council Member Kelly noted that we need to explore many avenues as we develop overall
economic development guidelines that meet the needs of our community.
It was suggested that Don Inks prepare a summary of how effective the current tax abatement
process is working for the next meeting.
Council Member Kelly suggested that the next Committee meeting be held on Wednesday, June
27th at 4 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kelly adjourned
at 5:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Roland Kelly, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
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