11-10-08 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 2008 and Economic Development. She stated that they both have lists of the various committee meetings that they have had and the area that the various Councilmember have identified and the ones that Councilmember White has mentioned as well as Councilmember Rouse are at the top of the list for additional point allocations for residential property in the downtown area. She further reiterated that this is governed by a local ordinance and the Community and Economic Development Committee reviews and then the Council will take action. She noted that in light of everything else that is going on, there probably won’t be any formal amendments within the next two weeks. She stated that is what would be required for the Council to take action at the December 8, 2008 meeting. She stated that discussions would be ongoing. Councilmember White asked President Rouse that those concerns regarding Tax Abatement are shared with the entire Council to see if there are any common themes with regard to the tax abatement issue. She stated that this is a critical issue that this Council should be addressing. BILLS – FIRST READING BILL NO. 71-08 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA TRANSFERRING SIXTY-SIX THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED TWO DOLLARS AND ELEVEN CENTS ($66,702.11) IN DORMANT MONIES FROM VARIOUS FUNDS TO GENERAL FUND NO. 101 AND CLOSING OUT THE VARIOUS FUNDS This bill had first reading. Councilmember Puzzello made a motion to refer this bill to the Personnel & Finance Committee and set it for Public Hearing and Third Reading on November 24, 2008. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Councilmember Puzzello entertained a motion that the Common Council and the City st Administration have committed to continue to work together in the 1 quarter of 2009 in reviewing the 2009 baseline budget and a spending plan for 2009. Accordingly, based on a pledge by the City Administration that there will be full and open disclosure to information requests by the Common Council, the Common Council pledges to: Work cooperatively with the City Administration, the South Bend Community School Corporation Board of Trustees and Superintendent, the school crossing guards, and concerned citizens in identifying additional funding sources for the school crossing guard program from June 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009. She further noted to work cooperatively with the City Administration to identify additional funding sources and establish priority funding for all city operations so that any reductions to the appropriation ordinance (Bill No. 59-08) which may be required would not take effect prior to April 1, 2009. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to accept Councilmember Puzzello’s motion. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. Councilmember Varner stated that the Redevelopment Commission about a month ago undertook the use of TIF dollars for purposes of creating a marketing program for the new mind area, and area which exists as he has told people mostly in “our minds” at this point. It has broadened the definition of the use of TIF dollars which is perhaps a benefit to the city going forward and looking for creative ways to utilize those dollars and with regard to Councilmember Henry Davis Jr.’s comments believes that there is many ways 31