10-26-81 Human Resources & Economic Development

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enmmti#rr larpnrt Mi tt t fllnuunan Olounrt[ of t1r Olttg of Ooutli litrtd: HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The October 26 , 1981 meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairman, Councilman John Vorde at 5 : 45 p.m. in the Council meeting room. Persons in attendance included: Councilmen: Dombrowski, Zielinski, Szymkowiak, Serge, Crone, McGann, Voorde, Beck, and Taylor; John Leszczynski, Pat McMahon, Attorney Jack C. Dunfee, the petitioner Mr. Daniel M. Rifkin, Union Representatives George Elrod, Jim Benjamin, Lloyd Robinson; Marchmont Kovas, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Councilman Voorde announced that the purpose of the meeting was to continue discussion on whether the property located at 1120 West Sample is an Urban Development area thus qualifying for tax abatement. Councilman Voorde noted that a Committee meeting was held on .October 12, 1981, to discuss this matter, however notice was not given to the petitioner and as a consequence the petitioner was not present. Mr. Jack C. Dunfee, attorney for the Petitioner then reviewed why he believed his client was entitled to tax abatement. He noted that the building at 1120 Sample was not a part of the petition and that it would be used as a vehicle repair facility for the Metal Resources Corporation. The petitioner would be spending five million dollars, with one million dollars being abated. Mr. Dunfee then read two letters dated October 23, 1981, one from Mr. Daniel M. Rifkin, President; and one from Mr. Dunfee (copies attached) . Mr. Dunfee closed by stating that the project was a "great thing for the community" , and that they had worked at it longer than the proposed ethanol project. Councilman Voorde then reviewed the September 25, 1981 Redevelopment Commission Report which recommended the project favorably. Pat McMahon, Director of Redevelopment then reviewed job targeting activities which are encouraged by Resolution 645 . He indicated that of the 30,0 new employees for the Marriott Hotel, 30% were CETA qualified. The Resolution sets forth a voluntary procedure in an effort to reduce unemploy- ment overall. It does not address skilled positions. Mr. Lloyd Robinson, representing the electrical workers, stressed that Resolution 645 is strictly voluntary. He questioned the bidding process used by the petitioner, and believed they were secretive. Mr. Jim Benjamin, representing plastic and cement masons noted that 35% to 70% of his people are unemployed, and have used up all of their unemployment compensation benefits. Councilman Voorde read from the letter that 90% of the contracts would be done by local contractors. Councilman Crone questioned whether 90% of the contracts had not been let. I11[[ ►R[[[ . to. 1V[LIIXIN6 CO.