09-23-96 Community & Economic Development

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Committee *4port: Community and Economic Development Committee go the COMM Coml. of the City of §outb g*ttb: The September 23, 1996 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Sean Coleman at 4:20 P.M.in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Luecke, Kelly, Varner, Coleman, Broden, Washington, and Pfeifer; Kevin Hughes, Kurt Alford, Steven Van Tongeren, James Riggs, Sue Hodgson, Beth Leonard, Mick Beitzinger, George Adler, John Hunt, Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Coleman noted that Citizen Member Jeff Corey had resigned from the Committee as a Citizen Member due to conflicts in his work schedule. Council Member Coleman thanked him for his service to the Committee. The first item on the agenda was to review Resolution No. 96-93 which would designate Lot 11 of the Toll Road Industrial Park as an economic revitalization area for purposes of a three-year real property tax abatement for the South Bend Redevelopment Authority on behalf of elumatic USA,Inc. Mr. Mike Beitzinger then reviewed the memorandum dated September 17, 1996. He noted that the petitioner is from Germany and produces industrial saws, drills and other machinery for aluminum and vinyl extrusions. The South Bend warehouse would become the distribution center for the United States operations. Six new full-time permanent jobs would be created with a total project cost being estimated at $550,000. It was noted that the petitioner meets all of the requirements for a three year real property tax abatement(report attached). Mr. Steven Van Tongeren, the national sales manager for the petitioner then provided a handout on the company (copy attached). He noted that they selected South Bend because of its location and its very positive support system as well as easy access to the markets. He again noted that the South Bend office would become the North American hub for the German-based company. Mr. Kevin Hughes of Project Future noted that he had worked with the petitioner for approximately three months. He noted that with this project it would complete the Toll Road Industrial Park. Mr. Jim Riggs noted that the City purchased land from the Industrial Foundation some time ago and that this was the last parcel available. Council President Kelly questioned whether the Columbus, Indiana operation would also continue for the company. Mr.Van Tongeren noted that they will be closing the Columbus location since they have outgrown that location and will be relocating employees to the South Bend area. Following discussion, Council Member Luecke made a motion seconded by Citizen Member Sue Hodgson, that Resolution No. 96-93 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.