10-09-17 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING October 9, 2017 Councilmember Gavin Ferlic asked, I wasn't here for the committee meeting—I thought there was a clear understanding that this was only going to be a one (1) year exception. I have to apologize for missing the committee meeting. You might have addressed that, but what is the— Mr. Vanderveen responded, We met with all of the neighbors around, and the neighboring businesses that weren't in favor of us doing this—I think what the community recognized is that we're not providing weather amnesty,the problems to our downtown businesses are worse. So, we're trying to be very proactive in working with our neighbors and the business community. We know the long-term solution is to get people off the streets permanently. I think what the business community has recognized is things got a lot better on December 1St, 2017 when we opened this building. Their feedback to us is let's do it again this year, because we need to do it. Councilmember Dr. David Varner stated, Just so Mr. Ferlic knows, I specifically asked the question, "What was the long-term and what's the planned use for this?" and the gentleman assured us that this is the last year of its use as a shelter. I also asked, "Provided the resources to purchase it—if and when the intent is to sell it, as I recall—will the City be reimbursed?"His response was that either it will be used for a new proposed project or, depending on the City's wishes, it could be later determined. There were some people in the area that were concerned that this was going to morph into another long-term unit in the same area. I don't think that was the intent, when it came about. Mr.Vanderveen stated, And that's why we put the specific dates in the zoning exceptions. We're not required to,but that's why we put them in there—to verify that that's our intent. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There were none from the public wishing to speak in favor of or opposition to this bill. Councilmember Randy Kelly made a motion to adopt Bill No. 17-57. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. 17-60 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND DESIGNATING CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 325 SOUTH WALNUT STREET, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46617 AN ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA FOR PURPOSES OF A (5) FIVE-YEAR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR MASTERBILT, INCORPORATED Councilmember Gavin Ferlic, Chair of the Community Investment Committee, reported that they met this afternoon and send this bill forward with a favorable recommendation. Dan Buckenmeyer, Director of Business Development, the Department of Community Investment, with offices on the 10 Floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, served as the presenter of this bill. Mr. Buckenmeyer stated, Masterbilt has been a South Bend business since 1941, so it's an honor to work with them and partner with them to help them experience some incremental growth. They have evolved into an advanced manufacturer, making precision parts, serving a lot of other, larger South Bend companies with parts and so on. They are seeking assistance, as they invest over$500,000 in a few new pieces of equipment, and create at least two (2)new advanced manufacturing jobs that will pay at least eighteen dollars ($18)an hour. Working with them,we propose a five (5) year tax abatement, over which time the petitioner will recognize savings totaling approximately $16,000. The petitioner will still contribute by paying approximately$25,000 in taxes during this time. We respectfully ask the Council to approve this abatement and assist a legacy business in South Bend as they continue to grow. 22