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REGULAR MEETING JULY 27, 2009 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Mr. Phair stated no other tools are available to the public. <br /> <br />Councilmember Varner stated that he would prefer a $6 million dollar project funded by <br />private money, but doesn’t want to turn down a project and send the wrong message to <br />other investors especially in this tough economy. <br /> <br />Councilmember White reiterated that this project qualifies for a six (6) year abatement <br />based on the Public Benefit Points System. She stated that they could amend this bill <br />tonight and then revisit for a nine (9) year abatement. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rouse advised that this abatement is going to go into a TIF District. He <br />stated that he is not comfortable no knowing where the .95% Local Option Income Tax is <br />going. He stated that it’s not really wonderful until they have all the facts. The City <br />cannot do business status quo. <br /> <br />Councilmember Puzzello stated that there certainly has been a lot of talk about the <br />speculative nature of this building, however, she does believe in a “Field of Dreams” <br />build it and they will come. She advised that she has perfect confidence in Holladay and <br />they do a good job. She stated that she has no respect for HRG and their business <br />practices. She reiterated that they need the building and is confident that Holladay will <br />get the job done. <br /> <br />Councilmember Henry Davis stated that he is not in favor of the entire Portage Prairie <br />Development. He advised that because of HEA 1001 and the property tax caps he does <br />not agree with locking money up into a TIF area. He stated that there is no new revenue <br />coming back into the general fund. Councilmember Davis stated that he will not be <br />voting in favor of this bill. <br /> <br />Councilmember Oliver Davis stated that he doesn’t like the timing of the project. He <br />agreed with Mr. Wolfson and implementing a moratorium on tax abatements. He stated <br />that he is not in favor of this abatement and will be voting against it. <br /> <br />Councilmember Al “Buddy” Kirsits reiterated the words of former Councilmember Karl <br />King, the tax abatement process is like an ice cream sundae. He stated that you first start <br />out with vanilla ice cream and then you can add different flavors and toppings by having <br />more points in the Public Benefit Points System. The more points you have the more <br />flavor and toppings you get. He stated that this project clearly only qualifies for a six (6) <br />year abatement. <br /> <br />Mr. Phair agreed to the 6 year abatement. <br /> <br />Councilmember Henry Davis asked if the Community and Economic Development <br />Department can track how many companies call their department and want to relocate to <br />South Bend. <br /> <br />th <br />Mr. Schalliol, Staff Member, Community and Economic Development, 12 Floor <br />County-City Building, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he was unsure if they track, but <br />would be willing to check into that. <br /> <br />Councilmember White made a motion to amend this bill to six (6) years. Councilmember <br />Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of five (5) ayes and four (4) <br />nays (Councilmember’s Henry Davis, LaFountain, Rouse and Oliver Davis) <br /> <br />Councilmember Varner made a motion to adopt this Resolution as amended. <br />Councilmember Puzzello seconded the motion which carried by a roll call vote of five (5) <br />ayes and four (4) nays (Councilmember’s Henry Davis, LaFountain, Oliver Davis, <br />Timothy Rouse.) <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 23 <br /> <br />