HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-11 Community & Economic Development Committee ,
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OCTOBER 24, 2011
Community and Economic Development Committee Members Present: Chairperson Tim
Rouse; Henry Davis; Ann Puzzello; Citizen Member Murray Miller
Other Councilmember's Present: Derek Dieter; David Varner; AI Kirsits
Other's Present: Mayor Stephen Luecke; Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Kevin Allen, South Bend
Tribune; Larry Garatoni; John Anderson: Ken Fedder; Don Inks; Gary Gilot; Gary King; Jeff Rea;
Gregg Zientara; Kyle Chamberlin; Glen Williams; Linda Wolfson; Lee Byers; Matt Sikora; Jitin
Kain; David Wenhoff
With a full agenda of five bills to consider, Chairperson Rouse opened the meeting promptly at
3:45 noting three of four committee members and the citizens member were present. Having a
quorum present, Rouse called for a presentation of Bill No. 1-58, a requestfor preliminary
approval of the issuance of bonds in the amount of$1,500.00 for the South Bend Career
Academy. Noting Bill No. 64-11 was a companion bill requesting the authorization to issue the
Economic Development Bonds outlined in bill No. 11-58, Chairperson Rouse declared both would
be combined for committee review.
Proceeding with the presentation Mr. Garatoni and Mr. Anderson briefly outlined the history of
how the Career Academy came to fruition. The presentation was brief in that a full presentation
with hand-outs was made at the last meeting of the committee. The committee discussion that
followed was anything but brief. Much discussion focused on possible alternative choices for the
use of TIF funds. That is, while the mission of the career academy was supported, what
resources were available for other possible requests? i.e. South Bend Community School
Corporation. Other discussion dealt with questions about minority participation as contractors,
faculty, and student body. As stated by all, while conceptual support was there, too many
questions needed answers. To that end Chairperson Rouse accepted a motion from
Councilmember Henry Davis, seconded by Murray Miller and affirmed by all to send the bills to
full Council with no recommendation.
Bill No. 11-57
A resolution supporting use of public dollars to assist the viability of the Chase Tower in
downtown South Bend. Chairperson Rouse noted he had received a request from the resolutions
primary sponsor to continue the hearing until the next meeting on November 14, 2011.
Councilmember Henry Davis so moved. Councilmember Ann Puzzello seconded and all agreed.
Bill No. 11-57 was to be continued until November 14, 2011.
Bill No. 11-60
Supporting financial commitment to underwrite the creation of a Minority and Women's Business
Development Program in South Bend. Chairperson Rouse began discussion of this bill
recounting the steps taken to enhance minority prominence in all discussions related to the
allocation of available public dollars for economic development initiatives. Using supplemental
handouts(attached), Chairperson Rouse recounted the steps already taken to improve the
prominence of minority, interests and more importantly the steps yet needed if minority
participation was to become a reality. In so many words, only the commitment of dollars to such
efforts would result in meaningful progress. In an effort to better illustrate what can and should be
done, Chairperson Rouse called upon Mrs. Vivian Sallie, an economic developmenUhuman
resources consultant to outline a program she had volunteered at Chairperson Rouse's request.
According to her proposal, a commitment of about 175,000 in the first year would be needed to
lay the foundation for real progress toward making the MBENVBE program a reality.
Chairperson Rouse deflected some"knee jerk" criticism before asking for a motion to continue
the hearing on Bill No. 11-60 until November 14, 2011. Councilmember Henry Davis so moved.
Councilmember Puzzello followed with a second. A majority approved the request to ask for a
continuance.
Bill No. 11-61
Request to approve an APC order and a Redevelopment Commission amendment.
This bill initiated by the city's Economic Development Department would allow the acquisition of
property at the SE corner of E. Colfax and the St. Joseph River for the intended development of
residential townhomes. This parcel is currently owned by the Holladay Corp. and is more
commonly known as the former"Wharf" site. After the presentation by Matt Sikora of the
Economic Development Department, brief discussion followed. Councilmember Henry Davis
motioned to recommend favorably. It failed for lack of a second. The bill was sent to Council
without recommendation.
Under miscellaneous, Councilmember Varner went on record requesting an update from Public
Works as to the status of the proposal for public access television. The request further asked a
definitive level of commitment from the County and Mishawaka
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson Rouse
adjourned the meeting at 5:45 p.m.
RespectFully Submitted,
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Timothy A. f�,��e, Chairperson ,
Community and Economic Development Committee