06-27-05 Community & Economic Development

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Community and Economic Development Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The June 27, 2005, meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:17 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Puzzello, Kelly, Varner, Kuspa, White, Kirsits and Rouse; Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Rita Kopala, City Clerk John Voorde, Tim Hernly, Jack Dillon, Don Inks, Tedd Schaffer, Mai Tran, Long T. Lam, Gerald F. Lerman, Sue A. and Thomas Kinnucan 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. 05-78 which is a five (5) year personal property tax abatement request for Triangle Machine,Inc. located at 3702 West Sample Street, Suite 1125 in South Bend. Tedd Schaffer, an Economic Development Specialist, reviewed his report dated June 14, 2005 (copy attached). He noted that the petitioner manufacturers precision machined components. They are interested in purchasing one (1) Citizen Cincom L32 Type VII which costs approximately $253,000. 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 abatement. He then introduced Mai Tran and Long T. Lam to the Committee. Mai Tran stated that there company utilizes precision machinery for the automotive and medical industries. They are in the top 5% of this industry with regard to accuracy and quality. The new machine will help them be more competitive and work faster. Council Member Rouse inquired about the information set forth on page 4, question number 18 addressing minority employment. Ms. Tran stated that both she and Long T. Lam are employees, plus one part-time employee. They advertised in the South Bend Tribune for qualified employees. Council Member Rouse complimented them for their dedication in bringing development to the city. Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kelly that Bill No. 05-78 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Puzzello then called for a presentation on Substitute Bill No. 05-76 which would reconfirm the economic revitalization area deductions for Steel Warehouse Co, Inc. and its affiliates. She noted that there are three (3) separate reports from the Department of June 27,2005 Community and Economic Development Committee meeting of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 1-