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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-23-01 Community & Economic Development QCommitttt wort: Qtommunttt anti &conceit atinzonmtut tommitttt The July 23, 2001 meeting of the Community and Economic Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 4:41 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: King, Varner, Aranowski, Pfeifer, King, Ujdak, White, Kirsits and Kelly; Michael Beitzinger, Don Inks, Don Fozo, Jon Hunt, Gary Gilot, Terry O'Brien, Dan J. Uminski, Ms. Davis, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney, and Terry Bland of the gouth gut( tribunt Council Member Kelly noted that the first item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 55-01 which would amend Chapter 3, Article 3 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing "Development Design Review". Owner Rock of Community and Economic Development made the presentation. He noted that over the past ten (10) years $ 335 million of private investment has been made in the Airport Economic Development Area (AEDA). By redesignating the AEDA the existing design reviews standards established by the Redevelopment Commission would apply, due to the interim designation. Council Member Varner inquired about the guidelines currently in effect. Mr. Rock noted that the regulations were developed 8-9 years ago, and are currently under review with Council Member King involved on that project. Council Member King added that the draft guidelines are available and that the Historic Preservation Commission is currently reviewing them (a 90 day period will soon expire for such review). Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ujdak that Bill No. 55-01 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 01-65 which is a ten (10) year real property tax abatement request for the property located at 330 Fast Jefferson Boulevard requested by Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP. Mr. Beitzinger reviewed his report dated July 16, 2001 (copy attached). He noted that South Bend is the worldwide headquarters of the petitioner, with the South Bend office being one of thirteen locations. The petitioner employees over 1,600 individuals firm wide. It plans to construct a 50,000 square foot building adjacent to its current main building with a total capital investment for the project estimated to exceed $ 10.8 million, with nearly $ 7.8 million in construction costs. Eighteen(18) new permanent jobs will be created. The Petitioner is seeking a special exception for a ten (10) year real property tax abatement pursuant to § 2-84 of the South Bend Municipal Code. Section VI of the proposed Resolution sets forth the four(4) items highlighted by the petitioner for special exception treatment. Mr. Beitzinger noted that the petitioner qualifies for a three (3) year real property tax abatement outright, and therefore he has set forth the abatement effect for a 3,6, or 10 year abatement in the report. Mr. Dean Uminski made the presentation for the petitioner. He noted that between 40-45%of the training of the 11,500 persons is done in South Bend therefore bringing revenues into the city. Community and Economic Development July 23, 2001 Page 2 Phase I of the project will create 150 new jobs @ $ 26.00 per hour before benefits. South Bend is the only area where the petitioner owns its own facilities. Council Member Kelly noted that this is a major development project in the down town area. Following discussion, Council Member Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that Bill No. 01-65 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Under miscellaneous business, Council Member Kelly reminded the Committee members that there is a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 25 at 4 p.m. On the continuing discussion on tax abatement procedures. Council Member King noted that he would be abstaining from voting on Bill No. 01-65, with a statement being made after the reading of the title o prepared f the Bill. He noted that he had g g discussed this issue with the Council President and the Council Attorney. Council Member King stressed that he has no employment relationship currently with the petitioner and that he has no ownership interests in the petitioner's property. In light of his contractual retirement benefits and the opportunity to participate at his costs on the petitioner's insurance,he would be abstaining. Felicia Davis, an IUSB student, was then introduced to the Committee. She is currently working on a tax abatement data base. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kelly adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Roland Kelly, Chairperson Community and Economic Development KCF:kmf Attachments •