07-11-05 Community & Econocmic Development

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Community and Economic Development Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The July 11, 2005, meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Puzzello, Kelly, Kuspa, White Kirsits and Rouse; Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Brad Poulan, Executive Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development Sharon Kendall, Dennis Andres, Mrs. Kopola, Bernie Feeney, Tim Hernly, Gig Young, Derek Spier, Ann-Carol Nash, Don Inks, Tedd Schaffer, 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. Council Member Puzzello called for a presentation on Bill No. 05-81 which is a six (6)year real property tax abatement request for Manufacturing Technology, Inc. for the property located at 1702 W. Washington Street. Tedd Schaffer, an Economic Development Specialist, reviewed his report dated June 29, 2005 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner builds friction welding equipment and plans to add a 10,200 square foot addition to their current building at a cost of $600,000. The report concluded that the petitioner meets the requirements for a six (6) year real tax abatement under Section 2-82 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing Industrial Development City Wide abatements. Attorney Timothy D. Hernly of 600 1st Source Bank Building in downtown South Bend made the presentation. He noted that the addition is to a building that dates back to the Civil War. He then introduced the company's Controller Gig Young. Mr. Young stated that his company uses friction to join various metals together to be used in the trucking, automotive, aircraft and medical industries. They are one of three companies that are in this field. He would be happy to give a tour of the facility to the Council and added that the additional room is needed by the employees. Council Member Kelly then made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 05-81 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council President Pfeifer stated that the company is located in the 2nd District and she welcomes the expansion. Council Member Puzzello then called for a presentation on Bill No. 05-82 which is a five (5) year residential real property tax abatement request for Kendall-Weiss, LLP for lots numbered 1-17 of LaFayette Falls Subdivision,Phase Two. July 11,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1-