03-23-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 23, 2009 Commission. He noted that Councilmember Varner is the Council’s representative to the Redevelopment Commission as well as the Century Center Board of Managers. Councilmember Rouse stated that he is an At-Large member of the Council, serving the entire City of South Bend. He stated that he is the Chairperson of the Community and Economic Development Committee, Residential Neighborhoods Committee and Vice- Chairperson the PARCS Committee, a member of the Health and Public Safety Committee as well as a member of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee. The Community and Economic Development Committee oversees the various activities of the Community and Economic Development Department (CED), oversees the programs directed by CED, oversees the Economic Development Department, as well as oversees the program and financial management, reviews all real and personal property tax abatement. He noted that so far this year there have been two (2) tax abatement resolutions; Bill No. 09-19, a resolution asking the Redevelopment Commission not to act upon something in support of in regard to the New Tech High School. The concern is that the city was moving too rapidly without having all of the facts. He stated that there was a great deal of uncertainty regarding that particular new high school. The South Bend Common Council supports the New Tech High School Concept; the concern is giving it due diligence and making sure that the 1.3 million dollars out of the TIF District monies would be given after due diligence and consideration. The Council felt that the Redevelopment Commission has not responded appropriately to this elected body that has the responsibility to answer to the public. In 2009, the CED Committee has begun to review the Tax Abatement Ordinance. The review had begun in 2006, under the Chair of the CED Committee at that time was Roland Kelly, and stalled at that time. In 2007, the Chairperson of the CED Committee was Derek Dieter, and at that time the St. Joseph County Council was in discussion of reviewing and revising their tax abatement ordinance. Councilmember Rouse stated that at the last meeting of the St. Joseph County Council, they approved their revised tax abatement ordinance. So with that information, the South Bend Common Council CED Committee will review the City’s tax abatement ordinance. He stated that currently the 2009/2010 budget has taken precedent and discussion on the reviewing and revising the tax abatement ordinance will take place after budget proceedings are concluded. He stated that as Chair of the Residential Neighborhoods Committee, he had the responsibilities of overseeing the various neighborhood partnership centers; however, those centers have been closed due to budget constraints, but still have the oversight responsibilities related to neighborhood development and enhancement. In 2009, the goals of the Residential Neighborhood Committee are to continue the certification process of neighborhood association. He stated that they would like to see every neighborhood in the City of South Bend to have an association responsible for issues that arise in the various neighborhoods. The certification will be in collaboration with some of the very active neighborhood associations that exists. The Northwest Neighborhood Association is renowned for its work and outstanding service to that community. They will use that association as a model to help certify other neighborhood associations. He stated that there are approximately 35 neighborhood associations in the City of South Bend. Some are not active, and are seeking to reactivate their associations. The City of South Bend City Plan relies heavily upon neighborhood associations. For many years when a neighborhood association would appear before the Zoning and Annexation Committee and vote in favor or against issues, this Council has been very passionate and swayed heavily on the desires of the neighborhood association. He stated that it is necessary for the entire population of the City of South Bend 107,000 people to have the opportunity to be represented by a neighborhood association, because it carries a great deal of weight in the City. He encouraged all those that don’t have a neighborhood association to consider starting one. He advised that other projects that are ongoing are the Major Moves Report. This is a comprehensive report and a plan inclusive of the St. Joseph County Wheel Tax Commission which gave its final report in 2004, Toll Road HB 1008, which came out in March 2006, and major moves from September 2007. This report is inclusive of arterial streets, collector and local streets. Councilmember Rouse stated that State Representatives John Broden and David Niezgodski appeared on Jim Wensit’s television show and told the audience that the City of South Bend as well as St. Joseph County have terrible road conditions. Councilmember Rouse stated that this cannot continue and must be addressed. He stated that his grandson visits quite frequently from Lexington, Kentucky, and asks him “Pa Pa” why are there so many holes in the streets in South 11