HomeMy WebLinkAbout2 MinutesSOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
September 27, 2012
9:30 a.m.
Presiding: Marcia I. Jones, President
1. ROLL CALL
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Legal Counsel:
227 West Jefferson Boulevard
South Bend, Indiana
Ms. Marcia Jones, President
Dr. David Varner, Vice President
Mr. Donald Alford Sr., Secretary
Mr. Greg Downes
Mr. John Stancati
Mr. Henry Davis
Mr. Lawrence Meteiver, Esq.
Redevelopment Staff: Mr. Don Inks, Director
Mrs. Cheryl Phipps, Recording Secretary
Mr. Bill Schalliol, Economic Development Specialist
Mr. David Relos, Economic Development Specialist
Ms. Debrah Jennings, Property Manager
Others Present: Mr. Scott Ford, Executive Director
Ms. Beth Leonard Inks, Director
Mr. Aaron Perri, DTSB
Ms. Mo Miller
Mr. Conrad Damian
Mr. David Mayne
Mr. Richard Nussbaum
Mr. Kevin Smith, Union Station Technology Center
Mr. Brian Siqueira , Union Station Technology Center
Ms. Catherine Hostetler, Historic Preservation Commission
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of
Thursday, September 13, 2012.
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr. COMMISSION APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE
Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission REGULAR MEETING OF THURSDAY,
approved the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of SEPTEMBER 13, 2012.
Thursday, September 13, 2012.
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
3. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS
Redevelopment Commission Claims submitted September 27, 2012 for approval.
324 AIRPORT AREA
Hull & Associates, Inc.
180.00
General Consulting
South Bend Tribune
148.22
Notice To Bidders
Sopko, Nussbaum, Inabnit & Kaczmarek
4,475.00
Legal Services
Hull & Associates, Inc.
3,580.00
Temporary Groundwater Ignition Park
Hull & Associates, Inc.
5,843.04
Monitoring Wells & Preparation of
Remediation wk Plan
Hull & Associates, Inc.
1,117.50
Soil Gas Sampling
Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP
591.41
Studebaker /Oliver Plow Works Cost
Recovery
St. Joseph County Treasurer
3,912.33
Tax Sale Acquisitions
Jackson Trucking & Excavation
45,125.00
Ignition Park Demo
R.E. Pitts & Associates
1,550.00
Appraisal Services
Jerome E Michaels, MAI
1,750.00
S Main St. vacant Its.
Faegre Baker Daniels
795.00
Legal Services
Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP
3,148.50
Bosch / Honeywell
Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP
13,594.50
Union Station
420 FUND TIF DISTRICT -SBCDA GENERAL
Ampco System Parking 1,864.17
Sopko, Nussbaum, Inabnit & Kaczmarek 1,437.50
Buxton Identifying Customers 1,750.00
Wightman Petrie 2,196.25
South Bend Water Works 37.87
CB Richard Ellis 636.88
225 Main St / St. Joseph St Surface
Legal Services
Retail Matching Access & Basic Access
Site Design & Graphics -VA Clinic
325 S Lafayette Blvd
Management Fee LaSalle Hotel
422 TIF DISTRICT WEST WASHINGTON
Sopko, Nussbaum, Inabnit & Kaczmarek 612.50 Legal Services
426 FUND SOUTH BEND CENTRAL MEDICAL DISTRICT
The Troyer Group 8,446.33 Facade Studies Skyway Memorial /
Phase II Window Replacement
ARC 25.46 Skyway Plaza Bldg Window Repl'ment
F)
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
3. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS (CONT.)
429 TIF FUND NORTHEAST DISTRICT
Faegre Baker Daniels
Lawson - Fisher Associates P.C.
360.00 Legal Services
70,940.05 Main St to Lafayette Blvd Connector
$103,177.46
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr.
Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission
approved the Claims submitted September 27, 2012,
and ordered checks to be released.
4. COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Communications.
5. OLD BUSINESS
A. Airport Economic Development Area
(1) Contract with AEP to provide Alternate
Feed Services to Union Station
Technology Center.
Mr. Schalliol noted that in a response to
questions raised at the September 13
Redevelopment Commission about the,
potential for increasing health hazards for
South Bend Housing Authority residents
with the placement of additional power
lines for the Renaissance District, staff has
worked with the Union Station Technology
Center team, AEP /I &M and the St. Joseph
County Health Department to provide
additional site specific information to
address these concerns.
Provided in the packet was an e-mail dated
Wednesday, September 19 from Marc
Nelson, Environmental Health Director, to
3
COMMISSION APPROVED THE CLAIMS
SUBMITTED SEPTEMBER 27, 2012, AND
ORDERED THE CHECKS TO BE RELEASED.
THERE WERE NO COMMUNICATIONS.
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
5. OLD BUSINESS "
A. Airport Economic Development Area
(1) continued...
Brian Siqueira with the USTC team
discussing public health implications
related to power lines and other
Electromagnetic Magnetic Fields (EMF)
and Extremely Low Frequency (ELF)
emitting devices. Based on current
research, there presently are no documented
health risks that can be attributed to
exposure to electromagnetic radiation from
standard power lines or even higher
energyflow electric and magnetic energy
(RF) devices like cell phones.
The second attachment was an analysis
prepared by the USTC team concerning
some more site specific information. The
first section contains a table of common
household devices and illustrates their EMF
values at various distances. The second
table shows a comparison of power line
types and compares EMF values at various
distances. The next table shows an
example of ELF created by rail and the
various factors that impact the calculation
values at various distances. There was also
a table showing the best analysis of
distance from the SBHA units to the power
and rail lines. The rest of the material is
information on various aspects of EMF,
ELF and other public health information.
The information is from the US Department
of Health and Human Services from 2005.
None of the information" supports there
being elevated health risks'if the power
lines are added. Therefore, staff requests
2
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
5. OLD BUSINESS
A. Airport Economic Development Area
(1) continued...
unconditional Commission approval for
funding of $165,000 to provide an
Alternate Feed Service from AEP from a
point on Chapin Street to the USTC project
site.
Mr. Varner wanted assurance that these
power lines are a temporary fix, expected to
serve the Renaissance District for no more
than two years. Mr. Smith assured him that
was so.
Ms. Jones asked if the information
presented today is more current than what
was presented previously. Mr. Schalliol
responded that it is.
Upon a motion by Mr. Varner, seconded by
Mr. Downes and unanimously carried, the
Commission approved Contract with AEP
to provide Alternate Feed Services to
Union Station Technology Center.
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. South Bend Central Development Area
(1) Listing Contract with Hallmark Real
Estate for 620 Columbia Street.
Mr. Relos noted that on September 27,
2011, the Commission entered in to Listing
Contracts with Hallmark Real Estate for the
marketing and sale of five former Housing
Development Corporation houses in
Monroe Park. Those contracts were for
,: 5
COMMISSION APPROVED CONTRACT WITH
AEP TO PROVIDE ALTERNATE FEED
SERVICES TO UNION STATION
TECHNOLOGY CENTER.
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. South Bend Central Development Area
(1) continued...
approximately six months, ending on
March 18, 2012.
On March 27, 2012, the Commission
approved a six month extension for the two
remaining properties.
Since that time, one of the two remaining
properties has been sold, leaving one
property of the original five still listed.
This property is currently being shown to
an interested party, and will hopefully be
sold in the near future. The Listing Contract
is for six months, ending March 18, 2013.
Provided was a copy of the extension of the
Listing Contract for the remaining property,
620 Columbia Street. This extension is for
six months, ending March 18, 2013. Staff
requests approval of the extension with
Hallmark Real Estate, so they may continue
to market this property.
Upon a motion by Mr. l?ownes, seconded
by Mr. Alford and unanimously carried, the
Commission approved the extension of the
Listing Contract with Hallmark Real Estate
for 620 Columbia Street.
(2) Filing of Resolution No. 3088
determining to appropriate monies for
the purpose of defraying the expenses of
certain local public improvements for
the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2013
and ending December 31, 2013,
2
COMMISSION APPROVED THE EXTENSION
OF THE LISTING CONTRACT WITH
HALLMARK REAL ESTATE FOR 620
COLUMBIA STREET.
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. South Bend Central Development Area
(2) continued...
including all outstanding claims and
obligations, fixing a time when the same
shall take effect and setting a public
hearing on Resolution No. 3088 for 9:30
a.m., October 25, 2012 (Fund 425
Redevelopment Retail).
Mr. Inks noted that this was the first of
several items setting a public hearing for
October 25, 2012 on budgets the
Commission oversees. This budget is for
Redevelopment Retail. The public hearing
will be at the Commission's regular
meeting time of 9:30 a.m.
Upon a motion by Mr. Varner, seconded by
Mr. Alford and unanimously carried, the
Commission accepted for filing Resolution
No. 3088 determining to appropriate
monies for the purpose of defraying the
expenses of certain local public
improvements for the fiscal year beginning
January 1, 2013 and ending December 31,
2013, including all outstanding claims and
obligations, fixing a time when the same
shall take effect and setting a public
hearing on Resolution No. 3088 for
9:30 a.m., October 25, 2012 (Fund 425
Redevelopment Retail.
(3) Proposal for Downtown Assets
Economic Impact Study.
Mr. Inks asked that this item be tabled.
COMMISSION ACCEPTED FOR FILING
RESOLUTION NO. 3088 DETERMINING TO
APPROPRIATE MONIES FOR THE PURPOSE
OF DEFRAYING THE EXPENSES OF CERTAIN
LOCAL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2013
AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2013,
INCLUDING ALL OUTSTANDING CLAIMS
AND OBLIGATIONS, FIXING A TIME WHEN
THE SAME SHALL TAKE EFFECT AND
SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON
RESOLUTION NO. 3088 FOR 9:30 A.M.,
OCTOBER 25, 2012 (FUND 425
REDEVELOPMENT RETAIL
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. South Bend Central Development Area
(3) continued...
Upon a motion by Mr. Varner, seconded by COMMISSION TABLED ITEM 6.A.(2)
Mr. Alford and unanimously carried, the
Commission tabled item 6.A.2.
(4) Resolution No. 3094 approving and
authorizing the execution of an
Amendment to the Addendum to the
Master Agency Agreement (DTSB Curb
& Sidewalk Repair — Supplement #2).
Mr. Schalliol noted that bids were opened
September 26, 2012, for the curb and
sidewalk work in front of Ciaos and the
Blarney Stone. Quotes came in a little
high. The low quote was $20,462.55. Staff
had gotten approval to spend up to $16,000.
So, this is an amendment to cover the
difference in cost. Staff is asking for $22,
508.81: the quote amount plus a ten percent
contingency.
Ms. Jones asked how many quotes were
received. Mr. Schalliol noted five RFPs
were sent out and three bids received.
Upon a motion by Mr. Varner, seconded by
COMMISSION APPROVED RESOLUTION NO.
Mr. Alford and unanimously carried, the
3094 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE
Commission approved Resolution No. 3094
EXECUTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE
approving and authorizing the execution of
ADDENDUM TO THE MASTER AGENCY
an Amendment to the Addendum to the
AGREEMENT (DTSB CURB & SIDEWALK
REPAIR - SUPPLEMENT #2) FOR AN
Master Agency Agreement (DTSB Curb &
INCREASED AMOUNT UP TO $22,508.81.
Sidewalk Repair — Supplement #2) for an
increased amount up to $22,508.81.
i
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.)
B. Airport Economic Development Area
(1) Funding Request for Renaissance
District Duct Bank Construction.
Mr. Schalliol noted that over the last
several months, the City Of South Bend has
been working to design and develop a duct
bank system that will provide redundant
delivery of telecommunication,
energy /power and other services for both
the Ignition Park and the Renaissance
District development project sites. As part
of the infrastructure development at
Ignition Park, a duct bank system was
installed from the Studebaker AEP
substation on Lafayette, south, down
Lafayette to Stull Street, and west on Stull
to a terminating point near the Data Realty
facility. The Commission had approved
funding for that project as part of the initial
infrastructure development funding
package approved by the Commission late
last year.
As the Renaissance Distrct.project started
to develop, a redundant'cduct bank system
was part of the design and it was proposed
to ring the site from Lafayette to Sample to
United Dr. to South St. To facilitate the
development of a leg of the network, city
staff worked with the contractor building
the Ignition Park duct bank to expand the
scope of work and construct the Lafayette
Blvd leg of the duct bank. The duct bank
was built in three segments and cost a total
of $421,525 to complete. The project was
completed by doing three change orders to
the Ignition Park project in the following
amounts:
6
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
6. NEW BUSINESS
B. Airport Economic Development Area
(1) continued...
Change Order # 1 (Sample to AEP
Substation/Hamilton Sub) - $91,000
Change Order #2 (AEP Substation
to Bronson/Ivy Tower) - $183,850
Change Order #4 (Bronson/Ivy
Tower to South Street) - $146,675
The original funding plan for the duct bank
was to subtract funding from the City's
commitment in MOU #I for the Union
Station Technology Center project as duct
bank construction was one of the proposed
city expenditures there. But in an effort to
better control and manage the duct bank
network for both projects and to prevent
conflicts and overlap, the city has
determined that it is in its best interests to
be the owner of the entire network of duct
banks and create a protocol and permitting
plan for the existing and future network.
Additional legs of the duct bank network
are being examined for future construction
and this system would be put in place for
all future construction. Staff requests
AEDA TIF funding in the amount of
$421,525 to provide dedicated funds to
fund the Renaissance D,Otript section of the
duct bank.
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded
by Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the
Commission approved Funding Request for
Renaissance District Duct Bank
Construction.
10
COMMISSION APPROVED FUNDING
REQUEST FOR RENAISSANCE DISTRICT
DUCT BANK CONSTRUCTION.
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
6. NEW BUSINESS
B. Airport Economic Development Area
(2) Filing of Resolution No. 3089
determining to appropriate monies for
the purpose of defraying the expenses of
certain local public improvements for
the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2013
and ending December 31, 2013,
including all outstanding claims and
obligations, fixing a time when the same
shall take effect and setting a public
hearing on Resolution No. 3089 for 9:30
a.m., October 25, 2012 (Fund 619
Blackthorn Golf Course).
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded
by Mr. Alford and unanimously carried, the
Commission accepted for filing Resolution
No. 3089 determining to appropriate
monies for the purpose of defraying the
expenses of certain local public
improvements for the fiscal year beginning
January 1, 2013, and ending December 31,
2013, including all outstanding claims and
obligations, fixing a time when the same
shall take effect and setting a public
hearing on Resolution No. 3089 for
9:30 a.m., October 25, 2012 (Fund 619
Blackthorn Golf Course).
(2) Filing of Resolution No. 3093
determining to appropriate monies for
the purpose of defraying the expenses of
certain local public improvements for
the fiscal year beginning January 1,
2012, and ending December 31, 2012,
including all outstanding claims and
obligations, fixing a time when the same
shall take effect and setting a public
hearing on Resolution No. 3093 for 9:30
COMMISSION ACCEPTED FOR FILING
RESOLUTION NO. 3089 DETERMINING TO
APPROPRIATE MONIES FOR THE PURPOSE
OF DEFRAYING THE EXPENSES OF CERTAIN
LOCAL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1,
2013, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2013,
INCLUDING ALL OUTSTANDING CLAIMS
AND OBLIGATIONS, FIXING A TIME WHEN
THE SAME SHALL TAKE EFFECT AND
SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON
RESOLUTION NO. 3089 FOR 9:30 A.M.,
OCTOBER 25, 2012 (FUND 619
BLACKTHORN GOLF COURSE)
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
a.m., October 25, 2012 (Fund 619
Blackthorn Golf Course).
Mr. Inks noted that Resolution pertains to
increasing the budget for, Blackthorn Golf
Course for the remainder of'2013.
Ms. Jones asked whether this was due to
additional costs from the LPGA event. Mr.
Inks responded yes. The LPGA event
exceeded its revenue projections, but also
had expenses that were higher than
anticipated, so although the revenue is
there, the additional revenue needs to be
appropriated.
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded
by Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the
Commission accepted for filing Resolution
No. 3093 determining to appropriate
monies for the purpose of defraying the
expenses of certain local public
improvements for the fiscal year beginning
January 1, 2012, and ending December 31,
2012, including all outstanding claims and
obligations, fixing a time when the same
shall take effect and setting a public
hearing on Resolution No. 3093 for
9:30 a.m., October 25, 2012 (Fund 619
Blackthorn Golf Course).
C. West Washington - Chapin Development
Area
There was no business in the West
Washington- Chapin Development Area.
D. South Side Development Area
There was no business in the South Side
Development Area.
12
COMMISSION ACCEPTED FOR FILING
RESOLUTION NO. 3093 DETERMINING TO
APPROPRIATE MONIES FOR THE PURPOSE
OF DEFRAYING THE EXPENSES OF CERTAIN
LOCAL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1,
2012, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2012,
INCLUDING ALL OUTSTANDING CLAIMS
AND OBLIGATIONS, FIXING A TIME WHEN
THE SAME SHALL TAKE EFFECT AND
SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON
RESOLUTION No. 3093 FOR 9:30 A.M.,
OCTOBER 25, 2012 (FUND 619
BLACKTHORN GOLF COURSE)
THERE WAS NO BUSINESS IN THE WEST
WASHINGTON- CHAPIN DEVELOPMENT
AREA.
THERE WAS NO BUSINESS IN THE SOUTH
SIDE DEVELOPMENT AREA.
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.)
E. Northeast Neighborhood Development Area
There was no business in the Northeast
Neighborhood Development Area.
F. Douglas Road Economic Development Area
There was no business in the Douglas Road
Economic Development Area.
G. Other
(1) Resolution No. 3078 setting a public
hearing on the appropriation of tax
increment financing revenues from
various allocation areas for the payment
of certain obligations and expenses
related to their respective allocation
areas and other related matters.
Mr. Inks noted that Resolution No. 3078
sets the public hearing on all 2013TIF
appropriations for October 25, 2012, at
9:30 a.m.
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded
by Mr. Alford and unanimously carried, the
Commission approved Resolution No. 3078
setting a public hearing on the
appropriation of tax increment financing
revenues from various allocation areas for
the payment of certain obligations and
expenses related to their respective
allocation areas and other related matters.
13
THERE WAS NO BUSINESS IN THE
NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD
DEVELOPMENT AREA.
THERE WAS NO BUSINESS IN THE
DOUGLAS ROAD ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AREA.
COMMISSION APPROVED RESOLUTION NO.
3078 SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE
APPROPRIATION OF TAX INCREMENT
FINANCING REVENUES FROM VARIOUS
ALLOCATION AREAS FOR THE PAYMENT OF
CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS AND EXPENSES
RELATED TO THEIR RESPECTIVE
ALLOCATION AREAS AND OTHER RELATED
MATTERS
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.)
H. Ratification of Services Contracts
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by COMMISSION APPROVED RATIFICATION OF
Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the SERVICES CONTRACTS.
Commission approved Ratification of Services
Contracts.
14
Commission
Role in
Contractor
Service
Contract
Staff
Transaction
Provided
Amount
Member
710 W. Indiana
Acquisition
Michaels Appraisal
Services
Appraisal
$300
Relos
710 W. Indiana
Ac uisition
q
Witt Appraisal
Services
Appraisal
$300
Relos
712 W. Indiana
Acquisition
q
Michaels Appraisal
Services
Appraisal
$300
Relos
712 W. Indiana
Acquisition I
q
Witt Appraisal
Services
Appraisal
$300
Relos
714 W. Indiana
Acquisition
q
Michaels Appraisal
Services
Appraisal
$300
Relos
714 W. Indiana
Acquisition
Witt Appraisal
Services
Appraisal
pP
$300
Relos
Former EMI
site: 3 adjacent
lots,
twee Main
Disposition
R.E. Pitts & Assoc.
Appraisal
$1,550
Relos
Bowman and
Donald
Former EMI
site: 3 adjacent
lots, S. Main
Disposition
Michaels Appraisal
between
Services
Appraisal
$1,750
Relos
Bowman and
Donald
Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by COMMISSION APPROVED RATIFICATION OF
Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the SERVICES CONTRACTS.
Commission approved Ratification of Services
Contracts.
14
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
7. PROGRESS REPORTS
A. Tax Abatement
Mr. Inks noted that Commissioners were
provided with a copy of Resolution No. 3095.
At the last meeting it was noted that historically
all tax abatements in TIF areas had come to the
Redevelopment Commission for approval
before going to the County Council.
Resolution No. 3095 documents the action
taken at the last meeting where the
Commission voted to change the process for
tax abatements. Tax abatements will now go
directly to the Council and at the first
subsequent Redevelopment Commission
meeting will bring a summary of those tax
abatements back for the Commission. But it
removes the Commission from the approval
process on tax abatements, eliminating two
weeks from the processing time for abatements.
There is no action required. It was approved at
the last meeting but will be signed at this
meeting.
Mr. Varner asked what percentage of tax
abatements fall in TIF areas. Mr. Inks
responded that about 80 -90% do.
B. Common Council
No report.
C. Other
Mr. Relos noted that at the August 16, 2012,
Commission meeting approval was granted for
staff to register and bid on three properties in
the Ignition Park expansion area. The tax sale
was held this past Thursday, September 20,
2012. Mr. Relos reported that the three
properties were acquired at the minimum bid.
I '.
15
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
7. PROGRESS REPORTS (CONT.)
C. Other
The face value of the three properties was
$27,275. We obtained them for $3,912. At the
next meeting there will be a professional
services agreement with Mitch Heppenheimer
who has in the past taken properties through the
notification process. He is charging what he
has always charged in the past.
Mr. Inks asked if these were subject to the one
year redemption. Mr. Relos responded they
are. In this sale the owners have one year to
redeem them. We did buy three at last
September's tax sale. Two were redeemed.
The one at Ignition Park South was not
redeemed.
Mr. Inks asked if to redeem them we receive
our investment plus ten percent. Mr. Relos
replied that we would, and in addition, we
would recoup our legal and title report
expenses through Mr. Heppenheimer.
Mr. Inks also noted that Aaron Perri, Director
of Downtown South Bend (DTSB), is here to
provide an update on parkirq in the downtown
area. Last year the Commission sent out
requests for proposals to manage its parking
garages and on- street parking. DTSB was
awarded the contract. The Commission asked
that DTSB report back after six months on the
status of the garages and surface lots.
Mr. Perri reported that the parking program
remains strong. DTSB promised downtown
parkers that the garages would be clean, safe
and professional. They've gone to 24/7
staffing contracts, so now there is someone
monitoring the garages throughout the night.
16
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
7. PROGRESS REPORTS (CONT.)
C. Other
Graffiti is being removed as soon as it is
spotted. DTSB staff is now trained in
hospitality. Parking staff is dressed in khaki
pants, red tops and reflectives so they are
highly identifiable. Staff is also carrying radios
connected to the police department. Garages
are patrolled every hour. DTSB now has
successfully transitioned 3,000 customers to the
automated systems /protocol.
In January 2012 DTSB conducted a baseline
survey of the customers who used their
garages. They repeated the survey two weeks
ago. The results show overall satisfaction up
over 40 percent. Cleanliness is rated up from
46 to 91 percent. Now, the challenge is to keep
their game high. They hope to install energy
efficient lighting in the garages, exterior
directional signage, welcoming signage, and
exterior windows next year.
Mr. Downes asked if people that answered the
survey were users of the garages. Mr. Perri
responded yes, primarily monthly users. Mr.
Downes relayed that downtown business
owners he's spoke to are off -the- charts -happy
with the improvements.
Ms. Jones asked Mr. Perri to remind everyone
which garages are under contract with DTSB.
Mr. Perri responded that there are three city -
owned garages: the Main and Colfax, Leighton
Plaza and Wayne /St. Joseph. DTSB does not
manage the former Wells Fargo garage.
Mr. Perris said that downtown stakeholders
participate in a parking committee that meets
every other month or so. Its concerns are not
17
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
7. PROGRESS REPORTS (CONT.)
C. Other
just parking cars, but about downtown.
Ms. Jones asked about on- street parking. Mr.
Perri noted that DTSB has gone to the
automated on- street system. They check
especially for repeat offenders. An on- street
parking message is going out to all customers
about the purpose of on- street parking being
convenience for the customer, so they like
doing business downtown. As a result, DTSB
has seen a decrease in tickets they issue.
Mr. Downes noted that it has long been a
problem that employees downtown use the on-
street parking. DTSB was charged with finding
other parking for those employees. He asked if
they have been successful in doing so. Mr.
Perri replied that there was a certain group of
employees that were easy to transition. For the
remainder, it is an economic decision for them.
Consequently, DTSB is exploring the concept
of part-time parking rates for the garages,
recognizing that a person working only part
time cannot afford to pay for full -time monthly
parking. They hope that solves the remainder of
the problem.
Mr. Inks noted that as staff writes new leases
for the Michigan Street Shops, we try to
provide incentives for their employees to park
in the Leighton garage.
Ms. Inks noted that bids have just been let for
new energy efficient lighting for the garages.
The Board of Public Works just gave its
permission. We're hoping to do the Wayne
Street and Main Street garagesAis year and the
Leighton garage next year. That should save
18
South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Regular Meeting — Meetingdate
7. PROGRESS REPORTS (CONT.)
C. Other
the city quite a bit. Payback is about five ye
for that lighting.
8. NEXT COMMISSION MEETING
The next meeting of the Redevelopment
Commission is scheduled for Thursday, October 1
2012 at 9:30 a.m.
9. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the
Redevelopment Commission, Mr. Varner made a
motion that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Downes
seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned
at 10:00 a.m.
Donald E. Inks, Director
19
ADJOURNMENT
Marcia I. Jones, President