12-11-08 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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SPECIAL MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2008 Councilmember’s Dieter, Henry Davis, LaFountain, Puzzello, Varner, Oliver Davis, White, Rouse and Kirsits thanked everyone in attendance tonight. Councilmember Puzzello stated that this is a very tough issue. She stated that she was pursuing the issue of a Food and Beverage Tax. When taxation is necessary she feels that it should be spread around on who would be paying the tax, and visitors to the community would share in paying the tax. However, that tax would take a change in the state legislature and would not be available for the 2009 budget shortfall. She encourages everyone to submit suggestions on where the budget could be cut. Ms. Puzzello stated that she understands that these are very hard economic times and everyone needs to cut back, however, cutting back on police and fire protection is not one are that she is willing to cut. She again thanked everyone for their opinions this evening and stated that she will take all of them into consideration. Councilmember Henry Davis stated that this has been a stressful day. He stated that he discusses with other Councilmember’s especially with Councilmember’s LaFountain and Dieter who sit next to him. He stated that what’s he is doing if you see him talking at his seat to other Councilmember’s. Councilmember Davis stated that he never thought in a million years that he would have to be making such a difficult decision in his first year on the Council. He stated that he appreciates serving the citizens of South Bend for the growth of South Bend. He advised that he is so Pro-South Bend beyond anyone’s measurable belief. He stated that he loves his city, his hometown immensely. He stated that he began this duty as Councilmember to increase the City’s benefits for all citizens. He stated that he is well aware of what is being asked from the citizens tonight. They are asking for all residents to contribute more money into a pot to continue services that many are not fully receiving. He stated that his time on the Council has been fulfilling, he stated that he loves serving the fine people of this City and thanks God each and everyday for the strength and opportunity to do this job. When assessing the matter in how City services are distributed in the Second District, he is not happy with the way services are appropriated and certainly not the growth of the infrastructure. He stated that the Council has two issues to discuss before voting on this tax increase tonight. The first being does the Council maintain status quo or does the Council take this opportunity to institute change to better serve all citizens of the City of South Bend. He stated that the City is demolishing homes with no plan on what is going to go in their place. The streets need a new look, new investment within the corporate City limits that will promote retail development. They continue to pin on the residents of South Bend to keep the city solvent. The school system is not graduating enough of the children with basic academic skills. The city is toying with the idea of closing to recreational facilities in the second district which he represents. These facilities do not just represent recreational activities; they are anchors in the neighborhoods. This hits home for him. He questioned whether or not all avenues have been looked at. The need to identify the necessary places that need to sold to increase private investment. He questioned whether or not they have done everything in their power as elected officials to shield the taxpayer from having to pay an additional tax. He stated that he feels the City has fallen short. He stated that they can blame the State, but he feels that they can diversify the City’s economy. He stated that there is not enough balance because of the numerous non-taxpaying entities and have failed to attract businesses that are for profit, and there is no excuse in that. He stated that he cannot ask taxpayers to pay more and businesses to invest little. He stated that the City uses tax abatement as a tool. He stated that he has firmly voted against arbitrary and unnecessary tax abatements because that just puts the burden on the tax payers who are already cash strapped. He stated that he is fully aware that he represents the residents of nd the 2 District; he also represents the entire City of South Bend also. He state that the Council needs to have a detailed plan in front of them so that they can explain to the residents and taxpayers of South Bend that they have explored every options available to cut spending before enacting another tax increase. He stated that they have been told by the Administration that even with this tax increase that it might not be enough. Councilmember Davis advised that the city has been cash strapped long before the nd housing crisis or at least based upon the obvious neglect to the 2 District of South Bend. He stated that they have not done enough to project the needs of the City nor have they done adequate projections for the amount of revenue that would be received by this tax 16