HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-12 Community & Economic Development COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NOVEMBER 12,2012
5:28 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Karen White, Gavin Ferlic,
Dr. Fred Ferlic
Other Council Members Present: Tim Scott, Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis,
Derek Dieter
Others Present: Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Gary Gilot, Murray Miller, Jeff Rea,
Greg Lorch, Tony Fitts, Faith Slaughter, Ann Kolata, David Relos,
Jack Welter
Agenda: Bill No. 12-82 Tax Abatement—3300 N. Kenmore—Indiana Rotomolding
Bill No. 12-83 Application to EPA for Brownfield Assessment Grant
Update WBE/MBE—Tony Fitts, President
Chamber of Commerce—Jeff Rea, Greg Lorch
Tax Abatement Policy Discussion
Councilmember Henry Davis, Chairperson of the Community& Economic Development
Committee opened the meeting with Bill No. 12-82. This is a request for personal
property tax abatement filed by EW Marine doing business as Indiana Rotomolding
located at 3300 N. Kenmore. Mr. David Relos from the Community Investment
Department(CID) confirmed the application was complete and did qualify for abatement.
Mr. Jack Welter, President of the E.W. Marine was present to briefly describe the Indiana
Rotomolding business and answer questions. Brief questioning followed before Gavin
Ferlic made a motion to send to full Council favorably. Karen White seconded and all
affirmed.
The next agenda item was Bill No. 12-83 requesting Council approval of an application
to be submitted to the EPA on behalf of St. Joe County. Mr. Ann Kolata from the CID
explained that the PA has money available on a competitive evaluation basis for local
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communities to do brownfield assessments. It was thought, Ann explained, that the
changes for approval would be enhanced if South Bend joined with Mishawaka and the
County forming a coalition to apply for funds.
Based on Ann's presentation, Karen White moved for approval of the Coalition's
application. Gavin Ferlic seconded and all supported.
The next agenda item was an update from Mr. Tony Fitts, President of the MBW/WBE
on the activity and progress of the Diversity Utilization Board since its inception by
Council ordinance last year. Mr. Fitts summarized the DUB activity with a handout for
Council. (Attached) He noted the progress made by the Board from its early 2012
organizational phase,to defining the Council's requirement for a Diversity Compliance
Officer. He reported the Board had contracted with Trinal Inc. a consulting firm to help
bring the intent of the MBE/WBE ordinance to fruition. In part,based upon Trinal's
continuing counsel, alliances were formed with Ivy Tech and St. Mary's College for
promotion of training programs and advocacy for more women and minorities in
business. Mr. Fitts also highlighted a"Breaking Down Barriers" outreach event
sponsored by the City and considered a well-attended success. He also mentioned
another event a bid workshop at Ivy Tech was in the works.
Mr. Fitts then opened himself to questions and comments from Council. White it seem
most Councilmembers were supportive of the DUB's progress,Henry Davis saw a lack
of progress in actually transferring opportunity to MBE/WBE businesses. Tim Scott and
Karen White agreed with Mr. Davis that there be better communication between the DUB
and the Council. Nonetheless, Henry was unconvinced that the pace of progress was
acceptable.
Henry took up the next agenda item billed as a report from the Chamber of Commerce.
The Council's request for the report came during the Council's budget hearings during
which the Council's financial support of the Chamber was worthwhile or money well
spent. The Chamber President Jeff Rea along with its Director of Business Development,
Greg Lorch made the summary report. Using a folder handout for Council (attached) a
brief who, what, where, and when summary of Chamber activity promoting job growth in
South Bend was presented. Some clarifying Council questions were subsequently asked.
The Council expressed a desire for more frequent reporting of Chamber activity along
with some measurable results of their work.
Moving along the agenda Henry announced work would soon begin on revising the
purpose, intent, and process of tax abatements in South Bend. He hoped for completion
by year's end. Other Committee Members saw spring as being more realistic.
Before adjournment under miscellaneous Henry Davis recognized Faith Slaughter who
addressed the Council encouraging an effort to train women in the construction trades.
She provided a letter(attached) which described a similar program initiated in Chicago.
The request was taken under advisement.
There being no further business to come before the Community&Economic Committee
at this time, Chairperson Henry Davis, Jr., adjourned the meeting at 5:43 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Henry i.vi s, Chairperson
Community&Economic Development Committee