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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-23-06 Community & Economic DevelopmentCommunity and Economic Development Committee 20Q6 South Bend Common Council The October 23, 2006 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 3:35 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Kelly, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse, White and Puzzello; Citizen Member Martin Wolfson, Community and Economic Development Director Sharon Kendall, Shawn Peterson, Tom Skarbek, Randolph R. Rompola, Mrs. Kopola, Jamie Loo of the Soufh Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski~- Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Kelly noted that the Committee members include Council Members Kuspa, Puzzello, Kirsits, and himself and Professor Marty Wolfson as a citizen member. Bitl No. G8-06 County Economic Development Income Tax Re~er~ue Bonds: Council Member Kelly called for a presentation on Bi[I No. 68-06 which would authorize the issuance and sale of County Economic Development Income Tax Refunding Revenue Bonds of the City of South Bend, Indiana to provide Funds for the Refunding prior to Maturity of Certain Previously Issued and Currently Outstanding County Economic Development Income Tax Revenue Bonds, together with expenses. Shawn Peterson, Assistant City Attorney made the formal presentation along with Tom Skarbek, Director of Budgeting and Financial Reporting. They provided aone-page handout (copy attached) fpm City Controller M. Catherine Fanello noting that the original interest rates on the bond ranged from 4.9% to 5.33%. The proposed interest rates would range from 3.6% to 4.01% with an anticipated net present value savings of $745,000. Refinancing costs are estimated to be $100,000. Mr. Randolph R. Rompola, an attorney with offices at 205 West Jefferson Boulevard in downtown South Bend, noted that there are currently two (2) series of bonds, one that is taxable and one that is tax-exempt. In response #o a question from Dr. Varner, Mr. Rompola stated that the refinancing could not take place until now since they are now °ca[Iable". Mr. Wolfson inquired about the refinancing costs, to which Mr. Peterson stated they cover such items as trustee fees, bond costs, and the financial advisor's fees. Dr. Varner requested that a summary be provided detailing all of the refinancing casts. No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to the Bill. October 23, 2fl06 Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2 Following discussion, Council Member Kuspa made a motion, seconded by Council Member Puzzello that Bill No. 68-06 be recommended favorably to Council, The motion passed. Miscellaneous Business: Council Member Kelly reminded the Committee that there would be a committee meeting this Wednesday, October 25, 2pOB at 3 p.m. to continue the discussions on tax abatement procedures. Council Member Pfeifer noted that she provided a handout in each of the Council mail boxes addressing her suggestions on expanding TIF to include LaSalle Sauare. She noted that the proposal was developed in consultation with neighbors and interested citizens. There being no further business to came before the Committee, Council Member Kelly adjourned the meeting at 3:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted, R land Kell hair erson ou al Member o y, p Community and Economic Development Committee Attachments Committee of the Whole 2006 South Bend Common Councii The October 23, 2006 meeting of the Committee of the Whole of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karen L. White at 4:10 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Kelly, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse, White and Puzzello; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Area Plan Executive Director John Byorni, Larry Magliozzi, Director of the Division of Community Development Pam Meyer, Citizen Members Martin Wolfson and Martha Lewis, Community and Economic Development Director Sharort Kendall, Jitin Kain, George Adler, City Clerk Jahn Voorde, Jamie Loa of the Soufh Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member White noted that there were two (2} items on the agenda, and that Olive Davis who is to give an update on Transpo who be moved to the end of the meeting. Bill No. 06-107 Proposed City Plan (Comprehensive P_la__nL: Council Member White called for a report from the Area Plan Commission on Bill No. 06-107 which is a resolution which would approve the proposed City Plan (Comprehensive Plan for the City of South Bend. John Byorni, Executive Director of Area Plan reported that the Area Plan Commission held a public hearing on Bill No. 06-107 on September 19, 2006 and sends the Bill to the Council with a favorable recommendation. Mayor Stephen J. Luecke made the formal presentation. He noted that he is very excited about the amount of public participation in City Plan which wiq become the "blue prnt° for the city. He stated that it meets all state law requirements. Members of the Civic Alliance will be here this evening to speak. Mayor Luecke noted that they began work on City Plan approximately three (3} years ago and that he looks forward to its implementation. Director of the Division of Community Development Pam Meyer noted that there are 3 ~/z pages of amendments suggested to City Plan. They understand that in light of these requested amendments that the Bill would have to go back to the Area Plan Commission. She noted that the objectives and policies would not be amended by the requested amendments. At this point Council Member Ann Puzzello welcomed David Kohler and Cub Scout Troop # 505 affiliated with St. Joseph Schoo! and Cub Scout Troop # 365 affiliated with St. Jude's who are learning about government and elected public officials, October 23, 2006 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes Page 2 Council Member Pfeifer noted that she had read Council President Rouse's Action Memo. She did not know if everyone had a chance to "really study the document" and would be willing to keep it on the table. Council Member White noted that she appreciated the Council President's suggestions to study the document longer. Council Member Puzzello noted that she had concerns with regard to specific parts of the document. For example how a proposed commercial project on the edge of a residential area may have been listed when the District Council Member does not agree with the commercial proposal, yet City Plan would say the contrary. Mayor Luecke stated that City Plan would merely be a guide, it would "no lock-in the Council" to specific rezonings. The Plan would be subject to the "full discretion of the Council". Council Member Kelly noted that he does not see City Plan as "lacking into anything" but that it would serve as a road map. Pay Meyer stated that City Plan would provide direction to the discussions and would be a framework to those talks. Dr. Varner noted that he agreed with the Mayor that if 3,700 citizens were involved with providing input that that was laudable, However, part of the discussion is also philosophical. We must gather facts and make rational decisions when specific projects are proposed; therefore City Plan could be nothing more than a framework. Council Member Pfeifer noted that she felt very included during the process, noting that neighbors were present for many of the meetings. She stated that "City Plan would not put things in blood". Council Member Kelly stated that there is an obligation to see that City Plan is used, since there is goad efforts involved. Council Member Kuspa noted that the Area Plan Commission has been involved in the development of City Plan for quite some time. It is proposed to be a guide for the city for the next twenty (20) years. Council Member White noted that City Plan brought outstanding speakers to our community; that there were many community meetings; and that many people were involved in the process. On behalf of the Council, she thanked everyone for the amount of work involved in "sticking with the Plan". She noted that it speaks highly of the City and the Administration and she looks forward to its implementation. October 23, 2006 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes Page 3 Under the public portion, Jessica Paine of 1119 North Francis held up a City Plan from the 1960's to the committee which called for a downtown river front, but now that area is occupied by Crow Chizek. She stated that there are many ideas but there must be concern for particular neighborhoods. °The City must choose to do nothing ar be something which is truly better in the long run". Council President Rnuse noted that he is not speaking aut against City Plan, He noted that he was very impressed with John McKnight as a speaker. He believes however that there is an obligation for every Council Member to read the entire City Plan and be very cognizant of its contents. He realizes haw busy the Council has been, and if additional time is necessary, then he suggests it should be taken. In light of the power point presentation being given at- the 7 p.m, meeting and the opportunity to hear from members of the public and the Civic Alliance, no formal action was taken on Bill No. 06-107. Council Member While noted that Oliver Davis' update on Transpa would be re- scheduled. ~ , . There being no further business to come before the Commiee, Council Member White adjourned the meeting at 4:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Karen L. White, Chairperson Committee of the Whale South Bend Common Council Zoning and Annexation Committee Meeting 2006 South Bend Common Council The October 23, 2408 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 Roam. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Varner, Kuspa, White, Rouse, Kelly, Kirsits and Puzzello; Citizen Member Ed Talley, Community and Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, Martha Lewis, City Clerk John Voorde, Tom Skarbek, Bernie Feeney, Martin Wolfson, Mrs. Kopola, Shawn Peterson, Marco Mariam, Fire Chief Luther Taylor, Assistant Fire Chief Howard Buchanon, Pam Meyer, Mark Lyons, Richard J. Deahl, Gregory P. Hakanen, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Jamie Loo of the Soufh Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Kuspa noted that through history there have been small people with big hearts, and he would therefore like to make a special acknowledgement today of a great small person with a very big heart who is celebrating his 80t" birthday---Council Member Roland Kelly. 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 for the record. Bili No. 06-108 Fiscai Plan for the Edd Street-Edison Road Annexation Area: Bill No. 49-06 Annexation of Property Located East of Eddy Street, West of Ivy Road and South of Edison Road: Council Member Kuspa called for a formal presentation from the City Administration on Bill No. 06-108 which is the proposed Fiscal Plan far the Eddy Street-Edison Road proposed annexation area; to be followed by its companion Bill No. 49-06 which is the annexation bill for the area in question. Marco Mariam of the Department of Community and Economic Development made the formal presentation on Bill No, 06-108. He noted that the proposed fiscal plan is for vacant, unimproved land consisting of 26.2 acres which meets at least 12.5% contiguity to the city limits of south bend. The area is wooded with areas of open space and is currently zoned "U" University in the county and is proposed to be zoned "U" University District in the city. This area would become part of the 4t" Councilmanic District. He noted that additional water capacity would be required to serve this area; that additional public and private expenditures will be needed to extend existing water main facilities as part of the redevelopment of this area; that the developer would be required to install a street lighting system; that no waivers of annexation are in effect for this area; that October 23, 2006 Zoning and Annexation Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2 drainage facilities would have to meet city standards; that the area would be added to Police Beat 11; that Fire Station # 2 would provide service to the area with all other services being addressed in Exhibit A dated September 2006 (copy attached). Mark Lyons of the Area Plan staff reported that Bill No. 49-06 received a favorable recommendation from the Area Plan Commission. Richard J. Deahi, of Barnes & Thornburg LLP with offices located at 100 North Michigan Street, Syite 600 in downtown South Bend made the formal presentation on Bill No. 49- 06 along with Gregory P. Hakanen of the University of Notre Dame. Mr. Deahl noted that the vacant land would come into the city as part of the `"U" University zoning classification. Landscaping preferences would be handled by the University of Notre Dame. Council Member Kirsits inquired who would be cutting the grass in the median, noting that there was a recent article in the newspaper which indicated that the issue of who maintains the median was still unclear. Mr, Mariani referred the Council to page 9 where the proposed City Plan is referenced. Council Member White questioned the impact of traffic. Mr. Mariani stated that the widening of S.R.23 would be critical to development of this area and that there would be significant improvements of Napoleon Boulevard. in response to a question from Council Member Puzzello, whose District the area would go into, Mr. Deahl stated that the area would facilitate the city's development of a technology parkin the area. Mr. Hakanen, who works in development for the University of Notre Dame stated that the University would retain ownership of the area in question, with other potential uses including a hotel and residential developments which would later be sold for a fee simple interest. He stated that the northern part of the property would be maintained by the University but had no recollection with regard to the maintenance of the median. There was no one from the public to speak in favor or in opposition to the two {2j Bills under discussion. Public Works Director Gary Gilat stated that there is a high standard anticipated for maintenance and that it is expected that the University of Notre Dame would maintain that standard. October 23, 2006 Zoning and Annexation Committee Meeting Minutes Page 3 Citizen Member J, Edward Talley complimented the University of Notre Dame far the street lights utilized on the project. He then made a motion, seconded by Council Member White that Bill Nos. 06-108 and 49-d6 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Council Attorney asked Mr. Hakanen to confirm in writing to the Office of the City Clerk the maintenance issue of the median initially brought up by Council Member Kirsits so that it could be formally resoled. Miscellaneous Business: Citizen Member J. Edward Talley noted that the O.J. Shoemaker representatives would be presenting a final report on the greenhouseslconservatories issue this coming 1=riday. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kuspa adjourned the meeting at 3:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Ervin Kuspa, Chairperson Zoning and Annexation Committee Attachments Public Works and Property Vacation Committee 204fi South Bend Common Council The October 23, 2006 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Cammittee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member David Varner at 3:45 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Kelly, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse, White and Puzzello; Mayor Stephen J. t_uecke, Kurt Youngs, Citizen Member of the Cammittee, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Citizen Member Martin Wolfson, Pamela Meyer, Citizen Community and Economic Development Director Sharon Kendall, Mrs. Kopola, Teena Caperall, John R. Davis, Jamie I-oa of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Dr. Varner noted that the Committee members include Council Members Pfeifer, Dieter, Puzzello and himself and Kurt Youngs as a citizen member. Bill No. 63-06 Vacation of the First EastJWes# AI[ey North of Pleasant Dr. Varner noted that Bill Na. 63-06 was continued from the October 9, 2006 Cammittee meeting in order far the Department of Public Works and the Petitioner to address various issues raised at that committee meeting. Public Works Director Gary Gilot reported that he sent an email update earlier today {copy attached} noting among other things that: • 150' radius is required for street and alley vacation requests • Maps are prepared by Engineering along with the legal description of the proposed streetlalley vacation area • Petitioner requesting the vacation goes to the Auditor's Office for names and addresses for notification of those within 150 ` Mr. Gilot noted that to the best of his knowledge this is the first time that incorrect information was given to a petitioner who then relied on that information. He apologized for this, noting that as a result not all property owners were properly notified. In response to the recommendation from the Council Attorney, he has drafted a draft cross access easement which is part of the packet sent with today's a-mail. The Council Attorney thanked Mr. Gilot far the information and clarifications. She indicated that she did not believe that the Council could go forward this evening in light of the notice requirements not being met. She added that Mr. Gilot has October 23, 200fi Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2 offered to split the costs of the certified mailings with the petitioner in light of the technics! errors. John R. Davis of 1024 South 26t", one of the petitioners stated that he would assume the costs of the re-mailings; that he would hire an attorney; and that he would request that the matter be continued to the Council's next meeting. Teens Caperall of 1017 S. 17t" Street voiced concern of a continuance, Hating that she is a student and would have to miss another class. Dr. Varner stated that he believes that the most appropriate action today would be to continue the Bill so that the matter could be properly heard on November 13t" Council Member Puzzello made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pfeifer that Bill No. 63-06 be recommended to be continued to November 13t" at the request a# the petitioner. The motion passed. Bill No. 69-06 $200,000 Appropriation of Major Moves Monies: Dr. Varner then called fora presentation on Bill No. 69-06 which would appropriate $200,000 of Major Moves monies from Fund 202 (Motor Vehicle Highway} to complete road paving work. Public Works Director Gary Gilot noted that the City has received $746,OD0 which is the first of two (2) installments of Major Moves monies. There would be multiple areas of paving as listed on the one-page handout (copy attached}. Dr. Varner voiced concern that the Major Moves monies were depnsi#ed into the MVH Fund as opposed to a special dedicated fund, which he stated he believes should be addressed at a later time. Council Member Puzzello made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member Kurt Youngs that Bill Na. 69-06 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Bill No. 70-06 $8,055 Aggropriation from General_Fund Fund 101 } for the Mishawaka Avenue Fa ode Matchin Grant Pra ram: Bill No. 71-06 $86.975 Appropriation from the County Option Income Tax l=and Fund 404 for the Commercial Corridor Fa ode Matchin Grant Pro ram: October 23, 2006 Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Meeting Minutes Page 3 Pamela Meyer, Director of the Division of Community Development made the formal presentation. She noted that the funds in question were originally under contract to the Corporation for Entrepreneurial Development (CED}. CED has determined that is no longer has sufficient staffing to administer either of these programs. Since the City would like both programs to continue in light of their past success, the City Administration is proposing that the Board of Public Works be the agency to administer the facade matching grant programs. Council Member Kelly noted that he is very impressed with the work which has been done on Mishawaka Avenue. Council Member Pfeifer noted that the fagade grants have helped the area by St. Vincent DePaul. No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to the proposed Bills. Council Member Pfeifer made a motion, seconded by Council Member Puzzello that Bill Nos. 70-06 and 71-06 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Dr. Varner adjourned the meeting at 4:06 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member David Varner, Chairperson Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Attachments Personnel and Finance Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The October 23, 2006 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer at 4:06 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Kelly, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse, White and Puzzello; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Citizen Member Martha Lewis, City Clerk John Voorde, Citizen Member Martin Wolfson, Community and Economic Development Director Sharon Kendall, Mrs. Kopola, Jamie Loa of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Pfeifer noted that the members of the Personnel and Finance Committee include Council Members Kuspa, White, Varner and herself as Chairperson; and Citizen Member Nikki Hutchinson. Bull No. 65-06 Appropriation from Fund # 377 College Football Hall of Fame Council Member Pfeifer noted that the committee met a couple of Saturdays ago where it was recommended that there be one or two working sessions with °all of the players together" including representatives from the Hal[ of Fame. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that she would get together with the Mayor for possible meeting times, so that the Council could get all of the information that want and need to discuss the proposed Bill. Mayor Luecke stated that in light of the ongoing discussion, the City Controller had provided a letter dated October 18, 2006 to the Council requesting that the Bill be postponed (copy attached). Council Member Pfeifer asked the Mayor to contact NFF representatives for possible dates that they could be available. Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member White that Bill No. 65-06 be continued at the request of the Mayor. The motion passed. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Pfeifer adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee Attachment