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Council President Tim Scott stated he believes the various Councils who were on board with this <br />could hold some joint meetings where real debate for and against the tax can be held. <br />Councilmember Dr. David Varner asked what part of the $37 million dollars for their master <br />plan does the zoo propose to raise privately. <br />Marcy Dean responded since the zoo was reorganized as a public - private partnership they have <br />seen an increase of private donations since then both on the operational side and the capital side. <br />They are optimistic that with this tax that is a clear marketing tool to private donors that their <br />money will go to a real cause and would hopefully raise $12 to $17 million dollars. This tax is <br />for shear capital support and no operational dollars would come from this. <br />Councilmember Dr. David Varner asked if they tied the zoo to the professional sports <br />development tax which is already in place. If there is going to be a discussion about levying a <br />new tax, there needs to be a serious look at the options currently available. <br />Marcy Dean responded absolutely, the Zoo is open to using other funding options besides or in <br />place of this tax. <br />Council President Tim Scott responded he came from St. Louis and they have a top five (5) zoo <br />in the country because they have utilized these zoo dedicated taxes. <br />Councilmember Gavin Ferlic thanked the zoo for taking the initiative on this but there are other <br />great organizations as well who could use these funds and their needs to be a well vetted process <br />in the community to what organizations they would rather see the money go to. <br />Kathryn Osborne, 517 River Ave South Bend, stated if you are thinking about a tax then be more <br />ambitious with it because it looks like we have had many things underfunded for a while in the <br />city and she is in support of research. <br />There was no one who spoke in opposition. <br />Councilmember John Voorde made a motion to send this bill to the full Council with a favorable <br />recommendation. Councilmember Randy Kelly seconded the motion which was defeated with <br />two (2) ayes and two (2) nays (Councilmember Oliver Davis and Dr. David Varner). <br />Councilmember Randy Kelly made a motion to send this bill to the full Council with no <br />recommendation. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried with four (4) <br />ayes. <br />There being no further business before the Committee, Randy Kelly adjourned the meeting at <br />5:45 p.m. <br />Respectfully Submitted, <br />Randy Kelly, Chairperson <br />