08-11-08 Community & Economic Development Committee

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COMMUNITY 8~ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AUGUST 11L2008 The August 11, 2008 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Acting Chairperson, Councilmember Ann Puzzello at 4:10 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Committee Members present: Ann Puzzello, Karen L. White, Catherine Andres, Citizen Member Councilmember's present: Councilmember Tom LaFountain, Councilmember David Varner, Councilmember AI "Buddy" Kirsits, Councilmember Timothy Rouse Persons in attendance included: Richard Deahl, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney; John Voorde, City Clerk BILL N0.08-75 TAX ABATEMENT -JADE CROSSING CLELAND BUILDERS Councilmember Ann Puzzello, Acting Chairperson, began by reading a request for continuance until August 25, 2008 from the petitioner, Cleland Builders. In compliance, Councilmember Karen L. White, motioned followed with a Catherine Andres second to continue Bill No. 08-75 until the August 25, 2008 meeting of the Council. All supported. MISCELLANEOUS David Varner read a letter from Rich Deahl of Barnes & Thornburg representing Foxtrot Realty outling Foxtrots efforts to recruit minorities. (At an earlier meeting it was determined all employees were of Hispanic descent with no African-Americans) Rich Deal reported: 1. There was now an application form. 2. A file of applicants was to be maintained and 3. Job postings were to be sent to four neighborhood organizations to broaden the pool of applicants. Karen White expressed appreciation for the effort to diversify the workforce. Councilmember Puzzello suggested progress reports. Councilmember Tim Rouse pointed out the efforts to diversify were required under federal law when government contracts were involved. Councilmember Varner noted government contracts require employee records. Richard Deahl responded that only applicant records were not kept. Otherwise employee records were not deficient. Councilmember Rouse said word of mouth for job openings was not adequate. Deahl responded by saying additional requirements were not required for employers with less than 50 employees. Councilmember White and Catherine Andres both suggested the abatement process be reviewed.