HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-14-09 Community and Economic Development Minutes~, ~~
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~ COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 9-14-09
Timothy A. Rouse, Chairperson, Community and Economic Development Committee
called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m.
Committee Members Present: Henry L. Davis, Jr., Vice-Chairperson, Ann Puzzello,
Karen L. White; Steve Cooreman, Citizen Member
Other Councilmember's Present: David Varner, Tom LaFountain, Derek Dieter, Al
"Buddy" Kirsits
Other's Present: Pam Meyer, Rita Kopala, Phil Bird, Christa Nayder, Bob Mathia, Stan
Blankey, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Matthew Seese
Agenda: Bill No. 58-09 -Community Development Fund #212 -Redistribution
Bill No. 59-09 -Appropriation CDBG Fund #212 Recovery Program
Bill No. 09-57 -Tax Abatement (Schafer Gear) -Personal Property
Chairperson Rouse began the meeting with a full complement of both Council and
Citizen Members. Chairperson Rouse asked Pam Meyer, Director of Community
Development to present Bill No. 58-09. Ms. Meyer asked that the presentation and
consideration include Bill No. 59-09 as well. Chairperson Rouse agreed. Bill No. 58-09
amends the CDBG appropriation passed by Council on November 10, 2008. Some
projects were reduced, others deleted and other added to as a result of the City receiving
additional CDBG funds through the feds, "recovery" program. The overall appropriation
requested increased by $130,000. The recovery funds, aone-time allocation to South
Bend addressed in Bill No. 59-09 amount to $750,873. The bulk of this money would go
to South Bend Heritage (approximately $400,000) and Real Services (approximately
$350,000) for projects already approved and partially funded by HUD. This re-allocation
of new money freed up previously allocated CDBG money to allow the city to continue
the Natatorium and Hansel Center projects currently underway and underfunded. Pam
Meyer with the help of two handouts (attached) explained that the two bills were
reflective of HUD recommendations for appropriate use of the CDBG and CDBG-R
money.
Council Member Henry Davis, Vice-Chairperson, affirmed his support for the
Natatorium and Hansel projects however he questioned the process of setting priorities
for allocation of CDBG funds. In particular, he felt the Code Enforcement Department
should not be cut. Council Member Henry Davis, suggested money could better be spent
enhancing the quality of life in the Second District. More demolition of vacant non-
salvageable homes, mowing and clearing of vacant lots, curbs, sidewalks and
improvements in both the infrastructure and programs in parks would be examples of
money better spent. Council Member Henry Davis said he would propose a continuance
of one meeting during the evening meeting to further discuss the priority determination
process. Based upon that intent Council Member Rouse asked for a motion to send to
full Council without recommendation. Council Member Henry Davis so motioned.
Steve Cooreman seconded, all agreed.
Bill No. 09-57 -Tax Abatement (Schafer Gear) -Personal Property
Chairperson Rouse- asked Bob Mathia to report the Economic Development Departments
findings. Bob reported Schaefer's petition met all the criteria for abatement. He then
introduced Stan Blankey, Executive Vice President, Schafer Gear, to add comment. Mr.
Blankley spoke to the challenges of the economic climate and the efforts of the company
to grow. The purchase of new manufacturing equipment, he said, would allow the
creation of 8 new full time jobs and protect 67 current positions. In addition, over
$225,000 dollars would be added to the tax base. Chairperson Rouse noted that tax
abatement was truly a tax "phase-in" not a giveaway. Asking his committee for a
recommendation, Council Member White motioned to recommend favorably. Council
Member Puzzello seconded and all supported the favorable advisory.
There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time, Chairperson,
Rouse adjourned the meeting at 3:47 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Timothy A. Rou~se;~2~airperson
Community andeconomic Development Committee