HomeMy WebLinkAbout2. Minutes 02-19-10 Meeting
SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
February 19, 2010
10:00 a.m. 227 West Jefferson Boulevard
Presiding: Marcia I. Jones, President South Bend, Indiana
1. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Ms. Marcia Jones, President
Dr. David Varner, Vice President
Ms. Nancy King, Secretary
Mr. Greg Downes
Mr. Donald Alford
Ms. Stephanie Spivey
Legal Counsel: Mr. Charles S. Leone, Esq.
Mr. Lawrence Meteiver, Esq.
Redevelopment Staff: Mr. Don Inks, Director
Mrs. Cheryl Phipps, Recording Secretary
Mr. Bill Schalliol, Economic Development Specialist
Mr. Robert Mathia, Economic Development Specialist
Mr. David Relos, Economic Development Specialist
Ms. Debrah Jennings, Property Manager
Others Present: Mr. Jeff Gibney, Executive Director
Mr. Tom Price, Mayor’s Office
Ms. Rita Kopala
Ms. GlendaRae Hernandez
Mr. David Matthews, Ivy Court
Mr. Nick Molnar
Mr. Marco Mariani, Downtown South Bend, Inc.
Mr. Greg Conrad, Downtown South Bend, Inc.
Ms. Janice Talboom, City Clerk’s Office
Ms. Mo Miller, Prism Science
Mr. Mark Seaman, Prism Science
Mr. Phil St. Clair, Parks & Recreation
Mr. Paul McMinn Parks & Recreation
Mr. Gary Libby, Code Enforcement
Ms. Catherine Toppel, Code Enforcement
Mr. Jeff Parrott, South Bend Tribune
Ms. Valerie Schey
Ms. Kim Lucas
Ms. Linda Carter, I.A.G.O./YouthBuilding
Mr. Ed Carter
Ms. Christa Wayder, Area Plan Commission
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
Mr. DaMar Benford
Mr. Richard Rufus
Mr. Ronald Phelps
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of
Friday, February 5, 2010.
Mr. Varner referred to page 22 of the February 5,
2010 Meeting Minutes which pertained to the
discussion of Ms. Kolata’s item asking the
Commission to approve a settlement with Chartis
Insurers, which terms were confidential. Mr.
Varner took issue with asking the Commission to
approve something, sight unseen. He spoke with
Mr. Leone following the meeting and got some
clarification. Mr. Varner asked Mr. Leone now to
explain the situation further in this public setting.
Mr. Leone noted that the subject matter had to do
with the settlement of certain environmental claims
with some insurers, companies that were in
bankruptcy in a case that is pending in Houston,
Texas. The Settlement Agreement that was signed
has a confidentiality clause in it which is typical in
these kinds of settlements. But, there is also
language in the agreement that says that the
confidentiality provision does not supersede
Indiana law which allows for discovery of certain
public records. So, that now is available to
anybody who does want to see the content of the
settlement, including the monies that are received.
Mr. Varner clarified, then, that the terms are not
privileged information. Mr. Leone agreed. The
information is discoverable through appropriate
channels, namely the Freedom of Information Act.
CM
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Ms.
OMMISSION APPROVED THE INUTES OF THE
RMF,F,
EGULAR EETING OF RIDAY EBRUARY
King and unanimously carried, the Commission
2010
approved the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of
Friday, February 5, 2010.
2
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
3. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS
Redevelopment Commission Claims submitted February 19, 2010 for approval.
305 FUND SBCDA BOND
The Troyer Group 11,250.52 Curb & Sidewalk 101 N Michigan
Holladay Construction Group LLC
71,250.00 Notice to Proceed/Construction
324 AIRPORT AEDA
Blackthorn Corporate Park 34,057.92 Property Management
Circle Lumber, inc 69.29 525 W Indiana Board
Jackson Trucking & Excavation 47,450.00 Demo 1202 S Lafayette
Sopko, Nussbaum, Inabnit & Kaczmarek 5,096.25 Legal Services
DLZ 13,620.00 Expansion Of Olive & Pine Rd
Abonmarche 15,555.00 Mayflower Rd Sanitary Sewer
DLZ 6,870.00 US 31 / Adams Rd Interchange
Blue Waters Group Ignition Park
31,240.21
Wightman Petrie Environmental Assessment
Ignition Pk
160.00
420 FUND TIF DISTRICT-SBCDA GENERAL
Indiana Michigan Power 245.18 LaSalle Hotel
Schindler Elevator 13,620.00 LaSalle Hotel
All Phase Electric Supply Co. LaSalle Hotel
883.89
Sopko, Nussbaum, Inabnit & Kaczmarek 1,237.50 Legal Services
Ampco System Parking 1,686.00 oseph St Surface 121 S. St.
422 TIF DISTRICT WEST WASHINGTON
Sopko, Nussbaum, Inabnit & Kaczmarek 337.50 Legal Services
433 REDEVELOPMENT ADMIN GENERAL
Sopko, Nussbaum, Inabnit & Kaczmarek 675.00 Legal Services
$ 255,304.26
CC
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr. Alford
OMMISSION APPROVED THE LAIMS
F19,2010,
SUBMITTED EBRUARY AND ORDERED
and unanimously carried, the Commission approved the
THE CHECKS TO BE RELEASED
Claims submitted February 19, 2010, and ordered
checks to be released.
4. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Communication from I.A.G.O. /YouthBuild
CI.A.G.O./YB
Mr. Inks summarized the Communication from
OMMUNICATION FROM OUTHUILD
3
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
I.A.G.O./YouthBuild. The letter was written
February 11, 2010 to the Redevelopment
Commission. It summarizes I.A.G.O.’s programs
designed to assist young adults, ages 16-24 yrs,
who lack secondary education attainment, either a
diploma or GED, or lack job readiness certification
and skills needed to attain gainful employment
throughout the South Bend urban area.
YouthBuild South Bend is an affiliate of the
national program YouthBuild USA. “Because
I.A.G.O. has been successfully providing skills
such as resume writing, job interview preparation,
mentoring opportunities with local business men
and women, and tutoring programs through youth
throughout St. Joseph County for the last seven
years, we felt combined efforts of the two
programs would be an unstoppable force for good
for our youth.
“Because we now offer certification programs with
management level skills, we not only prepare our
youth to go get a job, we teach them how to create
employment opportunities for themselves and
others, thus widening the market for their
employable skills.
“We are asking that you review our request for
assistance in the amount of $108,300 to implement
the YouthBuild South Bend program.”
Mr. Inks noted that the letter provides additional
program information, statistics, and a budget for
the program. The total budget for the program is
almost $700,000.
Mr. Downes asked that staff look into this and
make a recommendation to the Commission at a
later meeting.
5. OLD BUSINESS
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South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
TOB
There was no Old Business.
HERE WAS NO LD USINESS
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. South Bend Central Development Area
(1) Agreement for Services with Downtown
South Bend, Inc.
Mr. Mariani noted that the Agreement for
Services is for $250,000 for the same scope
of services DTSB has been providing under
the current agreement. On pg 21, the project
budget outlines DTSB’s activities. The bulk
of the $250,000 funds cleaning, maintenance,
hospitality, and beautification activities in
downtown, as well as DTSB’s business
recruitment efforts. Mr. Mariani distributed
DTSB’s list of priorities for 2010. Mr.
Mariani also noted that DTSB just received
its third “clean” audit for 2009.
Mr. Mariani noted that DTSB’s overall
budget has been reduced by $34,000 for
2010, reflecting what is happening in the
overall economy. It is doing more with less.
Ms. King asked what DTSB’s total revenue
budget is. Mr. Mariani responded $749,000,
including contributions from the private
sector, parking lot revenue, sponsorships and
grants, and contributions from the city’s
General Fund.
Mr. Varner asked from which revenue source
the $34,000 revenue cut came. Mr. Mariani
responded from private contributions.
Mr. Downes commented as a new downtown
resident he can’t say enough about the job
DTSB does. Its staff is courteous, visible,
and they make downtown a better place to
5
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
live.
CA
Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by
OMMISSION APPROVED THE GREEMENT FOR
SDSB,I
ERVICES WITH OWNTOWN OUTH END NC
Mr. Downes and unanimously carried, the
Commission approved the Agreement for
Services with Downtown South Bend, Inc.
for 2010.
(2) Resolution No. 2655 amending the
Development Plan for the South Bend
Central Development Area and adding one
parcel to the List of Parcels to be
Acquired.
Mr. Schalliol noted that Resolution No. 2655
is a declaratory resolution which begins the
process to add eight parcels at the northeast
corner of Niles and Jefferson (formerly the
Troegger Sheet Metal site) to the
Development Plan Acquisition List. The
property was bought from Troegger by First
National Bank of Valparaiso as they
considered adding a branch in South Bend.
st
1 Source Bank then purchased First
National Bank of Valparaiso.
As the Commission looks to make
infrastructure and other improvements
related to the East Bank Master Plan, having
this property under city control would be
helpful, allowing flexibility in planning.
Presently, there is a paved lot at the north end
of the site. When the Troegger building was
demolished, that portion of the site was
surfaced with gravel and has been used for
parking.
Mr. Schalliol noted that following approval
by the Commission, the amendment must be
approved by the Area Plan Commission, the
Common Council and return to the
Redevelopment Commission for a
6
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
confirming resolution and public hearing.
Mr. Downes asked who owns the parking
north of the Emporium Restaurant. Mr.
Schalliol responded that the Emporium owns
the portion immediately north of its building.
The City of South Bend owns the adjacent
stretch of parking to the north which is also
used by Emporium customers.
Ms. Jones asked if staff will provide not only
the cost of acquisition, but the cost of any
improvements that will need to be made to
the property in the near term. Mr. Schalliol
responded that staff will provide that
information at the time of the public hearing.
Ms. Jones asked whether this lot will provide
the city with sufficient temporary surface
parking, and ultimately the flexibility for a
parking structure as identified in the East
Bank Master Plan. Mr. Schalliol responded
that it does.
CRN.2655
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by
OMMISSION APPROVED ESOLUTION O
AMENDING THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE
Mr. Alford and unanimously carried, the
SBCDA
OUTH END ENTRAL EVELOPMENT REA
Commission approved Resolution No. 2655
AND ADDING ONE OR MORE PARCELS TO THE
amending the development plan for the South
LPA
IST OF ARCELS TO BE CQUIRED
Bend Central Development Area and adding
one or more parcels to the List of Parcels to
be Acquired.
(3) Staff report on disposition of property in
the South Bend Central Development Area
(Rink Riverside site)
Mr. Relos noted that the Rink Riverside site
is a .83-acre site located at the northwest
corner of Sycamore and East Colfax Streets.
It was cleared in 2005 and offered for
disposition in 2006. Two developers
previously offered proposals for the site,
7
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
neither of which progressed beyond the
planning stages. In 2008 another
development was proposed, but did not
progress either.
In December 2009 David Matthews
approached the department with a proposal to
develop ten townhouse style condominiums.
Eight of the units will face the river; two will
face south off the northern property line.
Units will be two-story, brick, with nine-foot
ceilings and two-car attached garages. The
minimum unit size will be 1,700 sq. ft. The
starting price will be approximately
$170,000.
The developer is offering $10,000 for the
parcel and will not apply for tax abatement
for the project. Though the selling price is
less than that offered in previous proposals,
earlier proposals relied on the Commission to
put at least as much as the selling price back
into the development. This proposal asks
only for modest Commission participation:
cleaning up the west bank of the river and
possible participation in the cost of a
retaining wall along the west and south edges
of the development.
The Contract for Sale of Land is being
drafted with development specifications, use
restrictions and a completion date of 36
months.
Mr. Matthews noted that his interest in doing
this development stems from his recognition
of two driving forces: a growing demand
among the young for living downtown and a
need among older residents who can no
longer drive to live close to the amenities
they need.
8
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
Some Granger residents have toured Mr.
Matthews’ Ivy Quad condos across from the
Notre Dame campus, but found them too
pricey. They were impressed with the
quality. Mr. Matthews believes he can build
units they like for a more affordable price on
the East Bank site. Those interested parties
liked the East Bank site. Two families have
verbally committed to purchasing units from
him there. He will construct those two
immediately and another as well as a model.
He’ll then construct more units as they are
ordered, including basements when ordered
at additional cost.
The units will all have rooftop patios. Mr.
Matthews noted that the site itself is a little
low. He intends to bring in two to seven feet
of additional soil to raise the development.
Mr. Downes asked about the long timeline of
36 months to completion. He asked if
financing was driving that timeline. Mr.
Matthews said the city put that timeline out.
He likes the leeway it gives him, but he
intends to get under construction
immediately to have the first units completed
by fall 2010. The 36 months give him time
to complete the entire ten units in case sales
are slower than expected. Mr. Matthews said
he has financing for the entire project.
Mr. Downes noted that a previous developer
wanted the Commission to improve the
riverbank. He asked whether Mr. Matthews
was going to require that. Mr. Relos
responded that that developer wanted his
development tied into the river walk and a
security fence was required. This
development is not asking for tie-in to the
river walk and won’t need the Commission to
make those improvements.
9
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
Mr. Matthews said that he has asked for
some modest improvements to the east bank
of the river, a landscaped wall along the west
and south line of the east bank.
Mr. Downes asked about the cost of
improvements required for the west bank.
Mr. Relos responded that the cost of
improvements are expected to cost $12,000 -
$15,000, mainly for cleaning up of trees that
have grown up over the years.
Ms. King asked if her understanding was
correct that Mr. Matthews did not need to
have all the condos presold before beginning
to build. Mr. Matthews responded that he is
promising to build three units for sure, the
two he has presold plus a furnished model.
The others will be built when commitments
are made. He is confident that the quality
and price that he offers will command
interest fairly quickly for the units along the
river. The additional two or three units that
won’t have a river view may be harder to
sell, but their price will be lower.
CM.
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by
OMMISSION ACCEPTED THE PROPOSAL OF R
MRR,
ATTHEWS FOR THE INK IVERSIDE SITE
Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the
APPROVED THE PRELIMINARY SITE PLANS FOR
Commission accepted the proposal of Mr.
THE PROJECT AND ASKED STAFF TO PREPARE A
Matthews for the Rink Riverside site,
CSL
ONTRACT FOR ALE OF AND
approved the preliminary site plans for the
project and asked staff to prepare a Contract
for Sale of Land.
B. Airport Economic Development Area
(1) Staff report recommending study of
properties to be considered as additions to
the Airport Economic Development Area
Development Plan Acquisition List.
10
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
Mr. Schalliol noted that on January 15th the
Commission gave its approval for staff to
begin the statutory process to amend the
development plan of the Airport Economic
Development Area (“AEDA”) to add
properties around Ignition Park to the
Acquisition List. As staff has started the
study process, additional parcels have been
presented to staff for consideration for
acquisition related to proposed or existing
projects
Staff would like to study additional
acquisition target areas in the Ignition Park
planning area and would request the
Commission to authorize the staff to proceed.
Area 1: Ivy Tech Planning Area – East
Sample Street
As the City continues to work with Ivy Tech
on its short and long term planning process,
both parties continue to explore reuse
opportunities for properties along the East
Sample Street corridor. Presently, the Enyert
Motors building located at 117 E Sample
Street is for sale and the two story building
might serve the space needs for Ivy Tech in
the event other properties are not able to be
acquired. The other properties proposed for
study are adjacent to the Enyert property and
are being proposed for study as part of a
smart-plan process.
Area 2: Airport Industrial Park, Phase 2
– Maplewood
The City of South Bend and the St. Joseph
County Airport Authority have been working
together to coordinate infrastructure
improvements and parcel acquisition in the
Airport Industrial Parks 1&2 area southeast
of the airport complex. The city has been
st
approached by 1 Source Bank, owner of one
11
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
of the parcels in the target block between
Maplewood and Sheridan, about the bank’s
interest in selling its parcel. The
Commission presently owns four properties
in this block and this is one of four parcels
that has yet to be acquired by the city in this
area. By acquiring this parcel, the city could
close and vacate Maplewood adjacent and
north of this property.
Staff requests Commission authorization to
begin the preparation of plans and maps and
related property information, in conformance
with State Law, for the two areas highlighted
above. Once the information is gathered,
staff will present the information to the
Commission and then, upon approval of the
planning information, will present a
declaratory resolution to the Commission to
amend the acquisition list for the AEDA.
Separate resolutions will also be required to
be approved by the Area Plan Commission
and the Common Council before a public
hearing and approval of a confirming
resolution by the Commission.
Ms. King asked if there are structures behind
the commercial buildings that would run
along Ohio Street. Mr. Relos responded that
there is a small block garage behind one
building.
C
Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by
OMMISSION DETERMINED THAT THE
AMENDMENT IS REASONABLE AND APPROPRIATE
Mr. Downes and unanimously carried, the
WHEN CONSIDERED IN RELATION TO THE
Commission determined that the amendment
ORIGINAL RESOLUTION OR PLAN AND THE
is reasonable and appropriate when
PURPOSES OF STATE LAW AND THAT THE
considered in relation to the original
,
RESOLUTION OR PLAN WITH THE PROPOSED
,
resolution or plan and the purposes of state
AMENDMENT CONFORMS TO THE
,C
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE UNIT THE ITY
law, and that the resolution or plan, with the
SB
OF OUTH END AND ORDERED STAFF TO
proposed amendment, conforms to the
PREPARE MAPS AND PLATS AND ANY OTHER
comprehensive plan for the unit, the City of
INFORMATION NECESSARY TO CONSIDER
South Bend, and ordered staff to prepare
ACQUISITION OF THESE PROPERTIES
12
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
maps and plats and any other information
necessary to consider acquisition of these
properties.
(2) Resolution No. 2652 approving and
authorizing the execution of an Addendum
to the Master Agency Agreement. (Olive
Road Right-of-Way Acquisition)
Mr. Schalliol noted that Resolution No. 2652
approves an Addendum to the Master
Agency Agreement for the Olive Road
Right-of-Way Acquisition Project. For the
last several years, the City of South Bend has
been working with DLZ on design and plans
for the remaining Olive Road improvements
between Lincoln Way West/US 20 and
Nimtz Parkway.
The roadway plans are being completed and
we are now in a position to begin the process
to acquire the necessary right-of-way for
improvements to this section of roadway.
There are sixteen parcels identified for
acquisition. Fifteen of those parcels are on
the east side of the road. The city will work
to minimize the amount of property to
acquire, but there could be as many as four
parcels that are needed, depending on the
negotiations with the current property
owners.
As part of its contract with city for design
services, DLZ will coordinate and serve as
the acquisition agent for this project. The
intent is to acquire the property now and hold
the property until the city is ready to
construct. The property owners understand
that this project is in the planning process
and wonder what impact it will have for
them. Moving ahead with the acquisitions
will remove the uncertainty for the owners
13
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
and secure ownership of the right-of-way for
when we are ready to do the construction.
A full listing of properties, appraised values
for the properties and a map are included as
Exhibit A to the Addendum to Master
Agency Agreement. The total average
appraised value for the right-of-way
acquisitions is $468,387.50. Staff requests a
not-to-exceed budget of $750,000.00.
CRN.2652
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by
OMMISSION APPROVED ESOLUTION O
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION
Ms. King and unanimously carried, the
AMA
OF AN DDENDUM TO THE ASTER GENCY
Commission approved Resolution No. 2652
A(ORR--W
GREEMENT LIVE OAD IGHTOFAY
approving and authorizing the execution of
A)
CQUISITION AND AUTHORIZED A BUDGET FOR
an Addendum to the Master Agency
$750,000
THE ACQUISITIONS NOT TO EXCEED
Agreement (Olive Road Right-of-Way
Acquisition) and authorized a budget for the
acquisitions not to exceed $750,000.
(3) Resolution No. 2653 approving and
authorizing the execution of an Addendum
to the Master Agency Agreement (Tax
Sale Certificate Purchases)
Mr. Inks noted that Resolution No. 2653 has
been amended to include the properties from
Resolution No. 2654 on the agenda as Item
6.B.(4). Resolution No. 2653 addressed
properties that were not currently on the
Development Plan’s Acquisition Lit.
Resolution No. 2654 addressed properties
that were already on the Acquisition List.
Resolution No. 2653 now contains all the tax
sale properties. Item 6.B.(4) will be
withdrawn.
Mr. Relos noted that on January 15, 2010,
the Commission authorized staff to begin the
statutory process of adding parcels to the
Airport Economic Development Area.
During this process, staff has discovered 24
14
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
parcels within this area that are listed for bid
at the County Commissioner’s tax sale. In
addition to these 24 parcels, there is also one
parcel in the South Bend Central
Development Area staff feels would be
important to acquire for future parking needs,
and to facilitate future development
opportunities in its block.
Staff believes buying these parcels from the
tax sale will be much cheaper than through
the normal acquisition process at a later date.
Since these properties are not yet on the
acquisition list, staff is asking for an
addendum to the Master Agency Agreement
between the Commission and the Board of
Public Works, to allow the Board of Public
Works to purchase the parcels on the
Commission’s behalf. The Commission
would then purchase these properties from
the Board of Public Works once the
Development Plan is amended to allow for
their acquisition. Staff is currently
researching funding sources for these
purchases, and this agreement would move
forward only if funding is secured.
Staff requests approval of Resolution
No. 2653, to allow the Board of Works to
register and bid on these properties, with a
not to exceed total cost of $250,000.
CRN.2653
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by
OMMISSION APPROVED ESOLUTION O
,
AS AMENDED APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING
Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the
A
THE EXECUTION OF AN DDENDUM TO THE
Commission approved Resolution No. 2653
MAA(TS
ASTER GENCY GREEMENTFORAX ALE
as amended, approving and authorizing the
CP
ERTIFICATE URCHASES
execution of an Addendum to the Master
Agency Agreement forTax Sale Certificate
Purchases
(4) Resolution No. 2654 related to acquisition
15
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
of property. (1325 S. Michigan, 1520 S.
Taylor, 505 W. Indiana, 1117-1119 Ford
and vacant lot on Ford)
IN.6.B.(4)
Item No. 6.B.(4) was withdrawn.
TEM O WAS WITHDRAWN
(5) Resolution No. 2656 approving and
authorizing the execution of an Addendum
to the Master Agency Agreement (South
Bend Animal Shelter Project)
Ms. Catherine Toppel, Director of Code
Enforcement, gave the staff report. Animal
Control was created in 1996 under the
direction of Code Enforcement and has
recently been located at the old fire station on
Olive Street in very cramped quarters. Code
Enforcement would like to construct a $1.5
million state of the art animal shelter at 521
Eclipse Place. The Eclipse site is currently
being used by Code Enforcement for storage
of its large equipment and as headquarters for
its crew.
The new animal shelter would include rehab
of the existing building at 521 Eclipse and
new construction of seventeen kennels. With
the city’s shortage of funds for its budget, it
did has not been able to fund the shelter. The
Community Animal Rescue Effort (CARE)
has held many fund raising events, but has
not been able to raise enough either. Code
Enforcement is asking the Redevelopment
Commission to consider funding the shelter
with TIF funds.
Ms. Toppel noted that the Olive Street
location and the Eclipse location are both in
the Airport Economic Development Area.
More importantly, Eclipse Place is on the
corridor to LaSalle Square. It is a flat roofed
facility with a surface parking lot which is in
16
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
disrepair along the newly constructed Bendix
Avenue. The plan is to remove the asphalt
parking and return it to park land. Rehab of
this facility will greatly improve the corridor
to LaSalle Square.
Mr. Gary Libby, Director of Animal Control,
explained the mission of Animal Control. It
is opened 365 days of the year, 24 hours a
day. They serve citizens with both domestic
or wildlife problems. In 2009 they had 4,558
calls for service; 712 of those were after
hours. They take in stray and unwanted
animals, try to re-house those animals. They
return lost pets to their owners. They
sponsor the Neuter Scooter servicing over
500 families, neutering over 1,000 animals.
Mr. Libby noted that Animal Control’s
current shelter is too small, land locked, is
right next to an active railroad track, and its
two story layout is not accessible to
handicapped people or the elderly. The one
hundred year old building is structurally
deteriorating and is outdated for its use as an
animal shelter.
Two years ago Mr. Libby looked for an
architect to design a new animal shelter. Fort
Wayne had just constructed a new shelter and
recommended Tom Farney of Grinsfelder
Associates. Mr. Farney has been working
with South Bend Animal Control on the
design of a new facility.
Mr. Farney has become skilled in planning
animal shelters. Animal shelters are very
specialized. If their specialized needs are not
addressed up front, it becomes very difficult
to make the changes later. Animal shelters
are very high maintenance. The correct
construction can minimize the staff time
17
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
needed for that. Animals that are sick need
to be quarantined. HVAC air circulation
needs to address that. Safety issues for staff,
the public and the animals all need to be
addressed.
Mr. Farney said that the new facility will be
9,400 sq. ft. 5,200 sq. ft. is in the existing T-
shaped building and 4,200 sq. ft of new runs
will be added to it. The renovated building
and new portions will save dramatically on
heating costs.
Mr. Downes noted the high cost per square
foot. He asked if it is comparable to the cost
for Fort Wayne. Mr. Farney said that it is.
Mr. Downes asked if the project will be put
out for bid. Ms. Toppel responded that it will
be bid by the Board of Public Works.
Mr. Downes asked about the future of the
current facility on Olive St. Ms. Toppel said
it hasn’t been decided, but they will use it for
storage for the time being.
Mr. Downes wondered if the Commission
will be asked to acquire and rehab the Olive
Street facility at some time in the future. Mr.
Gibney responded that the building belongs
to the Park Department. He does not believe
the Commission would have further
responsibility for it.
Ms. Spivey asked if the Olive St. building is
on the Federal Registry. Mr. Gibney did not
think so. It might be a local landmark.
Ms. King asked if the cost of the project if
the existing Eclipse Place building was razed.
Were the costs of each method compared?
Mr. Farney said it would not be cheaper to
18
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
construct an all new building. Renovation is
the less costly option here.
Ms. King said she is not questioning the need
for a new building. She asked how the
additional ongoing budget costs will be
covered in a building three times the size of
the current one. Ms. Toppel responded that
they expect the operational costs to be about
the same. Staff time will go further with the
efficiencies built into the new facility. The
energy savings will cover other costs. There
may be shifting of funds from one budget
line to another.
Ms. King asked if this building is the wished-
for option, or the realistic option. Ms.
Toppel responded that the wished-for option
was a $2.3 million facility.
Ms. Jones asked if the money for the animal
shelter was in the Commission’s TIF budget.
Mr. Inks responded that it was.
Ms. Spivey asked if the increased efficiency
of utilities will offset the other costs. Ms.
Toppel said the operating costs at the current
facility are $30,000 per year. Based on the
average range provided at the Department of
Energy Web site, the new building’s utility
costs will be about $14,000 per year.
Mr. Downes asked if staff is confident this is
a legitimate use of TIF funds. Mr. Leone
responded that counsel has taken a good look
at the law and this is a legitimate use of TIF
funds. Mr. Inks also responded, saying that
Animal Control is a public facility in a TIF
area. It also serves the TIF area. Staff is
confident it meets the requirements of the
law.
19
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
Mr. Varner commented that his first
preference would have been for the city to
find some sort of accommodation with the
Humane Society. But, it’s been fourteen
years since South Bend split from the
Humane Society, and that’s not going to
happen. It is important to have a facility that
is humane and provides the necessary
services.
Mr. Varner voiced a concern expressed by
Councilman Henry Davis: that at some point
the investment of $1.5 million may be
considered part of the investment committed
to LaSalle Square. Mr. Gibney said he
understands that this investment does not
decrease the city’s commitment to LaSalle
Square. However, the Eclipse Place site is
three blocks from LaSalle Square, is very
blighted, and its renovation will benefit
LaSalle Square.
CRN.2656
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by
OMMISSION APPROVED ESOLUTION O
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION
Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the
AMA
OF AN DDENDUM TO THE ASTER GENCY
Commission approved Resolution No. 2656
A(SBAS
GREEMENT OUTH END NIMAL HELTER
approving and authorizing the execution of
P)
ROJECT
an Addendum to the Master Agency
Agreement (South Bend Animal Shelter
Project)
(6) Interlocal Agreement with the South Bend
Parks Board and the South Bend Board of
Public Works (Animal Shelter Project)
CI
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by
OMMISSION APPROVED THE NTERLOCAL
ASBP
GREEMENT WITH THE OUTH END ARKS
Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the
BSBB
OARD AND THE OUTH END OARD OF
Commission approved the Interlocal
PW(ASP)
UBLIC ORKS NIMAL HELTER ROJECT
Agreement with the South Bend Parks Board
and the South Bend Board of Public Works
(Animal Shelter Project)
(7) Staff report on acquisition of property
20
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
(Habitat Restore, 412 E. Sample Street)
Mr. Relos noted that on January 15, 2010, the
Commission accepted the Habitat for
Humanity counter offer of $345,000 for its
property located at 412 E. Sample Street,
contingent on getting an outside appraisal on
the new location, (the old Kroger store and
parking lot at the corner of Main and Ewing)
that is close to the value being paid for the
Sample Street property.
Habitat employed Richard McCloskey, a
licensed MAI appraiser used routinely by
staff to do commercial appraisals. Because
both appraisals totaled nearly 100 pages,
attached is the value page from both
appraisals. The combined appraised value
for both parcels is $328,000, which
calculates to a 5% difference between the
appraised value and the counter offer price.
Because of the close proximity between the
appraised value and the counter offer price,
staff requests approval to move forward with
the acquisition of the Habitat property at 412
E. Sample Street
Ms. Jones thanked the staff for spending the
extra time to satisfy the Commission’s
questions about the acquisition and relocation
process. They learned a lot and will be more
confident in future negotiations.
C
Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by
OMMISSION AGREED THAT THE COUNTER
OFFER WAS REASONABLE AND DIRECTED STAFF
Mr. Downes and unanimously carried the
TO MOVE FORWARD WITH ACQUISITION OF THE
Commission agreed that the counter offer
H312E.SS
ABITAT PROPERTY AT AMPLE TREET
was reasonable and directed staff to move
forward with acquisition of the Habitat
property at 312 E. Sample Street.
E. West Washington-Chapin Development Area
21
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
There was no business in the West Washington-
Chapin Development Area.
F. South Side Development Area
There was no business in the South Side
Development Area.
G. Northeast Neighborhood Development Area
There was no business in the Northeast
Neighborhood Development Area.
H. Douglas Road Economic Development Area
There was no business in the Douglas Road
Economic Development Area.
I. Ratification of Services Contracts
7. PROGRESS REPORTS
PR
There was no report.
ROGRESS EPORTS
8. NEXT COMMISSION MEETING
NCM
The next meeting of the Redevelopment Commission is
EXT OMMISSION EETING
scheduled for Friday, March 5, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
9. ADJOURNMENT
A
There being no further business to come before the
DJOURNMENT
Redevelopment Commission, the meeting was
adjourned at 11:17 a.m.
Donald E. Inks, Director
22
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting –February 19, 2010
23