12-11-08 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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SPECIAL MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2008 Mr. Juan Manigault, 1620 Kevin Ct., South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is speaking on behalf of a new organization South Bend Integrity Pac to rise against this ordinance. He stated that this is a great opportunity for the Common Council to regain the trust of the Citizens of South Bend by reforming the oversight responsibilities that were given when elected for the office. He stated that an example of this was the “Vote No” Campaign. Voters were not willing the give the Common Council the oversight responsibility because they were not sure that the due diligence would be performed necessary as it relates to the water rate increases. Now is the time to regain that trust of citizens and voters in South Bend by rejecting this proposal to raise income taxes. He stated that we all must live within our means. He stated that all City Departments must cut their budgets by 10%. He urged the Council to lobby the State Legislature to change the law on TIF to allow for the direct charging for police, fire and street department expenses, directly associated with services provided by these departments in the TIF district. He advised that the City needs to grow its tax base. He urged the Council to make the right decision and vote against this tax increase. Mr. Terry Carter, 22924 Arbor Point Drive, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in opposition to these bills. He stated that they should not start with eliminating police officers & fire fighters. He urged the Council to take a look at the budget and start eliminating some of the burdens that are not generating any new revenue. He stated that the Football Hall of Fame has not been self-supporting since it was built. He urged the Council to find the wisdom to do the right thing. He encouraged the Council to work with the County to combine services to do more with less. Mr. Jim Frick, 61500 Ironwood Road, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is a Board Member of the South Gateway Association. Mr. Frick stated that the City could save money by first sending out tax bills on time, so that unnecessary funds do not have to be borrowed. He stated that all properties owned by the City should be sold. Have the University of Notre Dame pay for the extra police traffic control for all home football games. Charge users fees on all non-profits who use police & fire protection. He stated that tax abatements should be the exception not the rule. South Bend handed out numerous tax abatement last year compared to Mishawaka who gave only a few. Stop funding tax dollars for the College Football Hall of Fame, South Bend Heritage, and Project Future. Stop using consulting fees, the South Bend Tribune published an article that the City of South Bend had spent over 23 million dollars for consulting fees over a twelve (12) year period. Stop donating tax dollars to non-profit organization such as WNIT; Natatorium; and the Kroc Center. These types of project need to be built with private donations. He stated that the City needs to stop building extravagant buildings such as the Cracker Barrel Fire Station. Mr. Frick stated that he needs to quit building bicycle paths when neighborhood infrastructures are in such bad condition. There are sidewalks in front of Riley High School that are in dire need of repair, so bad that the school children cannot walk down them, they have to walk in the street. Evaluate the bidding process for fairness to contractors. Staffing throughout the City needs to be looked at and revaluated. He urged the Council to vote against any new tax. Mr. Myer Blan, 813 Berlin, Mishawaka, Indiana, stated that he is speaking on only his behalf and not representing any organization. He advised that he is speaking in opposition of this bill because he believes that this is a tax without representation. Mr. Blan stated that he lives in a town that is operating in the black. He noted that Mishawaka does not need to implement the LOIT because they are fiscally responsible with their tax dollars. He stated that he believes that there should be a 20% cut in salaries for employees to start. Mr. Blan advised that other items should be cut out of the city budget not police and fire protection. He stated that there are many things that the city contributes money that can be done without. He stated that the quality of life in South Bend is chasing people out. He urged the Council to vote against this bill. 12