HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-05-06 Community & Economic DevelopmentCOMMUNITYAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
2006 Common Council -Tuesday, September S, 2006 - 6:00 - 8: OD p.m.
Project Future Funding
Attendance: Councilmember's Kelly, Puzzello, Rouse, Varner, White Pfeifer and Marty
Wolfson, Citizen Member
Others Present: Dick Nussbaum, Davie Switzer, Phil Newbold, Chuck Viater, Michael
Compton, Linda Wolfson, Pat McMahon, Tom Pilot, Jan Fye, Mark Charbonneau, Jamie
Loo -South Bend Tribune, Scott Tingwald, Mayor Steve Luecke, Eric Brown, Jahn
Patron, Hardie Blake, Tom Hall, Jack Daly, Don Babcock, Judy Jankowski
Councilmember Kelly, Chairperson, Community and Economic Development Committee
began the meeting promptly at 6:00 p.m. He introduced Phil Newbold, Chairperson,
Project Future, Board Of Directors.
Mr. Newbold spoke to the need for investment in economic development now more than
ever. He spoke of the need for intellectual infrastructure for high-tech new job creation
pointing to Metronet and the Technology Park near ND as vital components. He
promised improved communication and accountability between the Council and Project
Future. This would include more information on budgets, goals, and "measuring sticks"
to gauge Project Future's performance. He suggested quarterly reports to Council.
Councilmember Varner suggested a need to develop a level of trust when public dollars
are used. The Council should know the direction of Project Future. lt's failures as well
as success'
Councilmember Kelly agreed that Project Future cannot operate in a vacuum.
Councilmember Puzzello offered a friendly amendment to the Project Future funding
resolution to include quarterly reports.
Councilmember Varner supported.
Councilmember Rouse questioned the need for afive-year commitment through
recognizing the policy of annual review.
Councilmember White asked why the $10,000.00 increase?
Councilmember Newbold said Project Future had a great story to tell and was anxious to
do so. He described Project Future as the face of economic development activity needing
resources to respond to both jab creation and retention in companies small and large
rendering technical assistance as well as paths to venture capital and public partners.
Marty Wolfson asked far specifics as to the number of jabs created, pay of jobs, tax base
expansion, and dollars invested.
Pat McMahan responded by saying while specific results were difficult to quantify he
could nonetheless point to success stories like PEI Industries and the Corporate Services
story. All long-term success stories.
Marty Wolfson pointed out there have been few success stories lately.
Pat McMahon described economic development efforts needing to have a long term
strategy and long-term commitment reflecting a long term. view. In that the economy is
always in transition he described Project Future's change in focus responding to realities
locally, nationally, and globally as well. Project Future's focus once on manufacturing
shifted to plastics, to warehousing and distribution, then to high tech, always in the
process of self analysis and reinvention. This dynamic economic development process
requires more communication with all sectors of the economy public and private. There
has to develop an awareness that economic development is very competitive. Project
Future's task is to meet and exceed the competition, marshalling resources, asking
questions, recognizing we are all partners in economic development, each a role player.
Councilmember Puzzello asked Mr. McMahon to expand on partnerships, specifically
Metronet.
McMahon described at length, the genesis of Metronet. Beginning with a recognition of
the need for heavy data transfer for broadband users to serve present and attract new
users Project Future worked in partnership with private and public entities to conceive,
design, finance, and build Metronet. This infrastructure has the capabilities far data
processing few communities nationwide can boast. A Metronet non-profit managing
company governed by a representative board with Project Future involvement guides the
nets use.
Councilmember Varner stated that Project Future should not be involved in the
management of Metronet, but restricts itself to marketing the area.
Pat McMahon responded maintaining Project Future separation from Metronet each
having its own governance.
Councilmember Varner sees too much overlap.
Councilmember Pfeifer questioned whether Project Future matches the needs of the
community wondering if the city's economic development dollars were best spent with
Project Future. She also questioned the diversity of the Board of Directors for Project
Future reflecting gender, class, as well as race.
Pat McMahon maintained the Project Future board and the network of contracts in the
community does reflect the needs, views, and aspirations of the community. Past efforts
to diversify have been from a business perspective.
Councilmember Pfeifer stated the needs of all the segments of the community were
neither represented nor met by Project Future.
Pat McMahon disagreed pointing to the A.J. Wright story stressed the collaborative effort
required each entity playing a role to land A.J. Wright where and when they did.
Further discussion from several in the audience touched on Project p`uture advocacy
against the "prevailing wage" while attracting Tondu. This opposition caused organized
labor to resign from the Project Future Board.
Pat McMahon reiterated the need for funding to continue the good work of Project Future
Councilmember Kelly adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Roland Kelly, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee