04-27-15 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 27, 2015 says eight (8). Are there going to be twelve (12) or eight (8) jobs? Brock Zeeb responded we will always review the case with the petitioner. When we spoke to the petitioner, it was eight (8) that was confirmed. We can have them adjust the SB1 or we can add the notes to the paperwork, which is traditionally what is done. We are aware of those changes, and the other information that needs to be clarified. Councilmember Schey replied if you can document those corrections I would be more than happy to support this bill. Councilmember Oliver Davis – When will the confirming resolution come before the body? Brock Zeeb responded the confirming resolution cannot come before the common council until I receive additional information regarding contractors in the top section of the points scoring system. We assume when we have a petitioner that states TBD, they will capture those points and give them to us within a certain period of time. The time can vary as we have to work with the petitioner to clarify everything in their file. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Those wishing to speak in opposition: Joseph Shabazz, 415 W LaSalle, South Bend – I have a discrepancy on the bottom of the first page of the tax abatement, it states they spent $210,000 on equipment from out of state for furniture and fixtures. They refused to buy those items from the state of Indiana. When we look at the number of minority and women employees they said they had 17 Black employees from 6/13 to 12/13, then from 1/14 to 12/14 they only had 2. They had 4 Hispanic employees during the same period, and none in 2014; they had 13 women employees during that same period and only 3 in 2014. For me this sounds like a retreat on inclusion, I am surprised this got to the committee to be submitted. We need to stop giving away the taxpayers money. I would think the Chairperson would have at least read the first two pages of the application. Rebuttal: Brock Zeeb every year when they file their annual tax abatement numbers they are very accurate. They are much more detailed than many, I would expect the information they bring forward including the additional information will be top notch. Councilmember Henry Davis – This is no fault to the company but leadership, this is why I asked Mayor Buttigieg about the way they qualify the $63 million investment, and what the taxpayers are getting versus the building, as there never true numbers. It is the fault of the head of the department and the Mayor’s office. We continue to ask how these numbers are calculated, but we never get a true number or clear answer. We need to throw away that application if it’s not working. It’s not your fault Brock. Just looking for respect towards the Council in bringing us truthful information. Things never match up, it is huge disrespect to the council and citizens of the community. Councilmember Oliver Davis – Is there a way to table this so those issues can be ironed out? Then come back in two weeks to allow time to address all the errors mentioned it would be unwise to move forward like this. Council Attorney Kathy – In regards to the $210,000 in equipment, Indiana state law does permit listings for out of state manufacturing equipment. With regard to the second page with full time employment, they will not be given any further consideration until they provide further statistics and go through Gavin Ferlic’s committee as to what those numbers are. Until those details are provided the council will not do anything further. Brock Zeeb responded I have to bring it back through committee again, as the petition is not completed. Your vote tonight will allow for them to pull a building permit to start but the abatement is not approved until all the information is completed accurately. Councilmember Henry Davis stated that the information showed up is untrue, and inaccurate. We have an issue as business is to be done here not outside of here. 19