03-27-18 MBE/WBE - Laserfiche WebLink

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Clerk Fowler stated, The last group gave a summary of notes and I direct your attention to those (available in the City Clerk's Office). Clerk Fowler continued, There were six (6) recommendations that are considered low-hanging fruit to strengthen the Ordinance and make it better. This group was a sub-committee of this group and we went around to different Departments and stakeholders and gathered all of their thoughts. These are the six (6) recommendations that were brought up to change the Ordinance. We did not have a quorum at that meeting and subsequently could not vote on this. After that it was just not carried out. At the time, I believe then-Councilmember Valerie Schey was our liaison so there are some things up in the air as to who will be our liaison and what Committee it will fall under. This is probably the last working piece and summary of the work we did. Ms. White asked,The MBE/WBE Certification from two (2)additional agencies,that came out of a discussion from the consultant, correct? Clerk Fowler confirmed, Yes,that is correct. Ms. White continued, So if I recall correctly,they were trying to see ways in which businesses can receive certification and not go through all the process and loopholes. Clerk Fowler stated, That is kind of complex and we found that a lot of the smaller businesses did not see the benefit. It doesn't guarantee the business to do business with the City. But, if they were certified in a way that makes more sense for them, the City can contract them. There was just no way to contract with these businesses if they weren't certified. Cheryl Ashe asked, Is there any idea of what the cost is to get certified? Christina Brooks replied, It depends on the certifying agency. I've never seen any more than three hundred dollars ($300) and some are free. Clerk Fowler stated, It was also just resources in general that was an obstacle for these businesses. There were more challenges than just money. Ms. Brooks stated, Also, some of the certifying agencies required these businesses to have been running for a certain number of years, payroll statements and, to Clerk Fowler's point, if the business was a start-up and they didn't have a support network, it was quite challenging. Clerk Fowler stated, The only way we can track these businesses and they count is only if they are certified. It may not be a priority for them but it is a priority for us to be sure they are recognized. Eric Horvath stated, We ultimately need some actionable language that has goals and objectives. It means a lot to be certified. Ms. Brooks stated, We need to identify the businesses that are certified and that are not. This is about creating the environment to be a sustainable business. It is not just a matter of having a certification, it is a matter of making sure these businesses are sustained. Clerk Fowler stated, That also give them the opportunity to do work with more than just the City. 2