09-26-05 Community & Economic Development

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f Community and Economic Development Committee 2005 South Bend Conunon Council The September 26, 2005, meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:15 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Puzzello, Kirsits, Kuspa, Varner, White, Dieter, and Rouse; Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Sharon Kendall, Fred Thon, Charles Leone, Laura J. Guy, Richard Hill, Thomas "Chip" Lewis, City Clerk John Voorde, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Puzzello noted that the Committee meeting was called to receive a presentation from Downtown South Bend. Laura J. Guy,Executive Director of Downtown South Bend introduced Richard Hill and Thomas "Chip" Lewis to the Committee. She noted that they are still discussing flags in the downtown and hope to have a special event featuring IU South Bend where IU flags would be flown. DTSB has offered to put up and take down the flags if IU South Bend would donate them, however IU South Bend does not have the funding to do that currently. Handouts were then provided to the Committee consisting of a multi-page handout entitled "Downtown South Bend-A Commitment To Growth- BID: The Business Improvement District Initiative"and"DTSB Appendix A"(copies attached). Ms. Guy stated that they looked at business improvement districts throughout the country. She noted that DTSB began in 2002 and that their target date for a BID is 2007. They have a $200,000 goal for voluntary contributions for the transition period. The petition process requires 2/3's approval as well as approval by the Common Council. The county would collect the money and then disperse it to the city. She then highlighted portions of the handouts. In response to a question from Council Member White, Ms. Guy stated that the $200,000 was a kick-start demonstration bid. They have a shortfall for 2005 and 2006. In 2007, city property owners would pay and that DTSB would not ask the city for any additional funding over the amount for 2006. Dr. Varner inquired what the city's projected percentage would be. Ms. Guy stated that the City is the 2nd largest property owner with Memorial being the largest. Approximately 50% of the properties are governmental or not-for-profit. The county would be required to pay, however the law prohibits federal properties to be assessed. The assessment is based on assessed values. Ms. Guy stated that the top property owners include: Memorial, City of South Bend, St. Joseph County, Holladay Properties, and Madison Center. She stated that about 75% of the property owners are projected to pay less than$125 per year. September 26,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes Page 1-