HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-14-12 Community & Economic Development CommitteeCOMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MAY 14, 2012 4:10 P.M.
Committee Members Present:
Henry Davis, Jr., Karen White, Gavin Ferlic, Dr. Fred Ferlic
Citizen Member:
Patricia Crowley
Other Council Present:
Derek Dieter, Tim Scott, Valerie Schey, Oliver Davis, Dr. David Varner
Other's Present:
Jeff McGowan, Kathy Hah, Hey Scobey, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sam Brown, Murray
Miller, Sherri Miller - Story, Kevin Allen, Kathy Cekanski- Farrand, Charles O'Connor
Agenda: Bill No. 12 -34 — St. Joe Co. Housing Consortium
Bill No. 12 -38 — Tax Abatement R2 Diagnostics
Bill No. 12 -39 — Tax Abatement Federal Mogul
Discussion MLK Dr.
Committee Chair Henry Davis opened the hearing with full Committee and Council in
attendance.
Henry suggested consideration of the first item on the agenda be continued once again.
This bill 12 -34, would continue once again. This bill 12 -34, would continue the Housing
Consortium through which the city applies for federal funds directed to housing
programs.
Oliver Davis suggested with Henry and Karen's support that the continuance was in order
in that a larger discussion as to whom and how these funds are directed including which
neighborhoods and businesses benefit.
Finding out the deadline for taking action was June 15th, Henry moved formally to
continue until 6 -11 with a special meeting to discuss these issued to be held on 6 -6.
Karen White seconded the motion which subsequently failed by a vote of 3 -2 with Pat
Crowley, Gavin Ferlic, and Dr. Fred Ferlic voting against. A motion to go favorably
ahead was made by Gavin Ferlic, seconded by Pat Crowley prevailing by a vote of 3 -2,
Karen White and Henry Davis voting against.
The next item for consideration was Bill No. 12 -38, a request for approval of a five year
personal property tax abatement for R2 Diagnostics. Kathy Hahn of Community &
Economic Development reported positive scrutiny by the City. Jeff McGowan from
Kruggel- Lawton made a brief presentation for the petitioner. The company owner. Mr.
Morris, was present to answer any questions.
After brief discussion by the Council Gavin Ferlic moved the bill be forward favorably.
Karen White seconded the motion and all affirmed.
The final bill considered, 12 -39, was a 5 year personal property abatement request from
Federal Mogul. The company is in the business of producing automotive use pistons and
intends to invest in new state of the art production equipment to afford them a
competitive edge. Kathy Hahn reported all qualifications past and present wee met or
exceeded. Charles O'Connor plant manager was present to answer questions. After brief
discussion Gavin Ferlic moved the bill go forward favorably. Karen White seconded and
all approved.
The last item on the agenda gave Huey Scobey a chance to present a case to name a
prominent roadway (he suggests LWW) in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Currently the inner belt from W. Washington to LWW carries the MLK designation.
This street portion has no addresses and is seen by Mr. Scobey and others as a slight to
Dr. King. In the discussion that followed Henry Davis said the Council itself cannot
name streets. Valerie Schey wondered if the feds or the state had authority over LWW.
Derek Dieter suggested local business be contacted before a decision is made. Dr. Davis
Varner felt the BPW be sent a letter from the Council requesting a more prominent
thoroughfare carry King's name. Citizen Sam Brow spoke in support and Mayor
Buttigieg said he could act on the request.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson
Henry Davis, Jr. adjourned the meeting at 4:53 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Henry Davis, Jr. Chairperson
Community & Economic Development