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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2. Minutes 4/17/09SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING April 17, 2009 10:00 a.m. 227 West Jefferson Boulevard Presiding: Marcia I. Jones, President South Bend, Indiana 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Members Absent: Legal Counsel: Ms. Marcia Jones, President Dr. David Varner, Vice President Ms. Nancy King, Secretary Mr. Greg Downes Ms. Stephanie Spivey Ml•. Donald Alford Mr. Charles S. Leone, Esq. Mr. Lawrence Meteiver, Esq. Redevelopment Staff: Mr. Don Inks, Director Mrs. Cheryl Phipps, Recording Secretary Ms. Jennifer Laurent, Economic Development Specialist Mr. David Relos, Economic Development Specialist Others Present: Mayor Stephen Luecke Mr. Jeff Gibney, Executive Director Rev. Timothy Rouse, Common Council Ms. Ann Puzzello, Common Council Mr. Toni Price, Mayor's Office Ms. Jamie Loo, Soutll Bend Tribune Ms. GlendaRae Hernandez Ms. Linda Wolfson, Community Forum for Economic Dev Ms. Ann Hastings, Innovation Park Ms. Heather Short-Davis, Blue Waters Group Mr. Patrick Strickler, Blue Waters Group Mr. TI•oy Warner Ms. Grace Dzonzi Mr. James Summers, Project Impact 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Friday, April 3, 2009. UpOll a lllOtlOn by MI•. DOVb'IIeS, SeCOnded by MS. COMMISSION APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE Kmg and Unan11110US1y Carl•led, the Co111lnlsslon REGULAR MEETING OF FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2009 approved the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Friday, April 3, 2009. South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting -April 17, 2009 3. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Redevelopment Commission Claims submitted April 17, 2009 for approval. 305 FUND SBCDA BOND Lehman & Lehman Inc 7,520.00 Century Center Streetscape Majority Building Inc 779.28 101 North Michigan Exterior 324 AIRPORT AEDA Business Wire Sopko, Nussbaum, Inabnit & Kaczmarek Indiana Michigan Power Abonmarche Wightman Petrie DHA The Blue Waters Group Ken Herceg & Associates, Inc R.E. Pitts & Associates, Inc. Ralph D. Lauver R.E. McCloskey & Associates Meridian Title Corporation Meridian Title Corporation Meridian Title Corporation 8,524.00 High Dev Tech Development 2,216.25 Legal Srvc 24.33 420 S William St 639.00 US 31 & Adams Road Interchange 1,745.00 Phase II Environmental 2,668.00 Survey Work 46,300.31 Marketing Contract For Ignition Park 6,000.00 Studebaker Corridor Study 450.00 SE Corner Franklin/Stull St & SW Corner Lafayette Blvd 2,450.00 411 W Indiana Ave 500.00 Uzelac Properties 200.00 1310 S Prairie Ave, 760 Cotter St. 105.00 411 Indiana Ave. 31,272.28 1122 Grace St. 420 FUND TIF DISTRICT-SBCDA GENERAL Sopko, Nussbaum, Inabnit &Kaczmarek 1,293.75 DTSB 24,946.50 CB Richard Ellis 646.08 Schindler Elevator Corp. 142.86 Indiana Michigan Power 219.35 Rose Pest Solution 93.00 Wightman Petrie 975.44 Wightman Petrie 5,265.00 Ampco System Parking 2,466.21 AT & T 143.68 422 FUND WEST WASHINGTON Sopko, Nussbaum, Inabnit &Kaczmarek 281.25 Indiana Michigan Power 17.01 414 FUND AIRPORT URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONE Project Impact 103,848.00 Total $ 251,731.58 Legal Srvc Beautification Management Fee LaSalle Hotel Elevator Inspection 237 N Michigan St. LaSalle Hotel Pest Control Extermination Gates Chevy World Building 118 S Williams St. (The Manor) Management Fee LaSalle Hotel Legal Srvc 520 W Wayne St. Project Impact 2 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting -April 17, 2009 3. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS (CONT.) Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Ms. King and unanimously carried, the Commission approved the Claims submitted April 17, 2009, and ordered checks to be released. 4. COMMUNICATIONS There were no Communications. 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Airport Economic Development Area (1) Resolution No. 2575 related to acquisition of property in the AEDA. (1200 blk S. Franklin) Mr. Gibney noted that the Uzelac property was added to the Airport Economic Development Area Acquisition List by Resolution No. 2456 on June 25, 2008. This approximately 2.9 acre area of vacant lots is needed for the future site of the Transpo transportation center. Upon acquisition, the property will be cleared and sold to Transpo. Resolution No. 2575 sets the acquisition value of the property at $80,000, the average value as determined by two independent appraisals. Staff requests approval of Resolution 2575. Ms. King asked how many more properties still need to be acquired for Transpo's relocation. Mr. Gibney responded that there are just a couple more to acquire. Ms. Jones asked if there is enough money in the Commission's budget to purchase those. Mr. Gibney responded that there is. COMMISSION APPROVED THE CLAIMS SUBMITTED APRIL l7, 2009, AND ORDERED THE CHECKS TO BE RELEASED THERE WERE NO COMMUNICATIONS South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting -April 17, 2009 Up011 a IllOtlOn by Mr. DOWneS, SeCOnded by COMMISSION APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 2575 MS. Kmg and Ullan11110USIy CalTled, the RELATED TO ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY IN THE COIn1111SSlOn approved ReSOIUt1011 N0. 2575 AEDA. (1200 BLK S. FRANKLIN) related to acquisition of property in the AEDA. (1200 blk S. Franklin) (2) Resolution No. 2576 approving and accepting a counter offer for the acquisition of property in the AEDA. (1200 blk S. Franklin) Mr. Gibney noted that the Uzelacs have submitted a counter offer of $110,000. Staff recommends acceptance. Mr. Varner asked if Sara Uzelac who made the presentation on a community garden a few weeks ago is the same family benefitting from this sale. Mr. Inks responded that she is. He did not believe there was any conflict of interest involved. Mr. Val-ner wanted that fact to be part of the public record. Upon a lllotion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Ms. King and unanimously carried, the Commission approved Resolution No. 2576 approving and accepting a counter offer for the acquisition of property in the AEDA. (1200 blk S. Franklin) 6. NEW BUSINESS A. South Bend Central Development Area (1) Agency Agreement with Board of Public Works for repair and improvements to Jon Hunt Plaza. Ms. Laurent noted that the Commission has received a request which describes needed repairs and maintenance to the park grounds COMMISSION APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 2576 APPROVING AND ACCEPTING A COUNTER OFFER FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY IN THE AEDA. (1200 BLK S. FRANKLIN 4 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting -April 17, 2009 and fountain at Jon Hunt Plaza, directly in front of the Morris Perfor-~ning Arts Center. The Plaza is owned by the Commission and is managed by Dennis Andres, director of the Morris and Palais, as a highly programmed space during summer months. It is a popular venue for DTSB sponsored public events as well as receptions and gatherings hosted by the Palais. Mr. Andres has provided an in-depth explanation for the needed work, and how doing so will save on operating expenses in the future, as the leaks and lack of a debris catching feature add substantially to the ongoing costs of Mr. Andres Dennis has requested funds to complete the replacement of hazardous deteriorating brick with stamped concrete on the Plaza walkway fronting Michigan Street. TIF funds have been used in the past for maintenance and upgrades to Jon Hunt Plaza. As property owners, we want to be sure it is safe and appealing. Staff recommends the Commission's approval of the following items: fountain repair for leaks, $8,400.00; fountain stainless steel panels installed as a moat debris catcher, $14,867.00; and continuation of walkway, $7,985.00 for a total of $31, 252. Ms. Laurent noted that an Agency Agreement has not yet been prepared, so the request is for Commission approval subject to counsel's preparation of an amendment to the Master Agency Agreement with the Board of Public Works for anot-to-exceed amount of $34,377, including a 10% contingency. Mr. Inks noted that the Park Department has 5 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting -April 17, 2009 been responsible for maintenance of the Jon Hunt Plaza. In an effort to trim its budget to meet the city's expected revenue shortfall, they could not justify spending $10,000 per year on a fountain. They informed the Mor•is that they would not be maintaining it in the future. Mr. Andres called Mr. Inks, asking for funding. Mr. Inks asked him to get an estimate for repairs and a resulting estimate for ongoing maintenance. The ongoing maintenance costs following these improvements are expected to be around X2,500 which Mr. Andres believes could be handled within the Mor•is budget. Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. Downes and unanimously caried, the Commission approved the expenditure of TIF funds for repairs and improvements to Jon Hunt Plaza subject to preparation of an Amendment to the Master Agency Agreement with the Board of Public Works. B. Airport Economic Development Area (1) Resolution No. 2578 related to acquisition of property in the AEDA. (1122 Grace St.) Mr. Gibney noted that 1122 Grace St. was added to the Airport Economic Development Area Acquisition List by Resolution No. 2455 on June 13, 2008. This two story residence is located in a pocket area that is surrounded on three sides by the Oliver Industrial Park. To allow for the expansion of the park and to remove non-conforming land uses, the residents were approached about selling their properties through a "fr'iendly'' acquisition process. Upon acquisition, the property will be cleared and will be used to allow for the expansion of the retention pond that is north of the property. COMMISSION APPROVED THE EXPENDITURE OF TIF FUNDS FOR REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO JON HUNT PLAZA SUBJECT TO PREPARATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE MASTER AGENCY AGREEMENT- WITH THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS 6 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting -April 17, 2009 Resolution No. 2578 sets the acquisition value of the property at $27,500.00, the average value as determined by two independent appraisals. Upon a IllOtlOn by MI'. DOWneS, SeCOnded by COMMISSION APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 2578 MI'. Val'ner and UnanlmOUSly Cal'I'led, the RELATED TO ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY IN THE Commission approved Resolution No. 2578 AEDA. (1122 GRACE ST.) related to acquisition of property in the AEDA. (1122 Grace St.) (2) Resolution No. 2579 approving and accepting a counter offer for the acquisition of property in the AEDA. (1122 Grace St.) Mr. Gibney noted that the property owner submitted a counter offer of $31,376.50. Staff recommends accepting the offer. Mr. Gibney noted that there were seventeen properties in this pocket sun-ounded by Oliver Industrial Park. This purchase is the twelfth, leaving five more in that pocket. Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr. Val-ner and unanimously cal-ried, the Commission approved Resolution No. ?579 approving and accepting a counter offer for the acquisition of property in the AEDA. (1122 Grace St.) (3) Status Report from Blue Waters Group. Mr. Price noted that a little more than one year ago a research consortium of the worlds leading computer chip makers dramatically announced that Notre Dame would host the newest U.S. Nanoelech-onics Research Center. MIND, the Midwest Institute for Nanoelectronics Discovery has the potential COMMISSION APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 2579 APPROVING AND ACCEPTING A COUNTER OFFER FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY IN THE AEDA. (1122 GRACE ST.~ 7 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting -April ] 7, 2009 to transfoi7n South Bend. It could accelerate investment at our state certified technology park. Innovation Park at Notre Dame is one part of that. It also consists of the recently named Ignition Park in the heart of South Bend. The potential for that kind of transfonllation is what led Mayor Luecke and the city to make a long term, multi-million dollar commitment in support of commercialization efforts. That level of commitment is what tipped the scales for selection of NotY•e Dame as the fourth location for MIND. But Commissioners have asked, "If we build all this, will they come?'' Blue Waters Group is here to report on its efforts to make the most of this MIND opportunity for South Bend.. On October 17 the Commission authorized the first phase of along term marketing and communication activity with the Blue Waters Group, a national marketing film, with expertise in the transfer of intellectual property research to commercialized technology. Patrick Strlcklel', preSldent Of the BIUe PRESENTATION FROM BLUE WATERS GROUP Waters Group, and Heather Short-Davis made a presentation of the accomplishments during phase one. Phase one has laid the groundwork, established priorities and developed the communication tools needed to reach the city's goals. Mr. Strickler outlined what he saw as South Bend's selling points related to marketing this area: ahigh-tech education base including Notre Dame, Ivy Tech, and New Tech High School; innovation in our history, with Oliver Plow Works, Studebaker Corporation, neoprene, etc.; an affordable 8 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting-April 17, ?009 quality of life; outdoor sports, including kayaking; rich cultural offerings; Noh-e Dame athletics; and our proximity to Chicago and Michiana vacation spots. The Blue Waters Group have created a brand and identity for the new Sample Street technology park (Ignition Park), leveraged the above mentioned technology assets to promote Ignition Park, engaged South Bend"s residents and businesses in the process through the naming contest, launched a ban-age of media releases ,posted those news releases on 130 Websites in major markets including AP, Reuters, Forbes, Wall Street Journal and popular tech Websites, and begun developing a marketing brochure and mass mail piece. Mr. Strickler noted that in order to gauge the effectiveness of their marketing strategies to date, they sui-~~eyed South Bend residents through a professional survey and found that 43.8% feel Ignition Park is important or very important to South Bend's future and economy; 61.4% feel Innovation Park is important or very important to South Bend's future and economy; 79% feel the Notre Dame-city relationship is beneficial to the area's economy: over 69% felt MIND is positive for the city's future and economy: and 65.5% were optimistic about South Bend's future. 26.5% were pessimistic about South Bend's future. Blue Waters Group's long range goals in phase two are (1) to reaffirm South Bend as a desirable place to live and work-a place with tremendous opportunity and a high quality of life and (2) to promote South Bend and its new Ignition Park with connections to a Notre Dame, MIND and Innovation Park, as 9 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting -April 17, 2009 one of the nations" key hubs of technological innovation and development. Mr. Strickler distributed to the Commissioners copies of a binder of work perfoJ-~ned to date. Ms. Spivey asked the nature of the survey of residents. Mr. Sh~ickler responded that it was a telephone survey with approximately 400 interviews. It was a statistically representative model. (4) Progress Report from Project Impact. Mr. SUll1111e1'S gave a prOgl•eSS rep01't On the PROGRESS REPORT FROM PROJECT IMPACT Project Impact job readiness training for hard-to-place individuals that has been operating since early 2009, paid for fi•om TIF funds. Mr. Summers noted that the original expectation was that the program would serve about 150 individuals. Before the program was officially announced, over 200 individuals lead applied. Over 150 people came to the initial orientation. About 100 enrolled in the five-day "boot camp,'' intended to weed out people who were not serious about making the changes necessary in their lives. The program curriculum is based on Stephen Coveys Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. In addition, there is a faith-based component called Deeds of the Flesh, Fruits of the Spirit as well as training toward thirteen qualities the local employers say they want in an ideal employee. Morning sessions are spent in training on these elements. The afternoon sessions are devoted to practical application. It has been remarkable to the organizers of Project Impact, Hardie Blake and Jim Summers, how 10 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting -April 17, 2009 powerful this training has been to the trainees. Although there were only twenty- five stipends available for the classes, many more appreciated the value and wanted to attend even if they did not receive stipends. Mr. Summers noted that in addition to job readiness, there are other programs in the evening providing counseling to help the entire family. Children are welcome at the evening sessions and have wanted to return for the benefit they receive. Mr. Summers said that twenty-six participants live in the Urban Enterprise Zone. They will be targeted for jobs within the Urban Enterprise Zone. Mr. Summers expressed disappointment that only four graduates of the program were placed into jobs so far. He attributed that low number to the large number of unemployed in the job market during this economic downtul-n. He has met so far with about forty local employers about committing to hire Project Impact's graduates. The job skills training to date has been in facilities maintenance, computer repair and recycling. A Beautiful Mind, a group of local psychologists, partners with Project Impact to provide personality assessment and vocational skills assessment. They want to get participants comfortable with talking to a psychologist so they might ask for assistance in other areas of their life where psychological help would be beneficial. Project Impact has been surprised at how anxious participants have been to avail themselves of counseling in a variety of areas: alcoholics anonymous, family South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting -April l 7, 2009 counseling, etc. One of the main goals of Project Impact is for the participants to begin to trust others who want to help. Most of these people have such low sell' esteem that they don"t think anyone wants to help them. Mr. Swnmers also noted that Project Impact has two grant writers on its team. They are pursuing additional funding. They take the attitude that everyone can help. Some have donated office furniture; some have volunteered to teach a class on job skills. Everything helps. Mr. Downes asked how confident Mr. Summers is that they will be able to place their participants. Mr. Summers said it has been challenging. They are confident that as the economy improves, they will be able to place most of them. Mr. Summers will offer his personal recommendation for someone who demonstrates to him they deserve it. Ms. Spivey asked how long Project Impact has been in existence and if they have been able to measure recidivism. Mr. Summers responded that Hardie and Perl Blake have been working with Project Impact for many years on their own. However, this program as funded with TIF funds has only been in existence since January. So far four participants have dropped out or become incarcerated. He believes the key to success is the connection with the participants families. Ms. King asked if she was con-ect to say that the only two job skills being taught at this time are recyclingh-efurbishing/warehousing, and then the apprentice academy providing 12 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting -April ] 7, 2009 instruction only in construction trades. Mr. Summers said that is con-ect. Ms. King asked that Mr. Summers provide gender, age, race, and ethnicity information about the registered participants and those receiving the stipends. Mr. Summers said that he would. Mr. Downes asked if the program is meeting or exceeding Mr. Swllmers' initial expectations. Mr. Summers responded that the response of the participants has greatly exceeded his expectations. It is not easy to take responsibility for your problems and commit to making changes in your life. He is, however, disappointed in the response of the business community to hire the participants. He hasn't given up. Ms. Jones noted the connection between the two progress reports today: Blue Waters Group and Project Impact. Taxes from TIF funds are not primarily residential. They are from businesses. Business is funding the training of these hard to place individuals. This is the complete circle. C. West Washington-Chapin Development Area (1) Proposal for professional services related to Hansel Center (Appraisals) Mr. Relos noted that on March 20, 2009 the Commission authorized staff to begin the process to add the Hansel Center to the acquisition list of the West Washington Chapin Development Area Development Plan, subject to approval by the South Bend Common Council and Area Plan Commission. To move the process along, staff requested proposals from four 13 South Belld Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting -April 17, 2009 appraisers to appraise the building. The two low bids were front Rick E. Pitts at $3,350 and Jerome Michaels at $3,850. Two appraisals are required. Staff recommends accepting those proposals. Upon a IllOtlOn by MI'. DOwnes, SCCOnded by COMMISSION AC'C'EPTED THE PROPOSALS FROM Mr. Varner and Llnanll110US1y Carl7ed, the RICK E. PITTS AND JEROME E. 1VIICHAELS FOR COI111111SSIOn accepted the pl'OpOSaIS f]'Olll THE SCOPE OF SERVICES AND FEE PROPOSED Rick E. Pitts and Jerome E. Michaels for the scope of services and fee proposed. D. South Side Development Area There was no business in the Soutll Side Development Area. E. Northeast Neighborhood Development Area There was no business in the Northeast Neighborhood Development Area. F. Douglas Road Economic Development Area There was no business in the Douglas Raad Economic Development Area. G. Ratification of Service Contracts Upon a motion by Mr. Downes, seconded by Mr. Varner and unanimously cal-ried, the Commission ratified the contract for services with Wightnlan Petrie. H. Other (1) Filing of Resolution No. 2577 appropriating monies from the Redevelopment General Fund (Fund 433) for the purpose of paying for certain expenses incurred b~~ the Redevelopment Commission and setting a public hearing Commission ratified the conh-aet for services with Wighhnan Petrie. 14 South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting -April l 7, 2009 for 10:00 a.~n., May 15, 2009 on Resolution No. 2577. Mr. Inks explained that Fund 433 is used to pay for outside legal fees for projects where no TIF fiends are available. This appropriation will replenish funds that have been spent down. Upon a motion by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. Varner and unanimously carried, the Commission accepted for filing Resolution No. 2577 and set a public hearing on Resolution No. 2577 for 10:00 a.m., May 15, 2009. 7. PROGRESS REPORTS There was no report. 8. NEXT COMMISSION MEETING The next meeting of the Redevelopment Commission is scheduled for Friday, May I , 2009 at 10:00 a.m. 9. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Redevelopment Commission, Mr. Downes made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Ms. King seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 11:37 a.m. Donald E. Inks, Director Commission accepted for filing Resolution No. 2577 and set a public hearing on Resolution No. 2577 for 10:00 a.m., May 15, 2009 PROGRESS REPORTS NEXT COMMISSION MEETING ADJOURNMENT 15