HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-09-09 Community and Economic Development CommitteeMARCH 9.2009
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COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Committee Members Present: Timothy Rouse, Chairperson; Henry Davis, Vice-Chairperson;
Ann Puzzello, Karen White
Other Council Present: Derek Dieter; Tom LaFountain; AI "Buddy" Kirsits;
Oliver Davis; David Varner
Others Present: Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand; Mayor Stephen Luecke; Don Inks
Agenda: Bill No. 09-19 -Requesting Redevelopment Commission Study
in Greater Detail the Plan to Fund New Tech High
Bill No. 09-19 -This bill requested the Redevelopment commission study in greater detail a
request to fund New Tech H.S. and meet with the Council to discuss the notion further.
Chairman Tim Rouse began the meeting by noting the Redevelopment Commission met on
Friday, March 6, subsequently by a vote of 3-2 evidenced the intent to fund the project with a
contribution of TIF dollars. Though this action mostly pre-empted the Council bill, Mr. Rouse
opened the meeting for discussion. Karen White wondered what the Redevelopment
Commission discussed prior to voting. Councilmember Varner stated the dollar amounts
requested totaled over $3 million over the next two years. Perhaps more dollars after that.
Discussion amongst the Council shifted to other possible sites than the Marycrest Building for the
new High Tech School. Don Inks said due diligence was not completed on Marycrest; but no
other building appeared tenable. Henry Davis suggested a building in the downtown TIF namely
in Monroe Park. Tim Rouse suggested no action be taken on the bill. Dieter asked for passage
now receiving support from Councilmember Puzzello. Councilmember White said future
decisions need to include the Council. Specifically, more info was needed by the Council
regarding the location and funding of the High Tech H.S. proposal. Councilmember Rouse
expressed disappointment that the Redevelopment Commissioners were not present.
Councilmember Dieter concurred. Councilmember's Rouse and Dieter asked Council Attorney
Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand to research the Council's role in distribution of TIF dollars. The
Mayor interjected suggesting the guidelines for use of TIF dollars were intentionally broad to allow
flexibility. Councilmember Oliver Davis responded calling the guidelines vague and needed to be
tightened to define the Council's role. After all, he maintained, Council Members were elected by
and were held accountable by the public to oversee expenditure of taxes. Appointed
Commissions should not usurp that authority. Councilmember Rouse distributed a study
conducted by the SPEA division of IUSB focusing on who pays for public services in St. Joseph
Benefit vs. Burdens. Councilmember Rouse asked the Council to study the document. In light of
this Councilmember Dieter suggested a two week delay on consideration of the bill.
Councilmember White motioned for a continuance until March 23, 2009, seconded by
Councilmember Henry Davis: All supported save Councilmember Puzzello.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson Rouse
adjourned the meeting at 4:03 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Ti ~hy Rouse, C rp"arson
Community & nomic Development Committee