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Session 1778 <br />March 20, 2000 <br /> <br />Mr. Schoomer commented that he had no objection to the use that is proposed and he <br />realizes that University City has traditionally felt itself a home to charitable and religious <br />institutions. He believes, however, that the claims on the limited real estate values in the <br />City have about come to the point where they will become intolerable. This is not the only <br />non-for-profit that will be offered this year. He understands that the Council has no choice <br />in this matter, that it is up to the owners, the sellers and the Federal Government to <br />determine the not for profits. He is becoming more and more worried about property being <br />removed from the tax rolls. The effect will be much worse for the School District than it <br />will be for the City, because they depend almost exclusively on the property tax to maintain <br />the standard of education that we require of it. He plans to vote no. <br /> <br />Responding to Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Ollendorff confirmed that the location was west of 1- <br />170, not east. Mr. Lieberman noted that this organization would be dealing with <br />counseling and adoption services. He was concerned with any dealings with the homeless. <br />Mr. Ollendorff said that they only looked into the non-for-profit status of the organization, <br />not specific uses. Responding further to Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Ollendorff reported that they <br />did not discuss alternate methods of compensation to make up for the lost revenues to the <br />City and school district. Mr. OIlendorff said a representative for the applicant was present. <br /> <br />Mr. Wagner has the same question as Mr. Lieberman. <br /> <br />Responding to Mr. Munkel, Mr. Ollendorff confirmed that non-for-profits do still pay <br />municipal service fees, such as refuse. Responding further to Mr. Munkel, Mr. Ollendorff <br />said that the applicant was to close today on the building, but postponed it pending <br />Council action this evening. <br /> <br />Responding to Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Ollendorff said that if a building owned by a non-for-profit <br />company has offices inside it housing for-profit businesses then those portions have to be <br />charged property tax. <br /> <br />Reverend Alan Erdman, President of Lutheran Family and Children Services, 4201 Lindell, <br />came forward to answer questions of Council. First, Reverend Erdman provided an <br />overview of the organization. He stated that they do much work with single, expectant <br />women and would certainly be willing to be of assistance to the School District of U. City. <br />They are the largest, non-for-profit adoption agency in the State of Missouri. No homeless <br />services will be operated out of this site. <br /> <br />Mr. Schoomer asked the Reverend if his organization would be willing to consider payment <br />in Heu of taxes, as the building comes off the property tax rolls. The Reverend stated that <br />they would certainly be willing to explore the issue with the City. The organization can give <br />back to the community other services in lieu of cash, for instance school counseling <br /> <br />3 <br /> <br /> <br />