04-23-01 Community & Economic Development

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Community and Economic Development Committee April 23, 2001 Page 2 noted that the petitioner does business at Tatay Drilling. They plan to utilize most of the 17,820 square foot industrial building with the other portions being leased to small shop operators and manufacturers. The project cost is $ 450,000 and would create two (2) new permanent full-time jobs. William B. Keiser made the presentation along with Michael Wojtysiak made the presentation. It was noted that the land cost was an additional $ 720,000. Mr. Keiser noted that he hopes that a small business incubator could be developed at the location. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Mr. Keiser noted that Jasper Manufacturing would be bringing high-end equipment to the area if they relocate. Council Member Ujdak stated that he has a client relationship with the petitioner;however based on an opinion from the Council Attorney he would not have a substantial conflict of interest and would participate in the discussion and final action on this Bill. Following discussion, Council Member Ujdak made a motion, seconded by Council Member Varner that Bill No. 01-34 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Kelly then asked for a presentation on Bill No. 01-35 which is a ten(10) year real property tax abatement request of No Trump, Inc. & Foxtrot Realty Corporation and Bill No. 01- 36 which is a five (5) year personal property tax abatement request of GTA Containers, Inc., both of which are for the property located at 4201 Linden Avenue. Mr. Beitzinger reviewed Cassandra Moran's report dated April 18, 2001 (copy attached). (The Council Attorney requested Mr. Beitzinger file a replacement cover letter in light of the mis-prints contained in paragraph#1 of said letter). He noted that the petitioner proposes to build a 60,000 square foot manufacturing facility and to purchase new equipment for a total building cost of $ 1,510,000 and equipment cost of$300,000. Yatish Joshi, President of the company, made the presentation. He stated that the company started in 1998 and that they manufacture collapsible containers for the U.S. Government, Department of Defense. In light of increasing demands of the government, they need to increase their production for both the armed services as well as the American Red Cross. Council President Pfeifer thanked Mr. Joshi for his detailed presentation and for focusing on# 13 through# 17 of the petition. Following discussion, Council Member Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill No. 01-35 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Varner then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill No. 01-36 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Ann Kolata, Senior Redevelopment Specialist, then made a presentation on Bill No. 01-43 which is a resolution to adopt the Studebaker/Oliver Plow Works Redevelopment Strategy. She provided a copy of the"Studebaker/Oliver Plow Works Redevelopment Strategy"dated November 1999 and approved by the South Bend Redevelopment Commission on October 13, 2000 to the Council (copy attached). Mrs. Kolata stated that in 1950 there were 21,000 jobs in Studebaker/Oliver Plow Works area and in 2001 there are 79 jobs. Building conditions have continued to deteriorate. A