HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-09 Common Council RetreatSOUTH BEND COMMON COUNCIL RETREAT
FEBRUARY 12, 2009
COUNCIL MEMBER'S PRESENT: DEREK DIETER, HENRY DAMS, TOM LAFOUNTAIN, ANN
PUZZELLO, DAVID VARNER, OLIVER DAMS, AL
°BUDDY" KIRSITS, TIMOTHY ROUSE, KAREN WHITE
OTHER'S PRESENT: MAYOR LUECKE, DON INKS, RICH HILL, KATHLEEN
CEKANSKI-FARRAND, JAMIE LOO, RITA KOPALA
AGENDA: OPTIMIZING FINANCIAL RESOURCES
This portion of the meeting followed the presentation by the S.B. School Superintendent Jim
Kapsa, the city officials, Chamber representatives and SBCSC attorney Rich Hill outlining the New
Tech High School proposal.
President Dieter, chairing the meeting, asked each Councilmember to reflect and respond to
setting spending priorities for diminishing available dollars and expanding needs for services.
Overall, Dieter stated the Council's desire to be included with the city administration in the
identification of needs and resources, the setting of priorities and the endorsement of an
allocation plan to address the financial crisis.
Councilmember Oliver Davis asked about the possibility of federal stimulus funds being available
for use. The Mayor prefaced remarks stating the federal °bailout"dollars were part of a
developing program at the federal and state level. He emphasized the importance of identifying
specific needs. The importance of Mayors across the state speaking with one voice was
emphasized. Mayor Steve said the goal of the feds was to get people to work as soon as
possible. This means "shovel ready" projects or those having gone thru design and review
process would be considered first. Unfortunately, he added, not enough of the decision making
is to be done at the local level. Nonetheless, as complicated as the process appears to be, the
Mayor said the city has qualified projects ready to submit.
Councilmember Kirsits asked to what extent stimulus dollars would relieve the city's budget
problems. The Mayor reminded the Council that the federal dollars were for capital projects not
operating expenses.
Councilmember Rouse expressed concern about the city losing focus by tapping pools of funds
for purposes beyond the funds original intent. For example, the "major moves" dollars totaling
over $12.8 million, generating $600,000 a year in interest originally intended for.neighborhood
infrastructure were, in fact, being diverted for other purposes.
Councilmember Henry Davis opened the door to discussion of the appropriate use of TIF funds.
How much is in the various funds and what can it be used for?
Councilmember Kirsits echoed the same query. Don Inks, in response, had a spiral bound report
answering all such questions. (see attached) It includes a summary of all revenues and
expenditures along with a history of both, maps, and 3-year projections. In an effort to develop
full understanding of TIF from its earliest days, former City Attorney Rich Hill supplemented Inks'
handout with one of his own. (see attached)
Councilmember Varner cautioned the advisability of taking along-view when looking at TIF areas
and use of dollars they generate.
With must to digest, Council President Dieter adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Derek D. Dieter, President
South Bend Common Council