03-14-05 Community & Economic Development

Home Browse Search

a Community and Economic Development Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The March 14, 2005, meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:38 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included: Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse, and White; Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Sharon Kendall, Executive Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development; Don Inks, Director of the Division of Economic Development; Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Mayoral Assistant Fred Thon, Mikki Dobski Schidler, Jeff Parrott of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney. 4 Council Member Puzzello noted that the committee consists of Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Council Members Kuspa,Kelly,Kirsits and herself. Council Member Puzzello noted that there are seven(7)entities who have presented information to the Community and Economic Development Committee with regard to their compliance with the local ordinance and the state's CF-1 form. She noted that she and former Community and Economic Development Committee. Chairperson, Council Member Kelly have held meetings with representatives of these entities. A summary is attached. She noted that at the November 15, 2004 committee meeting the following entities presented information: JRS Enterprises, LLC; Lock Joint Tube; Bowne of South Bend, Inc.; Honeywell International; and Eaton Corporation. Crowe, Chizek and Company, LLP presented information at the December 13, 2004 committee meeting. SBL Building Company, LLP presented information at the February 28, 2005 committee meeting. Council Member Kelly stated that he believes that market considerations should be taken into account and that overall each of the seven (7) companies have performed well. He noted that representatives from each company talked openly about their operations and attempts to satisfy the criteria. He concluded his remarks with stating that he believes that all of these companies are in substantial compliance. Council Member Kelly then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits finding that JRS Enterprises, LLC; Lock Joint Tube; Bowne of South Bend, Inc.; Honeywell International; Eaton Corporation; Crowe,Chizek and Company, LLP and SBL Building Company, LLP are in substantial compliance with the applicable governing regulations. The motion passed. It was noted that the City Clerk's Office can now complete the CF-1 forms so that they may be properly processed. Council Member Puzzello stated that at the March 7th committee meeting, which did not have a quorum,there was alot of discussion with representatives of the Department of Community and Economic Development on tax abatement procedures. That Department will continue to prepare their annual report on tax abatements which is due March 31st. It was recommended that a 25% rule be tried on a temporary basis with regard to overall compliance. Job creation, total March 14,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1-