HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-28-10 Community & Economic Development Committee11 A,
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COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
JUNE 28, 2010
Chairperson Timothy Rouse called the Community and Economic Development Committee
meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
Committee Members Present: Timothy Rouse, Ann Puzzello, Karen White, Henry Davis
Other Councilmember's Present: Derek Dieter, Tom LaFountain, David Varner, Al Kirsits, Oliver
Davis
Other's Present: Sue Solmos, Mayor Luecke, Tom Price, Aladean DeRose, Gary Gilot, Jeff
Parrott, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Rita Kopala
Agenda: Bill No. 25-10 amend Tax Abatement Ordinance
Update from Sue Somos on Residential Market Plans
Chairperson Rouse opened the hearing by announcing the Mayor had requested Bill No. 25-10
be continued until the meeting of August 9, 2010. All greed to the continuance request to be
formally done at the 7:00 meeting.
Turning to the second item on the agenda Chairperson Rouse allowed Sue Solmos to provide an
update on the City's residential marketing effort. Sue Solmos provided a handout which outlined
her efforts since being hired by the City in September 2008. She briefly described the initiatives
which include the formation of a committee representing the Center for History, University of
Notre Dame, Historic Landmarks, and the real estate community to focus on promoting South
Bend's assets in a unified synergistic way. Another initiative is the Certified Realtor Program.
Working with realtors to educate them about the city's attractive assets nearly 50 realtors have
become South Bend Ambassadors. These and other programs Sue was very enthusiastic about
are detailed in the attached handout. Chairman Rouse opened the session for comment.
Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., spoke well of the marketing effort, but wondered about the cost.
Solmos responded that she works with a $1600 budget which necessitates that most programs
be self-funded. For example realtors pay $150.00 for the certification classes. In closing Solmos
said she will continue to forge partnerships with the Board of Realtors specifically to promote the
City.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Chairperson Rouse adjourned
the meeting at 4:34 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Timot y A. Rou e, Chairperson
Community a d Economic Development Committee