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fa <br /> tommittri deport: <br /> 'ommunitt an conomic DI:ticlopmttnt Qommittecs <br /> The November 7, 2001 joint meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee <br /> was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Roland Kelly at 3:05 p.m. in the Council <br /> Informal Meeting Room. <br /> Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, King, Coleman and Kelly; Michael <br /> Beitzinger, Mike Kruk, and Kathy Cekanski Farrand, Council Attorney. <br /> Council Member King passed out a document setting forth a draft of the Tax Abatement <br /> Procedures (§ 2-76 through § 2-76.4) and Michael Beitzinger passed out an 8-page document <br /> containing draft definitions(copies attached). <br /> Council Member Kelly suggested that we begin discussion focusing on Council Member King's <br /> handout. A section by section discussion then took place. Council Member King noted that the <br /> "super-sized projects" are not addressed in the handout, but perhaps they should be a separate <br /> section. It was suggested that Jon Hunt address this concern at the next Committee meeting. <br /> Council Member Varner voiced concern that we are focusing on St. Joseph County rather than the <br /> City of South Bend for several categories in the "add-on abatement" section. He noted that Di <br /> for example does not have its principle place of business in South Bend, but rather in Columbus, <br /> Ohio. <br /> Mike Kruk noted that out-of-county contractors are required to post a $ 5,000 performance bond <br /> and pay a$ 75.00 fee to the Building Commissioner. <br /> It was suggested that Don Fozo be contacted by Michael Beitzinger and have him address three(3) <br /> projects such as Crowe Chizek, Tire Rack and Environmental Health Laboratories to see the <br /> number of local contractors and sub-contractors on each project. <br /> Council Member Varner voiced concern over rewarding one group over another, whereby one <br /> group is favored. Discussion on employees v. independent contractors then took place. Council <br /> Member Coleman noted that day laborers do not receive any benefits. <br /> Mike Kruk stated that many working in the roofing,concrete and dry wall areas do not get benefits <br /> which he termed"illegitimate contractors"and work throughout the residential market. Often times <br /> they do not file their 1099 for income tax purposes or they use undocumented workers and the end <br /> result is that the government does not get their share of taxes. <br /> Council Member King noted that the City of Indianapolis has established minimum wage <br /> thresholds for each of the nine(9) townships in the area. <br /> Council Member Coleman suggested that in the area of wages and benefits that 100 %or higher of <br /> the SBMSA should be the standard. Council Member Coleman suggested that Susan Wallace <br /> review all of the benefit area proposed language and provide guidance to the Committee at the next <br /> meeting on any suggested changes. It was recommended that Michael Beitzinger contact Susan <br /> prior to the next meeting so that she could review the document. <br /> Several language changes were suggested as reflected in the cross-thrus on the attached document. <br /> Council Member King agreed to bring a revised copy of the proposed draft to the next Committee <br />