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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2. Minutes 10/1/10 meetingSOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING October 1, 2010 10:00 a.m. Presiding: Marcia I. Jones, President 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Legal Counsel: 227 West Jefferson Boulevard South Bend, Indiana Ms. Marcia Jones, President Dr. David Varner, Vice President Ms. Nancy King, Secretary Mr. Greg Downes Mr. Donald Alford Ms. Stephanie Spivey Mr. Charles S. Leone, Esq. Mr. Lawrence Meteiver, Esq. Redevelopment Staff: Mr. Don Inks, Director Mrs. Cheryl Phipps, Recording Secretary Mr. Robert Mathia, Economic Development Specialist Mr. David Relos, Economic Development Specialist Ms. Debrah Jennings, Property Manager Others Present: Mr. Tom Price, Mayor's Office Ms. Elizabeth Leonard Ms. Rita Kopala Ms. Katrina Marquardt Ms. Geri Hathaway Mr. Markus Krusche Mr. Shawn Todd, CB Richard Ellis 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Friday, September 17, 2010. Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. COMMISSION APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE Downes and unanimously carried, the Commission REGULAR MEETING OF FRIDAY, approved the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of SEPTEMBER 17, 2010 Friday, September 17, 2010. South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 3. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Redevelopment Commission Claims submitted October 1, 2010 for approval. 305 FUND SBCDA BOND Paul Fujawa Engineers, Inc. 21,000.00 SB St. Jos. & Wayne P.G. Fagade 324 AIRPORT AEDA Jack & Sandy Kendall 2,700.00 Relocation 809 -813 W Indiana Ave Meridian Title 19,026.00 809 -813 W Indiana Circle Lumber, Inc 25.38 1509 S Kendall Appraisal Fee Jack & Sandy Kendall 3,000.00 Relocation 809 -813 W Indiana Ave Innovation Park 630.00 Office Space Rental Witt Appraisal Services, Inc 550.00 1503 -1505 Kemble Ave Michaels Appraisal Service 350.00 509 W Indiana Ave Michaels Appraisal Service 350.00 601 W Indiana Ave Michaels Appraisal Service 650.00 1503 -1505 S Kemble Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP 652.07 Legal Services R.E. McCloskey & Associates, Inc. 2,500.00 921 Bendix Dr. Indiana Michigan Power 7.00 501 Wenger St. Nipsco 6.49 1313 Prairie Witt Appraisal Services, Inc 350.00 601 W. Indiana Ave The Blue Waters Groups, Inc. 28,101.67 Ignition Park Indiana Michigan Power 69.56 1313 Prairie Witt Appraisal Services, Inc. 350.00 509 W. Indiana Ave Wiltfong Moving & Storage Thomas E Owens From 53176 Olive Rd to 3,985.35 5714 Bayswater PI Meridian Title Corporation 250.00 Indiana Ave Witt Appraisal Services, Inc. 375.00 909 W Indiana Witt Appraisal Services, Inc. Appraisal for (2)Catapla, (2)lndian, 3,000.00 (1)Kemble, (2)Scott, (2)Chapin DHA 24,235.00 Mayflower Rd Realignment Ken Herceg & Associates, Inc. 9,800.00 Sheridan Ave & Lincoln Way West Design Hull & Associates, Inc 46,702.41 Olive Industrial Pk Phase II Hull & Associates, Inc 10,416.19 Former South Bend Lathe & Huckins Site South Bend Water Works 79.11 1313 Prairie Ave ADG 4,860.00 Hall of Fame reuse ADG 4,200.00 Century Center Island Park New Pavilion Michaels Appraisal Service 350.00 Relocation 521 W Indiana Ave Tuck Langland 45,000.00 Oliver Industrial Pk sculpture FA South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 3. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS (CONT.) 420 FUND TIF DISTRICT- SBCDA'GENERAL Indiana Michigan Power 181.77 Wightman Petrie 168.75 Rose Pest Solutions 96.00 DHA 3,880.00 CB Richard Ellis 1,043.40 Wightman Petrie 9,135.00 Wightman Petrie 270.00 Ampco System Parking 2,150.16 American Electric Power 2,689.71 Populous 2,634.89 237 N Michigan St Coveleski Stadium restroom renovations Pest Control LaSalle Hotel SW Corner Jefferson & Main LaSalle Hotel Management Coveleski Stadium Improvements Gates Toyota architectural review St. Joseph St Surface / 225 Main St. Stanley Covelesk Stadium Phase 1 (A) 426 FUND SOUTH BEND CENTRAL MEDICAL DISTRICT Carl Walker 4,885.67 Memorial Hospital Bartlett Fagade 430 FUND SOUTHSIDE DEVELOPMENT TIF AREA #A Lawson Fisher Assoc. 773.55 S Michigan at Norman St access study Lawson Fisher Assoc. 2,898.68 S Main St./ Lafayette Blvd Connector $ 264,378.81 Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Ms. King COMMISSION APPROVED THE CLAIMS and unanimously carried, the Commission approved the SUBMITTED OCTOBER 1, 2010, AND ORDERED Claims submitted October 1, 2010, and ordered checks THE CHECKS TO BE RELEASED to be released. 4. COMMUNICATIONS There were no Communications. -5. OLD BUSINESS THERE WERE NO COMMUNICATIONS A. South Bend Central Development Area (1) Lease with Bruno Cataldo for 131 S. Michigan St. ( Bruno's Pizza) Ms. Jennings noted that the terms of the Lease are that Bruno's Pizza will lease 131 S. Michigan for three years, following two 3 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 5. OLD BUSINESS (CONT.) A. South Bend Central Development Area (1) continued... months of rent abatement. The terms of the lease are $1,200 per month for the first year, including CAM, $1,300 per month the second year and $1,400 per month the third year. The lease contains an option to renew for an additional three years. Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by COMMISSION APPROVED THE LEASE WITH Mr. Downes and unanimously carried, the BRUNO CATALDO FOR 131 S. MICHIGAN ST. Commission approved the Lease with Bruno (BRUNO S PIZZA) Cataldo for 131 S. Michigan St. (Bruno's Pizza) 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Public Hearing (1) Public Hearing on Resolution No. 2760 appropriating monies from the Redevelopment General Fund (Fund 433) for the purpose of paying for certain expenses incurred by the Redevelopment Commission. Mr. Inks noted that the public hearing file is complete, containing a copy of the Notice of Hearing; a copy of Resolution No. 2760, the subject of the public hearing; an affidavit from Jacki Krolczyk, Advertising Director of the South Bend Tribune, that the Notice of Hearing was published in that newspaper on September 10, 2010; and an affidavit from Richard Andrysiak, Classified Manager of the Tri- County News, that the Notice of Hearing was published in that newspaper on September 10, 2010. 0 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) A. Public Hearing (1) continued... Ms. Leonard noted that Resolution No. 2760 will appropriate an additional $15,000 for legal expenses from the Redevelopment General Fund. When the Commission uses outside attorneys we pay for their services from TIF funds when possible, but if the services are related to a TIF area that does not have funds available, or are not related to a specific TIF area, payment is made from the Redevelopment General Fund. This year that fund has been tapped more often and depleted. This appropriation will resupply the fund. Ms. Jones opened the public hearing for whoever wished to speak regarding Resolution No. 2760. There was no one who wished to speak. Ms. Jones closed the public hearing for whatever action the Commission wished to take. (2) Approval of Resolution No. 2760. Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. Downes and unanimously carried, the Commission approved Resolution No. 2760 appropriating monies from the Redevelopment General Fund (Fund 433) for the purpose of paying for certain expenses incurred by the Redevelopment Commission. B. Tax Abatements (1) Resolution No. 2776 approving an application for real property tax deduction for property located at 926 North St. Peter PUBLIC HEARING ON RESOLUTION No. 2760 COMMISSION APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 2760 APPROPRIATING MONIES FROM THE REDEVELOPMENT GENERAL FUND (FUND 433) FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING FOR CERTAIN EXPENSES INCURRED BY THE REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) B. Tax Abatement (1) continued... Street in the Northeast Neighborhood Development Area. Mr. Mathia gave the staff report on the abatement request. Markus and Krupali Krusche intend to construct an approximately 2,400 square foot, single - family home as their primary residence. The home will have two stories with a brick exterior. It will have three bedrooms, two and one -half bathrooms, a great room, a study, a dining room, a small backyard patio and an unfinished basement. The project is part of the Notre Dame Avenue Housing Program and as such will follow the design specifications and standards required by that program. The cost of the home will be approximately $450,000. Based on that project cost, total taxes to be abated during the five -year abatement period are estimated at $1,893. Total taxes to be paid during the five -year abatement period are estimated at $23,367. Mr. Mathia noted that the property is properly zoned for the proposed use. The property is located in the Northeast Neighborhood Development Area, which is a Tax Increment Allocation Area; therefore, approval of the tax abatement petition by the South Bend Redevelopment Commission is required. In addition, it must be noted that the property is not located within the Northeast Neighborhood's residential TIF area. The project qualifies for five years of real property tax deduction under the tax abatement ordinance. no South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) B. Tax Abatement (1) continued... Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr. Alford and unanimously carried, the Commission approved Resolution No. 2776 approving an application for real property tax deduction for property located at 926 North St. Peter Street in the Northeast Neighborhood Development Area. C. South Bend Central Development Area (1) Amendment to Listing Agreement with CB Richard Ellis (Hotel LaSalle and vacant lot at Colfax and Hill St) Mr. Relos noted that this is an amendment to an existing Listing Agreement with CB Richard Ellis for marketing of the Hotel LaSalle and the vacant lot at Colfax and Hill St. This amendment extends the agreement for one year and clarifies one paragraph that talks about the broker commission payment. If we sell the property for a minimal amount, such as one dollar, CBRE will receive a commission based on the asking price. Mr. Relos noted that since the properties were listed with CBRE, we have had four very strong developers from across the country look at the LaSalle Hotel. We continue to work with two of them. Mr. Varner asked if there has been interest in the Colfax /Hill property. Mr. Relos responded that he is not as familiar with that. Mr. Kain of Downtown South Bend is project manager for the East Bank Plan. St. Joseph Catholic Church is interested in it, but 7 COMMISSION APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 2776 APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR REAL PROPERTY TAX DEDUCTION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 926 NORTH ST. PETER STREET IN THE NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT AREA South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) C. South Bend Central Development Area (1) continued... we are so far unwilling to sell it to them for parking. We are letting them use it until a development comes forward for the site. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission approved the Amendment to Listing Agreement with CB Richard Ellis (Hotel LaSalle and vacant lot at Colfax and Hill St) D. Airport Economic Development Area (1) Update on Ignition Park Planned Use Development (PUD) Ms. Hathaway gave the update on the Ignition Park Planned Use Development (PUD). Staff requests a change to the zoning at Ignition Park and a very small, adjacent piece of property to take it from General Industrial zoning to a Planned Unit Development in order to strengthen the performance standards in that area. Ms. Hathaway distributed a map showing the outline of the PUD area which is bounded by Sample, Prairie, Cotter, Kendall, the railroad tracks, and an irregular boundary west and north of the new Transpo site, Franklin St. and Lafayette. The area between Sample and Indiana, Main and Lafayette is an area the city will keep an eye on as property changes hands, but does not now intend to purchase. The residential area between the railroad and Indiana is being acquired by the city as a buffer on the south side of Ignition Park. COMMISSION APPROVED THE AMENDMENT TO LISTING AGREEMENT WITH CB RICHARD ELLIS (HOTEL LASALLE AND VACANT LOT AT COLFAX AND HILL ST) UPDATE ON IGNITION PARK PLANNED USE DEVELOPMENT (PUD) South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (1) continued... Ms. Hathaway noted that designating a PUD for Ignition Park is one of many steps the city will take to ensure Ignition Park develops as intended, a Certified Technology Park that can attract business tenants. As businesses consider location in Ignition Park they will consider certain things: strict performance standards and governance and oversight by an architectural review board. Ms. Hathaway said the city does not yet have a land plan or architectural concept for the park. Therefore, the PUD was written with flexible language. A later amendment to the PUD will make it more specific. More importantly, the PUD justifies further requests to restrict vibration and electromagnetic forces. She said we have a wonderful asset in Ignition Park that proves that we can accommodate high level nanotechnology research and manufacturing. We don't want that compromised. She asked for approval of Resolution No. 2778. Mr. Inks noted that the Area Plan Commission has offered to file for the PUD. Staff has accepted its offer. Mr. Inks also noted that staff has acquired the former International Harvester and Hamilton Towing and Airgas along Lafayette Blvd. South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (2) Resolution No. 2778 supporting a PUD for Ignition Park. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Ms. King and unanimously carried, the Commission approved Resolution No. 2778 authorizing a change to the zoning of certain real estate located in St. Joseph County, Indiana. (3) Administrative Settlement for acquisition of 521 W. Indiana Ave. Mr. Relos noted that On September 17, 2010, the Commission approved Resolution No. 2761, which authorized the purchase of 521 W. Indiana based on the average appraised value of $43,500. Staff has been working with the property owner, within the acquisition and relocation sections of the Act, to reasonably reach an agreement to acquire this property. These property owners are in their 70's, and over the many years they have owned this property, they have fixed it up to the point where nothing else needs to be done. They have found a smaller house that has recently been completely remodeled and is move -in ready. To acquire this house, they may need an additional $5,100. Between the couple's own money and the Commission's acquisition and relocation benefits, this $5,100 would allow them to make an offer on the house for $15,000 less than it is currently listed for. If the offer is accepted by the 10 COMMISSION APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 2778 AUTHORIZING A CHANGE TO THE ZONING OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE LOCATED IN ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA. South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (3) continued... seller, then this Administrative Settlement would be paid. If not accepted, it would only be used in a similar situation. When appraised, the higher of the two appraisals valued this house at $48,000. Staff feels the total acquisition cost of $48,600 is reasonable for this property, and requests your approval of the Administrative Settlement to allow the acquisition of this property. Ms. Jones asked if Mr. Relos wanted the Commission to authorize $10,000 in case the owner of the newer home countered. Mr. Relos responded that staff and the owners of 807 W. Indiana believe the new home is over priced. An appraisal confirms that. They are willing to walk away from the purchase if their counter offer isn't accepted. Commissioners felt concern for the owners and wanted to enable them to purchase the new home even if its owner countered. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission approved a $10,100 Administrative Settlement for acquisition of 521 W. Indiana Ave. (4) Additional Administrative Settlement for acquisition of 807 W. Indiana Ave. Mr. Relos noted that an additional Administrative Settlement is needed for the 11 COMMISSION APPROVED A $10,100 ADMINISTRATIVE SETTLEMENT FOR ACQUISITION OF 521 W. INDIANA AVE. South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (4) continued... acquisition of 807 W. Indiana Avenue. On August 6, 2010, the Commission approved Resolution No. 2741 and an Administrative Settlement for this property. This Settlement appeared to be adequate for the relocation of the private club that occupies 807 W. Indiana. Because city ordinance allows private clubs to locate only in Local Business or Mixed Use zoned areas, this limits where the club can relocate. Additionally, private clubs need a special exception to locate in these two zoned areas. The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) approved a favorable recommendation to the City Council for the approval of the special exception. As part of their approval, the BZA attached two recommendations, which were incorporated into the special exception and approved by the City Council this past Monday, September 27. These two recommendations, which are now requirements, are to plant arborvitae as a buffer along the alley and install an 800 square foot hard surface off street parking lot. These additional requirements are causing the club to incur additional costs over and above what they were expecting. Based on the attached quote received by staff, the Commission cost for the now required parking lot would be $3,200. Staff requests a total additional payment of $3,500, to also pay for the purchase and planting of 12 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (4) continued... the arborvitae. Staff feels that since the city has required the club to install this parking lot and buffer landscaping, it is only fair to pay for this additional requirement, and requests Commission approval of the additional administrative settlement to allow for the acquisition of this property, and the relocation of the club. Mr. Varner commented how polite and cooperative members of the Hells Angels were at the Council meeting. Everyone was impressed. Neighbors also said they felt safer in their neighborhood with Hells Angels present. He wanted to compliment them on their behavior and reputation. Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. Downes and unanimously carried, the Commission approved an Additional $3,500 Administrative Settlement for acquisition of 807 W. Indiana Ave. (5) Resolution No. 2777 approving and accepting a counter offer for the acquisition of property in the Airport Economic Development Area (1508 S. Scott) Mr. Relos noted that on August 6, 2010, the Commission approved Resolution No. 2745 which set the offering price for this property at $26,750, the average value as determined by two independent appraisals. After much 13 COMMISSION APPROVED AN ADDITIONAL $3,500 ADMINISTRATIVE SETTLEMENT FOR ACQUISITION OF 807 W. INDIANA AVE. South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (5) continued... discussion with the owners, they have made a counter in the amount of $27,500. This value equals the higher of the two appraisals. The property is a two story, three bedroom, 1,280 square foot single family rental property, which is currently vacant. Staff feels this counter offer is a reasonable value for the property. Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission approved Resolution No. 2777 approving and accepting a counter offer for the acquisition of property in the Airport Economic Development Area (1508 S. Scott) (6) Approval to file a sign variance for Entry Signage for Oliver Industrial Park. Mr. Relos explained items 6.D.(6), (7) and (8) together. He noted that as part of the master planning and site improvements proposed for Oliver Industrial Park, it has been determined that a sign variance will be required to allow for dual entry signage at the main entrance at Oliver Plow Court and Chapin Street. The plans, as proposed and which is currently out for bid, details one sign on each corner of the intersection. The current zoning ordinance would only allow for a single park entry sign for the industrial park based on spacing requirements. To facilitate the zoning application, staff requested a proposal from Danch, Hamer and Associates, the project design team for this 14 COMMISSION APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 2777 APPROVING AND ACCEPTING A COUNTER OFFER FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY IN THE AIRPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AREA (1508 S. SCOTT) South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (6) continued... project, to provide professional services related to the application for a sign variance for new proposed signage at the park entrance. The proposal is in the amount of $2,585.00. The next filing deadline is October 12 for a November 9 meeting. To move this variance request project forward, staff is requesting three related approvals. First, staff requests Commission approval to file for the signage variance at the Oliver Plow site. By filing for the variance, the plan can be implemented as proposed and the tenants of the park will have appropriate signage opportunity to advertise their business locations. By planning for the signage at the park entrance, all tenants will be given opportunity to have signage at the intersection, even when their business might be located well into the park like the location of Underground Pipe & Valve. Second, staff requests approval of the professional services proposal with Danch, Harper and Associates in the amount of $2,585.00 to provide related services needed for the application of the variance. Third, staff requests Commission approval authorizing Donald E. Inks the authority to sign all applications and forms related to filing the variance request. Mr. Varner asked whether an Oliver employee group was still being kept 15 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (6) continued... informed. Mr. Relos said that they were. Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. Downes and unanimously carried, the Commission approved signing of a sign variance for Entry Signage for Oliver Industrial Park. (7) Proposal for professional services related to application for sign variance for entry signage for Oliver Industrial Park. Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. Downes and unanimously carried, the Commission approved the Proposal from Danch Hamer Associates related to application for sign variance for entry, signage for Oliver Industrial Park. (8) Authorization for Redevelopment Director to sign documents related to sign variance for Oliver Industrial Park. Upon .a motion by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. Downes and unanimously carried, the Commission authorized the Redevelopment Director to sign documents related to sign variance for Oliver Industrial Park. (9) Request from LaSalle Square Unity Gardens to use Commission owned property. Mr. Inks noted that Unity Garden continues to expand and do well in South Bend. The largest garden is at LaSalle Square. Unity COMMISSION APPROVED SIGNING OF A SIGN VARIANCE FOR ENTRY SIGNAGE FOR OLIVER INDUSTRIAL PARK COMMISSION APPROVED THE PROPOSAL FROM RANCH HARNER ASSOCIATES RELATED TO APPLICATION FOR SIGN VARIANCE FOR ENTRY SIGNAGE FOR OLIVER INDUSTRIAL PARK COMMISSION AUTHORIZED THE REDEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO SIGN DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SIGN VARIANCE FOR OLIVER INDUSTRIAL PARK South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (9) continued... Garden would like to expand its program at LaSalle Square by adding walking paths, a small 10 ft by 12 ft greenhouse and a shaded shelter 16 ft by 16 ft with picnic tables. The greenhouse and shelter will not be attached to foundations, so they can be more easily moved to another site if necessary. Additionally, Unity Gardens would like to plant fruit trees to the east of the current garden and add community plots in this eastern area. Most of these improvements are being paid for by a $5,000 grant from Neighborhood Resources Corporation. Expanding the garden to the east will mean another water spigot (or tap) will be necessary. Unity Garden is requesting the Commission pay for the water extension, similar to the original tap and spigot provided when the garden was initially developed in 2009. The cost is expected to not exceed $3,000. Staff recommends approval. Mr. Inks noted that they have stressed to Unity Garden that the garden is not the long term plan for LaSalle Square and that it will have to move if and when a larger development comes forward. Mr. Downes said he would like to send a letter to Unity Garden making that clear and offering, in that event, to help them find another location in the area. Mr. Inks indicated he would draft such a letter and see that it was sent. Mr. Inks noted that the nearby Beacon Heights subsidized housing has remained fairly isolated. It has, however, become 17 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) D. Airport Economic Development Area (9) continued... more involved with the community as a result of Unity Gardens' presence. Ms. Spivey asked if the walking path would be concrete and, thereby, fairly permanent. Mr. Inks responded that it would not be concrete, but made of wood chips. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission approved the request from LaSalle Square Unity Garden to use Commission owned property adjacent to the current Unity Garden at LaSalle Square and authorized spending of $3,000 for extension of water to the site. E. West Washington- Chapin Development Area 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. In COMMISSION APPROVED THE REQUEST FROM LASALLE SQUARE UNITY GARDENS TO USE COMMISSION OWNED PROPERTY ADJACENT TO THE CURRENT UNITY GARDENS AT LASALLE SQUARE AND AUTHORIZED SPENDING OF $3,000 FOR EXTENSION OF WATER TO THE SITE. South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting— October 1, 2010 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) I. Ratification of Services Contracts Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission ratified the professional services contracts approved by staff since September 17, 2010. 7. PROGRESS REPORTS Mr. Varner noted that the Tribune said the sign which contained the misspelled word at S.R. 23 and Ironwood was paid for from TIF funds. He noted that staff repeatedly claims that the use of TIF funds is limited to infrastructure, but he thought there must be broader uses if they can fund such a sign. He suggested staff acknowledge that there are ways to use TIF funds for 19 COMMISSION RATIFIED THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS APPROVED BY STAFF SINCE SEPTEMBER 17, 2010 PROGRESS REPORTS Commission Role in Service Contract Staff Transaction Contractor Provided Amount Member 1534 Prairie Ave Acquisition Meridian Title Work $100 Relos Title Corp. 627 W. Indiana Acquisition Meridian Title Work $100 Relos Title Corp. 1522 S. Catalpa Acquisition Meridian Title Work $50 Relos Title Corp. 1518 S. Catalpa Acquisition Meridian Title Work $50 Relos Title Corp. 1502 S. Catalpa Acquisition Meridian Title Work $50 Relos Title Corp. 627 W. Indiana Ave. Acquisition David M. Appraisal $350 Relos Witt 627 W. Indiana Ave. Acquisition Michaels Appraisal $350 Relos Appraisal 1502 & 1518 S. Catalpa Acquisition David M. Appraisal $700 Relos Witt 1502 S. Catalpa Acquisition Michaels Appraisal $350 Relos Appraisal 1518 S. Catalpa Acquisition Michaels Appraisal $350 Relos Appraisal Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission ratified the professional services contracts approved by staff since September 17, 2010. 7. PROGRESS REPORTS Mr. Varner noted that the Tribune said the sign which contained the misspelled word at S.R. 23 and Ironwood was paid for from TIF funds. He noted that staff repeatedly claims that the use of TIF funds is limited to infrastructure, but he thought there must be broader uses if they can fund such a sign. He suggested staff acknowledge that there are ways to use TIF funds for 19 COMMISSION RATIFIED THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS APPROVED BY STAFF SINCE SEPTEMBER 17, 2010 PROGRESS REPORTS South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting — October 1, 2010 7. PROGRESS REPORTS (CONT.) other things. Ms. Jones responded that the Commission hired Blue Waters Group with TIF funds to market South Bend. She felt the billboard was an appropriate use of TIF funds. Mr. Varner felt there has been some discretionary interpretation of the use of TIF funds, other than for infrastructure, and we should acknowledge that. Mr. Downes noted that the Council will be considering a new Tax Abatement Ordinance at its October 11 meeting. Mr. Inks said he would distribute copies of the proposed ordinance to the Commissioners. 8. NEXT COMMISSION MEETING The next meeting of the Redevelopment Commission is NEXT COMMISSION MEETING scheduled for Friday, October 15, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. 9. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the ADJOURNMENT Redevelopment Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:47 a.m. Donald E. Inks, Director 20