HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-08-10 Community & Economic Development CommitteeC ~ .,, ,
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~~4'~~ ' COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
JUNE 8, 2010
Chairperson Timothy Rouse called the Community and Economic Development
Committee meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Committee Members Present: Ann Puzzello, Karen White (arrived at 5:17 p.m.), Henry
Davis (arrived 5:30 p.m.)
Other Councilmember's Present: Derek Dieter, Tom LaFountain, David Varner (arrived
at 5:27 p.m.)
Other's Present: Mayor Luecke, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Marty Wolfson, Philip
Newbold, Pat McMahon, Greg Downes, Judy Jankowski, Sheri Miller Story, Paul
Laskowski, Paul Cafiero, Beth Leonard Inks, Kimber Sorenson-Brugh, Bob Mathia, Don
Inks, Linda Wolfson, John Yarger, Robert Warnock, Jr., Dan Smogor
Agenda: Bill No. 25-10 -Amend Tax Abatement Ordinance
Chairperson Tim Rouse opened the Community and Economic Development Committee
indicating committee member Ann Puzzello was present as well as two other
Councilmembers, Dieter and LaFountain. Committee Member Karen White and Henry
Davis arrived at 5:17 and 5:30 respectively. Councilmember Varner arrived at 5:27 p.m.
Chairperson Rouse proceeded to outline the meetings purpose which he described as a
forum to review the substitute version of Bill Igo. 25-10 as filed by the mayor. He stated
his intention to allow the Mayor to present the bill, and then take questions and comments
in an effort to find common ground acceptable to all.
Before asking the Mayor to proceed, Chairperson Rouse asked Kathy Cekanski-Farrand
to briefly list the bill's shortcomings. Namely, the fact that referenced documents needed
to be filed with the City Clerk, and several scriveners errors needed to be corrected.
The Mayor then said such a complex subject as tax abatement warrants review and
clarification. He welcomes the opportunity to discern the intent of the Council. He wants
a bill that will encourage economic development, create good paying jobs and reflect
community values. More specifically the Mayor said the bill was built on the existing
point system that is used to determine eligibility for and length of abatement. Changes to
the system include: 1.) requiring applying businesses to pay the federal minimum
guideline for poverty or $8.80 hr. 2.) submission of a written affirmative action plan. 3.)
contractors and their subs need to follow the same rules. 4.) contractors must also have
an affirmative action plan. 5.) Common construction wage while not a requirement would
be awarded points for this practice. The Mayor sees this as an important distinction from
the Council bill which requires common construction wages. Not wanting to discuss
details at this point, he said he would provide a summary sheet of other point changes.
He also deferred describing closer enforcement of granted abatements.
Marty Wolfson spoke stating the importance of the bill being a statement of community
values.
Bob Mathia from Community Development submitted a list of 18 points in the bill that
needed clarification (attached)
The Mayor then acknowledged the need to review fees the city charges to review the
application.
Chairperson Rouse then recognized Phil Newbold, the Chair of Project Future's Board of
Directors. He asked for a delay of 60 days to craft a bill that would be a welcome mat for
business while upholding community values.
The Chamber of Commerce President, Paul Cafiero, said the 60 days were needed to
encourage input from the Chamber. This position was reflected in a letter saying such.
The letter was filed with the Clerk.
The Chairman asked Council for comment Councilmember Puzzello urged Council
input in discussions and supported the request fora 60 day pause. President Dieter and
Councilmember Varner supported the delay as well. Councilmember Varner added that
the bill should be an incentive and kept simple. Councilmember Henry Davis said the
entire economic development strategy should be reviewed to find an approach that will
produce results. Councilmember White agreed that more time was needed to solicit input
and find common ground. Speaking for himself, Chairperson Rouse said he was
surprised the bill was filed without input from all sectors. He feels the bill should be a
good tool for economic development practitioners not a hurdle to clear. If the bill does
not incent development, we will not have a change to sell our community values. The
bill must be user friendly and be seen as apro-active, progressive approach to
development. Mr. Rouse then asked the Mayor to accede to the 60 day delay request.
Kathy Cekanski-Farrand said more time was needed to review the changes from the 2003
bill.
Marty Wolfson said more deliberation was ok, but felt no one has been shut out of
discussions begun 3 or 4 years ago by Roland Kelly. He said the Mayor started
discussions, including disparate opinions from the community, last October. Objections
to the recently passed County abatement ordinance were addressed in the process.
The Mayor said he was supportive of the request fora 60 day delay suggesting the
Council take that action at their meeting on the 14`"
Kathy Cekanski-Farrand suggested the Mayor draft a letter requesting a delay. The letter
would be filed with the Clerk, then addressed by the Council under unfinished business at
the Monday, June 14, 2010 meeting.
Concerns regarding the discussion process during the 60 day interim were expressed by
several Councilmember's.
For the Chamber of Commerce's part Phil Newbold said they would prepare an alternate
bill being sure to allow review prior to Council action.
Paul Cafiero added that the alternative bill would be crafted mindful of finding common
ground.
The Mayor suggested the process provide a bill for a Council vote by the meeting of
August 9, 2010.
With general agreement to delay for the purpose of collaborating on a bill acceptable to
all, Chairperson Rouse, adjourned the meeting at 6:08 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Timothy A. Rou ,Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee