10-14-06 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charlotte Pfeifer again expressed a disdain for an annual process that is not productive. Varner said South Bend actually pays for the "Play it Smart" program. He said the city pays the operational costs and capital expenses afthe Hall. Further, he said the NFF has shown little inclination to help, is enjoying a "free ride," and will not came to the table unless forced to do so. Dieter complimented President Rouse for his efforts to persuade the NFF to sponsor "Play it Smart"; but said it was not effective the way it is administered. He said he would provide facts later. Erv Kuspa expressed frustration with the incomplete financial data for the Hall of Fame provided far Council review each year. He also wondered if all colleges had a stake in the success at the Hall of Fame. Ann. Puzzello recounted that the whale idea of how the Hall of Fame was to be funded that was portrayed in 1995. She is disappointed with the way finances have played nut since. Tim Rouse pointed to an apparent consensus for more dialogue. He asked is there was agreement on funding for '07 with a mandate for change. Varner stated the Council need not by law approve dollars for the Hall of Fame until 12- 31-06. He felt the Council not the Joint Commit#ee should approve expenditures on a case by case basis not a 1.1 million dollar blind appropriation. Charlotte recognized the Mayor to speak. Mayor Luecke began by allaying fears that dollars were missing at DTSB. He said all funds were accounted for. He then refuted Varner's "cost to the city figures," challenging the source and amount of dollars on the chart and graph. He pointed out that by law the Hotel-Motel Tax Board is responsible for appropriating Hotel Motel tax monies not the City Council. Further mare he said the Professional Sports Development fund (377) was under the purview of the Council. Turning to Dieter he asked if Dieter said that "Play it Smart" program was of no value. Dieter said as it was presently administered the answer was yes. The Mayor then cited ways in which the NFF has raised funds far the Hall of Fame Namely the new donated gridiron turf valued at $150,000 + ,the speakers luncheon, and the 1 S story condo wanting to locate adjacent to the Hall of Fame. He then pointed out the Hotel-Motel Tax, the Professional Sports Development Fund, and the capital reserve fund were all good business, not based upon local taxpayer support. The Mayor said the Hall of Fame should be viewed as a landlord {City), tenant {NFF} relationship. The city owns the building and is responsible far its upkeep. The Mayor then referred to the Fanello (Controller's) chart detailing accurate levels of dollar support.