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tommitt a *port <br /> tontuntilitg an etottomtt ikkioinittnt tommitta <br /> The April 22, 2002 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called <br /> to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karl King at 4:13 p.m. in the Council Informal <br /> Meeting Room. <br /> Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, Kirsits, White, Ujdak, Coleman, <br /> Aranowski, King, and Pfeifer; Beth Leonard, Michael Beitzinger, Water Utilities Director John <br /> Stancati, Director of Economic Development Jon Hunt, Beth Leonard, Michael Beitzinger, <br /> Christopher Kirby, Tim Hernly, Thomas J. Hall, Don Inks, Patrick McMahon of Project Future, <br /> Vice-President of Communication Services for TJX Louis Julian, Manager of Home Office <br /> Construction Ken Downey, Bob Hunt, Sean E. Kenyon, Joseph Grabill, Terry Bland of the <br /> 'OtttJ 3.13enti tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. <br /> Council Member King called for a presentation on Substitute Bill No. 02-35 which would waive <br /> conditions precedent to the adoption of a Declaratory Resolution for rthe property located at 212 <br /> East LaSalle for the project commonly known as SBL Building Co., LLC. <br /> Mr. Timothy D. Hemly of Barnes &Thornburg made the presentation. He noted that the various <br /> legal issues involved were "hashed out" at the last Committee meeting. He then provided to the <br /> Committee copies of a letter dated April 19,2002 from Sean E. Kenyon(copy attached) and copies <br /> of a letter dated April 19, 2002 from Thomas J. Hall, a partner of Tuesley & Hall, LLP and <br /> Manager of SBL Building Co.,LLC(copy attached). <br /> Ms. Kenyon noted that a two(2) month period was involved prior to the expiration of their current <br /> lease which is expected to expire on April 30th. She further noted that over 500 hours have been <br /> devoted to keeping the project on schedule for the five(5) attorneys involved. <br /> Mr. Hall appreciated the bi-furcated situation, noting that most of the problems resulting from <br /> miscommunication. 18 months have been involved in working with the subject property;however <br /> there now is a rush to close and they need the space. He noted believes that with the approval of <br /> the Council the project will be feasible and affordable. <br /> Mr. Beitzinger confirmed his discussions with Mr. Hall. He noted that they discussed the issue of <br /> whether there would be increased value to the property based on its improvements and therefore <br /> increased assessed valuation. He directed Mr. Hall to contact Mr. Voorde, the Portage Township <br /> Assessor. <br /> Dr. Varner noted that the timelines are important and based on all of the information made available <br /> by the Petitioners he does not believe that there was any intent to circumvent the City's procedures. <br /> Dr. Varner stated that he would like to see the building located at 212 Fast LaSalle re-occupied and <br /> used. <br /> Following discussion, Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that <br /> Substitute Bill No. 02-35 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. <br /> The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 02-19 which is a real property tax abatement request for the <br /> property located at 212 Fast LaSalle for SBL Building Co.,LLC. <br /> Mr. Michael Beitzinger,Community&Economic Development Assistant Director then <br />