08-25-08 Community & Economic Committee

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COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AUGUST 25, 2008 The August 25, 2008 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the South Bend Common Council was ca{led to order by its Chairperson, Derek D. Dieter at 4:10 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Committee Members present: Derek D. Dieter, Chairperson; Ann Puzzello, Catherine Andres, Citizen Member, Mark Smith, Citizen Member Other Council Members: Thomas LaFountain, David, Varner, AI "Buddy" Kirsits Persons in attendance included: Mark Harmon, Rich Deahl, Phil Faccenda, Pat McMahon, Don Inks, Tim Hudak, Jeff Gibney, Mayor Luecke, Gary Gilot, Jamie Loo, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney; John Voorde, City Clerk BILL N0.07-67 TAX ABATEMENT - STANZ FOOD Chairman Dieter opened the hearing asking Rich Deahl, Attorney, to make the presentation for abatement consideration for Stanz Food Service at 1840 Commerce Drive. Requested was a five year real property abatement to assist with a $6 million dollar investment in expanded facilities. Stanz serves a 120 mile radius and employs 171 people at the S. B. facility. After the presentation, and without anyone speaking for or against the petition a motion was made by Council Member Ann Puzzello, a second from citizen member Catherine Andres followed and received full support for a favorable recommendation to Council. It should be noted a confirming Bill 08-74 by Stanz for personal property tax abatement was also on the evening agenda having been approved preliminarily at the Council's meeting August 11, 2008. BILL NO. 08-75 -JADE CROSSING -ABATEMENT At Chairman Dieter's request, Bob Mathia of the CED Department reported on the request of Cleland Builders to re-designate the remaining 10 lots in sec. 1 of Jade Crossing as eligible for residential abatement. The original designation had expired. Re-designation of the remaining lots would facilitate sales. Bernie Feeney representing Cleland Homes spoke of the past success of the development with the help of abatement urging the Council to support the petition. Council Member Varner wondered whether residential abatement calculated under the new assessment process still provided a significant benefit. Feeney responded in the affirmative especially given the current depressed housing market. On a motion by Citizen Member Mark Smith and a second by Ann Puzzello unanimous support followed and the bill was sent to Council with a favorable recommendation. BILL N0.08-77 -ABATEMENT 1824 N. BENDIX -MANN + HUMMEL USA INC. Again, at Council Member Dieter's request, Bob Mathia recounted the petition and review process undertaken by Community and Economic Development. He said it was determined that the petitioner was eligible for a five (5) year personal property abatement. The petition is for abatement on a $2 million dollar investment in machinery producing manifolds and air intake systems for General Motors and Toyota. There were no remonstrators or supporters of the petition. On a motion by Catherine Andres, seconded by Council Member Puzzello support by al the bill was sent to Council with a favorable recommendation.