08-25-03 Committee of the Whole - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Council Member King stated,"The Council is obligated to review the CFI's as a requirement of State law. The Council as a whole will evaluate the new information,and will let Ms. O'Brien know what the next step will be in the process." Lock Joint Tube,Inc.:Mike Beitzinger,CED,reported to the Council that there is actually two separate facilities with improvements made on both,with 6 abatements currently between the two facilities. Representatives, Tim Hernly and Mr. Strzelecki, presentation stated that their company makes tubes; standard and special request sizes and configurations. They gave the history of the company,its successes,difficulties,expansion,and comeback success. Employment stands at 252, with estimated employment on the CF1 at 246. The reason for the appearance of no-attainment on their CF-1 form is due to a difference in style of reporting the numbers,and not understanding the report,and went through the numbers to show that they had in fact substantially complied. They did experience a slow down due to the economy,but prospects are looking better. The company is gearing up for special requests from new industries,new markets are now opening up to them. The company will be asking the Council to consider another abatement in 6 months. They feel that they are now close to being in compliance with the Statement of Benefits. Council Member Karl King thanked both companies and their representatives for informing the Council,and that the Council will get back to them soon. Discussion by Council Members ensued: Council Member King restated that a review of each abatement will be based on State law, making judgements on circumstances for non attainment. The Council has six companies to discuss, and to decide whether to accept or reject reasons given for each non attainment. A meeting could be set up for September 22 for the Council to further discuss the 6 companies as to whether they are or not in compliance. King asked each of the Council Members to comment on how they feel about what they have heard and whether further information is needed and/or another scheduled meeting would be required for discussion. Council Member Kelly: "It was good that the companies expressed their problems with a faltering economy,and it was good to hear that things are getting better." Council Member Kuspa: "I am satisfied with the information I have heard." Council Member White: "Perhaps it was a combination of a slow economy and not being realistic with their projections at the time of their request for abatements,that caused the problem, but this process sends a good message to those with abatements that accountability is expected." Council Member King:"Even though Indianapolis annually reviews the reports,we need to do so as well." Council Member Kirsits: "Companies need to take this process seriously. It is a matter of accountability." Council Member Coleman: "I am satisfied with the statements we have heard." Council Member Varner: "I am satisfied with what we have heard. These are growth industries,and we need to encourage their growth. It is a two-way street."