HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-25-08 Community & Economic CommitteeCOMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AUGUST 25, 2008
The August 25, 2008 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the
South Bend Common Council was ca{led to order by its Chairperson, Derek D. Dieter at 4:10 p.m.
in the Council's Informal Meeting Room.
Committee Members present: Derek D. Dieter, Chairperson; Ann Puzzello, Catherine Andres,
Citizen Member, Mark Smith, Citizen Member
Other Council Members: Thomas LaFountain, David, Varner, AI "Buddy" Kirsits
Persons in attendance included: Mark Harmon, Rich Deahl, Phil Faccenda, Pat McMahon, Don
Inks, Tim Hudak, Jeff Gibney, Mayor Luecke, Gary Gilot, Jamie Loo, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,
Council Attorney; John Voorde, City Clerk
BILL N0.07-67 TAX ABATEMENT - STANZ FOOD
Chairman Dieter opened the hearing asking Rich Deahl, Attorney, to make the presentation for
abatement consideration for Stanz Food Service at 1840 Commerce Drive. Requested was a five
year real property abatement to assist with a $6 million dollar investment in expanded facilities.
Stanz serves a 120 mile radius and employs 171 people at the S. B. facility. After the
presentation, and without anyone speaking for or against the petition a motion was made by
Council Member Ann Puzzello, a second from citizen member Catherine Andres followed and
received full support for a favorable recommendation to Council. It should be noted a confirming
Bill 08-74 by Stanz for personal property tax abatement was also on the evening agenda having
been approved preliminarily at the Council's meeting August 11, 2008.
BILL NO. 08-75 -JADE CROSSING -ABATEMENT
At Chairman Dieter's request, Bob Mathia of the CED Department reported on the request of
Cleland Builders to re-designate the remaining 10 lots in sec. 1 of Jade Crossing as eligible for
residential abatement. The original designation had expired. Re-designation of the remaining
lots would facilitate sales. Bernie Feeney representing Cleland Homes spoke of the past success
of the development with the help of abatement urging the Council to support the petition.
Council Member Varner wondered whether residential abatement calculated under the new
assessment process still provided a significant benefit. Feeney responded in the affirmative
especially given the current depressed housing market.
On a motion by Citizen Member Mark Smith and a second by Ann Puzzello unanimous support
followed and the bill was sent to Council with a favorable recommendation.
BILL N0.08-77 -ABATEMENT 1824 N. BENDIX -MANN + HUMMEL USA INC.
Again, at Council Member Dieter's request, Bob Mathia recounted the petition and review process
undertaken by Community and Economic Development. He said it was determined that the
petitioner was eligible for a five (5) year personal property abatement. The petition is for
abatement on a $2 million dollar investment in machinery producing manifolds and air intake
systems for General Motors and Toyota.
There were no remonstrators or supporters of the petition.
On a motion by Catherine Andres, seconded by Council Member Puzzello support by al the bill
was sent to Council with a favorable recommendation.
BILL NOS 08-78: 08-79 AND 08-80 -TAX ABATEMENT -INNOVATION PARK AT NOTRE
DAME
Bob Mathia with the aid of a handout (attached) explained the essence of the request and
reasons for the special consideration. Essentially what is requested for personal property to be in
the Park, is a five year term with an extension of the ERA designation from 2 year to 10 and also
guaranteeing all future tenants would automatically be granted 5 year abatements. For real
property the ERA designation request of 10 years would assure 10 year eligibility for all four
buildings to be developed in the Park. All this would be assumed without a Public Benefits Points
Summary normally required before consideration.
Phil Faccenda, Attorney, and David Brenner then extensively described the nature of Innovation
Park. Most significantly Brenner described it as a transformational place where: 1. Basic
research would be done on campus. 2. Start-up applications would occur at Innovation Park and
3. Hopefully after start-up location and production would occur in the area prepared by the city in
the old Studebaker corridor.
Council Member Varner asked what happens to abatement when a firm leaves the Park.
Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand responded that current state-law does not allow multiple site tech
parks so it would be lost. There will be an effort to change this in the next session of the
legislature. Speaking enthusiastically in support were Mayor Luecke, Pat McMahon, and Jeff
Gibney.
Councilmember's Varner and Puzzello asked questions along with citizen member Mark Smith.
On a motion by Catherine Andres, seconded by Council Member Puzzello and support by all
each of the three bills were sent to Council favorably.
There being no further business to come before the committee, Councilmember Derek D. Dieter,
Chairperson, adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Derek D. Die er, Chairperson
Community & Economic Development Committee