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REGULAR MEETING February 22, 2015 looked at first before anyone considers a tax. If those have been exhausted then lets petition the legislature. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated in 2013 he supported the zoo going independent for a large reason because it would prevent them from having these types of discussions. If the City is going to take on these burdens then why did we not keep the zoo under the Parks Department? This resolution is still unclear about what the official stance of the City is. As this requires two thirds of the local legislative bodies, this will be very difficult for people to say only the zoo deserves some of this money. Mr. Davis expressed his support of the options mentioned by Dr. Varner for possible revenue building for the zoo. To put this all on the back of one industry is a problem. This resolution only allows for one discussion which is a mistake. Given that so many other taxes and fee increases are coming up, it is not a good time now to be talking about another tax on the citizens of South Bend. For those individuals who came to speak from Mishawaka and Granger to please call their County Councilmembers and put the pressure on them for a change and put the pressure on the City of Mishawaka for a change. If the pressure is always going to fall on South Bend then let's have it be the South Bend zoo again. Councilmember John Voorde expressed on a personal level he has never been afraid of additional revenue sources as long as they are fair and even handed. In the 1980s he supported a food and beverage tax and an entertainment tax to fund Coveleski Stadium which became a drain on every department in the city. Other special projects, regardless of their value to the city, for the last thirty (30) years have taken resources from our Parks Department. Regarding the Zoo and other parks recreational activities, they are a vital economic development tool and attractions for our area. If we need to find new revenue sources or look at existing ones they should be part of the discussion as well. The City has many things that need done and we are being foolish if we do not consider new revenue sources especially with the tax caps coming up in 2020. The time to do this research and have these conversation is now. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic thanked everyone who came out to speak and to Randy for bringing this forward. Nothing in this resolution is zoo specific and it is only looking at a food and beverage tax and what entities could potentially benefit from such a tax. It is important we study all viable options which is what this resolution does. He thanked the restaurant business owners who came out and spoke because their input will be vital as well. There needs to be research into whether this has been more of a burden on restaurants or has driven growth in those other communities who have adopted this tax. If through research it is determined that such a tax would be beneficial then the Council should open up the debate to the broader public for input. Councilmember Karen White expressed her support for many of the comments made by her colleagues. Since this is simply asking for more research and starting this conversation, it is vitally needed because research should and can be done on the effects of this tax in other communities. Council President Tim Scott thanked Dr. David Varner and the business owners for their perspectives on this. If this resolution is not passed the conversation will not start and those other alternatives will not be developed. Regardless of what happened in the past, the City and the County and the City of Mishawka can work together and have intelligent conversations even if there are disagreements. He stated his support for this and his task of pulling these various local Council together because it is important and it should happen. There is no tax going into effect today and it does not necessarily mean it's going to happen later on but this is a needed step to bring the local communities together. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt the subsititue bill. Councilmember Randy Kelly seconded the motion which was adopted by a roll call vote of seven (7) ayes and two (2) nays (Dr. David Varner and Oliver Davis). BILLS FIRST READING There were no first readings. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 11