HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-11 Community & Economic Development �'� ��J 1.. .
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� COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT APRIL 11,2011
Community and Economic Development Committee Members Present: Chairperson Tim
Rouse; Ann Puuello; Henry Davis; Karen White; Citizen Member Murray Miller
Other Councilmember's Present: Derek Dieter; Tom LaFountain; David Varner; Oliver Davis;
AI Kirsits
Other's Present: Robert& Marcia Berger; Gary King; Lee Byers; Glenda Rae Hernandez;
Aladean DeRose; Hardie Blake; Linda Wolfson; Gregg Zientara; Chuck Leone; Gary Gilot; Mr.
Shabazz; Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand; Mayor Stephen Luecke
Agenda: Bill No. 11-24—Tax Abatement—Alfton Ct.
Bill No. 11-11 —Amend Code Commission on Black Males
Bill Nol. 86-10—Amend Code Affirmative Action
Bill No. 11-24
Following the Usual protocol, Chairperson Rouse asked for a report from the Economic
Development Department represented by Bob Mathia. He reported that after thorough review of
the real property abatement petition it was determined that the petitioner did qualify for the five(5)
year abatement. Bob reported the estimate of the abatement dollars came in at$6,068. Taxes
generated were estimated at$9,310. The Bergers were present to give additional information.
There were no questions. Councilmember Puzzello motioned the bill go to Council favorably.
Councilmember White seconded and all affirmed.
Bill No. 11-11
This bill sponsored by Councilmember Tim Rouse would enhance the bill which established the
Commission on Black Males back in 1998. He outlined the specific changes namely 1. Reducing
the number of inembers from 25 to 15. 2. Modeling appointments after Commission's effectively
functioning in other cities in Indiana. 3. Developing working relationships with other
Commissions. 4. Having a member of the Youth Advisory Council sit on the Commission.
Councilmember White asked if there were any age restrictions. Councilmember Rouse said there
were none, but the focus was on black males ages 19 to 45. Councilmember Oliver Davis
wondered whether other ethnic groups could organize for the same purpose. Both
Councilmember Rouse and White said they would welcome such an initiative. Following brief
discussion Councilmember Henry Davis motioned and Councilmember White seconded the bill
go the Council favorably. All affirmed.
Bill No. 86-10
As the prime sponsor of the bill, Councilmember Rouse recounted the background of the
affirmative action initiative first codified by the City Council in 1987. He said the bill then and now
did not call for entitlements, quotas, or set-asides. The '87 bill was based on goal setting by each
city department for its hiring diversity, and contracting for goods and services. Unfortunately
perhaps because of a misinterpreted Supreme Court decision which seemed to compromise
affirmative action efforts, the local bill suffered from a lack of follow thru and enforcement. With
continued efforts to enforce and monitor adherence to the principles espoused in the revised bill,
Chairperson Rouse said remedies could be appropriately imposed. 7he result, he added would
favor the entire community.
Councilmember White asked how this bill would be enforced. Chairperson Rouse asked Council
Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand to explain. She said the key provision to measure
adherence would be the establishment of a nine-member review board and the creation of a new
position referred to as a diversity compliance officer. This person would work with Lonnie
Douglas, head of the Human Rights Commission, and be given the resources to monitor
compliance. The structure would model an effective effort in the city of Evansville.
Councilmember Henry Davis asked whether the standards would apply to contracts not requiring
a public bid. Councilmember Rouse assured him city resources were committed to seeing this
was done. Director of Public Works, Gary Gilot, said there would necessarily be a transition
period to implement and measure procedural changes.
Chairperson Rouse responded saying we have to work together proactively.
Citizen Member Murray Miller noticing a Chamber of Commerce appointment to the review board
wondered why?
Chief Deputy City Attorney Aladean DeRose noted, the newly created position would call for a
person having legal and contractual expertise.
The Mayor brought attention to the dollar costs associated with the bill and defended his efforts to
make a positive impact on diversity.
Chairperson Rouse pointed to the greater social costs of not acting proactively. Gary King said
better efforts were needed to help, potential bidders wade through a too complicated bidding
process.
Lee Byers said the local efforts to help small business would help keep dollars local a benefit for
everyone.
Linda Wolfson argued the importance of having appointments to the review board be made by
elected officials to assure accountability.
Councilmember Henry Davis asked whether the Park Board was bound by the ordinance and
was assured that they were.
Thereafter Henry Davis motioned the bill go to Council favorably. Councilmember Puzzello
followed with a second and all affirmed.
Under miscellaneous Rev. Sylvester Williams from WUBS radio proposed public access
programming be hosted by his station.
Councilmember White asked if the Council's IT Committee could take this proposal under
consideration. She also asked Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand to draft a resolution
to move forward with public access with South Bend funding contingent upon contributions from
other governmental entities.
Chairperson Rouse raised the prospect of the S. B. Council moving ahead with the idea of an
economic summit. President Dieter said yes; but Councilmember Varner asked where the
Council was going with this in terms of goals. He suggested examining the revenue side of
funding sources of the City. Chairperson Rouse said all 10 revenue streams should be
examined.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson Rouse
adjourned the meeting at5:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Timothy A. Rou hairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee