10-24-11 Community & Economic Development Committee

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, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OCTOBER 24, 2011 Community and Economic Development Committee Members Present: Chairperson Tim Rouse; Henry Davis; Ann Puzzello; Citizen Member Murray Miller Other Councilmember's Present: Derek Dieter; David Varner; AI Kirsits Other's Present: Mayor Stephen Luecke; Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Kevin Allen, South Bend Tribune; Larry Garatoni; John Anderson: Ken Fedder; Don Inks; Gary Gilot; Gary King; Jeff Rea; Gregg Zientara; Kyle Chamberlin; Glen Williams; Linda Wolfson; Lee Byers; Matt Sikora; Jitin Kain; David Wenhoff With a full agenda of five bills to consider, Chairperson Rouse opened the meeting promptly at 3:45 noting three of four committee members and the citizens member were present. Having a quorum present, Rouse called for a presentation of Bill No. 1-58, a requestfor preliminary approval of the issuance of bonds in the amount of$1,500.00 for the South Bend Career Academy. Noting Bill No. 64-11 was a companion bill requesting the authorization to issue the Economic Development Bonds outlined in bill No. 11-58, Chairperson Rouse declared both would be combined for committee review. Proceeding with the presentation Mr. Garatoni and Mr. Anderson briefly outlined the history of how the Career Academy came to fruition. The presentation was brief in that a full presentation with hand-outs was made at the last meeting of the committee. The committee discussion that followed was anything but brief. Much discussion focused on possible alternative choices for the use of TIF funds. That is, while the mission of the career academy was supported, what resources were available for other possible requests? i.e. South Bend Community School Corporation. Other discussion dealt with questions about minority participation as contractors, faculty, and student body. As stated by all, while conceptual support was there, too many questions needed answers. To that end Chairperson Rouse accepted a motion from Councilmember Henry Davis, seconded by Murray Miller and affirmed by all to send the bills to full Council with no recommendation. Bill No. 11-57 A resolution supporting use of public dollars to assist the viability of the Chase Tower in downtown South Bend. Chairperson Rouse noted he had received a request from the resolutions primary sponsor to continue the hearing until the next meeting on November 14, 2011. Councilmember Henry Davis so moved. Councilmember Ann Puzzello seconded and all agreed. Bill No. 11-57 was to be continued until November 14, 2011.