HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-13-09 Community and Economic Development Committee3
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`~ -- -- `' COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Chairperson Rouse called the July 13, 2009 meeting of the Community and Economic
Development Committee to order at 3:15 p.m.
The following Committee Members were present:
Henry Davis, Jr. -Vice-President; Ann Puzzello; Karen White; Citizen Member
Catherine Andres
Other Councilmember's Present: Derek Dieter; David Varner; Oliver Davis; Al "Buddy"
Kirsits
Other's Present: Beth Leonard; Don Inks; Paul Meyer; Glenda LaMont; Jeff Gibney;
Dough Marsh; Jitin Kain; Michele Kastner; Jan Tarwacki; Martha Lewis; Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand; Rita Kopala; Melissa Collins; Dave Price; Jeff Parrott
Agenda: Bill No. 09-48 -Tax Abatement -Waggoner Farm
Bill No. 46-09 -Appropriation -Studebaker/Oliver
Update - DTSB -Marco Mariam
BILL N0.09-48 -TAX ABATEMENT -WAGGONER FARM DEVELOPMENT
ONTARIO PARTNERS
Chairperson Timothy Rouse began the hearing by announcing the petitioner requested a
continuance until the next meeting on July 27, 2009. Having compliance from the
committee the bill was to be continued as requested.
BILL N0.46-09 -APPROPRIATION - STUDEBAKER/OLIVER
REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Chairperson Rouse recognized Beth Leonard, Director of Program Management in the
Community & Economic Development Department. Beth explained the $955,315
appropriation was to repay a federal Section 108 Loan use to clear the old
Studebaker/Oliver complex for development. This has previously been approved by the
Advisory Committee on Economic Development. Councilmember Henry Davis asked
for further elaboration concerning how the process worked. Councilmember Varner
asked in this appropriation closed the loan. Beth Leonard said the loan would be satisfied
in 2010.
On a motion to send favorably from Councilmember White, seconded by Councilmember
Puzzello and subsequently supported by all. The bill was sent to Council favorable.
UPDATE -DTSB) DOWNTOWN SOUTH BEND -MARCO MARIANI
At the request of Chairperson Rouse, the Director of DTSB, Marco Mariani, proceeded to
bring the Council up to date on the activities of DTSB. He began by distributing an
information packet (attached) which he used to illustrate his presentation, Marco then
introduced those in attendance from DTSB's staff. Then referring the Committee to page
3 of the DTSB Annual Report he recounted DTSB's recent growth and accomplishments.
Notably, was achieving a stronger financial base and "clean" audits for two years. So
that DTSB could provide better focus for development he noted the creation of 4 unique
sub-districts within DTSB's coverage. Each sub-district was briefly outlined with goals
and progress reports stated for each. In response to Council President Dieter's question
about finances the Director said contributions from Memorial Hospital were down
significantly through that loss was tempered by adding "partners." He then refereed to
the expense report on page 7, regarding the goals for 2009. Councilmember Henry Davis
asked the Council be included for input as well as neighborhoods bordering downtown.
Mariani welcomed the suggestions. Karen White recounted concerns of the Robertson's
residents expressed at a quality of life meeting she held on site. Parking loud noise,
adequate accessibility were among their concerns. Councilmember Puzzello asked if and
how progress was measured. Marco admitted white most of their feed back was
anecdotal, solid improvements were evident as stated in the handout. Councilmember
Oliver Davis stressed the need for continuing communication. Finally, in closing
Chairperson Rouse praised the leadership and tangible improvement in both the image
and accomplishments of DTSB.
There being no further business to come before the committee, Chairperson Rouse
adjourned the meeting at 3:48 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Timothy A. e, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee