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Gary Gilot suggested he would invite former S.B. Fire Chief Luther Taylor now with the State of Indiana, to make a presentation of the state process to the Board. Breckenridge wondered if we could do our own certification process? Kosac cautioned that the state process through perhaps difficult provided assurances of capability to lenders and contracting parties. Kosac asked if the City was allowed to contract for business outside of St. Joseph County? Gilot said sometimes it was necessary especially for design engineering work. Fitts ask if and how the City reached out to minority business? Tom Coley, asked how applicants for City business were judged and by whom? Gary Gilot responded saying he would provide the Board a summary of typical problems encountered by the City when seeking to increase minority participation. He highlighted the problems start-up firms face building capacity as they work to accumulate and manage capital. He also suggested the City could help identify firms with a "technological gap"by offering workshops and guidance Tony Fitts cited the example of cooperation and collaboration practiced by parties involved in the Kroc project i.e. lien waivers. Having opened the session to questions from the public, Murray Miller asked why minority firms were not contacted for contracts under$200,000 where typically three quotes were sought. Gilot said it was a policy decision by the City aimed at simplifying and streamlining the process. Kosac, Centellas and Fitts all spoke to reviewing and refining the process to encourage and assist small business. With the meeting winding down,the Board seeing an obvious need to reflect on the issues raised and challenges posed; yet resolute in their determination to face them, decided to meet twice in December. The next two meetings were set for December 5`h and December 19`h, Council Informal Meeting Room, 4`h Floor County-City Building, South Bend, Indiana, at 6:00 p.m. and be limited to 1 hour. At the December 5`h meeting the Board will elect a President, Vice-President, and Secretary. Gary Gilot who serves on the Board by virtue of his position, with the City will conduct the election. He would also estimate the dollar amount of City contracts separating dollar amount by bid from amount by quote. He would also look into representative job descriptions of"diversity compliance" positions in Evansville, Ft. Wayne, and Indianapolis. This should help the Board develop a job description for South Bend's needs agreed Tony Fitts. Kosac added that contract consultant options be investigated. 2