04/18/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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~" Ms. Benjamin brought a draft ordinance, asking for direction from the Council. She was not clear about the phrasing or how the Council wantej it accomplished. She noted possible amendments. Manager said that the impact would be about $90,000. He noted the Easter Seal request for an exemption. He said that it was not possible under the Code. If approved, it could set ,precedent for other such individual requsts for exemption. . Ms. Schue, speaking for the Joint Housing Committee and for herself, requested that the upgrading of the neighborhood be continued. She expressed a desire to have 7th to 13th and Washington to Chambers section included in the request. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the Council not change the present systems development tax ordinance now in effect. Mr. Lieuallen felt to not allow exemptions for the central business district would add to the decay of the city, a trend that would be impossible to reverse. Mr. Obie shared Mr. Lieuallen's concern for the decay of the city, but he felt that eliminating the Systems Development Tax in this area will not do as Mr. Lieuallen suggested. He said it is not a factor in adding to the improvement of a neighborhood. He felt that it was better to collect the tax as is currently being done, and apply it to the neighborhoods. Ms. Smith felt the same way, but also had some concerns about where the exemptions would end. Mr. Lieuallen said that Mr. Obie's suggestion was unworkable and that the tax exemption was a more comprehensive solution. Mr. Haws agreed with Mr. Obie's motion .~ because of the exemptions, and he felt that all should be taxed. Mr. Delay felt that people would be influenced by the Systems Development Tax exemption. He felt that they should not look at individual proposals that came up for areas, and he liked the idea of the tax exemption proposal. Mayor Keller said that he had problems supporting this measure in the area that was a major part of the city, and he would hope that the Council would support Mr. Obie's motion. Vote was taken on the motion, which was defeated, with Miller, Lieuallen, Delay, and Schue voting no; Smith, Haws, and Obie, vot i ng aye. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to schedule a public hearing on the proposed ordinance Monday, April 23. Motion carried with Mr. Obie voting no. Upon motion duly made, seconded~ and passed, the meeting was adjourned to April 23, 1979. c~/~ City Manager (Beth Conant, Minutes Recorder) ~ CTH:BC:ml/CM23b1 4/18/79--6 2211