12-09-2024 Common Council Meeting Minutes (Signed)

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REGULAR MEETING December 9, 2024 Council President McBride motioned to hear Bill Nos. 24-42 and 24-43 together, which was seconded by Councilmember Warner, and carried via a vote by voice. Clerk Tirado read the resolution to the Council. Council President McBride asked for a committee report. Councilmember Warner stated that Bill Nos. 24-42 and 24-43 were heard in the Community Investment Committee and comes to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation. Joseph Molnar, Vice President of the Board of Public Works, with offices on the 13`h floor of the County-City building, stated the property is a vacant old historic building bult in 1923 located on the south part of downtown. The business is seeking a vacant building tax abatement for two (2) years and a mixed-used development real property tax abatement for eight(8)years, which would incentivize renovating the building for a commercial kitchen food market and hotel chain, creating at least eight (8) new full-time employees and investment worth one million, six hundred thirty- one thousand, five hundred dollars($1,631,500).The vacant building tax abatement will lower tax by eleven thousand, one hundred nineteen dollars ($11,119) over two (2) years and the mixed-use development real property tax abatement would lower tax by ninety-three thousand,seven hundred twenty-two dollars($93,722)over eight(8)years.The abatements would incentivize rehabilitating the building, which is not believed to be able to survive the next few years if it does not receive this investment.After ten(10)years,the city will see taxes increase from one hundred six thousand, nine hundred thirty-four dollars($106,934)to two hundred ninety-seven thousand, seven hundred seventy-three dollars ($297,773) with the abatement of the project going forward as planned. Jasmine Bradley, 2201 Lincoln Way West, South Bend, IN 46628, stated that the building project being presented will become a shared commercial kitchen, as well as a collective food hub and farmer's market space. The goal of the project is to address food insecurities and provide an affordable space for people in the community who can use SNAP, WIC, and other benefits. It will also serve as an affordable space for entrepreneurs to grow their food businesses and include an educational component to teach youth and young adults about food, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship. She thanked the council for their time. Councilmember Tomas Morgan asked what the timeline for development is. Jasmine Bradley continued by stating that they applied for the READI 2.0 grant, with the hope of receiving it and starting the project in the upcoming spring of 2025. The project is expected to be completed in different phases, with the goal of finishing by the fall of 2027. Council President McBride held the public hearing, and nobody spoke. Councilmember Warner wished the petitioner luck in receiving the READI 2.0 grant. Councilmember Gooden-Rodgers thanked the petitioner for her development efforts in the second (2nd) district. Councilmember Warner motioned for the adoption of Bill No. 24-42, which was seconded by Councilmember Tomas Morgan, and carried by a vote of nine(9) ayes. Council President Sharon McBride—Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski—Aye Councilmember Canneth Lee—Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson_ —Aye _ Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Aye Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye Councilmember Warner motioned for the adoption of Bill No. 24-43, which was seconded by Councilmember Lee, and carried by a vote of nine(9) ayes. Council President Sharon McBride—Aye Council Vice President Sheila Niezgodski—Aye Councilmember Canneth Lee—Aye Councilmember Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers—Aye Councilmember Troy Warner—Aye Councilmember Sherry Bolden-Simpson—Aye Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis—Aye Councilmember Karen L. White—Aye Councilmember Rachel Tomas Morgan—Aye 10