05-23-2022 Common Council Meeting Minutes (Signed)

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REGULAR MEETING Mav 23.2022 Jeff Smoke stated there are serious tenant conversations for a two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) sq. ft. property within the property. Councilmember Eli Wax inquired about the affects of getting or not getting a tax abatement on a property and the feasibility of a project of this size. Jeff Smoke stated tenant looks at the tax abatement property and wants to invest. Without abatement, tenants will not utilize property for their businesses. Councilmember Wax inquired if there is a chance for success without an abatement. Jeff Smoke stated that they wouldn't move on without an abatement. Councilmember Hamann inquired about the cost of the property tax on the tenant. Jeff Smoke stated the property taxes and operation costs are passed on to the tenant as part of their rent through what is called triple net. Vice President Niezgodski moved to the public portion. Clerk Dawn Jones responded with no one is wishing to speak in favor of Resolution No. 22-21. Vice President Niezgodski requests for anyone from the public wishing to speak in opposition of Resolution No. 22-21. Joseph Shabazz 316 Martin Luther King Dr. 46601 inquired how the buildings are proposed to be built; how are contractors selected? Caleb Bauer stated the abatement must attain an Affirmative Action Plan. Joseph Shabazz stated the application is vague in representing minorities as a part of the project. Caleb Bauer responded that the abatement forms does designate over the last 3 years businesses being from women and minorities. However, the space was not filled because employees are not present. Vice President Niezgodski closed public portion, and requests comments from the council members. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. stated we are a body that develop policies. Vague policies that are attainable suggests ambiguity is present. Council has the duty to correct those policies and follow through. Councilmember Wax stated appreciation to petitioner. Indiana is booming as an economic market. Councilmember Wax appreciates the local investments. Councilmember Hamann stated public item 3a as a commitment for Affirmative Action Plan for an unidentified tenant and asks how that will be upheld. Caleb Bauer stated this section was for the contractor. Constructing and material supplies are committed for the Affirmative Action Plan. Councilmember Troy Warner agreed with the policies in place for the seven-year abatement and is excited to see it grow. Councilmember Lee stated opportunities need to be in the city of South Bend and we have to encourage investments to bring jobs and help citizens. Councilmember Tomas Morgan stated her appreciations for continued investments. Councilmember Karen White stated that the conversation is a good conversation and thanks the investor. Vice President Niezgodski thanked the investor for investing in South Bend; Vice President Niezgodski entertained a motion for Resolution No. 22-21. Councilmember Davis moved for adoption. Councilmember Wax seconded. 5