PORTER COUNTY COUNCIL
May 24, 2005

The Porter County Council met on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. in the County Administration Center, 155 Indiana-Suite 205, Valparaiso, Indiana.

Members present were Laura Blaney, Jim Burge, William Carmichael, Al Steele, Rita Stevenson, Dan Whitten, and President Bob Poparad. Also present was Attorney David Hollenbeck, Auditor Sandra Vuko, Becky Phillips and Jan Noll.

The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Poparad, We have the approval of last meeting’s minutes.

Mr. Carmichael moved to approve the minutes of April 26, 2005 as received. Mr. Burge seconded.

Mr. Poparad, Any discussion? Any corrections? All in favor say aye.

Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.

Mr. Poparad, We haven’t decided on the budget hearings yet, that’s still up in the air. We’ve got some scheduling issues. Sandy, would you do the first reading, please.

Mrs. Vuko, Okay.

FIRST READING

At this time, Mrs. Vuko read the Notice to Taxpayers.

RDA DISCUSSION - ORDINANCE 05-5-24

Ordinance 05-5-25
An Ordinance of the Porter County, Indiana, Council
Increasing the County Economic Development Income Tax

WHEREAS, pursuant to I.C.6-3.5-7-5, the Porter County Council (“Council”) has previously imposed the County Economic Development Income Tax (“EDIT”) on the adjusted gross income of Porter County taxpayers at the rate of twenty-five hundredths of one percent (0.25%); and
WHEREAS, I.C.6-3.5-7-5 authorizes and empowers the Porter County Council to amend the rate at which the EDIT tax is imposed in Porter County; and
WHEREAS, the Porter County Council is desirous of increasing the EDIT tax rate so as to fund Porter County participation in the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and provide additional homestead credits pursuant to I.C.6-3.5-7-13.1(3).
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Porter County Council as follows:
1. That the Porter County Council does hereby increase the Porter County Economic Development Income Tax rate imposed upon the county taxpayers from twenty-five hundredths of one percent (0.25) to five-tenths of one percent (0.5%). This tax increase shall take effect on July 1, 2003.
2. That the increase in the County Economic Development Income Tax rate imposed by this ordinance is being done so as to fund the $3.5 Million cost of participation in the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority with any remaining revenues resulting from this increase in the CEDIT tax rate being totally and completely dedicated to increase homestead credits pursuant to I.C.6-3.5-7-13.1(b)(3)
3. That the Porter County Auditor shall record all votes taken on this ordinance and immediately send a certified copy of the results by certified mail to the Indiana Department of Revenue.
ADOPTED This 24th day of May, 2005 by a vote of 4 yeas and 3 nays.
PORTER COUNTY COUNCIL
s/William Carmichael
s/James Burge
s/Robert Poparad
ATTEST: s/Sandra Vuko, Auditor s/Rita Stevenson

Mr. Poparad, Okay. Everybody is obviously here for the RDA. We are going to have public comment, over there at the microphone. You will be limited to a minute and a half, just so everybody could have a chance to speak. Mr. Burge will be timing you. He will hold up a red card when you’re at 15 seconds. Four people wanted to be placed on the agenda, but they didn’t make it in time; I told them they could go first. Mr. Gassoway--I see you--you’re up.

Virgil Gassoway, Every benefit they’re touting, we’ll receive even if we don’t put a penny in the pot. The reason for this big push--this sting--is because they need us to make this work. They need our money and our integrity to legitimize this attempt to help pull Gary out of a very deep hole, because no one at the state or even the federal level is willing to Gary another dime. If we sign on, it is no longer Gary looking for the handout; now it’s the Region--Northwest Indiana--and that’s a different name, and once again the subsidy game can be played. And that giant sucking sound that you’ll hear will be the millions of state and federal dollars once again being sucked into that bottomless hole of need called Gary. Only this time, the sucking sound will be even louder because this time our money will be siphoned off if we sign on.
They need us, Ladies and Gentlemen, to re-invent themselves by giving themselves a new name, so the whole shell game can be started again. Money, money, money, who’s got the money. A little money here, a little money there, who’s got the money. So that’s what they’re after: new name for a new game. Ladies and Gentlemen, you don’t invite the devil in for a roundtable discussion to talk about the value of the good. When you invited two representatives of Lake County, Ralph Ayres, represents south Lake County, to discuss what Porter County should naturally do, you will naturally get a biased answer.
They need us to legitimize this whole project, and when asked, they use NIRPC and the Northern Indiana Commuter District as examples of the good. But are they really the good, or are they just examples of the shell game known as big government. Hey, don’t ask big government for an unbiased answered, and make no mistake, the RDA is just more big government. This whole sting operation with its full-page ads show you how desperate these guys are to get this whole sucking machine back into motion. Sycophants of evil promoting more evil. Thank you.

Mr. Poparad, Thank you. Representative Ayres.

Representative Ralph Ayres, Thank you, Mr. Chairman, council members, general public. It is indeed an honor to be here today, as a former county council member, and a resident of Porter County, and presently for 51 years, and a taxpayer in Porter County, I strongly support the RDA. I was one of the co-authors of the legislation. We tried to craft it in such a way that Porter County has a strong voice on this board. Lake County will have four seats; Porter County will have two, one that will be a joint appointment, obviously, by the council and the commissioners.
I want to give you a figure. When we talk about regional transit and regional development, we do have county lines, but jobs cross the county lines. Porter County, 7,570 Lake County residents work in Porter County, and pay the CEDIT tax right now. Of Porter County residents, of the 72,400 Porter County residents, by the 2000 Census, 19,859 work in Lake County. Porter County residents working in Lake County; 5,906 work in Illinois. In Lake County, of the residents there, we have 45,000 that work in the state of Illinois.
We are an economic region. Our future is working together. I represent both these counties, and Jasper County. Economic development is crucial. We are here tonight, and your decision tonight is for economic development for jobs, for all of Northwest Indiana, including those living in this county. It’s also for property tax relief, especially for those individuals who have high-assessed valuations, and low incomes, senior citizens and those on fixed income.
I would be glad to answer any questions. I would like to say every legislator that represents Porter County voted in favor of this. We took your suggestions, which will be talked about by Representative Kuzman, who also represents Porter County. But since I represent north, central and south county, I strongly urge you to support the RDA for the future economic development and quality of life for the residents of Porter County. Thank you very much.

Representative Robert Kuzman, Thank you. I am Representative Kuzman. I live in Lake County, but I support north, central, and southern Porter County, from all the way to Portage, Union Township, and down to Hebron. I also stand here, and support the RDA. I think it’s an economic tool that we need, not only for this community, but for all the communities here in Northwest Indiana. And we need to start looking at Northwest Indiana as a whole, rather than individuals.
We talked a little bit the last time I was in this room. We had a meeting, and the last two weeks of the legislative session, this meeting, in this room, drove what happened for Porter County. There were three things that Porter County requested. One, more influence, more votes. So we put a supermajority together. So there is a supermajority to get any projects approved, just not for Lake or Porter.
The second thing, what are you going to do with the excess. Well, you said we should use it for property tax relief, so we gave Porter County the opportunity, if there is excess, to use that for homestead exemptions--and that was touched on--to lower property values for seniors and people that are less fortunate.
The third thing we asked for is qualifications. You asked for qualifications. Can elected officials be on this board? Yes, they can. They can, I’m not sure we want them, but we made sure there are qualifications in this, in this, in this legislation, to have that done. They have to meet certain standards. Those are everything this group, and most of this group wanted when we were here a few weeks before the end of the session.
We touched on a few things--I’ve got a few seconds left. This is not a Lake County issue or a Porter County issue; this is a regional issue. We are not trying to change the name, we are trying to do what’s right. This will be an economic engine, not only for this area, but also for Newton, Jasper, and also the other areas around here. I represent those areas, just as Ralph Ayres does, and I think its super, I hope you support RDA for the future of Northwest Indiana. Thank you.

Mr. Poparad, Is the representative from the Governor here? Not yet? Okay, anybody who wants to take the mic, state your name, what city you live in.

Pat Pullara, Hello, I’m Pat Pullara, I live in Valparaiso. I work in Merrillville for the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors. I’m here tonight on behalf of President Gail Koch, who was unable to attend. The Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors represents over 2,500 business people in all areas of the real estate industry. A thousand of our realtor members live in Porter County, as well as hundreds of affiliate members that live and work in Porter County, and specialize in providing title insurance, home inspections, mortgages on existing and new construction homes and businesses.
I would like to present you with a resolution on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors supporting the establishment and operation of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority. In addition, we applaud the effort to the Northwest Indiana Legislative Delegation to establish the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority. This legislation has given you this historic opportunity to take the action necessary to enable and fund the RDA that would allow Porter County and Northwest Indiana to take full advantage of economic development projects to attract new jobs and opportunities. Thank you.

Tim McColly, My name is Tim McColly, I am the owner of F.C. Tucker, Northwest Indiana Realtors here in Valparaiso. I am the immediate past present of the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors. Our association believes that Porter County’s participation in the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority is crucial to economic development throughout our region. And we ask for your support for the following reason: The Gary/Chicago Airport is the third airport for the Chicago Metropolitan area, and it will serve as an engine for economic growth. With the Federal Aviation Administration’s recent approval of the Gary/Chicago Airport’s proposed expansion plans, the airport is on the brink of success.
There is federal funding, a match in place for the airport, which will provide a significant return on investments for every dollar we dedicate. Each year Indiana loses millions of dollars of federal funding that could be available for projects identified by the RDA. Convenient airport access is a must for companies looking to relocate. An investment that is made in the airport will benefit Northwest Indiana many times over. Thank you.

Gloria Notaro, Good evening, my name is Gloria Notaro, the Managing Broker of Century 21 Executive Group in Portage. We believe that Porter County’s participation in the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority is crucial to economic development throughout our region. We ask for support for the following reason: Lakeshore development is crucial to the success of Northwest Indiana. People want to live where they have convenient access to the lake. Portage is on track to develop its own publicly accessible recreation area, thanks to regional cooperation established with the Marquette Plan. By participating in the Northwest Indiana Development Authority, Porter County will be better positioned for future lakeshore projects that improve the quality of life in Northwest Indiana. Thank you.

Rick Schiller, My name is Rick Schiller, I live in unincorporated Valparaiso. Porter County government has cried poor as long as I’ve lived here, not very long, but at the same time they’ve cried poor, the net receipts have gone from 218+ million dollars at the end of 1998 to 337+ million dollars at the end of 2004. An increase of almost 55% in six years.
The general fund receipt, which I am told is the only part of the regular budget that could be used to pay this NIRDA fee, has gone from 24.7 million at the end of 1998 to 37.4 million at the end of 2004. An increase of almost 52% in six years. This, at the same time we’ve seen various cutbacks in county services, and yet, there is no money for the 3.5 million dollar RDA entry. The money collected and disbursed with the passage of the first CEDIT tax is about 7.25 million dollars per year, 2005 and 2004.
This money is in addition to, and separate from the general fund’s receipt, and is currently distributed to the county and various towns under the guise of economic development, which has a very loose definition. Mr. Hollenbeck, at a March 31st, 2003 council meeting said, I will tell you that the concept of economic development is spinning statewide. All the counties that have adopted this have been allowed by the state to expend this money on very diverse and very broad things.
Now we are presented with this Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, something that most accurately fits the description of economic development. Something for which we are currently annually collecting and disbursing 7.25 million dollars for dubious economic development projects. Yet, we can’t use that tax money for its intended purpose. We are told we need to increase the tax. Why can we not use part of the currently annually disbursed economic development tax for this purpose. Instead of raising taxes, and trying to promote jobs located in Chicago, Lake County, why don’t we do things to create jobs here. Things like the Indiana business personal property tax, and the inventory tax…

Mr. Poparad, Okay. Sir, you’ve passed the time.

Paul Boyter, Hi, my name is Paul Boyter, I live in Porter, and I manage a real estate office for McColly Real Estate in Chesterton. I serve as a president-elect of the multiple listing service of the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors. The Realtor Association believes a comprehensive transportation system is also a key component to economic development. By participating in the South Shore extension, the residents of Porter County will be able to easily access jobs throughout Northwest Indiana and the Chicago Metropolitan area. Businesses also will choose to locate near rail lines, bringing more job opportunities to Porter County. The rail line will also have the added the benefit of reducing commute time and pollution.
Congressman Visclosky has also worked to secure federal approval to request funds for the South Shore rail line, but these funds cannot be accessed without a non-federal funding source. Porter County must identify local funds to leverage the federal money available for this type of economic development. Right now, every taxpayer in Lake and Porter County pays federal transportation taxes on airline fees, jet fuel, tires, truck, buses, and gasoline. A portion of these funds is set aside to assist with the development of mass-transit systems throughout the country. We need your support to tap into these funds for the economic benefit of Porter County and Northwest Indiana. Thank you.

Alan Harre, I’m Alan Harre, president of Valparaiso University. Employing data generated during the 2001-2002 economic era, Dr. Kevin J. McNamara, regional economist and faculty member of the Department of Agriculture Economics at Purdue University, West Lafayette, calculated that during the 2001-2002 economic era, Valparaiso University made a $101,972,433 economic impact on Porter County.
That calculated impact did not include the value of construction being done on campus or the additional academic impact between the students, the parents, alumni, investing in the local economy to purchase food, services, accommodations, recreation, gasoline, clothing, etc. 35.4% of the 2004-2005 undergraduate student body of Valparaiso University reside in the state of Indiana. 64.6% call on of the other 49 states or about 50 foreign countries home.
Thus the financial well being of Valparaiso University is heavily dependent upon the majority of its students being able to travel conveniently to Northwest Indiana from points outside the state of Indiana. The competitive position of Valparaiso University would be enhanced greatly if the Gary/Chicago Airport offered more flights to more diverse destinations, and from more departure points.
Our recent staff find it very difficult to persuade parents to send their 17-year olds or 18-year olds to Midway or O’Hare; have them board a USA Coach to Merrillville or Portage; and then have them met to conclude their trip to Valpo. We know we lose the opportunity to attract a significant number of students because of this obvious transportation problem. As more faculty staff, and higher education marry--those professionals--it is increasingly difficult to recruit people who want apply because of the inadequate employment opportunities available in Northwest Indiana for their spouses. Therefore, the University is precluded from recruiting some of the best candidates.
Valparaiso University needs more aggressive economic development in its immediate area to enhance its ability to hire the very best faculty staff possible. It’s our expectation that the enhancements in regional development that will be possible through the RDA will help to address these negative realities faced by Valparaiso University, which is a very economic engine for the City of Valparaiso, Porter County, and Northwest Indiana.

Celina Weatherwax, Good evening, my name is Celina Weatherwax, and I’m here representing United States Senator Richard Lugar. The Senator asked that I read a letter on his behalf to you. Dear Commissioners, I am pleased to have this opportunity today to share with you my interest in your participation in the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority. This is an important effort for Northwest Indiana, and I hope careful consideration will be given to Porter County’s critical role in this opportunity for the region.
I commend Governor Daniels for our, and our delegation, and the Assembly for their work to establish this entity. Their presence in crafting the legislation to create the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority was a bold step for our economic future. This is a remarkable chance for long-term planning, and economic growth for Northwest Indiana.
In addition to expansion of existing plans for the Gary/Chicago International Airport, the South Shore Commuter Railroad Extension, and the Lake Michigan Shoreline, participation in the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority will bring a wealth of infrastructure and other opportunities for Porter County.
I join with my colleague, Congressman Visclosky in assuring Porter County, and other officials throughout Indiana of our continued work together to assist where we can at the federal level to address the many transportation, infrastructure, and quality of life issues for residents in the county, and in Northwest Indiana. Thank you for this opportunity to share with you some of my thoughts on this important issue. Sincerely, Dick Lugar.

Mark Lopez, Hello, my name is Mark Lopez. I serve in the capacity of district director for Congressman Pete Visclosky. Unfortunately, work commitments have kept the Congressman in Washington DC. He has asked me to present to the Porter County Council a letter of support for the RDA, and make a few remarks. Due to time constraints, I will not reiterate the entire letter. But I would like to point out some of the few highlights of the many.
The RDA will create jobs for residents in Porter County, and enhance the airport, and extend passenger rail service, and a lakeshore that offers new recreational opportunities are magnets for economic development, new investment, and improved quality of life for everyone in Northwest Indiana. Congressman Visclosky believes that the RDA is the most significant investment in Northwest Indiana since the steel industry.
Congressman Visclosky also sees the RDA as a tool for Northwest Indiana to gain access to federal revenue that previously has be unavailable. These federal funds will be used to enhance, and expand the infrastructure projects that will create jobs and new economic opportunity. Right now, everyone in Porter County pays a variety of federal taxes; I won’t reiterate them.
But, unfortunately, instead of these dollars being invested right here in Porter County and Lake County, people in Northwest Indiana are building up airports in Texas; extending passenger rail service in California; and improving lakeshores in Illinois. By approving the Regional Development Authority tonight, the people of Northwest Indiana will be able to better access federal funds to invest in projects vital to our region, instead of paying for projects in other parts of the country.
In closing, Congressman Visclosky would like to thank Governor Daniels, the State Legislative Delegation, and all those that worked tirelessly to build a consensus for this project. Local business, and local labor spoke with one voice, and certainly the members of the Porter County Council have been steadfast in their efforts to make the right decision for the future of Porter County. On behalf of Congressman Pete Visclosky, I thank you for your time, and urge you to vote in favor of the Regional Development Authority.

Lon Malek, Good evening, my name in Lon Malek, and recently last summer my wife and myself moved from Lake County, Indiana, in Hammond, actually, and we were basically forced out because of the tax issue in Lake County that we are all very aware of. Unfortunately, now it seems like that cesspool from Lake County is following my wife and myself to Porter County. I just hope that the people here really truly see what’s happening, and see between the, read between the lines, because this is not good for the residents here in Porter County. I just thank you very much.

John Robbins, Hello, my name is John Robbins, I’m from Chesterton, Indiana. I hope that you vote in opposition to the RDA--the proposed RDA. I have a number of reasons that I hope will be persuasive--we’ll see. The past few years have seen many, many tax increases in this area. Property taxes have gone through the roof, literally. The income tax of Porter County enacted just a few years ago. Let’s give tax increases a rest. We don’t need tax increases every time we turn around. Let the taxpayers spend our own money. We know how to spend it best. We, as a group, are an economic engine of growth, if we can spend our money. Every brilliant idea a politician has to spend our money, we have equally brilliant ideas. Some of you council members were elected to this office on the promise of no new taxes. I hope that you can turn inward, examine your conscience, and vote the way your constituents have elected you to vote.
The proposed makeup of the RDA board is weighted towards Lake County, but there have been provisions to protect Porter County. Mitch, Governor Daniels is not going to be governor forever. The governor will be making an appointment, which will affect the RDA makeup. When will the RDA board decide for the civil rights museum of former Mayor Richard Hatcher? When will they decide on the Discovery, former children’s museum of East Chicago, that is a favorite boondoggle of one of our representatives over there. It will be coming. Bet your bottom dollar, that will be coming. Thank you.

Karen Conover, Good evening, Karen Conover, former eight-year Porter County council member. I applaud all of you on this board who have the courage to do what is necessary and right for the future of our community in voting on behalf of an increased CEDIT tax to ensure our participation on the new, newly formed RDA. Having been in the hot seat some years back to implement the controversial CEDIT tax, I understand what each and every one of you have been going through, and it all ends tonight. You were elected to make the tough decisions necessary for the betterment of our communities and our county.
This is an issue more important than me or you or any re-election. This is a vote that is an investment in the future of economic regional development for Lake and Porter County. We should not be squabbling over territorial lines or how our neighboring Lake County is paying versus how Porter County is paying for our seats on the RDA, or how city and town residents are getting a bigger tax break than rural residents. The federal government, state government, and many local authorities have come to the table, and in order for Porter County’s continued participation, this body’s vote is critical to ensure our voice and benefit. An old adage, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Let’s all be a part of what’s right, and not just what’s right now. Thank you.

Chuck Williams, Hello, it is my pleasure to introduce to you guys, from the Governor’s Office, the Secretary of Commerce, Pat Miller.

Pat Miller, Thank you. I’m very happy to be here this evening. I know the Governor wishes that he could be here, but he is in Indianapolis. This used to be my home. I used to teach school in Hammond. My husband is from Cedar Lake. He went to school in Valpo. I love this area, and I believe Northwest Indiana has more potential than any other part of the state, and you deserve the best. I know that by adopting the Northwest Regional Development Authority, you will help see that potential.
When I, you heard the governor say over and over, if every part of this state isn’t successful, the state isn’t successful. You can be the part of this state that turns itself around, and is a model for other sections of the state, as well as the nation. I was here for the Burns Harbor 35th anniversary not long ago. I’ve been up here several times, as the governor, we want you to succeed, and be a part of this success. So I know you will do it, and I encourage you to enjoy the success that this area can have. Thank you.

Larry Hitz, Members of the Council, I’m Larry Hitz. I am a past president of the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors. I’m the owner of Century 21 Executive Group in Valparaiso and in Portage. I’ve been a realtor in Porter County for 27 years, and this is one of the greatest opportunities I’ve seen come along in my time as a realtor in Northwest Indiana. Realtors believe participating in the Regional Development Authority will create jobs in Porter County. Immediately, skilled construction workers would be needed to enhance infrastructure. On a long-term basis, Porter County will also have a greater opportunity to attract jobs in the future. The long-term opportunity for jobs, and economic development come from major projects that the Regional Economic Development Authority will be able to fund. It is of utmost importance that Porter County be a part of these initiatives. Thank you.

Vince Galbiati, Good evening, my name is Vince Galbiati, and I’m the president of the Northwest Indiana Forum. The Northwest Indiana Forum is a non-for-profit regional economic development firm. The makeup of our membership is 100-strong that represents 40 billion dollars in commerce in Northwest Indiana. Our constituency has universities, big businesses, small businesses, workforce development. We have one of the largest diversified groups that are part of our membership, and last Friday, passed the unanimous resolution in support of the RDA.
The reasons to support an RDA for us is pretty simple, is that it’s well documented that transportation has an awful lot to do with business location decisions. The RDA is essential for our community. We shouldn’t fear expansion. What we should fear is unplanned growth. The RDA is a mechanism, and it is only a mechanism if everybody participates for the same amount of passion and commitment to make is successful.
So this evening, you are going to hear a lot of pros and cons for and against the RDA, but what I’m committing back to you is, the Northwest Indiana Forum, there is a bunch of very, very committed and deeply passionate people about this area are committed to your decision. We are supporting the RDA, but more so is we are supporting you. Thank you.

Patrick Omos, My name is Patrick Omos. I’m the pastor of St. Andrews Church here in Valparaiso, and the president of the Christian Ministerial Association in Valparaiso. You don’t need to listen to a clergyman talk yet again about something about which he knows absolutely nothing. So I’m not going to talk to you about economic development or job creation or the airport or any of those other things, because, I don’t know anything about those.
I do want to talk to you about the importance, and the impact of mass transit. Not everybody in Valparaiso owns a car. There are lots of people in our community who need to be able to get to jobs, and can’t. Mass transit, which brings our people from here into Chicago, which makes it possible for people from all over the region to find ways to come here to get jobs, as well as our own to go there, that’s a vital link in helping our people get themselves up from poverty, and become self-supporting citizens in our community. I support the RDA. Thank you.

James Fitzer, Good evening, Mr. President, distinguished members of our county council, fellow Porter County taxpayers. I’m a 50-year resident of northern Indiana. I grew up in Highland, Indiana. I’m currently, I work at NIPSCO. I’m the director of economic development at NIPSCO, and I have the opportunity to work with many fine communities across our territory. I’m also a very strong supporter of the Gary/Chicago Airport, and I’m a friend of the Gary/Chicago Airport, and that group has done a lot, I think, to advance the airport’s mission.
However, what I wanted to talk about tonight a little bit rather than the airport was a personal thing that I had in my own life, and I didn’t think about it until I reflected on what I was going to say this evening. In that, I grew up in Highland, and when I was about five-years old, unfortunately, my parents split up, and my mom raised three boys, and we lived in Highland, and at about 6:00 in the morning, she’d get up and get us ready for school. She would get in our old car, drive it down to East Chicago, get on the South Shore, and take that into the Loop because she could get a better wage, and have a better job working in the Loop in Chicago, and still live in affordable housing here in Northwest Indiana.
That went on for a number of years, eventually we started driving mom to work, and then we got to use the car during the day, but ultimately I went onto Purdue Calumet, and got my degree in engineering, and I just think that there are many other families out there like that in other communities--as the gentleman here ahead of just said--that need a way to get to those good paying jobs, and I think the RDA is one way that that can be done. Thank you.

Jim Zimmer, My name is Jim Zimmer, I’m the president of the Porter County Home Builders Association; a 25-year resident of Porter County. I own a company here in Porter County, Apex Excavation with 15 employees. You’ve heard a lot of the good points about the RDA. I want to bring up another point. On a personal level, also, I’m the father of a college graduate as of a couple of weeks ago.
Now in the last ten years we’ve probably spent, near or around 150 million dollars building new high schools, new schools in this county. One of the reasons is growth. The other reason was to improve the education of our children; to make them better prepared for the jobs of the 21st Century. Well, I have a young man that wants a job in the 21st Century. What we need is companies of the 21st Century to locate here.
This RDA program will help that. It will bring quality jobs, good employers for our young people. Think long-term, long-range. Our kids are going to be here for a long time. I want my son to have a choice, as well as my daughter, to live in this county for the rest of their lives, and have a quality job. Thank you.

Chuck Williams, Hi, I’m Chuck Williams, I’m a Porter County, a chairman of the Porter County Republican party, and a city councilman for the City of Valparaiso. Thank you for the opportunity. I wanted to echo what Mr. Zimmer said. I’ve been a lifelong 33-year resident of Porter County, and I grew up here. In looking back, this decision is not only about today, and the people sitting here, and the jobs that you are going to provide, but the jobs of the future
When I look back 20 years ago, I was in fourth grade. Mrs. Haas’ class. Some of you guys may have had her, maybe not, and I went in for show and tell, it was 1982. My father worked for the Budd Company in Gary. He said, he came home one day and says, I’ve lost my job, have nothing, you know. He goes, what are we going to do. I go to the next day, I go to show and tell; I tell the class, at that time, you know how the economy was. The teacher asks, how many people in this class, fathers aren’t working. It was 60% of the class. That’s how reliant at that time we were on the steel industry.
We’ve gotten a little better, but we’ve got to diversify. 20 years later, my father, at that time, invested everything he had and put a business in downtown Valparaiso. And with that, two of his children were able to go off to college, come back after they were educated. But I can look at my graduating class of 1990 of Valparaiso High School, and I can count on my fingers and toes, the amount of college-educated kids that have moved back to Porter County.
We need jobs for these people. We need jobs, we need good construction jobs. So I’d like you all to think of, not yourself, not the people here, but people like this. These are the people that you are voting for right here. They’re two-years old, one-year old. This is the biggest pivotal moment of our lifetime. Thank you very much.

Linda Woloshansky, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Council, I am Linda Woloshansky, president of the Center of Workforce Innovations, our workforce investment board, and a managing board member of the Northwest Indiana Forum. I live in Ogden Dunes, and through my work in Workforce Development, I have been approached by hundreds of people--as you heard previously--who are concerned about the lack of jobs in Northwest Indiana. And dismayed, because their children and grandchildren have to leave the community in order to find employment.
This year in Porter County alone, 2,000 young people will graduate from high school, and in Northwest Indiana, another 2,000 individuals will be graduating from our colleges. I personally know of, at least 250 white-collar professional folks who are actively looking for employment here in Northwest Indiana. Right now, very few of these people will be able to find good jobs here in Porter County or anywhere in Northwest Indiana.
And quite frankly, I am really tired after 23 years of looking at these folks, and advising them to move somewhere else in order to use their skills and talents, because we don’t have the jobs here. They deserve better than this. They deserve better than having to leave their family, and their friends, and their communities, in order to find work that will provide them with a living wage.
It is time to change the flow, rather than having people leave the community, let’s have jobs coming into the community. As you have heard, it is projected that thousands of jobs will be created through the funding mechanism of the RDA. In the economic development arena, we know that specialized services producing side of the economy is creating new jobs, and that means a vital vibrant center of services lead economic growth is only 25 miles away in Chicago. Let’s demonstrate some leadership and vision, and show our children and grandchildren, that rather than talking about their future, we are going to do something about their future--something positive--right here in Northwest Indiana. The RDA is our best opportunity to do that. Thank you.

Gus Olympidis, Good evening, my name is Gus Olympidis. I’ve been a resident of the county for some-33 years. Our company operates in the county, and we employ 350 folks, and we generate close to $37,000,000 in taxes that, to a great extent are re-contributed back to Porter County. We do not like taxes. In fact, we do not know many folks who actually do like taxes, but I am here to encourage you to support the RDA for a variety of good reasons. I have personally spoken with most of you regarding the RDA. I applaud the members of the Council that are supporting the RDA. I respect the members of the Council that oppose the RDA, and I encourage the one member of the Council who seems to be undecided, in deciding in support of the RDA.
Many of the reasons for supporting this initiative has been spoken for. A better future for our children and grandchildren; creating quality jobs; providing the alternative of public transportation. There is one more reason that is fundamental, and it may be the biggest reason overall in terms of its strategic importance to the future of Porter County. For the first time in nearly four decades, the political leaders of the region lead by Congressman Visclosky and Governor Daniels, with the support of Chester Dhobis and Ralph Ayres, and many others that I shall not enumerate, we’ll be here all night, did the people’s work. We asked them to work for us, and they did. Tonight, we ask you to do the same.

Representative Duane Cheney, Duane Cheney, State Representative, House District 10, and former chairman of the Northwest Indiana Transportation Summer Study Committee. Mr. President, members of the Council, this issue is certainly not new to any of us. In my four terms, each time we tried to address the issues that are combined in the RDA, and it just fell apart, because someone felt their needs weren’t being met.
This time we got it together with the help of Congressman Visclosky, the Governor, and the Delegation, looking to try to fashion a way that we can meet all people’s needs to develop this area to what it can be. The opportunity is here today to make this a better place for tomorrow, and it’s very difficult not to be redundant as there has been so many people speaking so eloquently. So I’ll just close with the words of Larry the Cable Guy, Git-R-Done.

Charlie McGill, Council Members, good evening. I stand before you this evening, not only as a recently appointed director of development for the City of Valparaiso, but also as an entrepreneur, and a lifelong business person in this community.
The RDA is a significant economic and transportation initiative for Northwest Indiana that must be considered on the merits of its potential to cost effectively improve access, safety, and mobility in the region. While the RDA initiatives have many potential opportunities and benefits for the constituents of our county, I would like to specifically talk about the importance of transportation to the region; the region’s business community, and why I believe our participation is vitally important.
The role and the importance of transportation from a business standpoint has been elevated. As companies continue to adopt lean manufacturing practices just in time, process initiatives, made-to-order, and other business models that rely on dependable efficient, and cost-effective transportation. Increasingly, companies have moved away from being vertically integrated, and they are choosing instead to outsource processes such as manufacturing, support service, support services, and logistics to third parties.
The key to success of companies, both large and small, in our county are multiple parties working together well, bringing products and services to the end-user, as fast and as cost effective as possible with transportation, I tell you is the key. More and more, the competition is no longer between companies, but between supply chains. For our businesses to remain competitive, it’s imperative that the companies that make up the supply chain have the transportation infrastructure necessary to make that happen. The flow of commerce is mobile today that it’s ever been in the history of our economy, and this trend will continue as we must adapt to the global economy.

Mr. Poparad, Okay, sir. Thank you.

Aaron Carlberg, Good evening, my name is Aaron Carlberg, and I am a 52-year resident of Porter County. I’ve had the honor of serving this community as a city councilman. I also had the responsibility to represent 544 active, and 127 retired union carpenters and millwrights who have made Porter County their home. On behalf of them, I ask you to support the RDA. It will bring vital economic benefits to the hard-working people of this area, namely, jobs, funding, and mobility. Thank you.

Richard Wheeler, Well since we’re giving up ages, and experience; my name is Richard Wheeler, I’m from Valparaiso. I have lived in Valparaiso all of my life. Many of you who have been involved with the City, know that I have reservations about moving too fast, too quickly, and that’s what my concern is here this evening.
I’m here to represent myself, and also those people who probably would like to be here, but are afraid to speak in public, and are not going to really benefit from this. I believe there is more to quality of life and improvement than simply increasing this fee, and making more money. Many people like Valparaiso and Porter County the way it is. I have total respect for the builders, the real estate people, but I am unhappy to see that so much of the support is coming from real estate and builders. I’m afraid that a lot of the jobs that are going to be created are going to be in those areas, and in doing so, they are going to gobble up what large areas of open space that we have.
I’m concerned that our children, your children, I don’t have any, but your children, your grandchildren are not going to have the quality of life that we have had in Porter County, and I also feel that Porter County and Valparaiso cannot afford this at this time. Thank you.

Jennifer Gonzalez, I’m Jennifer Gonzalez, I’m a resident of Porter County. I think that right now Porter County needs to rethink its priorities. As we talk about economic development, and opening access to the lakefront through Pete Visclosky’s Marquette Plan, we have to contend with editorials with regards to the threats posed to people’s health at the lakefront.
According to the recent, the 2000 released financial needs for wastewater, and water infrastructure in Indiana, through the Indiana Advisory Commission on intergovernmental affair, the relations, Porter County is in need of investing over $227,000,000 to enhance or to rehabilitate their water and wastewater infrastructure needs.
In 2004, combined sewer overflow, sanitary sewer overflows, and other bypasses released over 1,300,000,000 gallons of untreated human waste to our wastewaters and to Lake Michigan. Beaches are being closed because of pathogens making our children potentially ill.
Recently IDEM--the Indiana Department of Environmental Management--made a policy change to their beaches program, in which they are blurring the lines for beach closes and beach advisories. And I have a feeling that this is to benefit the touting of economic development in the opening of the lakeshore. Thank you.

Alison Satterlee, Hi, my name is Alison Satterlee, and I am a junior at Ball State University, and a Portage resident. When I graduate, I would like to come back to the area to live by my family, and the RDA will create a lot of new jobs; some more college graduates will come back. Thank you.

Al Raffin, My name is Al Raffin, I’m a resident of Porter. I’d like to focus on job creation.
Our country, and our area has experienced a great deal of job loss to Mexico and to Asia. In December of 2003, the National Association of Manufacturers did a study regarding American manufacturing competitiveness compared to the other foreign countries. And one of the things that holds us back is, they said, the biggest problem that holds us back is government regulation, and they listed, you know, quite a number of different things. But the number one issue was government regulation.
In the mid 1980’s, the south side of Chicago with the exact same transportation advantages that our area has, bid on the Saturn plant, against other areas of the country that didn’t have any of the advantages that we have, and they were chosen, the other areas of the country were chosen, like over Chicago, because number one, there are high taxes, and number two, the cost of doing business.
We’ve seen that for our area, we were able to get the president to institute tariffs for steel, and we couldn’t even get that to hold in place because of the World Trade Organization. So I think if we want to focus on job creation, we need to, number one, have our local politicians focus on reducing the cost of doing business in our area; two, reducing taxes, and this will not do that; and number three, work to maintain our independence. Thank you.

Chris Stidham, My name is Chris Stidham, and I am the executive director of the Portage Economic Development Corporation, and I think all of the benefits and drawbacks of the RDA have been covered. But I do want everyone to know that the Portage Economic Development Corporation is fully in support; our board and our membership are fully in support of the RDA. We recognize its benefits, and its long-term value to Porter County. I hope that the County Council agrees with us, and I think by the attendance in this room that Porter County agrees with us, and we look forward to your vote. Thank you.

Lois Covel, My name is Lois Covel, and I live in Kouts. I am a member of the Economic Development Commission of Kouts, and a member of the Porter County Economic Development Alliance. But I am not here on behalf of them. I am here on behalf of the farmers. Remember, you are responsible to the whole county, not just the power parts and the money parts of the northern half of this county.
The south half of this county needs your support. Economic development does not mean, running over your farm area. Sprawl is going to destroy us, and unless its, if the RDA does what its supposed to do, perhaps it can work. But you’ve got to support the farmers, and include in all of this farmland preservation and protection. These are all issues. These people own half of the county, and they have a right to their voice. So if the RDA goes through, remember, you have to support your farmers. Without them you don’t have green space, you just have houses and buildings, and no air to breath, and no food to eat. So please help the farmers.

Jim Strayer, My name is Jim Strayer, and I’m a business manager for Northwest Indiana Building Trades, and I agree with that lady on the food part. I liked that a lot. First of all, I’d like to tell you, on behalf of President Green and the 27 affiliated locals, I thank you for the opportunity. This morning in the council meeting, unanimously we passed a resolution in support of the RDA. And also, I guess, I don’t want to be redundant, there’s so many good speakers, and the line is getting longer, that we represent 4,282 members that live in Porter County; I tell you that to tell you that they live here.
It makes no difference in our industry, before you finish the job you’re on, you’re looking for the next one. The likelihood of anybody living in Porter County, being able to stay in Porter County the rest of their life and work is just nil. It just does not happen in our industry.
Things that I have heard, and things that I have read; one of the things that I read was that even if Porter County does not get on board with the RDA, that the people within Porter County will reap the benefits. That is false. If Porter County does not sign onto the RDA, there is no RDA. Please don’t kid yourself. It is the Regional Development or nothing. So on behalf of 4,282 members that live in Porter County, I want to say, don’t take this opportunity away. This is a time in my life I think that we are going to be able to say that we left the region better than we found it. Thank you.

Roy Novadowski, Roy Novadowski, City of Portage. RDA, its certainly intriguing, multi-faceted, but I have a little bit, some of a different concern. My concern is that the diagnosis of illness of an old friend; that old friend was a staunch ally; and that ally was the press--the newspapers--what’s called the dailies.
The same entity that’s been able to have tax exempt, state tax on their product for over 150 years. For the reason being that it was a necessity. It was correlated to food, the substance of life. And what was that? Because the mind of knowledge of information, and so that press in reference to the RDA, where have they been? They’ve been biased. They’ve censored. They’ve edited. They’ve delayed, and they haven’t been a proponent of the lifeblood of their issue.
The people that, their circulation has dropped, and they act like, wow, what’s happening, how come we’re losing circulation. It’s because the people have lost faith. They’ve lost interest in the press that was supposed to be there to give reported, in-depth investigations. Journalism, where has that all gone? And to end my statement, I would like to say, I would like to see a motion put on the floor to at least stay this issue. What would it change? Nothing but information and knowledge. Thank you very much.

Chuck Parkinson, Good evening, Chuck Parkinson from Westchester Township. I’m here on behalf of the Chesterton Duneland Chamber of Commerce, which represents over 280 businesses in the Duneland areas of north Porter County, including Burns Harbor, Dune Acres, Beverly Shores, the Town of Porter, and the Town of Chesterton. The Chesterton Duneland Chamber has consistently supported both expansion of our regional airport, and expansion and infrastructure improvements in our passenger rail service. The RDA will accomplish both, and more. Last Thursday our chamber board unanimously passed a resolution in support of Porter County’s participation in, and full funding of the RDA. And tonight, I urge you, Porter County Council to take all steps necessary to make expansion of our regional airport, and infrastructure improvements in our South Shore passenger line service a reality. Thank you.

Commissioner Carole Knoblock, Hello, my name is Carole Knoblock, and I live at 294 S. 200 W. in Porter Township, and I am a farmer. After the property tax that homeowners have endured, I think raising the CEDIT tax is an insult. And if you insist on the RDA coming into Porter County or being a part of the RDA, then let us cut our budgets three and half million dollars--the county budget.
The taxpayers have suffered enough, and they are losing their homes, and I think we are all tired of tax-and-spend habits. The Regional Development Authority will survive without Porter County. Down the line if we decide we want to get involved, they will have their own hands open to accept it. I did hear a gentleman say that we have to get into it now or never, but that isn’t what I read in the paper. There are too many questions unanswered, so please don’t make any hasty decisions or don’t listen to the bribes of politics. Do what’s best for the Porter County taxpayers, it is their tax money you are bartering with. Please vote no tonight, and get the answers to these questions the constituents are asking before you vote. Thank you.

Mike Sommers, Yes, my name is Mike Sommers, I’m a resident of Porter County. Could you put me on slow time; I don’t talk as fast as a lot of these people. I’m also a business agent for the ironworkers, and I’m here representing them tonight, and a member of Northwest Indiana Building Trades.
We’ve heard all kinds of people in favor; people against. I heard last week, a guy made a statement: this is going to be a hard accomplishment to get this RDA going and moving forward; it’s going to take a lot of effort. It’s going to take a little bit of effort to completely destroy the whole thing. I think that’s what we are here for tonight. We’ve got to make sure that that little bit of effort doesn’t come from Porter County. We cannot take the chance of Porter County being left on a side track standing by themselves.
The, this is the first job bill, in my opinion, since Lake County voted for the casino boats. We have never stopped working on casino boats. The laborers, the trade unions, and people employed at the boats themselves. We elected this council. We supported you folks. Some of you folks we did support; some we didn’t, and I’m sorry. We elected you though to lead Porter County. This will be leading Porter County. Give Porter County the opportunity to move in the future, and not stay by itself. Thank you.

Gary Green, Council Members, my name is Gary Green. I’m a business owner here in Porter County, we build regionally. I’m the state director, and also the past president of the Porter County Builders Association. I’m here to speak in favor of the RDA, not for the obvious economic development reasons, but more so, from a standpoint of the planning mechanism this allows Porter County to be involved with.
Growth by virtue of our location is going to happen, and we can either be part of the planning or not. And without being a part of the planning, we’re going to get run over. So that is the primary reason that I think that this council should vote in support of the RDA, to be part of that planning mechanism that will encourage good plans, sustainable growth in Porter County.
The second reason that I’m speaking in favor of this is, it adds to housing affordability. As everybody knows their property taxes are going up. As I understand it, with the CEDIT money that will come in excess that we can have reduction of property taxes. Property taxes are not geared towards a person’s ability to pay; the income tax is. And, you know, for our senior citizens and people that are on a fixed income, this promotes housing affordability. I urge you to vote in support of this. Thank you.

Bill Hannah, Hi, my name is Bill Hanna, I am the city administrator for the City of Valparaiso, and former economic development director, and I’m also a south county person. I was born and raised in Morgan Township, and I want to tell you that I think one of our largest exports beyond agriculture is our children. We send them off for a great education at Purdue, and in record numbers send them to places like Silicon Valley in Boulder, Colorado, and the triangle in the Carolinas. That’s where our children are going.
We leap today for the benefit of those who will follow us, and we have a chance to fix this brain-drain problem right here and right now and today, and I urge you to vote yes in this endeavor. Our children deserve no less opportunity than anyone else in the country. I want my children to move back here just like any of you, but I don’t want them to do it at the expense of opportunity, so please vote yes tonight. Thank you.

Tom Anderson, Hi, my name is Tom Anderson. I’m a resident of Porter County, Porter. I, like many people travel to Chicago every day because of the economic opportunities here for professionals are very limited. There’s been a lot of passion in this room tonight, and there’s no one here that would like to see more prosperity than me.
But I’m not convinced that the data is there to say at this point that a regional development plan is put forth so far will guarantee that there will be jobs. And other than taxes, I do not see anything of any certainty. It’s like a field of dreams, build it and they will come, but there is no assurance, no plan, no certainties.
I think until there are more clear plans, and specifics put forth, I think until that time the Council should defer and study this issue a little bit further, rather than jump into making a decision that would commit the people of Porter County into a higher tax, which many of you were elected with the understanding that you wouldn’t be voting for. I think you ought to consider these facts. Thank you.

Jim Jorgenson, Good evening, my name is Jim Jorgenson. I’m a resident of Valparaiso. I am the chair of the board of the Valparaiso Economic Development Commission. The VEDC has unanimously passed a resolution urging this council to support the RDA.
Four years ago, our steel industry in Porter County filed bankruptcy. And if you remember, back in those days, there was an immediate and urgent need, and a recognition of the need to diversify our economy, and create new quality jobs. That need is every bit as real today as it was four years ago. The only difference is, we now have the best calculated needs to bring that about, and that’s the RDA.
The VEDC urges you to support it, and to fund it. There has been a suggestion by some that Porter County, in isolation, by itself, divorced from the region, can, without cost or expense create the jobs that we and our children need in a changing economy. I don’t think that’s the case. If it was that easy, it would have already happened. I would submit the RDA does provide the best opportunity for us to create the jobs that we need. I urge you to support it. Thank you.

Deb Butterfield, Good evening, my name is Deb Butterfield. You know me primarily as the president of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, and of the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation, and also a person who grew up in Porter County. I spent the majority of my childhood and my college years denying that I was from Northwest Indiana. Most of us did, who were from Porter County. We weren’t part of the “Region”. But the economy has changed, and we all find ourselves in the same economic boat--so to speak.
For the majority of my adult life, I’ve tried to do economic development. I’ve tried to help create jobs, make a better community, just as all of you do. And it becomes harder and harder every day. We rely on you as elected officials to help us do our jobs. Over the 15 or so years that I’ve been in chamber and economic development work, I think I have probably been in this type of forum about three times. About as many people at each one of them, but tonight I think is unprecedented that we have probably--I’m keeping a little tally sheet--about three to one who are actually supporting an increase in the EDIT tax so that we can participate and be at the table in the Regional Development Authority.
It’s very, very important. I know your jobs are difficult. There are a lot of things that you need to consider. But I urge you to take bold action, and help Porter County lead the way in this unprecedented, non-political, bi-partisan effort to bring a regional development authority, not only to Northwest Indiana, but to Porter County as well. Thank you for your courage tonight.

Joe Hero, My name is Joe Hero. I’m not a resident of your county; I’m a St. John, Indiana Republican chairman. I come here to tell you about Lake County. Lake County is going to have four out of seven members on your board. Of all the councils in those four cities, somebody in the last two years to three years has been under indictment.
You’re getting married to the devil. We’re going to give you everything you want, but you are going to pay with your soul. I promise you that as a lifelong resident of Lake County. That’s your decision tonight. We want good union jobs. We want good education. We want all those good things.
Now you’ve got to pay the price. Look at the capital costs; $100,000,000 for a runway; $700,000,000 for a railroad. Everybody has underestimated it. Take a look at the $5,000,000,000 clean up. Take a look at the $12,000,000 bus system that you are going to be funding to Gary, East Chicago to bring people here. Ladies and Gentleman, $6,000,000,000 is the cost of this.
Tonight you are just putting a token to get into the poker game. It’s only the first ante. Be ready to come up with $200,000,000 more to stay in the game. Thank you. Use your due diligence, and when you come out tonight, and you vote on that ordinance, you better put an amendment in there that whoever you put on the RDA has the power of an inspector general, and you and this county can audit every dime, because I promise you this, Lake County officials will steal it from you if you don’t. Thank you.

Bill Wellman, Well that’s a tough act to follow. I’m not the devil. My name is Bill Wellman. I am a lifelong resident of this community. I work in Lake County. Thursday is my boss’ birthday; he’s going to be 82; June 16th is my birthday; I’m going to be 81. When we worked for, the now governor, in his campaign, we called it our last hurrah. We said if we don’t get it right this time, we’re not going to be involved in the next one. And we worked very hard. We got that done.
The Legislature, for the first time, the first time in all those years I’m talking about, got it right. They worked together. The first time I’ve ever seen that. They have given you a tool. The tool is there for you to use. You should take it, and you should give it the six to one vote tonight in favor of the RDA. Thank you.

Raymond Fletcher, Good evening, my name is Raymond Fletcher, I’m with the Indiana Democrats for Accessibility. Tonight we’ve heard about opportunity, economic development, jobs, and education. What we have not heard about is access; access for people with disabilities. There are individuals that need the services at such places as the University of Chicago, you know, that live in Porter County, and other parts of the region, that unlike myself aren’t able to drive.
I’ve been blessed with the ability to drive, and maintain everything myself, and unfortunately, others don’t have that opportunity. Giving people the ability to have access to equal transportation, and being able to go where they need to go without relying on certain parameters, and certain rules and regulations is key to what the RDA is. And that’s why, myself and Indiana Democrats support the RDA 100%. Thank you.

Todd Etzler, Good evening, I’m Todd Etzler, representing this evening, the Regional Chamber Initiative, which is about a three-year old entity. But the entities that I represent, the 23 chambers throughout Northwest Indiana, and the tens of thousands of its members, which happens to not be only business people, but this is people that own small businesses within Lake and Porter County, and the family members that all own those businesses. So we are talking about not only business, but we’re talking about people who are exactly like you that run small businesses in Northwest Indiana.
We recognize, as Chambers, that a regional view of this area is necessary for the continued success that we have in Northwest Indiana. We realize now that what is good for Portage is good for Valparaiso. If a business seeks to locate in Portage, and refuses not to come down in the southern part of Porter County, that that is also good, because Porter County itself has received a new business. That business is employing Porter County residents that is serving our Porter County residents. We realize that it doesn’t stop at the fictitious borders between Lake and Porter County. We recognize that our businesses that are contained with the members of these 23 chambers all have to work together for the good of the entire area. I am going to pass out this evening, the resolution of those 23 chambers in support of the RDA. Thank you.

Mike Bucko, Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, council members. My name is Mike Bucko; I’m a resident of Porter Township, former member of this body, and currently the chair of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, of almost 700 members representing about 15,000 total employees across Lake and Porter County, and other counties around us.
On May 17th, we passed a resolution supporting the participation and the funding of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority. It was a unanimous passing. We applauded the efforts of our legislators in establishing the Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission or Development Authority, and we, as thousands, urge the Porter County Council to support, and take all action necessary this evening to enable and fund the Northwest Indiana Regional Development through the options specified in House Bill 1120. We will continue to endorse, and advance legislative matters on federal, state and local levels to establish, operate and fund the activities of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority by continuing with our regional involvement in chambers, economic development organizations and legislative conferences. What does it mean? It means jobs now and in the future. We must diversify ourselves so we aren’t destined to the same problems that we recently underwent.
We don’t do this with a wait-and-see attitude that has plagued this county and the state over the years. Our hands have been out wanting jobs, and now it’s an opportunity to do something for ourselves. Jobs, lakeshore development, lower taxes for those that need it the most. Not only the big anchor, economic development projects, but local funding opportunities for projects that will raise the quality of life in this county. We are going to have a future. Now is the time to begin. Please support the RDA. Thank you.
Dave Misch, Hi, my name is Dave Misch, 45-years old, lifelong Porter County resident; 20 years ago I was given the opportunity to learn a trade, and today I find myself as a business agent of Plumbers Local 210. I work in cooperation with business, but I represent workers. I’ve heard of people losing their homes, and that’s true. But it’s not because of higher taxes; it’s because they don’t have jobs. Every one of my members would be willing to pay more taxes, if you will help them--help provide them jobs. They would like the same opportunities that I’ve had, to raise my children here in Porter County, to keep them here in Porter County. Hopefully, to have them work here in Porter County. Thank you.

David Rose, This may not work. My name is David Rose, I currently serve on the executive board of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce as chairman of public policy. I am also the president of the Porter County region for Horizon Bank, but more importantly, I am a 36 year resident of Northwest Indiana.
Northwest Indiana has suffered time and time again with economic downturns due to our concentration in the limited number of industries. Porter County government itself has been deeply affected financially by these dramatic economic swings. Development of the Gary/Chicago airport, expansion of the South Shore railroad, and development of Lake Michigan through the Marquette Plan will positively impact all parts of Porter County. A truly diversified economy can only be created with a regional public transportation system.
I support the proposed increase in EDIT, and believe that it is critical to Porter County. I expect Porter County to take a leadership role in the future of Northwest Indiana through the Regional Development Authority. Thank you very much.

Marguerite Ganz, Hi, my name is Marguerite Ganz, and I’m a concerned resident of Valparaiso. I am totally against Porter County’s participation in the RDA with Lake County, and using our tax money for their benefit. I feel the greatest asset Porter County has is the fact that we don’t have public transportation or any of the problems it brings. That is why I chose to move here.
I grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago; spent 12 years living in Lake County; and moved here to escape the problems of those communities. Chicago has all the amenities of public transportation, yet its population has decreased by 700,000 since the 1950’s, and has lost 50,000 people in the past year. If it is so wonderful, why are the people and businesses of Chicago, the south side, and Lake County moving here? They are moving here because they have realized that the problems it brings and it’s cost far outweigh any benefits. I had hoped the people of Porter County were smarter, and would have learned from mistakes Lake County and Chicago has made upon the issues of urban sprawl. I had hoped that they would be smart enough not to fall victim to paying out of our pockets for their projects.
The Post Tribune had an article about this issue on Sunday. One of the supporting headlines read: If you build it, they will come. Who are they? It has been my experience that the they are the opportunists of our society that take and destroy more from society than they contribute. I feel it would be our best interest to protect our asset and desirable community from the politicians and developers who seek to exploit, and develop, and destroy our communities’ environment, and then leave us to clean up their messes. And we will be paying with our taxes for their mistakes long after they have left with their greedy pockets full. Once they open the floodgates, we will cross the bridge to the point of no return.

Herb Read, My name is Herb Read. I live at 1453 North Tremont Road, Chesterton, Indiana. And for those of you who know my background, it’s really strange that I’m preaching from the same pulpit as the Builders Association and the Chamber of Commerce, not that it would necessarily happen in the future.
Everybody has their own reason for being for it or against this particular proposal. My reason for being in favor of it is that it provides the framework to obtain the funds necessary for our representative, Pete Visclosky, to carry out his Marquette Greenway Plan. The vacant land that is now being made available along the lakeshore must be purchased. It must be purchased with a combination of local funds in order to access federal funds. That’s my primary reason.
Another reason is, I’ve had the pleasure, well, not necessarily the pleasure every day of riding the South Shore for some, almost 50 years, to my work. But it was a lot better than driving, and I was glad it was there, and was one of the reasons I located our house within walking distance of the Tremont Station. So that’s an advantage that I had in the past. I no longer use it regularly now, but there are others that would.
Another great reason is that, if we ever are going to get out from under the pressure of the Mid-Eastern oil dictators, we’ve got to reduce our consumption of oil. And the more people who take public transportation, particularly the South Shore, if it’s extended to what is proposed here, the better off we will be in the long run. Thank you.

Ed Charbonneau, Mr. President, and members of the Porter County Council, my name is Ed Charbonneau. I am the executive director of the Northwest Indiana Local Government Academy, and a 25-year resident of Valparaiso, Indiana.
I think at a point in our lives when we are landing people on the moon, that it’s totally unreasonable that we are going to be moving into the future in isolation. And as many people before this evening have talked already, the RDA in House Bill 1120 that was passed gives us the opportunity to be a part of planning the future for Northwest Indiana. We need to get to the point, and I think we are there where we understand that what is good for Valparaiso is good for Gary, and what is good for Lowell is good for Kouts. I urge you to approve the RDA, and support it. Thank you very much.

Mayor Jon Costas, My name is Jon Costas. I’m the mayor of Valparaiso, and I’m here with my good friend Doug Olson, mayor of the great city of Portage, and we are speaking together on behalf of the RDA. But since Doug is a guest of our city, and mayor of the largest city in Porter County, I am going to let him go first.

Mayor Doug Olson, Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the council. We’ve heard from a lot of people tonight. We’ve heard from business leaders, labor leaders, democrats, republicans, and even working families from here in our community. From what I’ve heard tonight, there are three main reasons why Porter County should participate in this development. Jobs, jobs and jobs. I could repeat how the RDA will immediately create jobs for the building and construction trades. I could repeat how infrastructure is going to attract new opportunities for us here in Porter County, diversify our economy, and create jobs for the future.
But I’d like to talk a little bit about our future of our children. We want our children to get a good education, and then you want them to get a good job. The question is, where’s that good job going to be located? Lately those jobs seem to be in Chicago, Indianapolis or somewhere else. My vote however would be to continue to make those jobs right here in Northwest Indiana. In order for us to keep our families from moving away, we need to offer them reasons to stay. We need to offer opportunities.
It’s been said before that the RDA is the biggest opportunity in this region since steel. I look at the RDA from a quality of life perspective. When our region has better access to Lake Michigan, we have a better quality of life. When we have access to air and rail, we have a better quality of life. The jobs that will follow this project as part of our larger community here in Northwest Indiana will give us the opportunity to take control of our future, and improve that quality of life. Let’s take advantage of that opportunity. The RDA will create jobs, and give our families a reason to stay. Ladies and gentlemen of the council, I would urge you, suspend the rules, and support the RDA’s development. Thank you.

Mayor Costas, Mayor Olson mentioned jobs, and that’s really what this is about. But we’ve talked theoretically about jobs, but I’d like to share with you a specific real-life situation that happened to us recently. Over the last several months we were negotiating with one of our larger employers in Valparaiso to move their corporate headquarters to our city. Now this meant 100 new jobs, paying an average wage of $75,000 a year, plus benefits. Friends, these are the type of jobs that will bring our young people back here to work.
As we negotiated with the company, it was between us and another Chicago suburb. Ultimately, that suburb was chosen. One of the main factors that was expressed to us by the company was the fact that we did not have a major airport in the vicinity. Friends, that is the type of infrastructure that we need in order to connect to the Chicago economic engine, and to provide the opportunity that we need to help our area grow.
You need to make the investment before you get the results. You can’t, you can’t expect to get the prosperity and success unless you’re willing to make the investment. And we talked a lot about putting more dollars in our pockets. That’s important. But what’s more important than that is making the investment in the future for our children, and this is what it’s about. It’s either about putting a few more bucks in our pocket or by making that sacrifice for our children and for our grandchildren, and that’s what we need to do.
You know there’s an incredible lineup of supporters. Our Governor, our Congressmen, our U.S. Senators, Secretary of Commerce, our entire legislative delegation from Lake and Porter County, business and labor, and community leaders, and this is great synergy. And if I was to think about voting for this, I would have to have an awfully good reason not to be on that team. There’s great synergy here, now is the time to act. Now is the time to act on behalf of our children, our grandchildren, and I urge our council to support the RDA. Thank you.

Mr. Poparad, Okay, I want to thank everybody. We are going to close the public comment period, and open it up to the Council. Mr. Carmichael, do you want to go first?

Mr. Carmichael, Yes.
Mr. Carmichael moved that Porter County participate in the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, and fund the annual membership through the County Council’s adoption of Ordinance 05-5-24.

Mr. Carmichael, Do you want me to read the Ordinance? I can.

Mr. Poparad, Okay, is that a motion?

Mr. Carmichael, That’s a motion.

Mr. Poparad, Why don’t we get a second, and we’ll get to the discussion.

Mrs. Stevenson seconded.

Mr. Poparad, Okay, discussion. Rita.

Mrs. Stevenson, I would like to read a statement. To save time, I would just rather read it.

Mr. Poparad, Go ahead.

Mrs. Stevenson, I’m nervous so please be patient with me. Since I started serving on the Porter County Council, I have made it my goal to do what is right for our county. In my opinion, there is nothing more important than the future of Porter County, and good paying jobs. And the best way to create new jobs in Porter County is for us to participate in the Northwest Indiana Development Authority. There are several reasons why we should support this Authority. The most important being that it will create jobs, and improve the quality of life for everyone throughout Northwest Indiana. It is an investment that will help Porter County.
In Portage, for example, the city has successfully worked with US Steel, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, and Congressman Visclosky’s office, to create a public beach for everyone in Northwest Indiana to use and enjoy. This investment in our shoreline will improve the quality of life for people right here in Porter County. With our participation in the Regional Development Authority, it’s just a preview of the kinds of opportunities we will have to improve our region for our children.
In addition to a long-term impact this Authority will have on our region, there will also be an immediate need for good-paying jobs to construct these projects. The South Shore rail line, and Gary/Chicago Airport will need skilled workers to build and enhance their facilities, and this translates into more jobs for people in Porter County. With those projects, Northwest Indiana has a foundation that will create jobs for the long-term.
What we’ve been missing for years is a permanent local funding source that will help us access the waiting federal funds. Every taxpayers in Porter County pays transportation taxes on airline tickets, airline departure fees, jet fuel, tires, trucks, buses and gasoline. You’ve already heard this, but I’m just stating it again. These funds cannot be accessed without a non-federal match. The Northwest Indiana Development Authority provides that local funding into these projects, which will be the economic engine for Porter County and the region.
When you add together our commitment to investing in Lake Michigan’s shoreline, expanding the South Shore rail line, and enhancing the Airport capabilities, Northwest Indiana has a recipe for success. Congressman Visclosky has added awaiting federal funds to the mix. The state has included their support by creating a permanent funding source, and the final ingredient is for Porter County to participate in this life-changing opportunity.
When businesses look to locate their facilities in a new location, they look for recreational opportunity; they look to be close to an airport; they look to be a part of a mass-transit system. We can meet all of these criterias, and attract more jobs to this area simply by supporting Porter County’s participation in this economic development authority.
I think we all had friends or family members moved away from Northwest Indiana to find jobs. Often times, our college graduates can’t find a job in their field, and are forced to look for work in Chicago, Indianapolis or somewhere else. The Northwest Indiana Development Authority will lay the groundwork to attract more businesses and more jobs to our region, which will in turn, keep our friends and families closer to home.
There is another reason I believe it is necessary for Porter County to participate into this development authority. I believe it’s an opportunity for us to create new jobs that won’t be solely dependent on the steel industry. While the steel industry has been profitable lately, and I hope it continues to be, I believe putting all our eggs in one basket is a mistake. Right now, China is buying steel from other countries, but in the next year or two, it will begin selling steel. Should there be a downturn in the local steel industry, the shoreline, the airport, and the rail projects will still be going strong. We cannot just sit here with our hands in our laps doing nothing. That is not how we can make Porter County a better place to live.
We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take control of our future, and do something really important. I will proudly support Porter County’s participation in the Northwest Indiana Development Authority, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. It is an investment in jobs. It is an investment in Porter County. It is an investment in the future. Thank you.

Mr. Poparad, Dan, you’re next.

Mr. Whitten, Well, where do I begin. I hadn’t prepared a speech for this evening, simply because I believed in my heart that the die was cast before we got here, and quite frankly, I’m sure I was right. I share in everybody’s vision, and everybody’s dreams, everybody’s hope for a better tomorrow for our county. I’ve been struggling the last couple of months, certainly the last few weeks over what was the right thing to do. Now I know that I don’t have the room here tonight, and that’s okay, because we don’t always have to agree up here.
I respect Rita’s opinions. I agree with a lot of them in principle. I would like to see jobs come to the area. I have been a friend of the Porter County Builders all my life; grew up in a builder family; still have builders in my family and represent some of them as an attorney. I really hope good things for the Porter County builders, and that comes from the heart. No doubt, tonight we’ve heard overwhelming support for the RDA from the business community, from the builders, and from the realtors.
But let me tell you just a little bit about how my life has been the last week. I have had endless emails, and endless phone calls; not just to my home, not just to my cell phone--which was published, but that’s okay--but to my office. My secretary told me today, ‘I literally can’t conduct business, because the phone is ringing non-stop.’ To my office, about 75% against the RDA; to my home, ah, the other way. I understand the concerns that the people that have called my home have. They’ve asked questions that we don’t have answers to. I don’t have the answer for the future. I don’t have a crystal ball. I don’t know where the jobs are going to come from. I don’t know what’s going to replace steel. I’ve been a friend of organized labor all my life too. I don’t have the answers for you guys either.
But I do know this. We hear a lot about projections. We hear a lot about estimations. What we think the RDA is going to do for us. The funds that are going to come to the RDA. I’ve met with so many people, and I wish I could have met with more, to get the perspective from different entities, different groups, and different individuals; why are you for this or why are you against it. Because I don’t have answers to my questions.
There’s money going to come into the RDA, there’s no doubt about that. Federal money, state money for a while, our money for all appearances, Lake County money through the riverboats, but where is that money going to go? Those are the questions I’ve had. How are they going to spend the money? What assurances do we have? We’ve heard about the super-majority and the Governor’s appointment. I’ve got mixed emotions about that; investing that kind of power and authority in one person with multi, multi-millions of dollars every year. I don’t want us to sit on the sidelines. I’m pro-development. I want to see good things happen, but I don’t have answers or assurances to anything. Now this has been called by some, a leap of faith. I haven’t made that leap.
You know, we’ve all shared personal experiences tonight; talked about what it was like growing up in the region. I grew up in Porter County; born and raised in Portage; a graduate of Portage High School. I’ve seen the county change. I’ve seen people lose jobs. I’ve seen folks leave; I’ve seen folks come. I’ve talked to people in my neighborhood, both as a police officer, as an attorney, and an elected official, and asked, why are you here; I came here to escape something or I came here to find something, and in Porter County I found it, I found lower taxes, I found not ungodly income tax, I found escape from the congestion of the Chicago suburbs, and I like it, I like what I found.
Now I’m not saying we sit this one out necessarily, and let the world pass us by, but my God, we don’t have the answers to all of our questions. We’re going to pass tonight, no doubt, a $7,000,000 tax. Folks, I want you to invest in a project of mine. It’s only going to cost you about 24% of your annual income. I’ll tell you about the specifics later, and I won’t tell you you’re going to get anything in return, but you’ve just got to trust me. That’s sounds a little bit crazy. Well, that’s what I’m thinking with this.
Now I do find some comfort, and I do find some solace in the fact that the excess funds will be used to offset some of the unbelievable property tax increases we are going to experience in this county--thank you, Governor Mitch Daniels. We are going to experience some property tax increase. I represent schools. They’re hurting too, folks, it ain’t just us. Alright? But we’re going to see a little bit of offset, but who is going to see, and who is going to pay for it? Okay, $3,500,000 goes West; I hope it’s not a sucking sound. I hope a little bit comes back to us. I hope we see the benefit of it, but let’s just say we don’t. $3,500,000 is left, so you apply it to property tax relief in even in the form of a homestead exemption. I don’t know, we can talk in averages.
We’ve heard it’s going to be spread out around the county in different percentages based on how the EDIT funds are distributed. I don’t think that’s fair to a lot of folks, but that’s not up to me. Now let’s just look at the average. I think there’s about 39,000 homestead exemptions in this county, give or take. I’m not sure on that number, but I think I’m pretty close; $3,500,000 divided by 39,000, that’s about 90 bucks a person or 90 bucks a home, savings. That’s an average. Some folks are going to feel better; and some folks aren’t, and what’s it going to cost you, we are going to increase this ¼ of a percent.
You’re paying for this, and maybe you are willing to. I’ve struggled with this personally too, because you know what, if you asked me, ‘Dan, are you willing to pay $20 or $30 a month for the rest of your life to make sure that a couple of union members who don’t have jobs right now will have it five years from now.’ You’re darn right I would. I’d dedicate that money, and I’d do it proudly, because I believe in the unions. But I’ve had a lot of people in this county not understand this RDA, and when we talk about, they can’t afford to do that. They don’t want to do that. We can support the airport, when we go over there and use the airplane, and patronize their businesses.
Now this is going to pass, there’s no doubt, and I don’t want to be the fly in the ointment for the next three-and-a-half years, until maybe I’m run out on a stick for my stance on the RDA. So I’ll work with the Council. We’ll try to make sure some good things come out of it. I just can’t vote for it with unanswered questions. I can’t spend my constituents’ money on a leap of faith. I just can’t do it.

Mr. Steele, I agree, and support the goals of the RDA, and everything that has been said here tonight. However, you have to look to the legislation, and the provisions in the legislation that bother me are, one, the way in which our seat at the RDA is funded. We never asked the taxpayers of Porter County. I know many of you here are taxpayers from Porter County are for this, but we never asked these people if they wanted this. We’ve never had a referendum, like we did for COIT.
So what we’ve told the people, you have to dig into your pockets; you have to pull this money out of your wages, how little it is or how much; and you have to pay this. Where in Lake County, East Chicago, as an example, $3,000,000 is nothing. They get $9,000,000 from the boats. I mean, they can pitch out one-third of that, and think nothing of it, but this money here comes from the pockets of the people who are flipping hamburgers, the waitresses, the clerks, and everybody else. And the unfairness I feel in this is that with this property tax relief, they talk about, we know it varies throughout the county, and we know it varies throughout the cities, that it’s uneven.
So therefore, it’s not fair. In Dune Acres, the papers report that they are going to get 2%. I hear from people here in Valparaiso, they are going to get 25%. So it’s all across-the-board, and I believe, and this is what I think is unfair about this, is that, this is done on the backs of the people that I just mentioned. So the guy on the north side of Valpo, who lives in a $400,000 or $500,000 home, the kid who is out there flipping hamburgers and the person who is the clerk, that person is going to be paying for his tax relief.
That, I hope this goes through, and I will tell you, if it does pass, which Dan says its going to, and I believe it will, I’m going to pledge my position, my office within the Porter County government, to support and nurture the RDA. However, I want to see that they continue to run this thing in a professional way if they are honest, and they are correct in all their manners. I just don’t like to see all this done on the backs of people who did not have a choice to say yes or no.

Mr. Poparad, Jim.

Mr. Burge, I do not have a prepared statement for this evening. I am in favor of the RDA. I have been for many weeks, since the first meeting took place here when the legislative body came here to speak to us. I think it’s an unprecedented opportunity. It’s the first time in my life I’ve seen the people coming together that have come together.
You have a Republican Governor, a Democratic Congressman working side-by-side. You have Republican and Democratic State Senators and State Representatives all working side-by-side, all from Northwest Indiana. It hasn’t happened before. We have the business community. The chambers of commerce from across the county, and across the region supporting this. You have labor unions from across the region supporting this. I don’t think we can throw away that opportunity.
All of my life, I’ve seen the state ignore Northwest Indiana. I went to Ball State University, I’d see things happening in Muncie; see things happening in Lafayette, Bloomington, Evansville, of course, Indianapolis. Very little state funding comes back for projects in Northwest Indiana. This is an opportunity. We can take the bull by the horns, and help control our own destiny; control our own funding of the project that is going to help us. I think that’s important.
The property tax relief that comes with this, I think is critically important. Almost all of the funding for county government comes on the backs of the homeowner. By the numbers that have been tossed around, about 40% of the working adults in Porter County are renters. That means 60% of us are shouldering all of the cost of county government for everyone. I would have to say that probably that 40% uses the county services at least as much as the other 60%, maybe even more. With the property tax relief, how it’s structured, it’s going to be a redistribution of that. So that the folks that are renting, at least pay a little bit. You know, ¼ of 1% increase is not an enormous amount, considering how much the homeowners are paying.
There are no guarantees. But I believe this is a unique opportunity, and I echo the statements of many in this room earlier this evening as far as providing an economic opportunity for ourselves, for our children, so our children can come back here and have good-paying jobs. I think that’s important, and I will be voting for the RDA. Thank you.

Mr. Poparad, Did you want to say anything?

Mrs. Blaney, Of course--do I want to say anything. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out all the facts of this one--a very important decision; long-term repercussions. My first reaction was, $3,500,000, that’s 12% of the budget. But then I started hearing a lot of people I respect and admire saying, yes, this is a good thing. So I started to put it in terms that I can understand, and maybe more of what the regular guy can understand. Would I do this if it were my own money, if it were 12% of my own budget? Well, how do I invest? And when I hear people I respect and admire tell me it’s a good investment, I start looking at it. I don’t just throw my money in the pot; I start looking at it.
So one of the main things when I want to invest in a company is, whose running it; who’s in charge; are these good people; do I have faith in them; are they going to make it work? We don’t know whose in charge, and that’s a problem for me. The one person that we do know is the Mayor from Hammond, who has decided or at least said he thinks he is going to appoint himself, and pointed out that he is out for Hammond, and he’s the best person to represent. That’s not regionalism. That’s a problem for me. Porter County is going to be, we have a minority on that board. And there’s been some things put in place that will help that issue. I understand that, and that makes it a little better.
The next thing I think about is, you know, is this a marketable product; do I like the product? Yes, it would be great to have a South Shore line here. Do I think it can be self-supporting? I’m not sure. I mean we keep talking about the leisure; I keep hearing about the leisure riders, how it’s going to increase those numbers. Do we really want people taking their leisure dollars out of Porter County? I’m not sure.
Most new jobs, most new job growth I’ve been reading is occurring away from the Loop. The South Shore goes to the Loop. A lot of other things I’ve heard from a lot of people, we want to take the South Shore to the airport from Valpo. It’s not going to the airport; it’s going to Munster. I think there’s just a lot of misinformation out there.
Another thing I look at are the costs involved. Things like, are there any fees, penalties for withdrawing my money, so forth and so on. Now I don’t see any penalties here, except for the fact that there aren’t any provisions for us to get out if it doesn’t work out. If the money is bonded, we can’t stop paying. The state will withhold money from Porter County if we decide not to send our CEDIT money anymore. Further, there is an option in there for the food and beverage tax to give more money to the RDA. That can come down the pipeline.
As far as a risk assessment of what the investment is, there is no guarantee here. That worries me. I mean there’s never a 100% guarantee; I’m not expecting that. But Lake County has got a pretty bad reputation, and they are going to be in the majority here, and that worries me a lot. Another thing is, does it fit in my budget. Does it fit in Porter County’s budget? No, that’s why we have to double the CEDIT tax. This is a time when a lot of taxes are going up, and we’re talking about some property tax relief here.
But by all accounts, we don’t know 100% how these property taxes, how this property tax relief is going to go down. I’ve been trying very hard to get the numbers, and the best I’ve gotten from our attorney is that the people that developed this legislation planned on having the CEDIT money that’s going to the homestead credits distributed according to population, like the CEDIT money is, and that will create a huge disparity. On the rural areas, we are talking 5 or 6%, whereas Valpo, you know, upwards with 20%. I just don’t think that’s fair. Everyone is paying the same rate for the CEDIT tax.
And that brings me to the renters. You know, I don’t really think it’s a more-fair tax, because guess what, the renters are already paying property taxes. Not directly, but I’m a landlord, and we don’t eat the taxes. You know, the renters are getting charged for it. If the taxes go up, we’re passing that cost down. So I think the renters are really going to take a big hit here.
So tonight, my vote is going to have to be no. With that being said, I hope ten years down the line or five years would be even better, I look back at this and say, wow, what a freshman mistake, I really screwed that one up. I hope I’m wrong; so I’m going to do whatever I can to prove myself wrong, because I want what’s best for this county. Thank you.

Mr. Carmichael, I think I’ve said it all with my motion.
Mr. Poparad, You’re done, Bill? Okay, now it’s my turn. Part of this job…

Mr. Carmichael, Bob, do we have to listen to this.

Mr. Poparad, Yeah, we had to listen to you.

Mr. Carmichael, Hey, just call for the vote.

Mr. Poparad, Well, it’ll be quick. I just wanted to make the statement that this job is not easy. We have a lot of things, we have a lot of balls in the air, and we are going to vote the way we think is best for the county. I mean everybody has different views, and they are all entitled to that. We were also elected to lead, and sometimes leading is not popular with the masses. So we do what we think is right, and if the voters disagree, then they will let us know. With that being said, Sandy will you call the roll, please. This motion is to approve the Ordinance as read by Bill.

Motion carried on the following roll call vote:

Blaney - No Burge - Yes
Whitten - No Steele - No
Carmichael - Yes Poparad - Yes
Stevenson - Yes

Mr. Poparad, Motion carries 4 to 3. This is the first reading of the ordinance.

Mr. Carmichael moved to suspend the time requirement rules for second reading of Ordinance 05-5-24. Mrs. Stevenson seconded.

Mr. Poparad, Okay, everybody knows that if we want to suspend the rules, it has to be a unanimous vote. If not, we’ll have to have another meeting. Sandy, call the roll, please. This is to suspend the rules and then pass it on second reading.

Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote.

Mr. Poparad, Okay, there was a motion made to suspend the rules. We need to have a motion to pass it on second reading.

Mr. Burge moved to adopt Ordinance 05-5-24 on second reading. Mrs. Stevenson seconded, motion carried on the following roll call vote:

Poparad - Yes Whitten - No
Steele - No Stevenson - Yes
Carmichael - Yes Blaney - No
Burge - Yes

Mr. Poparad, Motion passes, 4 to 3. The Ordinance will go into effect, nine days or 15 days from now, Dave?

Mr. Hollenbeck, The procedure now under the CEDIT statute is that you have to present the executed ordinance to our county auditor, who in turn certifies to the Indiana Department of Revenue, and the effective date would be July 1st . July 1st of 2005 will be the effective date of the increase in the CEDIT.

Mr. Poparad, Okay. I’d like to thank everybody for showing up. I think it’s important that we get your input. We are going to take a break, but you are all invited to stay for the rest of the three hours that we are going to be here. Let’s take a break.

At this time, there was a ten-minute break.

PUBLIC DEFENDER 01.84 - Tabled from April 26, 2005
Additional Appropriation
$14,000 to 1110 Salaries

Mr. Poparad, Okay, we’ll call the meeting back to order. We are going to reshuffle the agenda, and let the Public Defender come up, because it appears that there’s been, we owe him something. Is that right?
Mrs. Vuko, Right.

Mr. Poparad, Do you want to explain it? Because I don’t know the history of this, to be honest.

Jim Tsoutsouris, Well I don’t either. I hope she explains it too.

Mr. Poparad, Yes.

Mrs. Vuko, Actually, it was the auditor’s error. When we were posting the book, and putting in Jim’s, the raises weren’t put in. So that’s basically what it boils down to.

Mr. Poparad, Okay, Bill?

Mr. Carmichael, Yes, I withdraw my objection.

Mr. Carmichael moved to grant the request for additional appropriations submitted by Public Defender 01.84, $14,000 to 1110 Salaries. Mrs. Blaney seconded, motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote.

Mr. Tsoutsouris, Thank you.

Mr. Steele, Thanks for waiting, Jim.

JUVENILE BOND ISSUE

Mr. Poparad, Okay, back on point. Mr. Hollenbeck, do you have something to say about the juvenile bond issue?

Mr. Hollenbeck, Yes, Mr. President. As I’ve communicated to each of you, as part of the budget bill this year, the General Assembly addressed the issue of the approximate 30 counties that are delinquent in their payment of juvenile detention fees to the Department of Correction. The amount now is approaching $100,000,000. We are a little under $3,000,000, part of that problem.
The Legislature basically gave us two options. One would be to come up with a payment plan over four years with the Department of Correction, and pay this money out, basically, of the general fund. And as of a result then, have to cut the general fund, the equivalent amount in order to make this fit under the frozen levy.
The other option is that the Legislature said we could borrow this money by issuing a general obligation bond for a duration, up to ten years, and in so doing, have it assigned a tax rate and levy that is outside of the frozen levy, and as result, would not impact on any funding of any programs that we have right now.
As I’ve also indicated to you, and this has been one of my first experiences with emailing all of you, so I’m kind of proud of that. But I did indicate to you in my emails that our inquiries, and we were really ahead of the curve on this in terms of talking to people, because the law doesn’t even take effect until July 1st. As a result of our inquiries, the Indiana Association of Counties has put a program together that will facilitate any county of the 30 that would like to borrow money to pay this off. The principle advantage of that being, it will keep the transaction costs as low as possible.
The president and I have talked about the fact that, and I’ve done this, talked to the county attorney to provide local legal representation on the bond issue, and she has agreed to do that. So that will be encompassed in what she has already paid, so we can avoid any local legal expense at all. We will have bond counsel expense, and probably some financial consulting expenses. I have given you a figure of transaction costs in the, I think, I said in the area of $20,000 to $25,000. I think under the current circumstances I can bring that down probably closer to $10,000 to $15,000 in transaction costs on the bond issue.
The other thing is, is that the deadline of August 15th, as contained in the statute, the Indiana Association of Counties’ attorneys from Ice Miller have taken it upon themselves to talk to the Department of Correction, and as long as we are proceeding, if we choose the bond route, as long as we are proceeding with it, they will waive the August 15th deadline to get them the money. I have been given a preliminary schedule, and this will take the acquiescence of the county commissioners, as well as you. I’ve been given a preliminary schedule that looks like, if we were to decide this evening to embark upon this route, we could close on a bond issue the second week in September, according to this time schedule, and I’m told that that is satisfactory to the Department of Corrections, in terms of getting their money.
I can answer any questions you may have. The only thing I need tonight is, if there is a consensus that this is the way we want to go, then I’ll get back in touch with the Indiana Association of Counties, and make sure we are in their program. This would necessitate you starting official action at your June meeting.

Mr. Whitten, Dave--can I ask you--what’s Marion County doing?

Mr. Hollenbeck, Marion County, I talked to Marty Womacks, Monday of this week. At this juncture, I’d say it’s highly probably that they are going to borrow the money.

Mr. Whitten, They are going to bond.

Mr. Hollenbeck, Yes, and that’s a good, Dan makes a good point. Of the 99 or 100-million dollars, they now are approaching $60,000,000.

Mr. Whitten, So I guess it could be worse.

Mr. Poparad, Yeah. We have had discussion with the commissioners, and they seem to be on board with this. Correct, Carole?

Com. Knoblock, I’m sorry?

Mr. Poparad, The bond issue for the juvenile, for the kiddy prison bill.

Com. Knoblock, Yes.

Mr. Poparad, Okay. Does anybody got any comments? Are we all on the same page?

Mrs. Blaney, I have a question…

Mr. Poparad, Yes.

Mrs. Blaney, Just being new. When we do a bond issue, what is the cost to us as far as interest?

Mr. Hollenbeck, That’s driven, of course, by the market place. I would, and again, the financial consultants can tell us much better, because they are in the market every day. But I would say the blended interest rate, in other words, the interest rate, you’re going to pay a lower interest rate the first years, and if you go ten years, the tenth year is going to be the highest interest rate, and interest rates are going up. The advantage to this, of course, is that it’s tax-free interest to the people who buy it. I would guess at this point, that the blended interest rate would be around 4%.

Mrs. Blaney, And then how do we pay for this?

Mr. Hollenbeck, We assess a real estate property tax levy for the indebtedness that’s specifically assigned to that indebtedness, and for those of us that talk about it, that is outside or above the frozen levy.

Mr. Poparad, And I think part, I think maybe, I don’t know if everybody is aware that the juvenile detention bond comes off next year, which is one…

Mr. Whitten, I didn’t know that.

Mr. Poparad, It is done next year, which is one of the reasons we leaned towards the bond issue. It’s actually going to be less revenue for the taxpayers.

Mr. Hollenbeck, And I haven’t done this; I can do it for you. But I can tell you that the actual tax impact of borrowing $3,000,000 over ten years is going to be incredibly small, in terms of the actual impact on anyone’s tax bill. The typical residential tax bill, we’re probably talking, you know, less than $20 a year; probably closer to $10 a year.

Mrs. Blaney, Thanks.

Mr. Poparad, Anybody else? Do you need a motion or just a consensus?

Mr. Hollenbeck, I guess, yes, I guess I would just like a motion to direct me to proceed with this, with the idea that at June meeting, I will bring back, or Gwenn will bring back the start of the forms and the ordinances and the resolutions that have to be passed in conjunction with the county commissioners.

Mr. Carmichael moved to authorize Attorney Hollenbeck to proceed with necessary paperwork for the juvenile bond issue. Mr. Steele seconded.

Mr. Poparad, Any more discussion?

Mr. Whitten, I would just say, I mean I’ve got a lot of questions about this. I really do, and I think that, I’m sure I can get those answered before our next meeting, so.

Mr. Hollenbeck, And, Dan, I’ll be happy to do that if I can facilitate those answers.

Mr. Poparad, I mean I think most of this is just a cash flow issue.

Mr. Whitten, Yes, we’re spending a lot of money.

Mr. Hollenbeck, Well, and another thing I didn’t mention to remember is that we are also simultaneously going to be burdened with appropriating the right amount of money so we don’t get in this hole in the future. So you are looking at, what do we have appropriated right now?

Mr. Poparad, We have $300,000 this year, and I think $400,000 is the number that’s going to be needed next year, if not $500,000.

Mr. Hollenbeck, Right, so you are already looking at, independent of this issue, probably over $100,000 of increased spending inside of your frozen levy just to keep current with the bills as they come in.

Mr. Poparad, All in favor of the motion, say aye.

Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.

Mr. Hollenbeck, I will function accordingly, and will keep each of you advised.

FAMILY TIME SNACKS, INC.
Compliance with Statement of Benefits

Resolution 05-5-24A
WHEREAS, the Porter County Council has designated certain geographical areas within the unincorporated portion of Porter County, Indiana, as an economic revitalization areas most recently by way of the adoption of Resolution 05-5-24A on the 24th day of May, 2005; and,
WHEREAS, Family Time Snacks, Inc. (formerly Crown ESA, Inc.) appeared before the Porter County Council on May 24, 2005 requesting a renewal of tax abatement initially granted July 23, 2002 for new/additional equipment located within the economic revitalization area established by the Porter County Council and located in Washington Township, Porter County, Indiana; and,
WHEREAS, the Porter County Council did at its meeting on May 24, 2005 grant Family Time Snacks, Inc. (formerly Crown ESA) a renewal for abatement initially granted January 28, 2003, for a period of ten years on its new/additional equipment; and,
WHEREAS the State of Indiana has now indicated to the Porter County Council that a resolution needs to be adopted memorializing and otherwise confirming the action taken by the Porter County Council in connection with the abatement issues on May 24, 2005; and,
WHEREAS, the Porter County Council is desirous of affirming and otherwise memorializing said action and in so doing complying with the request of the State of Indiana that the aforementioned renewal of tax abatement be confirmed by resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PORTER COUNTY COUNCIL that it should hereby memorialize and confirm the previous action taken at its meeting on May 24, 2005 whereby it granted Family Time Snacks, Inc. (formerly Crown ESA) renewal of tax abatement, initially granted January 28, 2003 for a period of ten years for new and additional equipment. All of which having been done in compliance with I.C.6-1.1-12.1 and after the Porter County Council reviewed the statement of benefits and the evidence presented at the hearing by Family Time Snacks, Inc. (formerly Crown ESA).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the aforementioned action shall for all purposes be deemed to have occurred and shall have taken force and effect as of the action taken by the Porter County Council at its meeting on May 24, 2005.
ALL OF WHICH HAVING BEEN RESOLVED, PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Porter County Council this 24th day of May, 2005.

PORTER COUNTY COUNCIL
s/Laura Blaney
s/James Burge
s/William Carmichael
s/Robert Poparad
s/Al Steele
s/Rita Stevenson
ATTEST: s/Sandra Vuko, Auditor s/ Dan Whitten

GREAT LAKES PACKAGING & WAREHOUSING INC.
Compliance with Statement of Benefits

Resolution 05-5-24B
WHEREAS, the Porter County Council has designated certain geographical areas within the unincorporated portion of Porter County, Indiana, as an economic revitalization areas most recently by way of the adoption of Resolution 05-5-24B on the 24th day of May, 2005; and,
WHEREAS, Great Lakes Packaging & Warehousing, Inc. (formerly Great Lakes Packaging, Inc.) appeared before the Porter County Council on May 24, 2005 requesting a renewal of tax abatement initially granted July 23, 2002 for new/additional equipment located within the economic revitalization area established by the Porter County Council and located in Washington Township, Porter County, Indiana; and,
WHEREAS, the Porter County Council did at its meeting on May 24, 2005 grant Great Lakes Packaging, Inc. a renewal for abatement initially granted July 23, 2002, for a period of ten years on its new/additional equipment; and,
WHEREAS the State of Indiana has now indicated to the Porter County Council that a resolution needs to be adopted memorializing and otherwise confirming the action taken by the Porter County Council in connection with the abatement issues on May 24, 2005; and,
WHEREAS, the Porter County Council is desirous of affirming and otherwise memorializing said action and in so doing complying with the request of the State of Indiana that the aforementioned renewal of tax abatement be confirmed by resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PORTER COUNTY COUNCIL that it should hereby memorialize and confirm the previous action taken at its meeting on May 24, 2005 whereby it granted Great Lakes Packaging & Warehousing Inc. (formerly Great Lakes Packaging, Inc.) renewal of tax abatement, initially granted July 23, 2002, for a period of ten years for new and additional equipment. All of which having been done in compliance with I.C.6-1.1-12.1 and after the Porter County Council reviewed the statement of benefits and the evidence presented at the hearing by Great Lakes Packaging & Warehousing, Inc. (formerly Great Lakes Packaging, Inc.)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the aforementioned action shall for all purposes be deemed to have occurred and shall have taken force and effect as of the action taken by the Porter County Council at its meeting on May 24, 2005.
ALL OF WHICH HAVING BEEN RESOLVED, PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Porter County Council this 24th day of May, 2005.

PORTER COUNTY COUNCIL
s/Laura Blaney
s/James Burge
s/William Carmichael
s/Robert Poparad
s/Al Steele
s/Rita Stevenson
ATTEST: s/Sandra Vuko, Auditor s/ Dan Whitten

Mr. Poparad, Great Lakes Packaging and Warehousing. Thank you for waiting. Do you have one for everybody. Now, Bill, wasn’t that one for everybody last time.

Mr. Carmichael, Yeah.

Mr. Poparad, Oh, he does have a box. Holy cow.

Mr. Carmichael, He remembered.

Joe Glusac, Yeah, it’s only two for $5.

Mr. Carmichael, I was just kidding.

Mr. Poparad, We’re bought easy.

Mr. Glusac, I figured you guys would remember.

Attorney Mark Goodrich, Good evening, Members of the Council. My name is Mark Goodrich of Casale, Woodward & Buls in Merrillville. With me tonight is Joe Glusac, representative of Family Time and Great Lakes Packaging. We are here again on a renewal of tax abatements that was initially granted to companies in 2002 and 2003. If you would just like to, I would just like to, I can generally report that the state of companies are meeting expectations; and exceeded some of these reported employee figures in the past year. Joe can probably get into more of the details as far as what the companies have been doing over the past year.

Mr. Glusac, Since we met last time, we launched the national brand with Walgreens-Deerfield Farms, so that’s doing real well. That’s made in Valparaiso. And we just signed a three-year contract with Disney, so we will be making all the Disneyland popcorn in Valparaiso. Right now, we’re at 65 employees. In the peak, we look at having over 100, so we are continuing to create more jobs, so that’s a good thing.

Mr. Carmichael, Everything looks good, Bob.

Mr. Poparad, Yes, I was going to say…

Mr. Carmichael, I think…

Mr. Poparad, You’re above all your projections.

Mr. Glusac, Yes, we projected 35, and we’re at 65 right now, so.

Mr. Carmichael moved to approve the Compliance with Statement of Benefits submitted by Great Lakes Packing & Warehousing Inc and Family Time Snacks. Mrs. Stevenson seconded.

Mr. Poparad, Any discussion?

Mr. Whitten, I’m just pleased that we’ve got a successful business without the airport in place. I’m just kidding.

Mr. Poparad, Any more discussion? All in favor of the motion, say aye.

Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.

Mr. Poparad, Thank you.

Mr. Glusac, We’re going to leave the popcorn here.

Mr. Poparad, No, that’s alright. I don’t think anybody had dinner. Anybody here from the Health Department?

Ms. Noll, Bob.

Mr. Poparad, What?

Ms. Noll, Wait a minute, we have resolutions for the companies that you guys need to pass.

Mr. Whitten, How many do you have there?

Ms. Noll, Two.

Mr. Whitten moved to approve the Compliance with Statement of Benefits, and adopt Resolution 05-5-24A submitted by Family Time Snacks, Inc.; and approve the Compliance with Statement of Benefits and adopt Resolution 05-5-24B submitted by Great Lakes Packaging & Warehouse, Inc. Mrs. Blaney seconded.
Mr. Carmichael, Call for the vote.

Mr. Poparad, No, we ain’t calling for the roll. I think we all agree that maybe this is a little success story. Thank you

HEALTH 05
Additional Appropriation
$3,000 to 1120 Hourly
$230 to 1210 FICA

Mr. Poparad, Is the Health Department here; where’s he hiding; get up here. The Cubs are still on.

Keith Letta, Good Evening.

Mr. Poparad, Do you want to go ahead and explain it to everybody so everybody knows?

Mr. Letta, I think I indicated to most of you, if not all of you, in the past few weeks. What I am asking for tonight is $3,000 for part-time hourly, and $230 for FICA. We’d like to use these funds to have a part-time secretary for our food service section. I have given you all the data earlier in the month in relation to the number of permits that we now issue. In 1995, we added our second full-time food inspector. So ten years ago we were issuing about 384 permits. Currently, so far this year, we have issued 654 full-time permits. That did not include the temporaries, fairs, festivals, Popcorn Festival, and all that sort of stuff.
To make a long story short, we are behind in our required inspections. Our plan is to have this individual do all the secretarial work, all the data entry work, all the paperwork that’s necessary for the food service section, allowing the two food service inspectors to be out in the field doing what we are paying them to do, and that is to inspect restaurants, grocery stores, everybody that is permit under food service.
So we would like to have another full-time food inspector, but realistically, we know that that is not possible, probably t