03-26-01 Community & Economic Development

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Community and Economic Development Committee March 26, 2001 Page 2 Dave Bitter,Rhonda Brown and Roberta Baxter represented the Petitioner. They noted that in light of supplier delays that an extension is necessary. The original project has grown by over one million dollars. Council Member Varner stated that this is the type of business which tax abatement should be used for and inquired if there is anything else which the city can do for the petitioner. Council Member Kelly stated that recently Rhonda Brown took him on a tour of the Petitioner's facility and he was very impressed with their operation. Following discussion, Council Member Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill No. 01-16 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 01-17 which is a five (5) year residential real o abatement request of Terry Gilbert for the property located at 4126 South Fellows Street. Cassandra Moran reviewed her report dated March 21, 2001 which noted that the petitioner proposes to develop one (1) ranch style home of 1,450 square feet for a projected cost of $ 80,000, She noted that the project meets the qualifications for a five (5) year residential real property tax abatement under§ 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code. Mr. Gilbert stated that he proposes to construct the home in question and then put in up for sale. Following discussion, Council Member Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ujdak that Bill No. 01-17 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 01-18 which would give preliminary approval for the issuance of bonds for the purpose of providing financing of certain economic development facilities to be owned by Imagineering properties, LLC and then leased and operated by Imagineering Enterprises, Inc. Mr.Ken Fedder,the attorney for the Petitioner,made the presentation. He stated that the petitioner has been in business since 1959. They are a world-class operation who has outgrown its current location and plan to relocate to 4521 Nimtz Parkway. He noted that the South Bend Economic Development Commission approved a similar resolution on March 16th. We are currently at the inducement stage and that there would be no obligation or liability to the City. Approving the Resolution would result in a new building, new jobs and new payroll. Council Member Aranowski noted that the petitioner is moving to the 1st District. He stated that they are a class outfit and welcomes them to his District. Council Member Kelly noted that the petitioner has had a long-term relationship with our community and spoke in favor of the measure. Following discussion, Council Member Ujdak made a motion, seconded by Council Member Varner that Bill No. 01-18 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.