HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-14-11 Community & Economic Development COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 3-14-11
Committee Members Present: Tim Rouse; Henry Davis; Ann Puzzello; Karen White
Other Council Members Present: Derek Dieter; Oliver Davis; David Varner; Tom
LaFountain
Others Present: Mr.Acito; Jeff Parrott, Murray Miller; Mayor Stephen
Luecke; Gary Gilot; Gregg Zientara; Chuck Leone; Kyle
Chamberlin, Kathy Cekanski-Farrand; Rita Kopala; Don
Inks
Agenda: Bill No. Bill No. 86-10 Amend Code Regarding
Affirmative Action
Bill No. 11-16 Enterprise Information Technology(EIT)
Chairperson Rouse opened the meeting noting the first item on the agenda Bill No. 86-10 was still
under review. Therefore, he asked a motion to continue until March 28, 2011. Councilmember
Henry Davis so moved. Councilmember White seconded the motion, and all concurred.
Chairperson Rouse recognized Don Inks, the Finance Director for Economic Development who
made a brief summary for Bill No. 11-16. Mr. Inks said with the help of Kathy Cekanski-Farrand
and Chuck Leone's office they were able to amend the original bill which had been presented by
Pat McMahon, Director of Project Future at the last Council meeting. He emphasized the need
for the bill indicating it would keep the City competitive with surrounding states for the location of
data centers. He reminded the Council the bill emphasized the two main criteria a petition must
include by state law. These are 1.)A project over$10 million and 2.) Salaries more than 25% of
the average community wage.
Councilmember Henry Davis voiced enthusiastic support adding that the City now needs to
effectively market the area. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked about the timeframe for the one
pro}ect"in the works." Don Inks aid this year. Councilmember white asked why the baseline
number of necessary empfoyees was deleted. Don Inks replied saying state law did not require it
so it was not included to help with potential recruitment.
Chairperson Rouse asked the committee for a recommendation. Councilmember Henry Davis
moved for a favorable recommendation. Councilmember White seconded and all concurred.
Under miscellaneous Chairperson Rouse informed the Council that a letter had been sent to all
parties who received abatement,filed their C�-1's, and were not in compliance with their
performance projections. All had responded and their reasons were to be reviewed.
Community and Economic Development Committee
March 14, 2011
Page 2
Chairperson Rouse then engaged President Dieter to gauge support for an economic forum
involving al!elected officials in St. Joseph County. President Dieter said a letter would be sent to
ask their cooperation and measure their interest. Councilmember White urged the need for a
timeframe if progress was to be made.
Murray Miller asked about the restructuring of the 3 allocation areas in the Southside TIF. Don
Inks said the Erskine Commons area was discontinued because the tax revenues paid-off the
investment. Future taxes would go to the general fund pool.
There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Chairperson Rouse
adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Timothy Rous airperson
Economic D opment Committee