12-09-02 Community & Economic Development

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- w . . ' omrttfi Xteport toitmunitt atiti economic lit i3 ioputtcnt (tomuuttt The December 9, 2002 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karl King at 4:20 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, Kelly, King, Varner, Kuspa, White, Coleman and Kirsits; Community & Economic Development Department Director Jon Hunt, City Controller Rick 011ett, Michael Beitzinger, Daniel T. Ceglia, Fred Thon, Terry Bland of the 0010 VeVat gribUllt, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member King called for a presentation on Bill No. 02-96 which is a three (3) year real property tax abatement request for the property located at 1850 North Sheridan Avenue and Bill No. 02-87 which is a five (5) year personal property tax abatement request for the same property; both of which are being requested by Advantage Puck Technologies. Mr. Michael Beitzinger reviewed his report dated December 2, 2002 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner is a manufacturer of injection molded plastic pieces used to hold various sized metal, glass and plastic containers. They are purchasing the former Canteen Services Building which would then be renovated and a 10,000' addition would be added at the cost of$270,000. 2- 3 new injection molding machines, grinders, lathes and mills would also be added for a new equipment cost of$250,000. Mr. Daniel T. Ceglia, Chief Operating Officer of Advantage Puck Technologies then made a presentation. He noted that a puck holds a container. His company ships worldwide for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries and has over 4,000 types of pucks. They also manufacture the equipment which makes the pucks. He noted that they have been in Mishawaka since 1994. He then showed various pucks to the Committee. Council Member Aranowski welcomed Mr. Ceglia to South Bend and then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill Nos. 02-86 and 02-87 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member King then called for a presentation on Bill No. 02-88 which would authorize the Mayor to submit an application to EPA for a revolving loan grant fund, an assessment grant and three(3) remediation grants. Ann Kolata made the presentation. She noted that if the funds are awarded that the assessment grant would be used for Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments at various city locations. The revolving loan grant would be used to establish a loan fund for environmental remediation;and the cleanup grant would be used to remediate environmental conditions at the former Studebaker stamping plant, the Oliver Boiler House and Beck's Lake. She noted that the initial cuts will be made in January 2003 with monies to be provided in October 2003. Dr. Varner asked if the city had contingencies if the awards are not given to which Ms. Kolata stated yes. Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Dr. Varner that Bill No. 02-88 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.