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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-05 Community & Economic Development Community and Economic Development Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The August 8, 2005, meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:16 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Puzzello, Kelly, Kuspa, Varner, Kirsits and Rouse; Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Brad Poulan, Executive Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development Sharon Kendall, Karen C. Ainsley, Mrs. Kopola,Don Inks, Tedd Schaffer, E. Jean Chapman, City Clerk John Voorde and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney. Council Member Puzzello noted that the committee consists of Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Council Members Kuspa,Kelly,Kirsits and herself. Council Member Puzzello called for a presentation on Bill No. 05-94 which is a five (5) year residential real property tax abatement request of Marvin L. Ward for the property located at 3230 Topsfield Road. She noted that this Bill was continued from the last meeting in light of the lack of a presenter. Tedd Schaffer reviewed his report which noted that the petitioner proposes to build a single-family residence at the location. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the requirements for a five year residential tax abatement under Section 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing single-family real property abatements. Marvin L. Ward of 6206 Miami in South Bend made the presentation. He noted that he is a home builder and that the location is in Deer Run. In response to a question from Council Member Dieter, it was noted that taxes would be $6,900 with$2,400 being abated and after the abatement ceases taxes are projected to be$9,300 for the residential property. Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kelly that Bill No. 05-94 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Puzzello then called for a report on Bill No. 05-99 which is a five (5) year residential real property tax abatement for Woodhaven,LLC for the Woodhaven Phase 2 lots 20 through 36, 122, 123 and 152 through 156. Tedd Schaffer reviewed his report dated August 2 2005 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner proposes to construct twenty (20) homes ranging in size from 1,000 to 1,200 square feet.. The average home cost will be $135,000 with this phase totaling 3,240,000. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the requirements for a five year residential tax abatement under Section 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing single-family real property abatements. August 8,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes -page 1- r , Bernie Feeney of Lang, Feeney & Associates with offices located in downtown South Bend made the presentation. He noted that the property has remained idle and undeveloped for over ten(10)years. Council Member Puzzello suggested that a better location map be provided in the future. In response to a question from Council Member Kuspa, Mr. Feeney noted that sales in the area have been"soft" however tax abatement has made a significant difference in the 1st Section of the development. Mr. Feeney added in response to a concern raised by Council Member Kelly that the area did have problems in the past with some modular homes from the previous developer. However the homes now are stick built and one or two 2-story upper-end modular homes. Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill No. 05-99 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Puzzello then called for a report on Bill No. 05-100 which is a request for a five (5) year residential real property tax abatement for Near Northwest Neighborhood. Inc. for the property located at 624 Cottage Grove. Tedd Schaffer reviewed his report dated August 3, 2005 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner proposes to construct one (1) home of 1,120 to 1,300 square feet with a value of $95,000 on the property. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the requirements for a five year residential tax abatement under Section 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing single-family real property abatements. Karen C. Ainsley of 1007 Portage Avenue in South Bend made the presentation. She noted that they own ten(10) properties and that two (2)have been developed. This property would have a story& 1/2 constructed on it to improve the neighborhood. Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill No. 05-100 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Puzzello then called for a report on Bill No. 05-101 which is a resolution requesting a waiver of the required filing date of May 15, 2002 and acceptance of the deduction application of the late filing of deduction application for the new manufacturing equipment for O-T-D Corporation located at 3722 Foundation Drive. Tedd Schaffer reviewed his report dated August 1,2005 which sets forth detailed information on the 5-year personal property tax abatement approved on May 11, 1998 and subsequent events (copy attached). E. Jean Chapman, Controller of O-T-D Corporation with offices located at 1435 Industrial Drive made the presentation. She reviewed the reasons for the request noting in particular that the Chief Financial Officer suffered a stroke and that documentation was retained in his Hinsdale, Illinois office. The company has attempted to carry out its due diligence requirements and are requesting the Council's assistance. August 8,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes -page 2- The Council Attorney noted that the process is permitted under state law, however there is no guarantee since the ultimate decision will be made down-state. She noted that the Council must determine if there is sufficient evidence set forth in testimony and in Section I of the proposed resolution in order for the resolution to be recommended favorably to Council. Council Member Kuspa then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kelly that Bill No. 05-101 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Under miscellaneous business, Council Member Puzzello noted that three (3) persons were interested in the vacancy on the Redevelopment Commission in light of the resignation of Robert Hunt due to illness. Two of the persons do not live in the City of South Bend. She is therefore recommending that William Hojanacki be appointed to fill this vacancy. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Puzzello adjourned the meeting at 4:32 p.m. Re ctfully sub ui tted, 44'it Mem•Ann ello,Chairperson Community and Economic Development Committee KCF:kmf Attachments August 8,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes -page 3-