03-17-09 Community and Economic Development Committee

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Specifically, Dieter wanted to know who paid for the air quality testing at Marycrest. Inks said the costs were picked up by the city's Engineering Department with the understanding they would be reimbursed by TIF. Rouse asked if this was normal procedure and Inks said yes. Tim Rouse then turned to School Superintendent Jim Kapsa who was to provide an update on the New Tech High School proposal. Mr. Kapsa provided a handout (see attached) which detailed the developments since the New Tech H.S. proposal was unveiled. Rouse interjected that because the Redevelopment Commission did not delay, the questions in the resolution were sent directly to Kapsa who responded by letter dated March 16th. Kapsa proceeded. He apologized for the answers in the letter being so general. The real question he said was why the rush? He said due to the high start-up costs, the ever changing financial backing and the desire to begin in August 2009 time was of the essence. Several tough decisions needed to be made by the 24th of March if the proposal was to proceed. Again, those decisions were opening in '09 or'10. Where? Long-term funding? Tim Rouse expressed concern the "due diligence" had not been done making it unwise to commit tax dollars to the project. Beyond the stated Kapsa request of nearly $3 million in TIF dollars in the next 2 years, Varner worried about along-term financial commitment of T1F dollars. Varner also wondered if space could be found in another facility in the school system. Kapsa and Paul Laskowski both explained all studies have indicated that a separate facility was best. Kapsa asked if the Council would commit TIF dollars if a site other than Marycrest were chosen? Rouse said Council support is solid for the concept; however, there was reluctance to pledge dollars without "due diligence." Chairperson Rouse then opened the public portion of the session. Mrs. Andres questioned whether this program was an appropriate use of TIF funds. School Board Member Bill Sniadecki said the School Corporation should proceed cautiously. He felt Marycrest was a bad choice and opening should be in 2010. Councilmember Rouse asked what role the Chamber of Commerce Reps Laskowski and Damico played? Laskowski said he as Vice-President of the Chamber was asked to co-chair a study of the New Tech concept. School Board Member Stephanie Spivey said more info was needed to make informed decisions. George Lane questioned whether the City and School Corporation could afford the program. He cautioned the Council not to be pushed into a quick decision. Both Paul Laskowski and Jim Kapsa spoke of the New Tech High School taking a new approach to education. Project based learning would be stressed. All skills would be developed allowing a "team approach" to problem solving. These are the skills needed in today's workplace. That is why the Chamber was playing a prominent role in the New Tech High School proposal. Councilmember Rouse summed up by saying he recognized the Chamber's interest. They would be concerned about preparing tomorrow's workforce for the new economy. Rouse then said the Council's issue was who spends public dollars. Therein lies the conflict with the Redevelopment Commission. One yet to be resolved.