HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-22-97 Community & Economic Development &°omm ete& S .96ths i•
Community and Economic Development Committee
.95- t/w Caonww#z' armed ewe, (arm ?Joat/f' Strad.
The December 22, 1997 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee
was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member John Broden at 4:25 p.m. in the
Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, Pfeifer, Kelly, Broden,
Varner, Ujdak, Coleman, Hosinski, Sniadecki; Don Fozo, Ann-Carol Simons, Nancy
VanScoyk, Eric Johnson, Mike Beitzinger, Cathy Roemer, Terry Bland, Ann Bruneel,
Bob Luann, Stan Blankey, Sue Hodgson and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
First item on the agenda was to review Resolution No. 97-105 which is a tax abatement
request for the property located at 814 South Main Street. This is a five year personal
property tax abatement request for Schafer Gear Works Inc.
Nancy VanScoyk reviewed the report from the Community and Economic Development
Department dated December 17, 1997(copy attached). The equipment to be added would
cost $1.86 million and create 10 new permanent jobs. The petitioner qualifies for the
requested abatement.
Mr. Stan Blankey, a representative of the petitioner then gave further information. In
response to a question raised by Council Member Pfeifer, it was noted that the company
employees 13 minorities and 24 woman of 90 total employees. Three African-American
and two Asian employees were added this year. Additional information in this area will be
provided to the Council.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Varner, it was noted that the new
equipment would be installed in February of 1998.
Following further discussion, Council Member Coleman made a motion, seconded by
Council Member Sniadecki, that Resolution No. 97-105 be recommended favorably to
Council. The motion passed.
The Committee then discussed the Emerson Forest tax abatement. Mr. Bob Luans was
called upon to give the committee an update. He noted that the first phase consisting of 222
lots was under construction. The first house had a closing in June, with two additional
houses sold since then. By the end of June 1998,there should be five homes occupied.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Hosinski, it was noted that the sales
I price of$90,000 would provide the purchaser with a home of approximately 1400 square
feet. Council Member Hosinski voiced concern over the use of double wide modulars. It
was noted that a double wide would cost approximately$89,000.
Mr. Luann further noted that a land contract had been entered into for the home that does
have inconsistent siding. It was built in 1994, is two stories and has 1,800 square feet.
Mr. Luann noted that modular homes are being utilized in light of the price. They will not
be place everywhere because of the limitations of a 66 foot wide lot. He noted that homes
1
1
Community and Economic Development Committee
December 22, 1997
Page 2
that are 1,500 square feet will sell for$99,500 and that homes that have $17,058 square
feet would sell for$105,000. Mr. Luann noted that the overall prices for the phase one of
the project would run between$80,000 and$120,000.
Council Member Varner voiced concern that when Mrs. Booth made the presentation that
the construction of the home would be similar to those of Sandpiper Cove or stick built.
Council Member Varner voiced concern over the quality and did not believe that the
presentation made when applying for the tax abatement included modular homes.
Mr. Luann noted that 10 more modular homes would be allowed in light of the lots size.
He added that his company had experienced much vandalism in the area. Grills from the
storm drains have been taken and he has lost a considerable amount of lumber and building
materials during discussion. He further noted that it is very difficult to secure the area.
Council Member Ujdak also voiced concern with regard to the type of construction being
utilized. He inquired about the office. Mr. Luann noted that the interior of the office was
destroyed by the prior tenant. It consists of 1,200 square feet and the former tenant had
not paid pursuant to the land contra ct for r over 20 months. Mr. Luann ua n forth
er noted that he
is losing approximately$3,000 between each lot where construction has ben attempted.
Council Member Ujdak added that he had walked through and inspected each of the homes
under construction. He is concerned over the standing water which he has seen in all
basements and is especially concerned that he has not seen any dry wall.
Mr. Luann confirmed that there would be 10 modular homes in the first phase and 8
modular homes in the second phase.
Mr. Fozo, the Building Commissioner, noted that modular homes have always been
permitted in light of public law 360 which have the same codes in effect as stick built
homes. He further noted that the manufactured housing has been permitted since the state
law was approved in 1992. Since January 1, 1981, all construction thereafter must be at
leas 950 square feet which typically comes in two sections which must have siding and
roughing. Manufactured housing is not built according to state codes and is only subject to
HUD inspections. He added that all construction which he has seen at Emerson Forest is
manufactured housing and therefore cannot be inspected by his office.
Council Member Broden also voiced disappointment by the homes which have been put up
as of this date.
There being no further discussion to come before the committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member John Broden
Chairperson, Community and Economic Development Committee
Attachments •