Berne Council, Smith Brothers agree on Berne Street plan
Berne City Council and Smith Brothers came together at Monday’s council meeting on an agreement to vacate Berne Street in lieu of future business expansion phases should the need arise.
Smith Brothers official Chris Frauhiger had requested a 10-year-tax abatement at the July 12 council meeting for the purpose of building a $1.7 million expansion at the newly purchased Berne Furniture property.
Frauhiger had noted that the building would mainly be used for warehouse storage, but that it would allow for room in the main plant to open up a new assembly line that would ultimately result in the creation of 12 new jobs to the company’s present work force of 275 employees.
At the same time, Frauhiger had requested vacation of Berne Street between Behring and Railroad Streets. He noted in return that the company would construct a stone crossover north of the factory property for use by city and emergency vehicles.
Several council members had indicated that it was their understanding that company officials would replace the vacated Berne Street with a paved thoroughfare. Attorney David Baumgartner suggested that the matter come up for further discussion at a public hearing at last Monday’s meeting.
Frauhiger told council members in Monday’s hearing that should the street be vacated, company officials had agreed to either create an extension from Hoosier to Welty Streets or construct a street from Railroad to Hoosier Street.
“Right now, it (vacating) doesn’t matter that much, but it could in a future expansion,†said Frauhiger. “We needed to apply for this now in order to assist with future expansion planning.â€
Frauhiger said that it could be several years before that project would take place. Until that time, Berne Street will remain open and be maintained by the city.
Council approved the request 5-0.
Prior to the street discussion, council also confirmed a 10-year tax abatement request for the projected expansion.
Frauhiger had explained that the current warehouse expansion would not affect the usage of Berne Street.
Also Monday, council gave its approval to the usage of debit or credit cards as an option for payment of monthly water bills. Cost of usage would be $2 for any bill under $67 and 3 percent of any bill over $67.
In other matters, council:
• Approved renewal of $3,000 designated funding to the Berne Senior Center.
• Was informed that discussion of 2011 proposed salaries and the 2011 budget would take place at the next meeting, Monday, August 9.
You need to be logged in to post comments on this article.
