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Home My WebLink About09-28-09 Community and Economic Development~~ ~A `. YY, ~~ \~.,. ... '7~4y COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 9-28-09 Timothy A. Rouse, Chairperson, Community and Economic Development Committee called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Committee Members Present: Henry L. Davis, Jr., Vice-Chairperson, Ann Puzzello, Karen L. White Other Councilmember's Present: David Varner Other's Present: Rita Kopala, Bob Matia, Martha Lewis, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Dea Andrews, Mayor Luecke, Ann Kolata, Don Inks, Phil Byrd, Matthew Seese, Jerry Niezgodski, Carl Littrell Agenda: Bill No. 73-09 -Appropriation (Fund 209) from EPA for Environmental Clean- Up Bill No. 09-64 -Tax Abatement 1400 W. Riverside (Personal Property Bill No. 09-65 -Tax Abatement 1016-1036 W. Washington (South Bend Heritage) Chairperson Rouse opened the meeting noting that with only three of the six members of the Community & Economic Development Committee present the hearings would proceed; but without a quorum there would be no recommendation to full Council. Bill No. 73-09 - An Appropriation of EPA Dollars for Environmental Clean-Up of Brownfield Sites. Chairperson Rouse called upon Ann Kolata, Deputy Director, Economic Development, to make the presentation. The bill she explained would appropriate $360,000 from an EPA Supplemental Grant for the city's Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund. The City received the grant from the federal government as part of the Economic Recovery Stimulus Package. Ms. Kolata said two projects were selected. One, anot-for-profit, the Good Shepherd Montessori School for probable asbestos removal. The second project was for soil remediation of South Bend Redevelopment Commission owned land. Documentation for these projects was not yet in place. Chairperson Rouse asked if this was the First Christian Church at Eddy and Jefferson? Ms. Kolata said the Montessori School purchased the building and would rent to the First Christian Church. The money would be used for asbestos removal. Chairperson Rouse noted a third Committee Member arrived; still lacking a quorum. Chairperson Rouse asked about the nature of fund 209. Councilmember Puzzello said it was for clean-up of the Studebaker/Oliver site. Chairperson Rouse wondered why the fund did not appear in the budget. Councilmember White asked if these were the only projects eligible to receive funds. Ms. Kolata said the City did not go out for new projects. She also responded that this was the first time a school was supported. Chairperson Rouse asked when Good Shepherd applied and when they acquired the building. Ms. Kolata said they applied last Spring; but just closed on the sale in the last 30 days. She also said the project had not yet been officially approved. Chairperson Rouse then asked how notice was given that funds were available. Ms. Kolata said they held a public meeting several years ago to give notice that a revolving loan fund was available. Chairperson Rouse then asked how the recently received grant money was advertised. Ann said it was not. Karen suggested perhaps another public meeting giving notice was called for given the last was at least three years ago. Ms. Kolata disagreed saying the time frame was too short and the red tape was too great to apply for this grant money. Clerk Voorde asked if there was adequate money for the Studebaker remediation. Ms. Kolata said that they were getting close and could use part of fund for environmental work. With no other questions, Councilmember Rouse without a quorum sent the bill to Council without a recommendation. Bill No. 09-64 -Tax Abatement for 1400 Riverside Drive -Steel Warehouse (Personal Property) Chairperson Rouse noted a request to continue until the next meeting on 10-12 had been received. This would be communicated to full Council . Bill No. 09-65 Tax Abatement -Vacant Lot between 1016-1032 W. Washington South Bend Heritage Chairperson Rouse noted a fourth member arrived making a quorum. Bob Mathia reported for the Economic Development Department. He noted the lot now owned by South Bend Heritage was being sub-divided for the construction of two homes. The petition was for the first - an approximately 1900 square foot two-story compatible with surrounding homes and was valued at $180,000. Bob said all criteria for a five (5) year abatement had been met. Chairperson Rouse then recognized Phil Byrd and Dea Andrews from South Bend Heritage to make their case. With aflip-chart and handout attached Phil gave a detailed description of the home and the income-based market it was hoped would qualify to purchase. Henry Davis asked about plans for additional investment in the neighborhood. He then moved to recommend favorably. Councilmember White seconded and all concurred. There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time, Chairperson, Rouse adjourned the meeting at 3:32 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, ~~ ~~~ Timothy A. Rous Chairperson Community conomic Development Committee