HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-09-08 Community & Economic DevelopmentCOMMUNITY 8< ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JUNE 9.2008
Committee Members Present: Councilmember Derek D. Dieter, Chairperson, Councilmember
Henry Davis, Vice-Chairperson, Councilmember Ann Puzzello, Councilmember Karen L. White
Others Present: Ann Kolata, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, John Voorde
BILL NO.34-08 - BROWNFIELD SITE ASSESSMENT
Councilmember Derek D. Dieter, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.. He asked
Ann Kolata, Senior Planner, Economic Development to present the bill. She explained the
appropriation request represented a $40,000 grant from the EPA and $6,000 from an Indiana
Finance Authority grant to test for petroleum pollutants in Brownfield sites. Councilmember Karen
White made a motion to recommend this bill favorably to full Council. Councilmember Ann
Puzzello seconded the motion which carried.
BILL NO. 37-08 -PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT LEASE
Chairperson Dieter made a motion to continue this bill until the June 23, 2008, at the request of
the petitioner. Councilmember Puzzello seconded the motion which carried.
UPDATE -CURRENT HOLD ON ACCEPTING NEW RESIDENTIAL TAX ABATEMENTS
Chairperson Dieter recognized Don Inks, Economic Development Department to report his
findings. Mr. Inks provided 3 handouts (attached) titled "Review of Residential Property Taxes
and Tax Abatement." The purpose of the study was to ask whether or not residential tax
abatement should continue to be offered in South Bend, especially in light of the effects of HEA
1001. The bottom line, according to the study, indicates even with abatement City taxes are even
more competitive with County taxes than prior to HEA 1001. Therefore, Community 8~ Economic
Development's recommendation would be to continue accepting applications for residential
abatement.
Councilmember Varner said he would like to see a study identifying the cost of city services on a
per household basis.
Councilmember's Rouse and White both urged the need for an investment strategy to encourage
development in the heart of the city. Both observed the danger of a donut affect of development
on the fringes of the city while without adequate attention or development incentives and overall
strategy. Councilmember White made a motion to recommend favorably to full Council the
continuance of residential abatement. Councilmember Puzzello seconded the motion which
carried.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson Dieter,
adjourned the meeting at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
~~ I
Derek D. Dieter, Chairperson
Community & Economic Development Committee