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The July 22, 2002 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called
to order by its Chairperson Council Member Karl King at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Informal
Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Varner, King, Coleman, Pfeifer,
Kirsits, White, and Kelly; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Jon Hunt, Michael Beitinger, George Adler,
Bob Case, Felicia Davis, Pat McMahon, Mr. Benjamin Godwin, Pat Crowley, Mr. Larry Gritton,
Terry Bland of the ODUI nb trt tn� and Kathy Cekanski Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member King called for a presentation on Bill No. 02-56 which would adopt a written
fiscal plan and establish a written policy for services for the Mary Beth Wiseman Annexation Area
located in Centre Township.
Mr. George Adler of the Community and Economic Development Department made the
presentation. He noted that this is a companion bill to Bill No. 30-02. It represents a voluntary
annexation for.39 acres located on the west side of Main Street, south of Pulling Street. All public
improvements are in existence.
Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member
Varner that Bill No. 02-56 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Council Member King then called for presentation on Bill No. 02-57 which is a ten
g p (10) year real
property tax abatement request for the property located at 7701 Vorden Court for TD 1966 Real
Fast Trust.
Felicia R. Davis, Economic Development Specialist then reviewed her report dated June 20, 2002
(copy attached). The petitioner, Tech Data, proposes to construct in two (2) phases a 450,000 to
500,000 square foot building on 30.4 acres in the Blackthorn West Business Park. Phase I will
have 300,000 of construction for an estimated cost of$12 million. The building will be the home
of the midwest logistics center for Tech Data. Eight (8) full-time employees will be added. The
report concluded that the petitioner meets § 2-83 of the South Bend uncipal Code addressing
"warehouse development city-wide".
Mr. Benjamin B. Godwin, Vice-President of Real Estate and Corporate Services made the
presentation. He noted that Tech Data is the second largest wholesaler of its kind in the United
States. They anticipate breaking ground in August, and hope to move into their new facilities in
May 2003.
Pat McMahon of Project Future spoke in favor of the proposed tax abatement, noting that the
petitioner would be going from a lease arrangement to a property owner relationship.
Mayor Luecke spoke in favor of the proposed resolution.
Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member
Varner that Bill No. 02-47 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
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Community and Economic Development Committee
July 22, 2002
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Council Member King then called for a presentation on Bill No. 02-58 which is a five (5) year
personal property tax abatement request for the property located at 2603 Foundation Drive for Ely
Chemical Co., LTD.
Felicia R. Davis, Economic Development Specialist then reviewed her report dated July 15, 2002
(copy attached). The petitioner, Ely Chemical Company of the United Kingdom is one of the
world's leaders in manufacturing non-destructive testing materials which are used by such
customers as Rolls-Royce, Honeywell, NSK, Caterpillar and Bethlehem Steel. The equipment to
be purchased will cost$350,000 and will be used in the design, development, mixing, storage and
distribution of non-destructive testing materials. The report concluded that the petitioner meets§ 2-
84.2 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing"tangible personal property".
Larry Gritton, an attorney from Chicago,Illinois, made the presentation on behalf of the petitioner.
Pat Crowley of 1428 East Colfax spoke in favor of the proposed resolution. She noted that she
will be the landlord involved and that this will be the first facility for the company in North
America
Following discussion, Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill
No. 02-58 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member King adjourned
the meeting at 4:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Karl King, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
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Attachments