HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 Annual Report - Community & Economic Development CommitteeCED COMMITTEE 2011 ANNUAL REPORT
Committee members are Ann Puzzello, Karen White, Murray Miller resident member, Henry Davis Jr.,
Vice Chairman and Timothy Rouse, Chairman. As chairman I want to thank President Dieter for the
privilege of serving as chair of the CED Committee. I am especially pleased to file this report at our
last 2011 regular committee meeting and my last meeting as a member of this august body,
CED Committee started 2011 with a litany of major legislative as well as fiduciary functions on the
agenda. Bills 25 -10 and 61 -10 were two proposed tax phase -in revisions scheduled for consideration
as revisions to the existing ordinance. Bill 86 -10 was filed in December of 2010, as the result of a
"privilege of floor" compliant and assigned by the Council President for Chairman Rouse to look into
the matter. Resolution 11 -06 was designed to discuss and explore financing of governmental services
with elected officials of St. Joseph County and the Cities of Mishawaka and South Bend, aka "2011
Financial Summit."
As indicated above 2011 was a very busy year for the CED Committee we met 23 times addressing
12 tax abatements totaling approximately $2,290,064 in new tax revenues for the city. Approximately
$1,889,815 tax phase -in revenues were approved by the council as recommended by the CED
Committee. We attempted to revise the tax phase -in ordinance, per the proposals in bills 25 -10 and
61 -10. Much dialogue and due diligence took place and at the request of the administration - revision
of the current tax phase -in ordinance was tabled until 2012 when the new council and the new
administration will be in place.
86 -10 revising the existing procurement ordinance 7811 -87 was successful, codified as 10081 -11.
This revision created a voluntary nine (9) member board known as the Diversity Utilization Board
(DUB). At the filing of this report the members have been appointed and sworn in. They have elected
officers and are preparing to make recommendations on a Diversity Compliance Officer position as
provided by the ordinance.
11 -06 stalled, and no action was taken. Although sweeping change is occurring in Saint Joseph
County and the surrounding areas, elected officials have not met and discussed the impact of
regional and global change on local governmental services. Research by Karl King and John Roos as
well the 2010 Census Data indicate change is needed. Project Future is responding with a major
restructuring initiative. The Chamber of Commerce is preparing to fill the gap created by the Project
Future's move. Below is a portion of a memo from Patrick McMahon, Director of Project Future
regarding a meeting scheduled to meet at 4:00pm December 12, 2011.
Our agenda will address the following:
* Economic Development - The Need to Evolve i
* Maintaining Continuity - Transitional Plans
* Regional / Local Needs
* March Celebration
It is my understanding that on January 1, 2012 Project Future will in effect go out of business as a
practitioner of community economic development. Staffers will partner with Innovation Park personnel
and work with special focus on development of nano technology. I am sure there will be economic
benefits to the aggregate Michiana region but the focus of the past will not the same for Project
Future. I am delighted that the Chamber of Commerce is willing to step up to fill the gap left by Project
Future's restructuring.
But I also think the Common Council should be inclusive in discussions on the details concerning
economic development and financing of governmental services as it relates specifically to South
Bend and generally to Saint Joseph County. Currently the Chamber's mission is "Be a catalyst for
growth and prosperity for our members and community." Should not Common Council's mission,
vision and goals and priority regarding economic development be compared to the Chamber's
proposal to act on behalf of the city? I believe that 11 -06 could have been of great value to the
elected officials of Saint Joseph County had it not have stalled.
The Benchmarking South Bend documents published in June of 2010 as well as other more dated
reports have indicated the need for change. Change is most effective when it is based on study and
analysis followed by strategic planning as was case in National League of Cities award to South Bend
on the development in census tract 10 aka "Eddy Street Commons." In many minority communities
this type of initiative is championed by the local Urban League. Because the Urban League of Saint
Joseph is not currently active, I proposed the Common Council sponsor a resolution to start an
initiative to study how to augment economic development in the minority community.
Resolution 76 -11 proposes a study charged with defining the need for a unified, coordinated
economic development plan for the minority community of South Bend. The study will provide a
preliminary roadmap; it will be designed to create dialogue. Solving the economic problems defined in
the study and strengthening the communities in need will bring a litany of tangible benefits to the
entire region.
The cover letter of Resolution 76 -11 refers to "Facing tomorrow: population, economic and social
trends affecting Saint Joseph County" There are two (2) other documents both attached I believe are
relevant to the essence of this report. They are the 2006 report by Dr. Martin Wolfson entitled
"Competing Visions: Economic Development in South Bend" and a 2006 report entitled "Paying For
Public Services in Saint Joseph County: Benefit vs. Burden" by Dr. William Hojnacki.
Finally, the CED Committee has been engaged in discussions in an attempt to help resolve the
foreclosure of Chase Bank building situation in downtown South Bend. Several Meetings and
proactive measures have taken place. A special meeting is set for December 19, 2011 at 5:00pm.
The presence of council representatives during such negotiations is a first. Given the fact the council
is often requested to approve related appropriations having such representation gives better
opportunity for due diligence and I strongly recommend this become the policy and procedure the
Common Council employs in the future.
Respectfully Submitted,
y- •.
Timothy A use, Chairman
Common ouncil At -Large
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