HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-09-12 Community & Economic Development CommitteeIlk,
Community and Economic Development Committee
2012 South Bend Common Council
The July 9, 2012 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the South
Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Henry Davis, Jr.
4:25 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, Henry Davis, Jr., Scott, Dr. Ferlic, Oliver
Davis, Dieter, Gavin Ferlic and White; Gary Gilot, P.E., Don Inks, Mike Schmuhl, Controller Mark
Neal, Interim City Attorney Aladean DeRose, Mr. Shabazz, members of the news media and
Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. noted that the members of the Committee included Council
Members Gavin Ferlic is the Vice - Chairperson of the Committee, Karen L. White, Dr. Fred Ferlic,
and himself as Chairperson.
Bill 12 -60: Resolution Requesting that Downtown South Bend be Re- Affirmed as a Top
Priority for Creative and Sustainable Revitalization; That Grant Opportunities
be Pursued and that Chase Tower be Addressed.
Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. noted that he is sponsoring this resolution along with Council
Member White and Council Member Oliver Davis so that all alternatives are being reviewed for the
downtown. With regard to the Chase Tower, he noted that a bid has been accepted by the bank and
the process is continuing. He suggested that three (3) businesses have left the Chase Tower; and
that concerns with regard to the water system, elevators and other health and safety items have been
brought to his attention.
Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. noted that the Indiana Main Street Program is a grant program
and that more information is available in the council mail boxes. He hoped that a representative
from DTSB would be here today, but since they are not, he still believes that they should be
providing a monthly spread sheet to the Common Council and what they are doing.
Council President Dieter inquired about the time line involved on the Chase Tower. It was noted
that HREC is the broker from Chicago, with the receiver and the Court playing key roles.
Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. suggested that alternative suggestions should be discussed such
as repair costs, reducing taxes, etc to make it possibly more viable. Conversations with the County
should also be considered.
Mike Schmuhl stated that the physical state of the Chase Tower meets the minimum standards, and
that the receiver would be the one who could ask about the repairs. He noted that "very heated
conversations have taken place with Huntington Bank ". Minimum standards refer to "operational
and reliable ".
July 9, 2012 Community and Economic Development Committee
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Council Member Tim Scott noted that options may result where public monies may not be needed,
in light of the receivership process.
Following further discussion, Council Member Gavin Ferlic made a motion, seconded by Council
Member White that Bill No. 12 -60 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Under miscellaneous business, Council President Dieter inquired who was responsible for cleaning
up the weeds, yellow cones, trash etc. on the road - abouts. Gary Gilot noted that Public Works is to
maintain the hard surface and Parks the green spaces.
Council President Dieter also noted that there is a lot of trash, debris, trash cans overflowing at
Howard Park, Viewing Park and several others.
Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. requested that an Action Plan for the Demolitions from Code be
pursued. Systematic development should be pursued.
Council Member Tim Scott stated that he will be calling a meeting of the Residential
Neighborhoods Committee to receive an update from Jim Kelly & Scott Ford in the near future.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Henry Davis, Jr.
adjourned the meeting at 4:50 p.m.
yRRefall ub itted,
Henry Davis, Jr., Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
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