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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-06 Community & Economic CommitteeCommunity and Economic Commitkee Meeting 2448 South Bend Gom~non Council The September 11, 2006 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly, at 3:55 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Varner, Kuspa, White, Rouse, Kelly, and Puzzello; Citizen Member Martin Wolfson, Community and Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, Crystal McCain, Martha Lewis, City Clerk John Voorde, Tom Skarbek, Bernie Feeney, Bill Schalliol, Building Commissioner Don Fozo, Timonty A. Baker, Brian Culp, Mrs. Kopala, Beth Leonard, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Kelly noted that the Committee members include Council Members: Puzzello, Kirsits, Kuspa and himself; and Professor Martin Wolfson as the citizen member. Bill No. 06-93 Eight {8) Year Real Property Tax Abatement Request for 1.05 North Niles Avenue: Council Member Kelly called for a report from the Department of Communi#y and Economic Development on Bill No. 06-93 which is a request for an 8-year real property tax abatement for the property located at 105 North Niles Avenue filed by NileslVllashingtan LP flblo AM General. Bill Schalliol of the Department of Community and Economic Development reviewed the August 31, 2006 multi-page report (copy attached) which concluded that the petitioner meets the qualifications for an 8-year real property tax abatement under South Bend Municipal Code § 2-78.1 addressing "Office Developments Within the East Bank Development Area and Tax Abatement Impact Areas". He noted that the location is the site of the AM General corporate headquarters who plan to construct a 17,5000 square foot addition and upgrade the existing 35,000 square foot building. The estimated cost for the addition is $2,090,000 and for the upgrade of an additional $500,000. Eleven (11) foil-time jobs are projected to be created and 104 existing full-time jobs will be retained. Timothy A. Baker, Executive Vice-President of Holladay Properties with offices located at 227 South Main Street, Suite 300, in downtown South Bend made the formal presentation. He noted that they currently pay $90,000 per year in real estate taxes and the similar amount in personal property taxes. AM General has agreed to a lease extension for the location for an additional fifteen (15) years. He sees this as a significant commitment to our community. September 11, 2008 Community and Economic Development Committee Page 2 Brian Culp, Corporation Controller for AM General added that they have been growing and need to expand. In response to a questions from Professor Wolfson and Council Member Pfeifer, the petitioners noted that Holladay Properties owns the property and AM General is the lease balder. AM General has asked that union jabs be used on the project and Holladay has a track record of utilizing 80-95% union labor on its projects. Council Member Puzzello made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 06-93 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Bill No. 06-94 Five 5 Year Residential Real Pro a Tax Abatement: Council Member Kelly called for a report from the Department of Community and Economic Development on Bill No. 06-94 which is a request for afive-year residential real property tax abatement for the properties located at 1730, 1738, 1746, 1810, 18"18, 1826, 1834, 1833, 1823, '1815, 1807, 1749 Alfton Court and 6125 South Bridgeton Drive filed by ROJO Development, Inc. (Norawood Manor}. Bill Schalliol of the Department of Community and Economic Development reviewed the August 31, 2006 multi-page report (copy attached} which concluded that the petitioner meets the qualifications far an 8-year real property tax abatement under South Bend Municipal Code § 2-77.1 addressing "Single Family Residential Construction". J. Bernard 1=eeney of Lang, Feeney & Associates, Inc. with offices located at 715 South Michigan Street in downtown South Bend made the formal presentation. He Hated that Jack Hickey of ROJO Development, Inc., plans to construct thirteen (13} single-family homes which would have a total project cost of $3,250,000. Each home would be valued at approximately $250,000 and would have taxes abated over the 5-year period of $10,216 for each. The development is located an the southern edge of Kensington Farms. Council Member Kuspa made a motion, seconded by Council Member Puzzello that Bill No. 06-94 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Bill No. 06 95 Five [5) Year Residential Real Property Tax Abatement. Council Member Ke11y noted that the Council has received a letter dated September 7, 2008 from Bill Schalliol requesting that Bill No. 06-95 be continued until September 25~fi (copy attached). September 11, 20x6 Community and Economic Development Committee Page 3 Council Member Puzzello made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 06-95 be recommended to be continued until September 25th, at the request of the petitioner. The motion passed. Miscellaneous Business: Beth Leonard of the Department of Community and Economic Development noted that she has had discussions with Council Member Kelly with regard to setting a committee meeting to review the proposed black grant allocations for 2007. It was suggested that the committee meet on September 27th at 3 pm to continue discussion of tax abatement procedures and at 5 pm this same date to discuss the proposed block grant allocations. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kelly adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, u ~ be ola ~ 'rperson Co m ni y and Eco omit Devel ment Committee Attachments Zoning and Annexation Committee Meeting 2(1(16 South Bend Common Council The September 11, 2006 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by Chairperson, Council Member Ervin Kuspa, at 3:15 p,m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Varner, Kuspa, White, Rouse, Kelly, and Puzzello; Citizen Member Ed Talley, Community and Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, Crystal McCain, Martha Lewis, City Clerk John Voorde, Tom Skarbek, Bernie Feeney, Derek Spier, Robert Nemeth, Martin Wolfson, Catherine Hostetler, Mike Danch, Building Commissioner Don Fazo, Mrs. Kapola, Beth Leonard, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Kuspa noted that the Committee Members consist of Council Members Kirsits, Dieter and White, and Citizen Member Ed Talley. He stated that those who wish to be recognized should state their name and address far the record. Substitute Bill No. 4©-06 Rezoning south of 1424 Slater prive. Council Member Kuspa called for a report from the Area Plan Staff on Substitute Bill Na. 40-06 which would amend the zoning for the property located 273 feet to the south of 1424 Slater Drive, which is located in the 6t~ Councilmanic District. Robert Nemeth of the Area Plan staff reported that the Area Plan Commission held a public hearing on the proposed substitute bill and sends it to the Council with a favorable recommendation. Derek Spier of Abonmarche Consultants, LLC located at 750 Lincoln Way East in downtown South Bend made the formal presentation. He provided a map {copy attached) depicting the Lafayette Falls development, with the specific request being for Section # 4. He noted that their request would change the zoning from SF-1 Single-Family and two family to SF-2 single family and two family. Weiss will be the sole builder and will construct homes with front porches and rear garages ranging in price from $175,000 to $225,000. There would be hard- surfaced alleys in this phase behind the homes with two {2) northlsouth alleys being proposed. Council Member White made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member Talley that Substitute Bill No. 40-Ofi be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. September 11, 2006 Zoning and Annexation Committee Page 2 Bill No. 06-83 Special Exception for '[323 & 1325 North Ironwood: Council Member Kuspa called for a report from the Board of Zoning Appeals on Bill No. 06-83 which would approve a special exception for the property located at 1323 & 1329 North Ironwood. Building Commissioner Don Fozo reported that the Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing on the petition on August 17, 2006 and sends the request to the Council with a favorable recommendation. He noted that the special exception would permit off-site parking in an "OB" zoning district. Michael J. Danch, President of Danch, Horner & Associates, Inc. with offices located at 1643 Commerce Drive in South Bend made the formal presentation. He noted that he represents Gregory and Alice Aldridge and Ironwood Family Dentistry. The special exception will allow far the use of an existing off-site parking area to service an existing dental office, a new office building for an insurance agency, and a detective agency. He provided a preliminary site plan to the committee {copy attached), Council Member Kuspa stated that he does not believe that this will increase traffic in the area. Citizen Member Talley made a motion, seconded by Council Member White that Bill No. 06-$3 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Bill No. 06-96 Historic Preservation Proposed Expenditure: Council Member Kuspa then called for a presentation on Bill Na. 06-96 which would approve an expenditure of special funds by the Historic Preservation Commission. Citizen Member Talley and the Council Attorney collectively Hated that the proposed resolution should be amended in the 2n~ and 4t~ Whereas clauses by changing the citation to "Section 21-13.02Q)" and the same change in the cover letter. Council Member White made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member Talley that Bill No. 06-96 be amended to reflect the proper municipal code citation. The motion passed. Catherine Hostetler, Director of Historic Preservation, made the formal presentation. She noted that the South Bend Municipal Code requires that any September 11, 200fi Zoning and Annexation Committee Page 3 funds received by the Historic Preservation commission through a donation or grant must be deposited into a special fund must be used for purposes in accordance with restrictions of applicable grants or donations. She then showed a package of chocolate representing a joint venture with South Bend Chocolate Company. In response to a question from Council President Rouse, Ms. Hostetler confirmed that do not involve taxpayer dollars. Council Member White made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member Talley that Bil[ No. g6-96 with the changes noted earlier be recommended favorably to Council The motion passed. Miiscellaneous Business: Ed Talley then read a 2-page statement (copy attached) regarding concerns relative to the proposed closing of the Potawatomi Greenhouses and Conservatories. Dr. Varner stated that he would like to salvage that portion of the conservatories and called upon Ms. Hostetler and her organization to assist in this challenge. He noted that this would be consistent with the proposed City Plan which emphasizes "walkable and liveable". He noted the history of the conservatories and that it represents a mainstay of joint efforts, He stressed that to dismiss the desert and tropical areas would be very disappointing, and that this portion should be preserved. Ms. Hostetler noted that she has not seen any financial figures from the Park Department far any of the buildings in question; nor has she seen updates on the boilers, etc. She voiced concern that it would be a "kick in the teeth" to those who donated so much to the city, especially since the structure worth saving is less than 50 years old. Council Member White noted that the funding for these facilities is in place through the end of this year. She hoped that a cost analysis would be done and suggested that these concerns be brought to the attention of the Park Board and the Park Superintendent. She also suggested that this matter be studied in light of Gity Plan. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that perhaps something short of an interim protection could be pursuant; and further suggested that partnering with other entities should be looked into in trying to preserve part of our city's historic past. September 11, 2006 Zoning and Annexation Committee Page 4 Council Members Puzzello and Kelly noted that they received telephone tails calling for the conservatories to be preserved and pramated. Following discussion, Citizen Member Talley made a motion, seconded by Council Member White that a letter be sent to the Park Board and the Park Superintendent inviting them to a joint meeting of the PARC Committee and the Zoning and Annexation Committee; and that prior to such a meeting that they be required to supply all relevant facts on the costs of operations, anticipated costs of needed improvements; and all possible alternatives related to the Potawatomi Greenhouses and Conservatories. The motion passed. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kuspa adjourned the meeting at 3:55 p.m. Respectful submitte Council Member Erv~spa, Chairperson Zoning and Annexation Committee Attachments Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting 2006 South Bend Common Council The September 11, 2005 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer, at 4:10 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Varner, Kuspa, Whifie, Rouse, Kelly, and Puzzello; Citizen Member Nikki Hutchinson, Mayor Stephen Luecke, City Controller M. Catherine Fannello, City Attorney Charles Leone, Pam Meyer, Tom Skarbek, Police Chief Thomas Fautz, Police Services Division Chief Richard R. Kilgore, Community and Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, Crystal McCain, Martha Lewis, Mrs. Kopola, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Pfeifer noted that the Committee Members include Council Members White, Kuspa, Varner and herself, and Nikki Hutchinson as a Citizen Member. Bill No. 54-OB $10,000 Appropriation: Council Member Pfeifer called for a presentation on Bill No. 54-05 (copy attached) which would appropriate $10,000 far the purchase of a new color copierlprinter. Crystal McCain, an Investigator with Human Rights made the formal presentation. She noted that the South Bend Human Rights Commission received grant funds from EEOC. The proposed ordinance requests that $10,000 of reserve funds within Human Rights Fund # 258 be used to purchase a color copier which also has faxing and scanning capabilities. In response to a question raised by Council Member Kuspa, Ms. McCain stated that the copier would be bid out. Council Member White made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 5~4-05 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Bill No 55-OG Enterprise Fund Ordinance for the 2007 Fiscal year: Bill No 56-Ofi Approp. Ord. for City Departments for 2007 Fiscal near: Bill No. 57-06 Ordinance Levying Taxes & Fixing Tax Rate for 2007: Council Member Pfeifer called for a presentation on Bill Nos. 55-06, 55-05 and 57-05 which all deal with the proposed 2007 budget for city operations. September 11, 2006 Personnel and Finance Committee Page 2 Mayan Stephen t_uecke noted that in light of the ongoing Personnel and Finance Committee meetings that he did not have a formal presentation far the committee today. He added that a power paint presentation would be presented when all three {3) bills are presented at the Common Council meeting later this evening. Council Member Pfeifer noted that additional Personal and Finance Committee meetings have been scheduled on the proposed 2007 budget for this Thursday (September 14, 2006}, this Saturday (September 16, 2006} and next Monday {September 18, 2006). in light of this, no formal action would be taken on the three (3) proposed ordinances at today's meeting. Substitute Bill No. 58-D6; Maximum SalarieslWages for__Non-Bargaining City Employees: Council Member Pfeifer called far a presentation on proposed substitute Bill No. 58-06 which would establish maximum saiaries and wages of appointed officers and non-bargaining city employees for the 2007 calendar year. City Controller M. Catherine Fanello made the formal presentation. Council Member Puzzello voiced concern with regard to the proposed ordinance not addressing what employees would be entitled to receive the supplemental pay of $750. Ms. Fanello stated the City Administration would abide by the information set forth on page 2 of her September 9, 2006 memorandum {copy attached} and noted in particular that: • Ali full-time employees as of 111106 would receive the $750 supplemental pay • Permanent part-time employees would receive $375 • New hires would not receive supplemental pay • Supplemental pays would be distributed in January and July of 2007 In response to questions from Council Member White, Ms. Fanella stated that there are 420 employees which would be governed by this ordinance. Ms. Fanelio added that no monies have been budgeted far the performance incentive program, however the Administration would like to develop a program in this area in the future. Council Member White made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Substitute Bill No. 58-06 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. September 1~, 2006 Personnel and Finance Committee Page 3 Miscellaneous B~sirtess; Council Member Puzzello inquired about the draft Teamster ordinance which was placed in the Council mail boxes this afternoon. The Council Attorney noted that last Friday she contacted the City Controller with copies of several emails also going to Council Member Pfeifer and Council President Rouse, when she discovered that a proposed Teamster ordinance had not been filed. She noted that many emails have transpired and that it was her opinion (memorandum attached) that the salarieslwages for the Teamsters must be established by September 3Qt", as are the non-bargaining salarieslwages. As a result of all of these communications, it was the Council Attorney's recommendation that the City Administration prepare a draft Teamster ordinance and file it with the Office of the City Clerk. In order to meet the state law deadline, the Administration would need to request the Common Council to suspend the rules this evening so that the Teamster proposed salary ordinance could have first reading by title. A separate motion to refer it to the Personnel and Finance Committee ,and have 2nd and 3~~ readings and public hearing on September 25#" would also have to be made. The City Controller noted that the proposed Teamster ordinance is just a draft and that the Teamsters have not yet voted on the tentative package agreed upon by the bargaining committees. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Pfeifer adjourned the meeting at 4:25 p.m. Res ectfully submitted, 4- ouncil Member Charlotte~Pf+vifer, Chairperson C Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments