City Council Minutes 2008 07 01 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes July 1, 2008 Page 8 of 11 Mayor Sisk requested a City Attorney introduction. City Attorney Light read Ordinance No. 1539, Series 2008. He explained the specific ballot language for the proposed Historic Preservation Sales Tax is contained in Ordinance No. 1539, Series 2008, which provides fora 1/8 of 1 (0.125%) sales tax for historic preservation purposes. The draft ballot language did not include provisions to fund staffing and/or program expense. City Manager Fleming reviewed the highlights of the ballot language changes: • Changes incorporating language regarding the character of downtown Louisville. • Language providing for incentives and/or grants to buildings, which qualify for listing on the Louisville register of historic places as well as those that do not but contribute to the historic character of downtown. • Language providing incentives and/or grants for design features and enhancing the historic character and scale of downtown • Provision for historic conservation easements. • Language regarding eligibility and incentive funding recommendations to be made by a task force. Highlights of Ordinance No. 1539, Series 2008 include the following: • Establishment of a 1/8 of ones percent sales tax for aten-year period beginning January 1, 2009 and dedicated for historic preservation purposes. • Tax proceeds would be spent exclusively for specified purposes with the Old Downtown Overlay District and "Downtown Louisville" as such areas are designated by the City's coning map and ordinances. • Revenues used for the purposes outlined, consistent with the ballot language. • Incentive programs and procedures applicable to the administration of such incentives shall be provided by City Council ordinance or resolution, the provisions of which shall be consistent with the provisions of ballot issue 2A. Councilor Dalton stated the City Clerk must notify the County of the City's intention to participate in the 2008 General Election. He felt the issue is being rushed and additional time is needed in July and early August, to address the ballot language. He stressed the irrrportance of funding staff and the program expenses. He favored language preserving the basic character of downtown. City Attorney Light reviewed the time schedule to put the tax question on the November ballot. The City Clerk must notify the County Clerk of the City's