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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-26-99 Community & Economic Development Committee ittport: Community and Economic Development Committee AM hit COmmo= QCODUtil of the tttp of foutb 3Ven : The July 26, 1999 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by Council Member Roland Kelly, Chairperson of the Committee at 4:45 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Kelly, Pfeifer, King, Sniadecki, Varner,Ujdak, Sniadecki, Hosinski and Coleman; Eugenia Schwartz, Pam Meyer,Mike Beitzinger, Beth Leonard, James Knepp, Scott Buzzard, Paul Witek, Terry Bland, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Kelly noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 52-99 which would appropriate monies for the Division of Business Assistance Administration budget. Beth Leonard made the presentation. She noted that that the Bill would appropriate $ 26,374 from the State Economic Development Fund to help the Division of Business Assistance. This action should have taken place last September, and it brings this matter into compliance. Following discussion, Council Member King made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ujdak that Bill No.52-99 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 46-99 which would transfer funds from CDBG funds to other CDBG funds. Beth Leonard made the presentation. She noted that a total of $49,086 is involved with $20,00 being earn-marked for LaCasa Administration expenses as opposed to rehab expenses. Following discussion, Council Member King made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ujdak that Bill No. 46-99 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Mike Beitzinger then reviewed the July 13, 1999 report on the five (5) year personal property tax abatement request for JRS Enterprises, LLC for the property located at 3601 West McGill. The report noted that AAA Tool&Die Company has 26 employees and has been in existence since 1961. (copy attached) JRS Enterprises, LLC desires to purchase various equipment and then lease it to AAA Tool & Die with the project cost being approximately $ 191,000. The report concludes that the petitioner meets the local requirements. Mr. James Knepp, the attorney for the petitioner, urged the Committee to take favorably action on the request. Following discussion, Council Member King made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ujdak that Bill No. 99-73 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Mike Beitzinger then reviewed the July 14, 1999 repot on the five (5) year personal property tax abatement request for Haldex Garphyttan Corporation for the property located at 4404 Nimtz Parkway. The report (copy attached)noted that the petitioner manufactures and distributes valve spring wire & related products for combustion engines. The new equipment would cost $ 1,300,000 and would keep the business competitive. The report concludes that the petitioner meets the local requirements. Community and Economic Development Committee July 26, 1999 Page 2 Scott Buzzard,the Controller for the company, noted that their business is currently under capacity and would like to double their business with the requested new equipment. Following discussion, Council Member King made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ujdak that Bill No. 99-74 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Mike Beitzinger then reviewed the July 15, 1999 report on the three(3)year real property tax abatement request for Koontz-Wagner Electric Company, Inc., located at 3801 Voorde Drive. The report noted that the company has been in business for the past 75 years. It is proposing to expand the existing business to include 10,500 square feet to their building. The project would be competed in February of 2000 and would cost$450,000. The report concludes that the petitioner meets the local requirements. Mr. Paul Witek, the Treasurer for the company, noted that the expansion would allow continued business development with General Electric. Following discussion, Council Member Ujdak made a motion, seconded by Council Member King that Bill No. 99-75 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Eugenia Schwartz noted that the Redevelopment Commission noted the high level of pay scales by the petitioners seeking tax abatement. She noted that South Bend is competitive in the marketplace. Under unfinished business, Council Member Hosinski noted that he and Council Member Ujdak last Tuesday were contacted by several Studebaker Board Members regarding the Newman/Altman site. They believe it should be set for discussion since timing is critical. Mr. Hunt noted that there has been discussion. Council Member King requested a written update on the matter with other relevant facts before such discussions so that the Council may have meaningful dialogue. Council Member Hosinski also mentioned the Emerson Forrest development which he had hoped would be on the agenda. Council Member Kelly stated that he is well aware of the situation and has had discussion on this matter and will continue to monitor it. Council Member Ujdak noted that there has not been any new construction since the last Committee meeting where the petitioners for Emerson Forrest were required to attend. 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