12-08-08 Common Council Mintues - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETINGDECEMBER 8, 2008 BILL NO. 88-08 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPROVING AN AMORTIZED REPAYMENT SCHEDULE OUT OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCE (TIF) FUNDS OF THE LOAN FROM MAJOR MOVES FUND (#412) FOR THE DOUGLAS ROAD EXPANSION PROJECT This bill had first reading. Councilmember Puzzello made a motion to refer this bill to the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee and set it for Public Hearing and Third Reading on January 12, 2009. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business to come before the Council at this time. NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Oliver Davis announced that he and Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. attended the Dedication and Renovation of the Western Branch Library at 611 Lombardy Drive. He stated that the branch now features a gas fireplace, a vending machine café, children’s area, teen section and 3,000 additional feet of floor space. He urged all residents to visit the newly renovation library. Councilmember Puzzello stated that she attended the Potowatomi Greenhouse and Conservatories Christmas Open House. She reported that it was a wonderful time and enjoyed all the lovely decorations. She encouraged everyone to visit the Greenhouse and Conservatories. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Marge Chomyn, 3101 Salem Drive, South Bend, Indiana, spoke regarding no new taxes. She stated she is trying to maintain her little house, less than 1,100 square feet. Ms. Chomyn advised that everything is going up, taxes, utilities, etc. She stated that her quality of life is going down along with just trying to maintain her existence. She stated that she is struggling to be a tax paying citizen. She pleaded with the Council to vote no new taxes. She advised the Council to find the money elsewhere and not put it on the backs of the citizens who are left in the City of South Bend, those being senior citizens and minorities. Viola Stam, 2521 Lincolnway West, South Bend, Indiana, spoke regarding no new taxes. She stated that she has lived in South Bend for almost 50 years and loves the City of South Bend. However, no more taxes, she stated that the residents cannot afford them. She stated that when you pick up the newspaper and see all the companies in trouble, the nation is in trouble, banks are in trouble. She stated that the citizens do not need any new taxes piled up on them. She stated that she is a senior citizen who loves South Bend, however, South Bend is taxes its residents to death. Greg Burkowski, 20155 Roosevelt Road, South Bend, Indiana, spoke regarding no new taxes. He stated that he used to live in the City for eleven years. Mr. Burkowski stated that if the City would divest itself with the real estate that it has bought up and closed down, demolished blighted, residential, commercial and industrial property that would go a long way towards alleviating some of the problems. The City has had a track record of buying up properties, running up the market value, then selling them for up to 75% of what they paid for them, in the name of Economic Development, just to get rid of these nuisance properties. He stated that the Mayor promised to redirect some of the TIF money to the General Fund if it needed it for public safety, government expenses and 16