HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-23-96 Community & Economic Development Committee *4port:
Community and Economic Development Committee
go the COMM Coml. of the City of §outb g*ttb:
The September 23, 1996 meeting of the Community and Economic Development
Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Sean Coleman at 4:20
P.M.in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Luecke, Kelly, Varner, Coleman,
Broden, Washington, and Pfeifer; Kevin Hughes, Kurt Alford, Steven Van Tongeren,
James Riggs, Sue Hodgson, Beth Leonard, Mick Beitzinger, George Adler, John Hunt,
Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Coleman noted that Citizen Member Jeff Corey had resigned from the
Committee as a Citizen Member due to conflicts in his work schedule. Council Member
Coleman thanked him for his service to the Committee.
The first item on the agenda was to review Resolution No. 96-93 which would designate
Lot 11 of the Toll Road Industrial Park as an economic revitalization area for purposes of a
three-year real property tax abatement for the South Bend Redevelopment Authority on
behalf of elumatic USA,Inc. Mr. Mike Beitzinger then reviewed the memorandum dated
September 17, 1996. He noted that the petitioner is from Germany and produces industrial
saws, drills and other machinery for aluminum and vinyl extrusions. The South Bend
warehouse would become the distribution center for the United States operations. Six new
full-time permanent jobs would be created with a total project cost being estimated at
$550,000. It was noted that the petitioner meets all of the requirements for a three year real
property tax abatement(report attached).
Mr. Steven Van Tongeren, the national sales manager for the petitioner then provided a
handout on the company (copy attached). He noted that they selected South Bend because
of its location and its very positive support system as well as easy access to the markets.
He again noted that the South Bend office would become the North American hub for the
German-based company.
Mr. Kevin Hughes of Project Future noted that he had worked with the petitioner for
approximately three months. He noted that with this project it would complete the Toll
Road Industrial Park.
Mr. Jim Riggs noted that the City purchased land from the Industrial Foundation some time
ago and that this was the last parcel available.
Council President Kelly questioned whether the Columbus, Indiana operation would also
continue for the company. Mr.Van Tongeren noted that they will be closing the Columbus
location since they have outgrown that location and will be relocating employees to the
South Bend area.
Following discussion, Council Member Luecke made a motion seconded by Citizen
Member Sue Hodgson, that Resolution No. 96-93 be recommended favorably to Council.
The motion passed.
Committee Report
Community and Economic Development Committee
September 23, 1996
Page 2
Beth Leonard then provided a handout entitled Staff Recommendations-Proposed 1997
HCD Investment Plan"to the Council. She noted that information will be made available to
the public on September 30, 1996 with the public comment portion to continue until
October 31, 1996. The public hearing will be held in mid-October with action through an
appropriate ordinance taking place by the Common Council in November, 1996. She
noted that a 15%cap for public service is mandated and that a 20%cap on planning and
administration is also mandated. She also indicated that in 1996, $3.689 million is
anticipated and in 1995 the amount was$3.735 million. The highest point for such monies
was in 1982 with approximately 4.1 million dollars being received. She also noted that
some of the not-for-profits have received recommendations for increases in their funding.
Council Member Luecke noted that detailed information on each of the agencies in the
proposed projects are on file in the office of the City Clerk and are available for public
inspection. In response to a question raised by Council Member Coleman,it was noted
that there will be two public hearings, one in the Common Council chambers in Mishawaka
and the other on the 13th floor in South Bend, County City Building.
Mr. George Adler was then introduced to the Committee,who is the new Project Analyst
for the block grant program.
Council Member Coleman also noted that the residential tax abatement ordinance will go
forward at either the meeting of October 14 or October 28.
There being no further business to come before the committee,the meeting was adjourned
at 4:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Sean Coleman, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
Attachments