08-13-01 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 13, 2001 campus they purchased approximately 3.95 acres of additional land comprising four (4) parcels. This additional office space and land will accommodate the company's long term growth plans which include adding one hundred fifty (150) new jobs with apayroll of approximately $8.4 million dollars over the next six (6) years. Total capital investment for this project will be approximately $10.8 million dollars. The ability to expand not only creates an additional one hundred fifty (150) new jobs in the downtown South Bend area but results in the retention of over four hundred (400) high paying quality jobs with an annual payroll of $28.2 million dollars. Many of Crowe Chizek's services are sold outside of the local area which brings in non -local dollars to the community. Mr. Uminski stated that they also worked for about one and one -half (1 %2) years with City officials and with the Indiana Department of Commerce and they also supported the expansion project with an infrastructure grant and a training grant. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. There was no one present wishing to speak in favor of this Resolution. Mr. Tom Dixon, no address given, stated that previously a representative from Crowe Chizek admitted that with or without an abatement Crowe Chizek would go forward with this project. He noted that Crowe Chizek is a very successful business not in need of a corporate handout or any support from the City. In light of all of the other issues that this Council has been presented with in regard to fiscal responsibility and the fact that the City has publicly stated that it will be required to raise taxes in order to provide a substantial pay raise to the Police Department the question that must be answered is what are the Council's priorities. By voting down this tax abatement the City has found its new monies for the pay increase for the Police Department. There was no one else present wishing to speak in opposition to this Resolution. Mr. Uminski refused his right to rebuttal. Councilmember Varner advised Mr. Dixon that he would make the same offer to him as he did to Officer Culp at the last meeting which is to explain to him, in writing, the tax abatement procedure. He noted that if this would provide new money to the City that would be good argument but the fact is that it doesn't because of the way property taxes are collected. Mr. Dixon stated that he would be willing to take him up on that offer and he would suggest that since this is a public situation that Councilmember Varner take this opportunity to educate the public on this matter. He asked where that money goes. Councilmember Varner stated that he would be happy to explain this matter with him after the meeting and would try to answer those questions which can then be made public after the fact. Mr. Dixon stated that he would be happy to do that. Councilmember Kelly made a motion to adopt this Resolution. Councilmember Coleman seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of six (6) ayes, with Councilmember King abstaining. BILLS - FIRST READING BILL NO. 70-01 FIRST READING ON A BILL APPROPRIATING $131,200 FROM FUND 212 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING ACTIVITIES UNDER THE US EPA BROWNFIELD PILOT ASSESSMENT GRANT This bill had first reading. Councilmember Coleman made a motion to refer this bill to the Personnel and Finance Committee and set it for Public Hearing and Third Reading on August 27, 2001. Councilmember Kelly seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes.