HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-23-12 Community & Economic Development CommitteeCOMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 01 -23 -12
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis; Karen White; Gavin Ferlic; Dr. Fred Ferlic
Other Council Members Present: Tim Scott; Oliver Davis; David Varner; Derek Dieter
Others Present: Sherri Miller- Story; Ann Kolata; Angel Hernandez;
Gary Gilot; Peter Helland
Agenda: Overview Brownfield Policies — Ann Kolata
Henry Davis, Chairperson of the Community and Economic Development Committee with full
committee attending asked Ann Kolata to report on the Cities "brownfield activity."
Mrs. Kolata recounted that efforts to coordinate brownfield development began for the city in
2002. She was given the charge by then Mayor Luecke and Economic Development Director Jeff
Gibney to form an internal term to coordinate a directed development effort. The "team was to
identify and apply for any IDEM or EPA grants. Primary focus would be on developing the old
Oliver and Studebaker factory sites. The priorities were to be ultimately creating jobs and tax
base. Since then over $2 million in federal EPA grants and over $4 million in state IDEM loans
and grants have been spent down clearing sites and attracting new or relocating existing
businesses for facilitate their expansion.
Dr. Fred Ferlic asked some pertinent dollar questions to help assess the progress of the effort.
More detailed project by project info was promised by Ann.
Moving to miscellaneous, Councilmember Henry Davis asked about the recent announcement by
the City of its intent to purchase the Gates building for conversion to a VA health facility. He
asked how it fit in with "City Plan." He also asked with whom the City lists properties for sale.
Basically who does the City use to market properties, the terms, and the length of listing
contracts. Henry also asked whether any progress had been made by the MBE/WBE board in
naming a diversity officer. Karen White responded saying they were struggling with the role of
the position; but were not letting it stagnate.
George Lane was heard from asking for a progress report regarding public access TV. Gary Gilot
interim Director of Public Works said $65,000.00 was pledged by South Bend, $10,000.00 by
Mishawaka, and $10,000.00 by St. Joseph County. He added that a more equitable split based
upon distribution of cable fees would be $43,000.00 from South Bend, $29,000.00 from
Mishawaka, and $13,000.00 from St. Joseph County. He also said a necessary inter -local
agreement was being prepared by the legal department.
Angel Hernandez, representing WNIT, said the station was ready to move ahead.
There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Chairperson Henry
Davis, Jr. adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Henry avi , Jr., Chairpe s
Communi & Economic evelopment