06-26-06 Community & Economic Development

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Community and Economic Der-elopment Committee 2446 South Bend Common Council The June 28, 2006 joint meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by Committee Member, Council Member Ervin Kuspa at 3:30 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, City Attorney Charles Leone, Citizen Member Martin Wolfson, Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Ken Fedder, Phil Faccenda, Jr., Bernie Feeney, BiII Schalliol, Phil Panzica, Community and Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, Nick Witwer, City Clerk John Voorde, Mrs. Kopola, Don Inks, City Controller M. Catherine Fanello, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Kuspa noted that in light of the Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson of fihe Committee not being present, that he would chair the meeting. He noted that the Committee members include Council Members: Kelly, PUzzello, Kirsits, Citizen Member Martin Wolfson and himself. Bill No. 06-59: Council Member Kuspa called for a presentation on Bill No. 06-59 which would provide preliminary approval of the issuance of economic development revenue bonds to finance certain economic development facilities and provide that certain preliminary costs be reimbursed from the proceeds of such bands. Philip J. Faccenda, Jr., an attorney with offices at 100 North Michigan in downtown South Bend made the presentation. He noted that Kenneth P. Fedder, the attorney the South Bend Economic Development Commission and the plant manager were also present. Mr. Faccenda stated that the resolution allows the federal tax laws to apply for PEI/Genesis, lnc.ITuliptree Associates, LLC Project. The cost of the project is projected to be $9.8 million. The Plant Manager stated that their corporate headquarters for this global company are located in Philadelphia. South Bend would be the only distributor in North America. They are growing at 20% per year. They purchased twenty (20) acres by Cleveland Road, noting that they wanted to stay close to the airport and UPS. They ship about 1,000 shipments daily. The new location will also be on a bus line which will be a benefit to some of their employees. He noted that they make electrical connections for several industries. Phil Panzica circulated some photos of the proposed site.