08-12-02 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 12, 2002 Blackthorn West Business Park Major Sub, Lots 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11 and which has Key Numbers 31- 1036 - 059003, 31- 1036- 059004, 31 -1036- 059005, 31- 1036 - 059006, 31- 1036- 059007, and 31 -1036- 059009, as an Economic Revitalization Area; and WHEREAS, notice of the adoption of a Declaratory Resolution and the public hearing before the Council has been published pursuant to Indiana code 6 -1.1- 12.1 -2.5; and WHEREAS, the Council held a public hearing for the purposes of hearing all remonstrances and objections from interested persons; and WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the qualifications for an economic revitalization area have been met. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: SECTION I. The Common Council hereby confirms its Declaratory Resolution designating the area described herein as an Economic Revitalization Area for the purposes of tax abatement. Such designation is for Real property tax abatement only and is limited to two (2) calendar years from the date of adoption of the Declaratory Resolution by the Common Council. SECTION II. The Common Council hereby determines that the property owner is qualified for and is granted Real property tax deduction for a period of ten (10) years, and further determines that the petition complies with Chapter 2, Article 6, of the Municipal Code of the City of South Bend and Indiana Code 6- 1.1 -12 et. seq. SECTION III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Common Council and approved by the Mayor. s /Roland Kelly Member of the Common Council Mr. Ben Godwin, Vice - President, Real Estate, Tech Data Corporation, 5350 Tech Data Drive, Clearwater, Florida, made the presentation for this Resolution. Mr. Godwin advised that this company has been in South Bend for ten (10) years and is moving from a leased facility to an owned facility. Mr. Godwin noted that it has come to his attention that there have been some concerns about the contractors, subcontractors and workers they will have on this project. He noted that he has addressed those concerns with the various union representatives and at this point in time he will use his efforts as the person responsible for real estate to make sure that all citizens of this area have the opportunity to bid on any contracts or subcontracts for the job and if they are competitive and have the skills and talents necessary to do the work they will be given favorable consideration. Mr. Godwin advised that the company has one hundred thirty -five (13 5) permanent employees as well as temporary employees and they want to support the area as much as possible as this has been a very good location for them. Councilmember Varner asked Mr. Godwin to suggest South Bend to potential developers if the opportunity presents itself. Mr. Godwin stated that he would certainly do that and has already offered his services to the Department of Economic Development and Project Future to speak to any prospects. He noted that they look to this area as a growing distribution hub in this part of the country and believe that the Blackthorn West project is an outstanding example of what one can do to bring national and international firms to the area. W C U