07-09-12 Community & Economic Development Committee

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Ilk, Community and Economic Development Committee 2012 South Bend Common Council The July 9, 2012 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. 4:25 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, Henry Davis, Jr., Scott, Dr. Ferlic, Oliver Davis, Dieter, Gavin Ferlic and White; Gary Gilot, P.E., Don Inks, Mike Schmuhl, Controller Mark Neal, Interim City Attorney Aladean DeRose, Mr. Shabazz, members of the news media and Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. noted that the members of the Committee included Council Members Gavin Ferlic is the Vice - Chairperson of the Committee, Karen L. White, Dr. Fred Ferlic, and himself as Chairperson. Bill 12 -60: Resolution Requesting that Downtown South Bend be Re- Affirmed as a Top Priority for Creative and Sustainable Revitalization; That Grant Opportunities be Pursued and that Chase Tower be Addressed. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. noted that he is sponsoring this resolution along with Council Member White and Council Member Oliver Davis so that all alternatives are being reviewed for the downtown. With regard to the Chase Tower, he noted that a bid has been accepted by the bank and the process is continuing. He suggested that three (3) businesses have left the Chase Tower; and that concerns with regard to the water system, elevators and other health and safety items have been brought to his attention. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. noted that the Indiana Main Street Program is a grant program and that more information is available in the council mail boxes. He hoped that a representative from DTSB would be here today, but since they are not, he still believes that they should be providing a monthly spread sheet to the Common Council and what they are doing. Council President Dieter inquired about the time line involved on the Chase Tower. It was noted that HREC is the broker from Chicago, with the receiver and the Court playing key roles. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. suggested that alternative suggestions should be discussed such as repair costs, reducing taxes, etc to make it possibly more viable. Conversations with the County should also be considered. Mike Schmuhl stated that the physical state of the Chase Tower meets the minimum standards, and that the receiver would be the one who could ask about the repairs. He noted that "very heated conversations have taken place with Huntington Bank ". Minimum standards refer to "operational and reliable ".