06-11-12 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 11, 2012 Ms. DeRose stated that she did not have that information. But she did know that the roof is not insulated, the heating is extremely high, and the electric is extremely high, because they have to use space heaters. She stated that she estimates those costs are higher than the average because it is not energy efficient. Councilmember Scott wanted to clarify when he asked about the list of properties. He asked if this list is of all the properties that the city owns. Ms. DeRose stated yes to the best of her knowledge. Councilmember Scott advised that we could filter it down to probably the list of properties that the city owns that are vacant? He stated that his concern is: is there a property that we own that could fit the bill? Ms. DeRose advised that she is sure and would have the City’s Purchasing Manager Phil Custard confirm that. But when we put the South Bend Human Rights Commission in that building originally, that was the only building that fit their needs. This is a quasi- judicial legal agency of the city and it’s office space, it has to be office space, and it has to have a conference room and all of that has to be, rooms have to be made confidential at that time about ten years this was the only building that fit, so they looked at others at that time. She stated that she could only assume that without additional inventory there’s really nothing else that will match for them. She stated that was the exercise because, they certainly don’t want to incur any additional expense, particularly in these times of difficulty for our citizens. Councilmember Scott stated that it was said earlier in the committee meeting this afternoon that there is going to be a build out at the Niles building about $250,000. Ms. DeRose stated no. Councilmember Varner stated $45,000. Ms. DeRose concurred its $45,000 and that it would be payable over the 5 years of the lease and a component of the rent. Councilmember Scott stated that was his only concern that due diligence was done that we looked at vacant buildings that the city owns. Councilmember Valerie Schey asked if they would demolish the existing building. Ms. DeRose stated that they cannot, this is a National Landmark, it’s on the National Register, it’s a WPA building. She stated what they will have to do is “moth ball” it. Make sure that it is preserved so that it is in tact. When the city can make reasonable improvements to it, she assumed they will do it. She advised to keep in mind that the Human Rights Commission uses both floors. Ultimately, the basement need not be used, but the Human Rights Commission must have the basement area, it’s where the housing director was located, and must be ADA approved. The first floor could be used for another use. Councilmember Valerie Schey asked if the City owns that building. Ms. DeRose stated yes, the do own it. It was part of the Parks Department. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand stated for a point of information, typically we just advertise by title, in this situation we advertised the entire bill, the fact, that a substitute version has been accepted, will that affect the State Law. Mr. DeRose stated that it will not. She stated that the only thing that the State Law requires is that there be five things and all of those are within this bill. The identity of the landlord; the term of the lease, the rent payments per month; the number of years of the 6