01-24-13 Redevelopment Commission Minutes.docx

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South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting—January 24, 2013 6. NEW BUSINESS A. South Bend Central Development Area (2) continued... • Beautification Program (flower pots, mulch, soil, baskets, liners) • Streetscape Improvements (banners & flags, holiday decor, street furniture & art) • Business recruitment/retention (assistance, data base, research development) The 2013 agreement is the same as the 2012 agreement, but was expanded to include DTSB's responsibility for bicycle racks and the management of the banner program. Fees for these services are $250,000, billed monthly based on services provided. DTSB's work in keeping the downtown area safe, clean, and beautiful is well documented, and makes the downtown experience pleasant and appealing. For these reasons, staff requests approval of the 2013 Agreement for Services with DTSB. Mr. Downes said the DTSB Ambassador program continues to be fabulous. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission approved the Agreement for Services by and between the City of South Bend, Department of Redevelopment, acting by and through the South Bend Redevelopment Commission and Downtown South Bend, Inc. (2013) (3) Staff report on disposition of property (Southwest corner Main/Jefferson) Mr. Inks noted that this property was acquired by Redevelopment in May 2000. Holladay had been leasing it for parking from the previous owner and entered into what was believed to be a temporary agreement on 12/3/01 to continue leasing from Redevelopment for $385 per month, on a month to month basis, the same price paid to the previous owner. Staff was in the middle of negotiating a development for that corner. Holladay continued to make payments through February 2004, then stopped. As we have pursued this over the years, Holladay has claimed they were told they did not have to pay. Until recently we have not had enough information to confirm or deny Holladay's claim. This week we received information which has allowed us to confirm that Holladay was told (in early 2003) the lease would be modified so they would no longer be required to pay. In January or February 2003 John Phair met with Jon Hunt (then Executive Director, Department of Community & Economic Development) and Karl King (South Bend Common Council). The meeting was precipitated by our pending development of the site for an office building. As part of our preparation for this development we were in the process of vacating alleys running throughout this block, except for the southern half of the alley running north and south. The alley vacations limited access to the parking and the 4