HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-14-05 Community & Economic Development a
Community and Economic Development Committee
2005 South Bend Common Council
The March 14, 2005, meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was
called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:38 p.m. in the Council
Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included: Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, Varner,
Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse, and White; Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Sharon Kendall, Executive
Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development; Don Inks, Director of
the Division of Economic Development; Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Mayoral Assistant
Fred Thon, Mikki Dobski Schidler, Jeff Parrott of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney.
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Council Member Puzzello noted that the committee consists of Citizen Member Martha Lewis,
Council Members Kuspa,Kelly,Kirsits and herself.
Council Member Puzzello noted that there are seven(7)entities who have presented information
to the Community and Economic Development Committee with regard to their compliance with
the local ordinance and the state's CF-1 form. She noted that she and former Community and
Economic Development Committee. Chairperson, Council Member Kelly have held meetings
with representatives of these entities. A summary is attached. She noted that at the November
15, 2004 committee meeting the following entities presented information: JRS Enterprises,
LLC; Lock Joint Tube; Bowne of South Bend, Inc.; Honeywell International; and Eaton
Corporation. Crowe, Chizek and Company, LLP presented information at the December 13,
2004 committee meeting. SBL Building Company, LLP presented information at the February
28, 2005 committee meeting.
Council Member Kelly stated that he believes that market considerations should be taken into
account and that overall each of the seven (7) companies have performed well. He noted that
representatives from each company talked openly about their operations and attempts to satisfy
the criteria. He concluded his remarks with stating that he believes that all of these companies
are in substantial compliance.
Council Member Kelly then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits finding that
JRS Enterprises, LLC; Lock Joint Tube; Bowne of South Bend, Inc.; Honeywell International;
Eaton Corporation; Crowe,Chizek and Company, LLP and SBL Building Company, LLP are in
substantial compliance with the applicable governing regulations. The motion passed.
It was noted that the City Clerk's Office can now complete the CF-1 forms so that they may be
properly processed.
Council Member Puzzello stated that at the March 7th committee meeting, which did not have a
quorum,there was alot of discussion with representatives of the Department of Community and
Economic Development on tax abatement procedures. That Department will continue to prepare
their annual report on tax abatements which is due March 31st. It was recommended that a 25%
rule be tried on a temporary basis with regard to overall compliance. Job creation, total
March 14,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1-
expenditures on the development and the overall scope of the project will continue to be
monitored closely when doing this review. SBL Building Company, LLP was cited as an
example where they far exceeded the amount of jobs originally projected and spent a nominal
amount below their original projected expenditure amount. Under the proposed guideline they
would not have been required to appear before the committee.
Council Member Kirsits inquired about the former Rink Riverside site. Don Inks stated that the
city now owns the property.
Council Member Rouse noted that he has previously voiced concern about the Hope Rescue
project, and in particular the lack of proposed employees for the scope of the project. He stated
that he would encourage the Department of Community & Economic Development to monitor
this more closely.
Council President Pfeifer stated that she does not believe that it hurts to have companies come
before the committee.
Council Member Puzzello noted that the latest meeting with SBL Building far exceeded their
original job creation. She added that there would be more meetings to discuss the temporary
guideline once the annual report on tax abatements is filed by the Administration.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Puzzello
adjourned the meeting at 4:50 p.m.
Re ectfully submi ed,
ouncil Member 'uzzello, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
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Attachment
March 14,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 2-