09-22-03 Community & Economic Development

Home Browse Search

E - QCommttteu **port (ammufttt an4 Qtouomit aationttent tommtttet The September 22, 2003 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karl King at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Varner, Coleman, Kelly, King, Pfeifer, and Kuspa, Michael Beitzinger, John Axelberg, Kurt Krueggel, Joseph Saviano, Michael Danch, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member King noted that the members of the Committee included Council Members Kuspa, Varner,Kelly and himself. Council Member King stated that the Council received a letter dated September 18th requesting that Bill No. 62-03 be continued until the October 13th Council meeting, noting that this Bill deals with the Erskine Village Project. Following discussion, Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 62-03 be continued until October 13th,at the request of the petitioner. The motion passed. Council Member King then called for a presentation on Bill No. 03 which is a five (5) year personal property tax abatement request for General Sheet Metal Works, Inc., for the property located at 1902 South Main Street. Michael Beitzinger then reviewed Cheryl Phipps report dated September 16, 2003 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner is the manufacturer of fabricated metal l� products for lawn&garden and the towing equipment industries. They plan to purchase equipment which will enable the company to maintain their position as a leading manufacturer in this area, with the proposed equipment costing $1,026,000. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the qualifications for a five (5) year personal property tax abatement under Section 2-84.2 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing tangible personal property tax abatement. Mr. John Axel berg made the presentation for General Sheet Metal Works, Inc. He noted that they are moving on schedule for the rehabilitation of the building, adding that the big green tower is gone and that the building has been re-roofed. They have painted the interior and the exterior will be addressed next year. Council Member King inquired how a company balances such a large investment in equipment with the potential to create ten(10) new permanent jobs. Mr. Axelberg stated that the process is not scientific, however they do have a history of added lasers into production. They have estimated that six (6) press brake operators and two laster operators will be needed which will generate some additional "down stream" work. He noted that they must also factor in the demand for the product. There was no one from the public to speak in favor or in opposition to the Bill. Following discussion, Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kelly that Bill No. 03-105 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member King then called for a presentation on Bill No. 03-106 which is a five (5) year