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SPECIAL MEETING JULY 31, 2000 <br />for people and for the community in order to prepare individuals for better paying jobs. He <br />encouraged the Council to invite Sam Pavel to come and speak on his research on the living wage <br />issue and the Mayor encouraged the Council to have other hearings on this issue. However, at this <br />time the Mayor stated that it is his recommendation not to enact a living wage ordinance. <br />President Pfeifer asked the Mayor to please file in the City Clerk's office a copy of all documents <br />in regards to this issue in the event citizens would like to have a copy. <br />Councilmember Kelly stated that as the Chairperson of the Council Community and Economic <br />Development Committee, he was chosen to serve on the Living Wage Committee. He thanked <br />members of the Committee for their hard work. Further, Councilmember Kelly stated that no one <br />can oppose a living wage but how to achieve that is a difficult question. He noted that a living wage <br />ordinance would have a negative impact on the economic development in this community and he <br />has difficulty in supporting a living wage ordinance. He stated that a career center is something that <br />this community needs and the only way the City can provide a living wage for everyone in the <br />community is to provide the training necessary to upgrade talents and skills. Councilmember Kelly <br />additionally stated that he agrees with the Mayor in rewriting the tax abatement ordinance. <br />Councilmember White stated that she recommends that the Council review all comments made this <br />evening and meet to outline their course of action based on the suggestions made. She further stated <br />that she believes that the Council needs to have full discussion prior to making a decision on how <br />best to move forward on this matter and that would be her recommendation. <br />Councilmember Kirsits noted that if this City is going to survive, wages need to be brought up. But, <br />but how can that be accomplished? He further noted that the ordinance proposed at least started to <br />answer that question and if something is not put in place the City will go down the tubes. <br />ADJOURNMENT <br />There being no further business to come before the Council, President Pfeifer adjourned the meeting <br />at 9:25 p.m. <br />ATTEST: <br />ATTEST: <br />Charlotte Pfeifer, Presi nt <br />