01-23-12 Community & Economic Development Committee

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COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 01 -23 -12 Committee Members Present: Henry Davis; Karen White; Gavin Ferlic; Dr. Fred Ferlic Other Council Members Present: Tim Scott; Oliver Davis; David Varner; Derek Dieter Others Present: Sherri Miller- Story; Ann Kolata; Angel Hernandez; Gary Gilot; Peter Helland Agenda: Overview Brownfield Policies — Ann Kolata Henry Davis, Chairperson of the Community and Economic Development Committee with full committee attending asked Ann Kolata to report on the Cities "brownfield activity." Mrs. Kolata recounted that efforts to coordinate brownfield development began for the city in 2002. She was given the charge by then Mayor Luecke and Economic Development Director Jeff Gibney to form an internal term to coordinate a directed development effort. The "team was to identify and apply for any IDEM or EPA grants. Primary focus would be on developing the old Oliver and Studebaker factory sites. The priorities were to be ultimately creating jobs and tax base. Since then over $2 million in federal EPA grants and over $4 million in state IDEM loans and grants have been spent down clearing sites and attracting new or relocating existing businesses for facilitate their expansion. Dr. Fred Ferlic asked some pertinent dollar questions to help assess the progress of the effort. More detailed project by project info was promised by Ann. Moving to miscellaneous, Councilmember Henry Davis asked about the recent announcement by the City of its intent to purchase the Gates building for conversion to a VA health facility. He asked how it fit in with "City Plan." He also asked with whom the City lists properties for sale. Basically who does the City use to market properties, the terms, and the length of listing contracts. Henry also asked whether any progress had been made by the MBE/WBE board in naming a diversity officer. Karen White responded saying they were struggling with the role of the position; but were not letting it stagnate. George Lane was heard from asking for a progress report regarding public access TV. Gary Gilot interim Director of Public Works said $65,000.00 was pledged by South Bend, $10,000.00 by Mishawaka, and $10,000.00 by St. Joseph County. He added that a more equitable split based upon distribution of cable fees would be $43,000.00 from South Bend, $29,000.00 from Mishawaka, and $13,000.00 from St. Joseph County. He also said a necessary inter -local agreement was being prepared by the legal department. Angel Hernandez, representing WNIT, said the station was ready to move ahead. There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Chairperson Henry Davis, Jr. adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Henry avi , Jr., Chairpe s Communi & Economic evelopment