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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-25-99 Community & Economic Development 4tommfttss Zsport: Community and Economic Development Committee to tbs common Qtouu.ufx of the tfty of foutb Nsnb: The October 25, 1999 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by Council Member Roland Kelly, Chairperson of the Committee at 4:30 p.m.in the Council informal meeting room . Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, Kelly, Pfeifer, Coleman, King, Sniadeck, Varner,Ujdak, Mike Beitzinger, Sandy Phillips,Jim Saberfield, Dallas Hogan, Chris Davey, Jim Frishers, Joseph Goossens, Norman J. DeBoever, Terry Bland, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Kelly noted that the first item on the agenda, Bill No. 99-107 did not have a presenter and therefore the Committee would review Bill No. 99-108 which is a five(5)year residential real property tax abatement request for F& G Development for the properties specified in the Resolution on Chalet Court, Dutch Court,Elizabethan Court and Provincial Court. Mike Beitzinger reviewed his report dated October 19, 1999 (copy attached). He noted that since a replat took place after the Council adopted a confirmatory resolution on the property that significant changes in addresses took place and that there were three (3) new lot numbers. The report included the June 28, 1999 tax abatement report which concluded that the petitioner meets the qualifications for the requested tax abatement. Mr. Joseph Gossens, the President of F & G Development made the presentation. He noted that the proposed resolution is a housekeeping measure to correct the addresses and lot numbers as indicated in the cover letter. Following discussion, Council Member King made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sniadecki that Bill No.99-108 be recommended favorably. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 99-109 which is a five (5) year personal property tax abatement for FDC Graphic Films, Inc. for the property located at 3820 William Richardson Drive. Sandy Phillips reviewed the October 12, 1999 tax abatement report(copy attached)which noted that the project calls for the purchase and installation of new slitting,perforating and conveying equipment at an estimated cost of$ 150,000. The project will create six (6)new permanent jobs within the first year and would maintain thirty-six (36) existing permanent full-time jobs. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the qualifications under § 2- 84.2 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing tangible personal property tax abatement. Dallas Hogan made the presentation on behalf of the petitioner(power of attorney attached for the representative). Mr. Hogan reviewed a three-page handout (copy attached). He noted that the business started in a garage in Chicago and has grown to have over $ 6 million in sales. The company looked at locations in five(5) states before agreeing on the South Bend location. 80% of the employees from Chicago were moved to South Bend. 3M is the major supplier. Community and Economic Development Committee October 25, 1999 Page 2 In response to a question raised by Council Member King, Mr. Hogan noted that sign companies are the the ultimate users of the product manufactured by FDC Graphic Films, Inc. Following discussion, Council Member King made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sniadecki that Bill No. 99-109 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed substitute Bill No. 99-107 which is a confirming resolution for a three (3) year real property tax abatement request for Beeler& Brown Properties, LLC and Davey,LLC for the property located at 4167 Meghan Beeler Court. Mike Beitzinger reviewed the October 6, 1999 report (copy attached) which noted among other things that the predominate use is for a transportation business and therefore qualifies for a three-year abatement. Chris Davey made the presentation. In response to a question from Council Member Varner,Mr.Davey noted that eight (8) spec buildings have been built and all are filled. He also noted that tax abatement has been a very effective tool. Following discussion, Council Member King made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sniadecki that substitute Bill No. 99-107 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed substitute Bill No. 99-104 which is a confirming resolution for a three(3)year real property tax abatement request for Cobra Development,LLC for the benefit of Michiana Midget Motors, Inc., for the property located at 3735 William Richardson Drive. Mike Beitzinger reviewed the October 4, 1999 report which contained the October 18, 1999 letter from Target Distributing signed by Norman J. DeBoever, President and SIC information (copies attached). Mr. Norman J. DeBoever made the presentation. He noted that this item was continued from the last Committee meeting in order to allow him to provide additional information. The substitute bill sets forth additional information why the petitioner believes that they should be considered for a minimum three(3) year abatement as a special exception. Council Member Kelly noted that he visited the facility and that Council President Coleman has also. Council Member King voiced concern and questioned where the Committee should draw the line on special exceptions. The Council Attorney noted that the Petitioner has provided additional information as to why he believes that the project is entitled to a special exception. The governing local ordinance provides that such information be reviewed on a project by project basis. Community and Economic Development Committee October 25, 1999 Page 3 Council Member Ujdak stated that he believes that the Petitioner qualifies as a special exception. Growth potential is a proper criteria and the petitioner is a long standing member of the community. He believes that the information set forth in § II of the substitute resolution qualify for special exception treatment. Council Member Kelly stated that he agreed with Council Member Ujdak's position and reasoning. Council Member Varner noted that he too believes that growth potential is a valid criteria for special exception consideration. Council President Coleman stated that he has looked at other special exception requests such as Robertsons,Art Iron and the multi-plex theater project. He thanked the Petitioner for selecting South Bend but did not find the project as having " distinguished itself as special". Following discussion, Council Member Ujdak made a motion, seconded by Council Member Snaidecki that substitute Bill No. 99-104 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Under miscellaneous business, Council Member King inquired into the status of the Niles Avenue apartment project. It was noted that November is the deadline. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kelly adjourned the meeting at 5:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Roland Kelly, Chairperson Community and Economic Development Committee KCF:kmf Attachments