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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-12-04 Community & Economic Development COMM it ' AVPOr t (Community anb etottomit vtlxiovetrtt tontinitttt The January 12, 2004 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 4:20 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Kelly, White, Varner, Dieter, Puzzello, Coleman, Pfeifer, Kirsits, and Kuspa; Terry O'Brien, Andy Place, Bill Schalliol, George Adler, Jitin Kain, Larry Magliozzi, Cosimo Rulli, Terry Bland of the &Mai Ven t tribUn , and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Kelly noted that the Committee members included Council Members Kirsits, Coleman, Kuspa, and himself. Council Member Kelly then noted that the Council is in receipt of a letter dated January 8, 2004 from the City Administration (copy attached) requesting that Bill No. 62-03 be withdrawn from further consideration by the Council. Bill SchallioI, an Economic Development Planner, stated that the Redevelopment Commission will re-file a new Bill when the Kite Capital LLC/Erskin Village Project is ready to move forward with the$6 million economic development revenue bonds. In response to Council Member Kelly asking why there was another delay on the Bill, Mr. Schalliol stated that the developer does not need the bond money currently. The power lines are to be moved in March-April 2004, and he anticipates that the Bill will be refiled closer to that time period. Following discussion, Council Member Kuspa made a motion, seconded by Council Member Coleman that at the request of the petitioner that Bill No. 62-03 be recommended to be struck from the Council agenda at this evening's Council meeting. The motion passed. Council Member Kelly then called for a presentation on Bill No. 04-05 which is a five (5) year residential real property tax abatement request of Cosimo Rulli for the property located at 1337 Clayton Drive. Terry O'Brien of Economic Development reviewed the report dated January 6, 2004 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner is proposing to build a single-family home on the site. He has contracted with Place Builders for the construction with the estimated cost of the project being approximately $180,000. The report concluded that the project meets the qualifications for the requested abatement under the applicable provisions of the South Bend Municipal Code. Mr. Cosimo Rulli, the petitioner, stated that he is excited to have his two-story building located at the proposed site, and requested favorably action on the requested abatement He then introduced Andy Place of Place Builders who will be doing the construction. Following discussion, Council Member Coleman made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that B}(i' iq. Q4-05 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. CAN }ember Kelly then called for a City Plan update. Community and Economic Development(;ottee January 12,.2004 Page.2 Larry. Magliozzi of Community & Economic Development stated that the city is now having a transition from Phase I to Phase II in the City Plan. Approximately 600 people attended the eighteen (18) scheduled meetings held during October to December 2003. The meeting at Hay School was canceled in light of no public being present. The meetings included one (1) with the Youth Leadership Council,one(1) with college students at IUSB and one(1) with college students at the University of Notre Dame, two (2) meetings with city employees,one (1) meetings with 8th grade students and one (1) meeting with 2nd to 5th grade students. He noted that the facilitator will be wrapping up his analysis with a report being due on January 19, 2004. Mr. Magliozzi stated that Phase II will include the 49-member Civic Alliance. The panels will be reorganized and address various discussion points. Andre Drawey will speak at the Century Center on February 4, 2004, which will be a partnership between the city and the University of Notre Dame in bringing this speaker to the community. Mr. Magliozzi stated that there will be a second "Guest Speaker Series" which will be held during April through May 2004. It is hoped that some of the cost will be underwritten by sponsorships, with the anticipated cost of the series being projected to be $30,000. He noted that last year $10,000 was raised to help offset the Guest Speaker Series from private sources. He stated that no speakers have been "lined up yet", but they are hoping that the speakers will be more "hands on instead of think tank oriented". He stated that they cannot wait for the themes of Phase II of the City Plan to be developed and must move ahead in lining up the speakers. Council Member Pfeifer inquired what is the purpose of this year's Guest Speaker Series and why is the program being held again. Jitin Kain of Community & Economic Development stated that the 2nd series will be designed to address community concerns such as the developing themes of transportation needs, retaining young people in the community, environmental concerns, etc. Mr. Magliozzi stated that Richard Florida is being considered as a speaker and may develop the theme of why creative people need to be attracted to live within cities. He stated that once the speakers are confirmed that he would update the Council. Council Member Puzzello noted that the report which is due on January 19, 2004, should contain valuable information which should be shared with the Council. She requested that copies be provided of this report. Mr. Magliozzi stated that he would see that the Council "eventually receives an update". Mr. George Adler of Community & Economic Development stated that the report would be fine- tuned and that the information would be used for the ser Fs of meetings held this Spring with the Team Members. Council Member Puzzello renewed her request for copies pf(11e January 19th report to be given to the Council. Council Member Kelly thanked everyone for the update. , Community and Economic Development Committee January 12, 2004 Page 3 There was no miscellaneous business. Council Member Kelly then adjourned the meeting at 5:38 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Roland Kelly, Chairperson Community and Economic Development Committee KCF:kmf Attachments