HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-08-19 Council Minutes REPORT OF SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES
TO THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND:
THE SUB-COMMITTEE HAS INSPECTED THE MINUTES OF THE
April 8, 2019
MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND FOUND THEM TO BE CORRECT.
THEREFORE,WE RECOMMEND THE SAME BE APPROVED:
2 �
4 SCOTT
•� TES KA
APPROVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL ON: April 22, 2019
ATTEST: /A /A_
KA' EMAH FOW ER, CITY CLERK
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana met in the Council
Chambers of the County-City Building on Monday, April 8th, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was
called to order by Council President Tim Scott and the Invocation(Imam Mohammad Sirajuddin,
Islamic Society of Michiana) and Pledge to the Flag were given.
ROLL CALL
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Tim Scott 1St District, President
Regina Williams-Preston 2nd District
Sharon L. McBride 3rd District
Jo M. Broden 4th District
Jake Teshka 5th District
Oliver J. Davis 6th District
John Voorde At-Large, Chairperson Committee of the Whole
Gavin Ferlic At-Large
Karen L. White At-Large, Vice President
OTHERS PRESENT:
Kareemah Fowler City Clerk
Jennifer Coffman Chief Deputy Clerk
Bianca Tirado Deputy Clerk
Graham Sparks Clerk Executive Assistant
Bob Palmer Council Attorney
REPORT FROM THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON MINUTES
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion that the minutes of the March l lth, 2019 and March
25th, 2019 meetings of the Council be accepted and placed on file. Councilmember Karen White
seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine(9) ayes.
SPECIAL BUSINESS
BILL NO.
19-32 A SPECIAL RESOLUTION HONORING ST.
JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Councilmember Oliver Davis, 1801 Nash Street, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter for this
bill. Councilmember Oliver Davis invited members of St. John the Baptist to join him at the
podium while he presented and stated, I'm glad to be here tonight to present to you a special
proclamation to honor St. John the Baptist Catholic School for its achievement. Whereas, St. John
the Baptist School is led by Pastor Fr. Glenn Kohrman and Principal, Mr. Brian Carver, under the
guidance of The Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop, all of whom are spearheading the
growth, the excellence, and the ability of the students and faculty; and, Whereas, St. John's prides
itself on creating a whole student, and striving to ensure that each student best represents the
school's mission of teaching students to love the"True,good,and beautiful";and,Whereas,during
the 2018-2019 academic school year,the amazing third(3rd)grade students at St. John the Baptist
School, under the direction of Mrs. Julie Malenda, excelled on the recent IREAD exam, with
eighty-seven percent(87%)of the students passing the test. This is a small sample of the excellent
work the students and staff exhibit on a daily basis; and, Whereas, St. John the Baptist's seventh
(7th) and eighth (8th) grade students have shown amazing growth in mathematics, as well as
1
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
language arts, due in large part to the efforts of Mrs. Shannon Jones and Mrs. Genevieve Nield;
and, Whereas, St. John's is a small school with a big heart, and offers a wide variety of activities
outside of the classroom to its students. From robotics and athletics, to drama, St. John's offers an
eclectic educational experience,based in the strong teaching of the Catholic Principles; and,Now,
therefore, be it Proclaimed by The South Bend Common Council as Follows: Section One (I) On
behalf of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, we are pleased to honor the academic
achievement of the students, staff, and faculty at St. John the Baptist School. Section Two (II)The
City of South Bend continues to be made stronger through the educational achievements of the
students, staff, and faculty at St. John the Baptist School. Section Three(III) This Resolution shall
be effective immediately upon passage by the South Bend Common Council and approval by the
Mayor.
Councilmember Oliver Davis continued, I'm glad we have here tonight Mr. Brian Carver. Father
Kohrman sent me an email, he wishes he could be here tonight, but he had another situation that
came up. So, we had a meeting just a couple of weeks ago and they talked to me about their
achievement. We were excited about it and so we will honor them tonight.
Brian Carver, 2137 Thornhill Drive, South Bend, IN, stated, I'm the Principal at St. John the
Baptist Catholic School. On behalf of our students and staff, and Father Glenn, I would like to
thank you for this recognition.A lot of hard work goes into the school year, far outside of the scope
of my responsibilities. All of the credit for the success we garnered at St. John's really relies on
the success of our teachers,like Mrs. Malenda,who is our third(3rd) and fourth(4th)grade teacher,
as well as the students. So, again, on behalf of Father Glenn and the entire St. John's community,
thank you so much for this honor.
Julie Malenda, 2804 Corpus Christi Drive, South Bend, IN, stated, I am amazed by my students.
My third (3rd) graders were worried about the IREAD but they were troopers and they worked
really hard. I was especially concerned because using the classical curriculum, we don't use the
same approach that is tested on the IREAD but they know how to narrate, so, they know how to
look at a story,take it apart and really dig into it. So,that helped them a lot. They all did their very
best and were the best versions of themselves, so,it was great to see the results. It is such an honor
to have recognized them. I have here my own children who are also students. Luke and Joseph are
seventh(7th) graders and Cadence is a third (3rd) grader.
Council President Tim Scott opened the floor to comments from Council Members.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, Congratulations on your academic achievement.
You make South Bend proud. As you know, this is going down in the record books forever. So,
you can always look back and say, you know, I did that. You're a part of the City's history of the
City of South Bend. Congratulations.
Councilmember Sharon L. McBride stated, I echo all of that. Very impressive, the school, the
principal, the teacher, and the mom. Also, the children's hard work. So, congratulations to all of
you. Great job with your leadership pushing them to be better. Congratulations. Keep working
hard, kids. Continue to be great.
Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, Thank you, Councilmember Davis, for bringing this before
the Council,but even more importantly, to our community by way of this resolution. St. John the
Baptist has a long-standing tradition of outstanding education in South Bend. I happened to
intersect with that educational process when I returned from Washington D.C. as a young twenty-
four (24) year-old as I spent a year teaching there. I am very familiar with your community and
the support from the church parishioners. You really do reach out into the greater neighborhood.
So, thank you so much and congratulations on your academic accomplishments.
Councilmember Jake Teshka stated,Thank you, Councilmember Davis, for bringing this to us and
thank you guys for all you do on a daily basis to teach our youth and to make sure our City has a
bright future. Thank you to the students for putting everything you've got into your education. We
can't wait to see what you do when you grow up. Maybe you'll be sitting up here one(1) day. We
hope so. Thank you guys, and congratulations.
2
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
Councilmember John Voorde stated, Congratulations on your hard work and your achievement. I
imagine a lot of the credit goes to the parents as well for their involvement as well as the principle
and the staff there. Keep at it and keep working, summer vacation is only a couple of months off.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic stated, Congratulations.
Councilmember Karen White stated, I would like to thank Councilmember Davis for bringing this
resolution before us and to the principal and teacher,job well done. To the young students, hard
work does pay off. We are so very proud of you. We expect great outcomes and I know you can't
wait until summer is here, but remember during the summer, keep reading and studying.
Congratulations.
Councilmember Tim Scott stated,Thank you Councilmember Davis for bringing this forth. Thank
you all for coming. We are proud of you. It is great that we can highlight positive things in the
education of our community. Thank you so much.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 19-32 by acclamation.
Councilmember Jake Teshka seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9)
ayes.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICES
Representing the City Administration: Laura O'Sullivan, Chief of Staff
RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
At 7:15 p.m. Councilmember Karen White made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the
Whole. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine
(9) ayes. Councilmember John Voorde, Chairperson, presiding.
Councilmember John Voorde explained the procedures to be followed for tonight's meeting in
accordance with Article 1, Section 2-11 of the South Bend Municipal Code.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
BILL NO.
06-19 PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 629, 705, AND 713
NORTH NOTRE DAME AVENUE,
COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Councilmember Oliver Davis, chair of the Zoning and Annexation Committee, reported that they
met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation.
Shawn Klein, Planner for the Area Plan Commission with offices located on the 11a' floor of the
County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter for this bill. Mr. Klein stated,Good
evening. The petitioners are requesting a zone change from SF-Two (2), Single-Family and Two
(2)-Family District to MF-One(1),Urban Corridor and Multi-Family District for the area outlined
in red (referencing a slide in a presentation which is available in the City Clerk's Office). To the
north of the site, across Almond Court, is Olivet AME Church zoned SF-Two (2). To the east of
the site are Single-Family homes zoned SF-Two (2) as well as Multi-Family apartments zoned
MU, Mixed-Use. To the south are Multi-Family apartments zoned PUD, Planned Unit
Development. That was rezoned to PUD in 2013 to allow for Multi-Family use. And, to the west
3
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
are Single-Family homes zoned SF-Two (2). Currently on the site are two (2) Single-Family
homes. The site plan shows the development of six (6) attached Single-Family homes. Parking
would be located in garages to the rear of the homes. The development would need to meet the
development standards of the MF-One (1), Urban Corridor and Multi-Family District, as well as
the Northeast Neighborhood Overlay Zoning District. The petitioners are proposing the following
written commitments. The project area shall be limited to a total of six(6) Single-Family attached
dwelling units. This rezoning comes to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation,
subject to this written commitment. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Mike Danch, Danch, Harrier & Associates with offices located at 1643 Commerce Drive, South
Bend, IN, served as the petitioner for this bill. Mr. Danch stated, I am representing the petitioners,
the University of Notre Dame and Shamrock Realty LLC. As Shawn mentioned, and what we
talked about in the Committee meeting, what we are asking to do is to rezone this property from
SF-Two (2) to MF-One(1) to allow for Single-Family homes. The intent is to put each home that
you see here (referencing a slide in the presentation) on a lot. We will go through the City's
subdivision process as well to create individual lots. The site is located on the southwest corner of
Almond Court and Notre Dame Avenue. As we had discussed, there is a paper alley that is to the
west of this particular site. We will be taking that alley and will improve that to make it part of our
driveways. Our access will be off of Almond Court. All the homes will be facing Notre Dame
Avenue. They will be hooked up to City water and sewer. All drainage will be handled on site per
the latest City's standards. We also gave Council a copy of the written commitments. Those were
also the commitments we have with the neighborhood. We will be recording those, assuming the
Council approves this particular project. The one(1) commitment Shawn mentioned, we will also
record that commitment as part of our process of approval with the City of South Bend, the Area
Plan Commission and the Building Department.
Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, Please explain what happened today with you and the church.
Matt Dasalvo, 52 Dawn Harbor Lane, Riverside, CT, stated, I lived on the property as a senior at
the University and have known this area for some thirty-five (35) plus years. Today, I met with
Pastor Thomas, the head of Olivet Church and her their Board of Trustees to explain the project
we are going to do. We went over the whole project. I thought it went very well and they
appreciated the communication given to them. They are quite pleased with this project.
Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, That's always good to hear. Thank you.
Greg Hakanen, 415 Main Building, Notre Dame, IN, stated, I'm with the University. I'm really
here in two (2) capacities, though. I'm also a representative and Board Member of the NNRO. So,
my comments really come from both of those organizations. Our collective vision for this
particular block, if you go back ten(10)or twelve(12)years was Single-Family detached housing,
a continuation of which you see farther up Notre Dame Avenue,and the vision was it would extend
all the way to downtown South Bend. Since then,three(3) different apartment projects have risen,
so, this changed the character of the block. This project, we believe, both the University and the
NNRO, fits in very well with the current character of the block. We think it will be a large
improvement to the built landscape on this block. With the restrictions, the most important one(1)
to us, is if the unit is bought by someone who wants their undergraduate student to live there, that
is fine, but no other unrelated undergraduate students can live in a unit. That is important to us to
preserve the residential character of the neighborhood. So, we ask for your favorable
recommendation.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to send Bill No. 06-19 to the full Council with a
favorable recommendation. Councilmember Karen White seconded this motion which carried by
a voice vote of nine(9) ayes.
RISE AND REPORT
4
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to rise and report to full Council. Councilmember
Jake Teshka seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine(9) ayes.
REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED
Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend reconvened in the Council
Chambers on the fourth floor of the County-City building at 7:22 p.m. Council President Tim Scott
presided with nine (9)members present.
BILLS —THIRD READING
BILL NO.
06-19 THIRD READING ON AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 629, 705, AND 713
NORTH NOTRE DAME AVENUE,
COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4 IN THE
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to adopt Bill No. 06-19.Councilmember John Voorde
seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine(9) ayes.
RESOLUTIONS
BILL NO.
19-17 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
APPROVING A PETITION OF THE AREA
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS FOR THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1119 LINCOLNWAY
WEST
Councilmember Jo M. Broden,chair of the Health and Public Safety Committee,reported that they
met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation.
Kareemah Fowler, City Clerk with offices located on the 4th floor of the County-City Building,
South Bend, IN, served as the presenter for this bill. Clerk Fowler stated, This resolution was
presented earlier today by Joe Molnar, the Ordinance Violations Bureau Clerk. I am filling in for
him this evening. Earlier today, he read the cover letter. There are eight(8) applications. They all
went through the appropriate process. This is the process that happens yearly for scrap metal.
Those applications are checked by the Police Department, the Fire Department and Code
Enforcement. All eight (8) of these got checked off for approval, so they are good to go.
Councilmember Jo M. Broden asked, Just to clarify, there are still three(3) in process, correct?
Clerk Fowler replied, Yes, there are. They haven't been signed off on yet. So, we wanted to move
forward with the ones that were complete so that those entities operating have valid licenses. We
will bring forth the other three(3) as soon as they are complete.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 19-17. Councilmember Karen White
seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine(9) ayes.
19-18 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND
5
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1545 S. OLIVE
STREET, SOUTH BEND, IN 46619 AN
ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR
PURPOSES OF A (5) FIVE-YEAR PERSONAL
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR
MOLDING PLASTICS, LLC
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, chair of the Community Investment Committee, reported that they
met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation.
Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Business Development for the Department of Community
Investment with offices located on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN,
served as the presenter for this bill. Mr. Buckenmeyer stated, If it pleases the Council, we have
seven (7) tax abatements coming before you all. I will give a very brief overview of all of those
and then come back and do each one(1)individually. We have seven(7)projects coming forward
today and I just wanted to present a little bit of the whole picture of what is happening here and
explain, again,tax abatements. There is a tendency for some folks to think, oh my goodness,we're
giving something away when,really,it is purely upside.We are looking at properties,as the second
(2'')bullet point denotes(referencing a slide in a presentation which is available in the City Clerk's
Office), with a current tax contribution of about $147,000 a year. With the approval of these
abatements, these same properties would, within a decade's time, begin contributing an estimated
$1.3 million per year to the tax rolls. This is how tax abatements work. We give businesses an
incentive and a bit of a break for a few years in their property taxes that allows them to invest and
invest heavily. Again, we have seven (7) tax abatements that total over $60 million of private
investment coming into our community. We have six hundred and six (606)jobs being retained in
our community. We are adding over sixty (60) jobs. Now, again, as I noted this afternoon, that
doesn't feel like a lot but those are only the direct jobs associated directly with these projects. A
few of these projects are spec projects, in other words, buildings being built for a future tenant.
Our history is good with these. Our last three (3) spec buildings garnered about seven hundred
(700) employees for the City. So, when you look at them globally, it's a great investment and
opportunity for South Bend to provide these incentives for these individuals. Again, as it shows
from bottom to top (referencing a slide in the presentation),the 2018pay2019, our current tax base
is lower than $200,000 a year. It's going to escalate approaching $2 million a year as we go into
the next decade with that.
Mr. Buckenmeyer continued, With that, Molding Plastics LLC is a wonderful company that has
been around for forty (40) some years in the City of South Bend. They are looking to expand.
They've already done the real property side of their investment.They've invested about$5 million
in land and building which will house the equipment,which is the topic of this tax abatement. This
is a personal property tax abatement, giving them a break on personal property taxes on capital
equipment. It is expected to be about a $5 million investment in order to, again, increase their
production capacities. By increasing that production capacity, they are adding twenty (20) new
jobs,retaining forty-five(45), and they are good paying jobs that average eighteen dollars per hour
($18/hour)wages.As an interesting side note,again,this company is a plastics manufacturer.Their
raw materials find their way to end use in everything from bathtubs to my favorite Corvettes. This
is a great legacy company here in the City and I am happy to support them. Troy and Tim are here
as petitioners as well.
Councilmember Karen White stated, I would first(1St)like to thank you for your development and
your support in terms of working with the City and the Administration, but I would like to hear
about the role this incentive has played to help make your decision to expand your business here
within the City of South Bend.
Troy Wade, 1545 South Olive Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I'm the Vice President and General
Manager of Molding Plastics LLC. I would say that we had plans in doing it, but the plans might
have been delayed until we could come up with the funds to pay for it. We would have done it in
stages. So, employing twenty (20) new people would come later. More production would come
later. My hope is that we would have done it anyway, but it would have taken much longer.
6
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
Councilmember Karen White followed up, And could you share with us what the average salary
would be? The hourly wages for the employees?
Mr.Wade replied, Sure,the average is anywhere from eighteen to twenty-five dollars an hour($18
- $25/hour) depending on what the job is for that position. There are twenty in this petition that we
will hire from this project. There are five(5) that will be salaried and fifteen (15) will be labor.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember John Voorde stated, I would like to make a brief comment. Tax abatements are
sometimes controversial items. I'm not running for office this election cycle, but I've been to a
number of political forums. There are a multitude of candidates out there for Council and for
Mayor and sometimes I've heard Council candidates, in particular, say we've got to do away with
abatement. I wish we had seven(7) abatements before us every meeting because that means there
are people that have faith in the future of this community. We are just deferring future taxes. We
are not giving anything away. We are creating jobs and we are creating a tax base. Tax abatement
is something we should all be enthusiastic about, in my mind.
Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected,And I agree with you and I want to thank you for sharing
that because it's just been a lot of different discussions and emails about the fact we are giving
monies away and blasting us like crazy. But they are coming out to the sixth(6th) district, another
one (1) is coming over there with Catalyst coming over there, I mean, this is wonderful. It is
wonderful seeing an old manufacturing section not used for a long period of time and now you see
it spring up in that whole area. So, I agree with your thoughts and thank you for sharing.
Councilmember Tim Scott stated, I'll comment too, just to follow up on that. Without this new
investment, we wouldn't have the taxes or the jobs on that. We'll talk about spec buildings, too.
You have a field that may generate $1,600 in taxes right now, but until there is a building and
actual employees and businesses in there, that is where the taxes come from.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston interjected, I have a comment as well. I think I want to
also validate, though, the experience of what people are hearing and what they think. There is a
way, and there are times when tax abatements are overused and sometimes, we do. I think what
this Council has a commitment to do is making sure we are leveraging our tools for attracting
investment in a smart way. We talk about these opportunity zones, we're talking about the tax
abatements, we're talking about TIF and Dan and I just had a wonderful conversation about
beginning to invest in cooperative businesses. I think as we move forward, and I'm sure we will
be doing this,we need to have more conversations with the community about Redevelopment tools
and all of the different ways we can attract business, so the public has a better understanding of
how we are using these tools in a way that is beneficial for the City. So, I've found, for example,
in these cases as we move forward with these tonight,that, you know,these are great investments.
What is happening and what is coming across the table, the jobs being created, the wages, and
these are all things we've talked about as Council, I know in the short time that I've been on
Council, looking to have that information right up front so it is easy for us to see and understand
the benefit. This is about community benefit. So, there is one (1) we are going to talk about that I
will probably mention tonight about, you know, what does it mean? We have another thing on the
table about project labor agreements. How can we make sure that, as we are doing this, we can
start making sure we are benefitting the community in the best way possible? So, thank you for
bringing that up, Councilmember Voorde. I think that's a really important conversation and it's
about educating the community and staying connected, so everybody is well-informed.
Councilmember Jo M. Broden interjected, If I might, I was just going to add, location, location,
location. Really, it matters to our community when we look at the benefits of this. Just a general
comment out of the benefit of hearing all these petitions together earlier this afternoon and really
vetting them, if you would, the livable wages, the job opportunities, yes. The training
opportunities, yes. Public transportation that actually enables people to get to those opportunities,
whether they be jobs or training. The ancillary benefits of suppliers buying, if it is personal
property, the investments that are, you know, made here in Indiana and in nearby communities,
and within our own community,all of those things. One(1)of the petitioner's tonight is suggesting
a walking path, right? To support the neighborhood. The conversation about all the synergy and
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
the energy and the different projects that are going in the northwest section of our City, I mean,
the right location with the right infrastructure can really do a lot to a community. I think, as a
Council, our conversations have been elevated and our awareness by the public who has come
forward who are in proximity to these locations, you know, asking for additional support. So, I
think working together, you know, we can check off a lot of positives related to using this tool.
But, it also spurs additional conversations about doing this in the right way that compliments a
community. One (1) of the things that I really love about this batch of abatements is that those
conversations have been teed up and they've been, you know, had and they will be ongoing.
Several of the petitioners have a proven track record and the process where we evaluate these on
an annual basis, did you come before us with something before us in the past? Did you hit your
goals and your objectives, relative to all of these benefits? It really helps us make our decisions
much more easily, knowing that it is a sure bet that these will succeed. I'm really grateful for all
of the conversations about benefits, both local and broader.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 19-18. Councilmember Karen White
seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston made a motion to hear together, for purposes of public
hearing, Bill Nos. 19-20 and 19-24. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded this motion which
carried by a voice vote of nine(9) ayes.
19-20 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND
DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
COMMONLY KNOWN AS 5245 DYLAN
DRIVE, SOUTH BEND, IN 46628 AN
ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR
PURPOSES OF A(5) FIVE-YEAR PERSONAL
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR CHASE
PLASTICS SERVICES, INC.
19-24 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND
DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
COMMONLY KNOWN AS 5245 DYLAN
DRIVE, SOUTH BEND, IN 46628 AN
ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR
PURPOSES OF A SEVEN (7) YEAR REAL
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR CBK
LAND DEVELOPMENT, LLC
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, chair of the Community Investment Committee, reported that they
met this afternoon and send these bills forward with favorable recommendations.
Council President Tim Scott declared, Before we start, I would like to announce my abstention of
vote on both of these bills. The company I work for, I am the Director of Material Management
and Purchasing and Chase Plastic is a wonderful supplier of ours. I am doing this for transparency.
While I don't benefit directly from any financial gains from the business of Chase Plastic, I will
abstain from this vote.
Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Business Development for the Department of Community
Investment with offices located on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN,
served as the presenter for this bill. Mr. Buckenmeyer stated,Bill No. 19-20 is a personal property
tax abatement for Chase Plastics. They have been in South Bend for several years. They were an
early resident of Portage Prairie. They are doing a significant expansion of their warehousing
facility there. So, there are two (2) sides to this as the two (2) resolutions imply. One (1) is the
personal property tax abatement, giving them a break on the purchase of capital equipment. They
will be making an $823,000 investment in machines, storage, racking and so on. It will add
additional jobs. They will retain nineteen (19)jobs and add twelve (12) additional jobs in part of
8
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
this. These have good wages, and these are solid warehousing logistics jobs. They have a great
organization with great retention. As Councilmember Broden noted, this is one (1) of our
community members with a great track record. We've done other successful incentives and
abatements with them in the past. The second (2nd) is the same company, different name. CBK
Land Development is the land-owning entity associated with Chase Plastics which owns the
property and building which will house the aforementioned equipment. There will be$3.5 million
investment in this 80,000 square foot expansion that will add,again, additional warehousing,truck
docking, and so on and so forth. Michael Hall is here as the petitioner.
Michael Hall, 5245 Dylan Drive, South Bend, IN, served as the petitioner for this bill. Mr. Hall
stated, First (1St) off, thank you for this opportunity and we would love your support. Without the
tax abatement, we need it now. We are actually diverting some of the storage we have to other
regions of the United States just because we physically did not have the room. So, these tax
abatements will help us greatly in terms of our positive cash flow, which we are turning around
and investing with additional jobs and keeping our wages at what we call a market plus.An 80,000
square foot facility,the contract has been awarded to a local general contractor who is going to use
vendors and local subcontractors for the project.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 19-20. Councilmember John Voorde
seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of eight(8)ayes(Councilmember Tim Scott
abstained).
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 19-24.Councilmember John Voorde
seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of eight(8) ayes(Councilmember Tim Scott
abstained).
19-22 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND
DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
COMMONLY KNOWN AS 4373 AMERITECH
DRIVE, SOUTH BEND, IN 46628 AN
ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR
PURPOSES OF A SEVEN (7)YEAR REAL
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR HOPKINS
PROPERTIES OF SOUTH BEND, LLC
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, chair of the Community Investment Committee, reported that they
met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation.
Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Business Development for the Department of Community
Investment with offices located on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN,
served as the presenter for this bill. Mr. Buckenmeyer stated, The recipient of this abatement is
Hopkins Properties, also known as Truck Centers INC, (TCI) and formally know as Hill Truck
Center down on Sample Street. So, this is an exciting expansion and relocation of another long-
time South Bend company. They presently are located right next to our Central Services building
on Sample Street. They are moving to a great location for their business, right at the corner of
Routes 31 and 80,the bypass and the tollway,where they will have great visibility and opportunity
to capture that truck traffic as a dealer in new trucks and a repair center for trucks. It is a significant
investment. It is almost an $18 million investment. It will be a 100,000 square foot facility. They
will retain forty-two (42) jobs and they will add thirty (30) new jobs. Again, these are of very
desirable pay. There is a range of fifteen to twenty-five dollars per hour($15 - $25/hour). This is
a great opportunity for the City of South Bend. It takes an otherwise simply wooded corner and
turns it into something pretty special that many passersby will see as they come into our City. The
petitioner, Mr. John Hopkins who is the Chairman and CEO, is in from their headquarters in
Illinois and then Tyler Yates is a VP and heads up the South Bend location.
9
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, No questions but we just wish them farewell from the
sixth (6th) district and Sample Street. As you move forward up to the first (1st) district, as least
you're still in the City, we will miss you.
John Hopkins, 38 Country Club View, Edwardsville, IL, served as the petitioner for this bill. Mr.
Hopkins stated, As Dan has so well done, this is a significant project for us and one (1) that we
feel is very important and is a major investment for us. This is much more than what we've
typically invested in facilities and much larger than what we've typically invested. It will be a
major expansion of employment opportunities for technicians, parts people and so on. As Dan
alluded to, a minimum of fifteen (15), but a lot of them will be eighteen to thirty dollars per hour
($18 - $30/hour). We think it could be even more than thirty(30)jobs. Again, we are grateful for
the opportunity to be considered and we would consider it a blessing if you would approve our
opportunity here.
Tyler Yates, 7503 Toscana Court, Granger, IN, stated, John pretty much hit the nail on the head.
We really appreciate your support to allow us to move forward with this project.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, I want to thank you. You shared, and maybe you
could share more, for the public record, you have a long-standing commitment to this community.
You talked about have multiple generations of families working, and I would like to hear more
about that and then I have another question.
Mr. Hopkins replied, I appreciate the opportunity to expand on that. We are forty-nine (49) years
in business when we acquired Hill Truck sale. They had been in this area for fifty-four (54) years
and we acquired them in January of 2016. So,we gave them all the seniority of all of their previous
years of employment. We just awarded last week a forty-five(45) year employment award which
included a very nice check and plaque to one(1)of our long-time technicians up here. Today I just
awarded a thirty-five(35)year award, a nice plaque and check to another long-time employee.We
have twenty(20) employees that have been with us for over forty(40) years in our company right
now. One hundred and sixty-five (165) over twenty (20) years with us. We do have multi-
generational and I think that is one(1) of the greatest honors we can have is when a father asks his
son to be a part of our business or his brother to be a part of our business and many others of the
same way. We have many of the second (2nd) and third (3rd) generation that are a part of us.
Training and education are really huge for us because our industry keeps evolving and changing
and there is a lot of construction going on, so we have to be really quick at moving. We have our
own dedicated training centers. We have our own dedicated school. We've been doing the school
now for about five (5) years and we have fifty-five (5) graduates from the school. All fifty-five
(55) of them are still employed by us over these past five (5) years. All are really great and strong
technicians or parts people. At our training center we've trained over 6,000 technicians across
North America at our Troy, Illinois location. We are going to have a sub-training center here in
South Bend because of the distance from our Troy location. Tyler already has that person being
trained. It takes about two (2) years to get them trained to be able to educate and train all of our
people and certify them. Again, it is a great opportunity for us to be here and be a part of your
community.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, Again, thank you. Businesses like these, we
really appreciate having and we look forward to you remaining in our community and continuing
the service and benefit you bring. I'm not sure I asked, when you are building this new building,
have you awarded that contract yet?
Mr. Hopkins replied, We haven't awarded the contract. We've worked with a company that is
based in the southern Michigan area, northern Indiana area, who works in buildings. So, we've
been working with them on estimates,pricing and what kind of variances we would need,but there
has not been an awarding of contractors and we haven't made a definitive decision to go forward,
pending the Council's approval.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston followed up, Given that, would you be interested in or
be willing to have a conversation about a project labor agreement? Something that just puts it on
the books about, how I'm sure you would already be contracting with local contractors.
Mr. Hopkins replied, We would love to enter into those discussions with you.
10
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston replied, Terrific, thank you.
Councilmember Jake Teshka stated, I'm glad you are bringing part of that training center here.
Otherwise, I don't know where we would find all these diesel techs. They are about as scarce as
they get nowadays, and I think this adds to another initiative and what should be part of this
Council's priority is training these folks for these types of positions and these jobs we are bringing
to the City. We need to have the workforce developed to move into those positions seamlessly.
Thank you for the work you are doing on that end as well. So, I think that's great.
Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, Just quickly, and this isn't just for you but for some of the
other petitioners in the group,but Mr. Buckenmeyer mentioned it was a wooded piece of land that
is going to be converted into your wonderful uses and terrific benefit for the community. But,just
to recognize, I think, as a City, I would like to call out our pretty low standards in terms of
landscaping and looking at things from an environmental impact perspective, you know,building-
wise. So, I guess, and I acknowledge that all of the petitioners are currently supporting local non-
profits and that is part of our application process, but I would just like to throw it out there that as
our community moves in our conversations about sustainability and climate impact, I would like
to put it out there,as we go forward with some of these approvals and you as you are going forward
in your process of working with contractors who will build this out, maybe take a look at some of
those opportunities as they present themselves to kind of check some of those boxes. I think, you
know, we can look at that on a short-term,mid-term and long-term benefit and I would hope, you
know,our developer communities can see a partnership on that. If you can't do it on site,find ways
to offset it in our broader community. Plant some trees if not in this location, you know, some
mitigating approaches if not on your own location, perhaps elsewhere. That is not specific to you
but to the broader group.
Mr. Hopkins replied, One(1) of the big things we've done on our recent two (2)building projects
was a big solar array. We are very big with the solar power and being self-sustaining.
Councilmember Tim Scott asked, Please state what baseball team you support.
Mr. Yates replied, The St. Louis Cardinals.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 19-22. Councilmember John Voorde
seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes.
19-26 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND
DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
COMMONLY KNOWN AS IGNITION PARK,
SOUTH BEND, IN 46601 AN ECONOMIC
REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF
AN EIGHT (8)YEAR REAL PROPERTY TAX
ABATEMENT FOR CATALYST THREE, LLC
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, chair of the Community Investment Committee, reported that they
met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation.
Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Business Development for the Department of Community
Investment with offices located on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN,
served as the presenter for this bill. Mr. Buckenmeyer stated, This is a pretty exciting one (1) for
South Bend. Not only is it a buildout of Ignition Park but it is a retention effort for one (1) of our
treasured existing employers. First (1St) the office building, this will be a $16 million investment
in an 83,000 square foot building. It will be larger, ironically, than the other two (2) in order to
house this large employer. The other two (2) that you see there (referencing a slide in the
presentation), Catalyst One (1) and Two (2) are both only about 50,000 square feet. The five
hundred(500)retained jobs come by way of an organization that started here over thirty(30)years
11
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
ago and has been with South Bend through that entire time. They have seen significant and
nationwide growth. With that, they had reason, recently, to consider a departure from South Bend
in part due to some State tax situations that they face due to the unique nature of their business.
We have worked diligently with them to give them good reason to stay behind just their desire to
stay in their birthplace, if you will, and where they have about five hundred (500) plus valued
employees. These are important jobs to South Bend. I'll note these are consultants and higher
salary paying jobs that would leave quite a hole if a company like this were to leave. These are
jobs we cannot readily replace. So, it is very thrilling that we are talking about retaining Press
Ganey(PG)in this effort directly through this tax abatement which,via a triple-net-lease,wherein
they, as tenant would pay the property taxes. This is a direct benefit to them. Jeff Smoke is here
from Great Lakes Capital, who is the developer and builder. My team from PG, who you met this
afternoon, unfortunately called and they are not able to be here right now. But they send their
regrets, first(1St) of all,but also their thanks for your consideration. As they said this afternoon, it
is very critical. It is part of a three(3)-part element. We want to seal this and give the State a little
kick in the pants to get their incentives in line and solidify this, so we can get ink on this deal.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, I think you had touched on that this is a real
situation and the gentlemen said in Committee that we really could have lost this opportunity. This
is a long-standing business with lots of jobs. So, it was really important to make this available for
them.
Mr. Buckenmeyer replied, Right, and if you look at this one(1) you'll see it is a heavier incentive
than we typically do. It pushes the envelope of almost twenty percent(20%)whereas most of these
we are talking about are below fifteen percent (15%) and closer to ten percent (10%). That is
through direct conversations with the Mayor and we have been working really hard to make this
meaningful for PG.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston followed up,The$900,000 public funding, can you talk
about that?
Mr. Buckenmeyer replied, Yeah, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to gloss over that. It is unusual to pair
TIF with a tax abatement. We try not to do that. Sometimes in special situations, we do stack. So,
the reason this happened here is, again, when you look at this map (referencing a slide in the
presentation) and the two (2) soon to be three (3) buildings, that was part of a contract done
between the City and Great Lakes Capital back in 2015. So, that was a development agreement
that provided $900,000 in TIF incentive for each of the three(3)buildings as they were built. That
was already baked into this as a bid as PG frankly looked at this site and other sites with other
developers throughout the City over the last eighteen(18)months two (2)years. It helped this site
win, quite frankly. But, again, that $900,000 benefit will go to the parking lots, landscaping and
local public improvements. The tax abatement will go through the owner and then directly benefit
PG themselves.
Councilmember Jo M. Broden asked, So, this is a consolidation though, right? Well, it's a move
but it also brings about a consolidation of some of their different components, correct?
Mr. Buckenmeyer replied, Yeah, as Mr. Williams said this afternoon, they are kind of spread out
across about four (4) buildings right now. Some are in disrepair, so, it has affected employee
morale and so on, other elements,but this brings them all under one (1)roof.
Councilmember Jo M. Broden followed up, Will this include room for expansion of their
workforce?
Mr. Buckenmeyer replied, There is a little room for expansion, yes.
Councilmember Jo M. Broden then asked, The other buildings, I mean, certainly one (1) of these
are in a pretty prime spot along our river? Are there any plans for the buildings they are vacating?
Mr. Buckenmeyer replied, We don't have a signed lease here, so, we don't happen to have those
conversations yet,but our general consensus is these are riverfront buildings and there will be great
opportunity there. We are not too worried about them.
12
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, Lastly,just a comment, well, a compliment to the staff of
DCI. When you look at this as a five (5) year project, frankly, we are getting at retention. I want
to also thank Press Ganey for their willingness to work with us. And of course, the developers.
Mr. Buckenmeyer stated, For the record, it's been all the way up and down the chain from the
developers and, I mean, a year ago, roughly, we were sitting in the Mayor's conference room and
this has been a very involved experience. We have worked very hard on this, every member of the
team has.
Councilmember Karen White stated, We recently attended a workshop dealing with opportunity
zones. Is this building in an opportunity zone? And what would that mean in terms of any type of
impact or incentives?
Mr. Buckenmeyer replied,All of Ignition Park is in one(1)of the Census Tracts that encompasses
an opportunity zone. I can't speak to what that means but in one (1) manner, yes, that could be a
benefit should the developer want to create a fund for folks to invest their capital gains into. The
opportunity zones are a vehicle for that. There could be investment in this building from other
outside resources, but I don't know if that has happened.
Jeff Smoke, 112 West Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, IN, replied, In terms of the opportunity
zones,there is still a lot of language being fleshed out and how those are being implemented. Some
have been already but, basically, it allows for a lower cost of capital to go in and help incentivize
projects. So, we are not planning on that for this one(1) yet because the language is still new, but
we may end up doing it in the end. It is all being worked out in real time.
Councilmember John Voorde asked, Is this an Urban Enterprise Zone? If so, are there any benefits
that accrue to anyone doing anything in a UEZ?
Mr. Buckenmeyer replied, I believe it is in the zone, but they haven't done much with that.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, I just want to, again,thank you. When we sat on this Council
a few years ago, about the whole Ignition Park, we were highly concerned that Innovation Park
was going to be the big success and Ignition Park was going to be pretty much left to fend for
itself. That has not been the case at all and I remember back to Mayor Steve about that and Mayor
Pete has continued that, and this is really creating that. The way the Catalyst is set up, when we
brought people to that building, they have been amazed. It just gives a whole different flavor to
the whole Rum Village area as you come through that section and I think it is going to really build
up that whole section and I'm pleased to be a part of this.
Mr. Buckenmeyer stated, I'm thrilled you brought that up. You bring up a great point. I think that
if and hopefully when this happens, this will be absolutely transformational. You throw five
hundred(500)people into any concentrated area, you are going to have a transformational effect.
Councilmember Oliver Davis interrupted, I can see stores coming. People are going to want
everything from restaurants, to eating places to everything else. From my house, it's going to be
much easier to just enjoy life and so, yeah.
Mr. Smoke stated, As part of this expansion, we will be adding a full-service café to Catalyst One
(1).
Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, Ok, I will work with you on the menu and we can do
that kind of thing, that would be cool. I'm at peace.
Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to adopt Bill No. 19-26.Councilmember Gavin Ferlic
seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes.
19-28 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND
DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE
13
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
COMMONLY KNOWN AS NE CORNER OF
ADAM ROAD AND U.S. 31 BYPASS, SOUTH
BEND, IN 46628 AN ECONOMIC
REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF
A SIX(6)YEAR REAL PROPERTY TAX
ABATEMENT FOR GLC PORTAGE PRAIRIE
IV, LLC
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, chair of the Community Investment Committee, reported that they
met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation.
Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Business Development for the Department of Community
Investment with offices located on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN,
served as the presenter for this bill. Mr. Buckenmeyer stated, This is the first (1St) of two (2), I'll
just do a little preamble on the next two (2) coming if you will humor me. As I said this afternoon,
if you want to show economic strength, growth and vitality in a community, look for spec
buildings. We just talked about in the past five (5) abatements, we've talked about$40 million of
investment in our community. These next two (2)including$20 million of investment in buildings
that currently have no proposed tenant. We can't count proposed jobs yet because we don't know
who is going to go in there but,again,we have a good track record.The last three(3)spec buildings
that the current petitioner, GLC, did brought about seven hundred (700) jobs. So, it is just an
exciting moment, really, for an economic development geek like me, to stand up here and talk
about this level of investment from two (2) of our most trusted partners and valued partners in the
City in terms of developers and their commitment to the community.
Mr.Buckenmeyer continued,That said,we will start with Great Lakes Capital.This is where CTDI
is(referencing a slide in the presentation). That was what was known as spec three(3)when it was
built. It now houses five hundred (500) plus employees. The subject area for the new building is
just north of that. It's just all yellow because it is a single plat right now. It will be platted off into
smaller pieces. In any event,it will be a$7 million investment and a 166,000 square foot building.
Again, it will be styled to house a light industrial manufacturer or a logistics warehousing
distribution company. And again, there is great access to I-80 and I-90. Again, we don't list any
jobs,per se, in this but we do expect indirect jobs by the eventual tenants.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, I think it will be good to clarify about the traffic
patterns and how people will access that property.
Council President Tim Scott replied, I can speak to that. When CTDI went in, there was a lot of
concern with what is in yellow(referencing a slide in the presentation)right now going all the way
up to Bertrand Road and the Michigan State line. This Council has approved buildings within here
that would have no access to Mayflower or anywhere up to Bertrand Road. I've worked as the first
(18t) district rep with Community Investment, Dan has been involved, as well as Engineering, on
working to improve the roads and access in and out of this for better and more peaceful traffic for
the citizens that live within the area,which is county. So,if you look, Mayflower Road is a county
road and everything around this is pretty much county. The houses along Adams Road is county
as well. One (1) thing that was mentioned earlier that was kind of over-looked was the State will
be working on the off-ramps and the bypass within that area but also the City and TIF dollars are
going in to improve Cleveland Road and that access. The twelve (12)points go beyond that. Dan
and I have been working together and right now it is an Engineering study. Our Engineering as
well as the County Engineering because we have to have county cooperation on this as well. We
have to look at traffic patterns and road conditions. Also, we are going to be working with
developers and the businesses to make sure their employees understand where they need to come
and go out of there so everybody has a better quality of life. We will be looking at other traffic
solutions with it. One (1) thing is, there really is no good wayfinding signs when anybody comes
off the highways. There is a very small sign that says, 'No Trucks.' We need to see lighted signs
that point trucks in the right direction. There are simple and cheap solutions we can do and there
are some more expensive things that we will need cooperation for, not only from the developers
but the City and the County. That was mentioned earlier in Committee today. We will continue
those conversations. I did send,last week an email, and we will pool that information together and
14
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
once we understand what is going on, I will share that with the Council and the public. Bobby K,
the County Councilmember, has been in those conversations as well. These are good problems to
have, we just have to solve them for all the citizens.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, Thank you, President Scott. You've really done
a lot of work and this is a good example of how our decisions in the City impact the County. It is
just a wonderful example of us working together to make sure we are taking care of everybody.
We talked also in Committee,and I've been asking everybody,have you awarded the contract yet?
You mentioned before you usually work with Majority Builders but haven't decided yet.
Mr. Smoke replied, Correct.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated,I will just ask you again for public record. Would
you be willing to have a conversation about doing a project labor agreement,to solidify with your
builders, that community benefit?
Mr. Smoke replied,Yes, we would entertain those discussions, certainly.
Councilmember Jo M. Broden interjected, I would just like to actually concur with the comments
about your leadership, President Scott. I would like to highlight, too, your responsiveness to the
actual citizens who came before the Council. I know on our very first (1St) vote, related to your
earlier project, that was input Council had received. Thank you for your leadership on that. But, I
also think it's important to thank staff and elected representatives on both the City and Council
level. I think it's really important that, as we move forward, and I'm glad we're going to have an
update that we actually solidify some timing on these improvements. I think the message that help
is on the way is kind of vague, but if we can say help is on the way and these are our priority
projects by X deadline, I think that is a much more substantial response. I look forward to those
types of conversations.
Council President Tim Scott stated, Just within the last week and a half, we found out about
Cleveland Road. I think it is about $2 million the City is putting into Cleveland. The idea was to
say, yes, this is what we are going to do. We are working out the details. We will bring that forth.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 19-28. Councilmember Jake Teshka
seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine(9) ayes.
19-30 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND
DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
COMMONLY KNOWN AS 24605 CLEVELAND
ROAD, SOUTH BEND, IN 46628 AN
ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR
PURPOSES OF A SIX(6)YEAR REAL
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR 31 NIMTZ
LAND, LLC
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, chair of the Community Investment Committee, reported that they
met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation.
Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Business Development for the Department of Community
Investment with offices located on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN,
served as the presenter for this bill. Mr. Buckenmeyer stated, This is the second (2nd) of two (2)
spec buildings. This one (1) is 225,000 square feet and nearly a $13 million project. Nimtz Road
runs across the southern border of this map that's on here(referencing a slide in the presentation).
The bypass runs along the right side of that map. If you were to go to the northwest there, you
would bump into Tire Rack. This will fill an empty tooth. One(1)of these two (2)parcels that this
will fill was just annexed into the City. Again, it is a great testament to the confidence our City
15
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
developers and partners have in the continued growth and investment in South Bend. We expect it
will bring a wonderful number of indirect jobs, whether it becomes utilized for light
manufacturing, warehousing, or some mix within that 225,000 square feet. Paul Phair is here from
Holladay Properties who is the developer. Holladay construction is also the builder.
Councilmember Jo M. Broden asked,You guys were the early adopters out in this area. So, I think
that should be noted. You were first(1St) in on the scene, and a lot has followed after you. I want
to recognize your initial and early efforts on that. As well, I would say the Chamber of Commerce
and some of our partners with regional planning has really identified needs here. So, between
private and public,inclusive of our Community Investment staff,our leadership in Administration,
a lot of this has really come together. I want to acknowledge your company and predecessors.
Paul Phair, 227 South Main Street, South Bend, IN, replied, Thank you very much and you're
absolutely right. Even before I joined the company and I've been with Holladay for thirteen (13)
years now, we really were early in getting into this northwest area and saw the potential the toll
road and the US-31 intersection really had for industry in our town. Over the years, we've
developed many buildings out in this area. We still own about 750,000 square feet in addition to
the one (1) we are talking about, but I'll bet we've probably developed another 1.5, maybe 2
million square feet that has since sold over the last two (2) decades. It has been a great area and
personally, for me,up in the Portage Prairie area,that was my sole focus from day one(1). So, I'm
thrilled to see it grow into what it has become. We're excited to get this project going and thank
you all for the opportunity. This abatement will be huge in offsetting our risk for such a major
investment.
Councilmember Jake Teshka stated, Holladay has a proven track record in our community for
meeting their obligations. Thank you, Paul, and to your father as well, for all that Holladay has
done for us here in the community.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston interjected, I really liked the question that
Councilmember Davis asked in Committee. Do you remember that, Councilmember Davis?
Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, What I asked was in terms of the issue of putting us, as we
look at our sister cities of Mishawaka and Elkhart, how does this put us in terms of positioning as
we look at those kinds of cities in terms of positioning us with marketing and attracting those kinds
of businesses.
Mr. Phair replied, Dan mentioned, having two (2) spec buildings is a really good indication of the
confidence that people have in the community. If we were in Chicagoland or a larger market, spec
building is more standard. It is a traditional way for large industrial developers to do that. But, in
communities our size, it is not a very typical thing to see in great number. So, we definitely will
have the advantage of having space available over some of the cities in close proximity that don't
have that same advantage.
Councilmember Tim Scott stated, When Great Lakes built the 200,000 square foot building in the
Portage Prairie area,there were only thirteen(13)distribution buildings that size in the entire State.
The demand is there, I can tell you that.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston interjected, And one (1) of the things you said
specifically is it can cut the timeframe for businesses looking to set up right away. So, that is one
(1) of the advantages we will have with the spec buildings.
Mr. Phair replied, No doubt. Most companies don't want to take the time to plan a new building.
So, having something ready to go for them can take their timeframe from fifteen (15) months to
four(4) months. That is a huge advantage for them to be able to move with the speed of business,
react more quickly to market forces, all that kind of stuff.
Councilmember Karen White stated,This is just another example of the Council working with not
only the developer and Administration, but also with the citizens. I was on the Council at the time
when the vision of having Portage Prairie came to our community. Not only did we have extensive
meetings, but we met on Saturday's. We dealt with the resident's concerns. We listened. We did
our best to make sure their concerns were heard, and we made sure that, as we moved forward, we
did our best to ensure that the developer had the support they needed and that our residents, as
16
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
•
much as possible, their needs were met. Almost every Saturday, we were meeting about this
particular project. Again,we see the results of the work the Council did way back fifteen(15) some
years ago. Thank you for your work.
This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bills, proponents and
opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 19-30. Councilmember Oliver Davis
seconded this motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine(9) ayes.
BILLS ON FIRST READING
BILL NO.
10-19 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND
SEEKING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED WEST AND ADJACENT
TO 6100 NIMTZ PARKWAY, COUNCILMANIC
DISTRICT NO. 1 IN THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND, INDIANA
Councilmember John Voorde made a motion to send Bill No. 10-19 to the Area Plan Commission
for their May 21',2019 meeting and to the Zoning and Annexation Committee for Second Reading
and Public Hearing on May 28th, 2019. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which
carried by a voice vote of nine(9) ayes.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic then made a motion to move the May 27th,2019 meeting of the South
Bend Common Council to May 28th,2019 in observance of Memorial Day. Councilmember Oliver
Davis seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
11-19 FIRST READING ON AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 121 EAST TUTT
STREET, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 2 IN
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Councilmember John Voorde made a motion to send Bill No. 11-19 to the Area Plan Commission
for their May 21st,2019 meeting and to the Zoning and Annexation Committee for Second Reading
and Public Hearing on May 28th, 2019. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which
carried by a voice vote of nine(9) ayes.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Councilmember Oliver Davis stated,Without discussing too much because I know we just had the
first (1') reading, the ordinance we just went over, I was in conversations with our City attorney
and we were trying to go over the lease agreement. There has been a lot of discussion that the lease
of weather amnesty was going to close on April 15`h,but it ended up closing on April 1'. I just
wanted to get clarification on that. I know there was a meeting on that and I couldn't make the last
meeting but in terms of any planning, well, what is being said is there was no planning and it was
just closed. I know Mr. Dave Matthews had a meeting with them yesterday, but, what is your
knowledge about the case and everything else?
Council Attorney Bob Palmer replied, My knowledge is the original lease agreement for the Tutt
Street location provided for a lease that ended on April 15`h of this year. Following a resolution of
this Council to keep weather amnesty open until April 1 S`of this year,there will be a two (2)week
time period between the end of weather amnesty and the lease terminated. I'm not aware of what
happened with April 18t and I'm also not aware of any continued discussion between Hope
Ministries, the City and the owner of the Tutt Street location for weather amnesty purposes.
17
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, Ms. O'Sullivan, is there any light you can share with us
regarding where we are because I've been getting questions on that.
Laura O'Sullivan, Chief of Staff to the Mayor of the City of South Bend with offices located on
the 14th floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, replied, I do not have an update on
that.The latest update can be provided by the minutes of the meeting with Pam Meyer in the Health
and Public Safety Committee.
Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, Is there any way you can provide us a fresh update
regarding what has gone on? Given the comments from the media, the comments and everything
else, where we are today, what has been done so people can make a public statement on that?
Basically, it's been said it was closed, they created Tent City, and the City wiped all that out, it
has created this whole turn around and rumble as you are probably aware of. So, what can we do
to be proactive? I know in our whole conversation on weather amnesty we had before, we were
getting everything done prior to the June or July date.
Ms. O'Sullivan replied, We can get an update on that.
Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, I appreciate that. How soon can we expect that?
Ms. O'Sullivan replied, Maybe two (2) days?
Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, Thanks, I appreciate it. I'm at peace.
Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, I would like to just bring the public up to date with a climate
resolution. Councilmember Teshka, the chair of the Utilities Committee, and myself as chair of
Health and Public Safety, will be bringing forward to the Council on Monday, April 22nd at the
7:00 p.m. meeting, relative to some early steps we would like Council and leadership to look at.
To that,we had a presentation in Committee today from Therese Dorau,the Director of the Office
of Sustainability, and she provided a PowerPoint presentation. We hope to have that live and
available under the Council Initiatives portion of our website webpage and also individuals can
get ahold of it by contacting any one(1)of their Council Members as well. If I might,just quickly
solicit, we are looking for input on what was presented today within the context of the Committee
meeting. Basically, it was an outline of what Council is considering and we are entertaining input
from the community on that. So, you can contact any one (1) of the chairs of the Committees as
well as your own Council Member. That document will hopefully be online tomorrow as well as
the two (2) additional handouts given to Council. One (1) is from our Urban Sustainability
Directors Network. It is Appendix A,USDN GHG Reduction High Impact Practices. So,basically,
greenhouse gas reduction high-impact practices are something that could inform the discussions
going forward, both at the Council and community level. And then a second (2nd) document
handout,the United States Conference of Mayors and the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions,
the Alliance for a Sustainable Future. There is a quick four (4) or five (5) page document, again,
that could also inform our discussions leading into the April 22nd request from Council to pass a
resolution relative to climate change impact. The entire public record will be rounded out,
including the minutes from the February 18th meeting and the February 27th meeting. I would like
to expressly thank, on behalf of my Committee, Graham Sparks and the Clerk's Office for all of
their work. And, the Sustainability Office and, particularly, Therese Dorau and Eric Horvath for
all of your support and leadership on this issue here to date. I look forward to our April 22nd
meeting and our consideration as Council on this.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Rod Goodchild, 837 South 24th Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I'm right next to Potawatomi Park.
He handed out documents to the Council Members which are available in the City Clerk's Office.
Mr. Goodchild stated, I come today to thank everyone on this panel, these Council Members. I
18
REGULAR MEETING April 8, 2019
want to especially point out the PARC Committee, Sharon McBride, Chairperson, I can't thank
you enough. You've taken the baton. As a runner myself on two (2) US teams, 1980 and 1984,
Masters Gold, top runner at forty (40) and was trying my best to be at seventy (70) to break the
American record. But, when you write a book and people respect you, and you put your heart and
soul into it, it does continue to keep you on the path. If I tell anybody, if they can just get a ticket
to get on the plane, you can get to wherever you're going. But, you need a ticket. My ticket was
my father and what he left me, there is nothing more, the story, than coming from an Indian
reservation when your grandma Dory was one hundred(100)years old when I was five(5). It was
1850 when she was born.To think that we have had now eleven(11) spirit animal carvings,thanks
to you Council Members. Gavin, you're the Vice Chair, your father totally supported it. Oliver,
you were there and spoke of my father. He was smiling. My sister, she at twenty (20) years with
Phil Sinclair,he wrote in your newspaper, employees from the City, the dedication to her and her
service. Sue Stevenson Goodchild, over twenty(20) years. With that, John Voorde, without him,
it would have never happened. I thank everyone. I know it chokes me up sometimes. Do you see
this plaque? It says Goodchild. When I was in grade school, that was the first (1St) time I saw my
name: Roderick Goodchild.That was from delivering papers.Three(3)areas I have to get the flag,
Aaron Perri got that. To get the fourteen (14) spirit animals, we have that done with the rock for
my dad.And for the eleven(11) stones that give the messages, as Mayor Pete said, you can't write
a book with blank pages, you can't understand what the eleven (11) carvings are without the
messages. As you've all seen,they are there. The Native Americans have all spoken.They all want
it done. I've heard now from Parks that it's going to be done. It will be done in time for the Best.
Week. Ever. coming up in June. Thank you so much, everyone, I can't thank you enough for all
of your support. It goes without saying, everyone had to be involved to have it succeed. Thank
you.
Bill Stranz, 1818 South Olive Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I'm from Bill's Auto Shop. I'm still
trying to get together with the City Engineers or somebody for the right-of-way where they are
putting in the street. They are making Olive Street a single lane each way with a center turn lane.
No parking on either side of the street and it's eliminating all the parking in front of my place of
business. We've been out there for fifty-five (55) years. They suggested I put a parking lot on the
side of my building. The storage lot goes back about one hundred (100) feet. I've got some
estimates on putting the fence back further and paving a lot and a few other things that would have
to be done. I still don't know what the City expects of a parking lot.That is my problem. I'm trying
to get together with the City Engineers. Hopefully they can do something. I've been talking to Mr.
Voorde and he's been helping me out as well as Councilmember Oliver Davis. I thank you very
much for your help so far. I have some proposals and prices.
Randall Norris, 802 South 31st Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I'm here on behalf of my employers.
They are investors in this area. They have several properties in the Coquillard Park area and
throughout South Bend. I'm mainly talking about Coquillard Park right now. I've done a lot of
work in that area. I've been there for about three (3) years now. And, in three (3) years, I've
witnessed four (4) instances of gun fire in that park. Not around that park, in that park. Three (3)
of those four(4) times, there were small children playing in that park. How lucky are we that no
one has been hit yet? They want solutions to that problem. No one feels safe in that neighborhood
anymore. Just last night we had an incident at about 8:45 p.m., there were thirty(30)to forty(40)
shots fired, with children, in that park. One (1) of the bullets actually went through into one(1) of
our houses, went in through the wall, through the living room, through the bedroom and it lodged
in a headboard. So, you're not even safe in your own home in that area anymore. A bullet can get
you. The people I work for, Amanda Shutz, she would love to have conversation. She wants to be
involved in the solution. We are just looking for something, common sense, that works and will
solve this problem. She would like to speak with you personally, Mr. Ferlic. If I can get your
contact information at the end of the meeting, I would like that. I just want everyone to be aware
of what it is going on there. Our luck is going to run out and something needs to be done. Thank
you.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, President Tim Scott adjourned the
meeting at 8:46 p.m.
19