09-12-05 Community & Economic Development

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Community and Economic Development Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The September 12, 2005, meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Puzzello,Dieter,White,Kelly,Kuspa, Varner, and Rouse; Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Mrs. Kopola, Andy Laurent, Tedd Schaffer, Elizabeth Leonard, Don Inks, Don Fozo, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Mark A. Witucki, City Clerk John Voorde and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney. Council Member Puzzello noted that the committee consists of Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Council Members Kuspa, Kelly, Kirsits and herself. She added that a new citizen member Darrell Shannon was unable to be present. Council Member Puzzello then called for a presentation on Bill No. 05-116 which is a five (5) year personal property tax abatement request for Mann + Hummel USA, Inc. for the property located at 1827 North Bendix Drive. Tedd Schaffer reviewed his report dated September 1, 2005 which noted that the petitioner proposes purchase new equipment with a total project cost of$3 million.. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the requirements for a five year residential tax abatement under Section 2-84.2 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing tangible personal property tax abatements. Mark A. Witucki, Controller of Mann+ Hummel USA, Inc. with offices located at1827 North Bendix Drive, South Bend,Indiana 46628 made the presentation. He noted that their company is a manufacturer of air intake manifolds for Toyota, BMW and Daimler-Chrysler. Twelve (12) new full-time jobs are projected. Local contractors would be used for the installation and set up of the new equipment. Approximately$3 million will be the total investment for the project. No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to the request. Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 05-116 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Pn7.zello then called for a presentation on Bill No. 58-05 which would appropriate $ 4 million within Fund 101 for the purpose of redevelopment of the Studebaker-Oliver Project area. Andy Laurent of the Department of Community & Economic Development made the presentation. He stated that the $4 million would be used to pay for costs of acquisition, relocation, demolition, site preparation, environmental studies and clean-up costs in the Studebaker/Oliver Project Area and in particular would be used for the former Stamping Plant area. September 12,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes -Page 1-