01-28-86 Human Resources & Economic Development

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eattultilthm �trpiwt Wu tip Comm Monta l dill, dittg of tw ttli fn.'THE HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The January 28, 1986 meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its ' Chairman, Councilman Eugenia Braboy at 4 : 00 p.m. in the council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Puzzello, Beck, Voorde and Braboy; Traci Jacobs , Isiah Jackson, Ann Kolota, Eugenia Schwartz, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, and members of the news media. Councilman Braboy noted that the purpose of the meeting was to continue the discussion on the revised tax abatement procedures. She then called upon Mrs. Jacobs to give her report. Mrs. Jacobs then handed out a letter dated January 28, 1986 from the Mayors Minority Affairs Council. The letter basically addressed five (5) issues related to tax abatement. The issues are: (1) the intended "public purpose" of tax abatement • (2) history of compliance_ to employment goals (3) recourse of Council tf employment goals are not reached • (4) review of the process of granting tax abatement (5) the use of "JTP eligible individuals" in the tax abatement guidelines A copy of the letter is attached to the minutes. The Council Attorney then stressed that the overall public • purpose is not one of employment but rather the State requirements of "blighted or .underdeveloped areas" . Mrs. Schwartz added that the State requirements were the governing guidelines in this area. Mrs . Kolata noted that approximately 110 abatements, both real and personal , have been granted by the City since 1979. Mr. Jackson noted that minorities are typically hired in larger firms rather than smaller firms and this should be considered. Councilman Braboy noted the need for a role model with regard to minority hiring. Mrs. Kolata noted that requests for tax abatement in TIF areas also need Commission approval. Mrs. Schwartz noted that currently in the ordinance there is a review process regarding employment achievement. Mrs. Kolata and Mrs. Schwartz then passed out several handouts for the Committees ' review. They noted the possibility of a public forum where petitioners for tax abatement would review their success in hiring at specific meetings of the Human Resources and Economic Development Committee. Councilman Taylor expressed concern over a public forum, especially when the economy would be depressed. Councilman Taylor saw such a forum as a "confrontation" . ►R[[ moo adSlAp IU•II.NINO CO.