HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-22-04 Community Relations Committee eommunittt S?Lationz. Committr
The November 22, 2004 meeting of the Community Relations Committee was called to
order by its Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer at 5:00 p.m. in the Council
Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello,
Varner,Kuspa,Coleman,Kirsits and White; Citizen Member Suzanne Karin,Executive Director
of the Department of Community & Economic Development Sharon Kendall, Rita Kopala,
Maurice Hoban, Ken Marks,Michael Daminano, Ann-Carol Nash Patrick McMahon and Kathy
Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member Pfeifer noted that the meeting was called to receive updates from
Project Future and the Solid Waste Management Board. She noted that communications with
various boards and commissions are hoped to be enhanced by having these updates as the
Council learns about their challenges and their activities.
Patrick McMahon, Executive Director of Project Future then addressed the Committee.
He noted that Council Member Sean Coleman is the Council representative. They have several
objectives including attracting new business to the community; having a small business
development center with a paid staff as well as volunteers; and CONNECT which addresses
education and training for K-12.
The small business development center hosts the SCORE Chapter. St. Joseph County
has assisted over 250 individuals who are looking at starting or reorganizing their businesses.
SCORE was rated 10th best in the United States four years ago and was rated 2nd best in the
United States in 2003.
Collegiate Management Program connects local college students for one semester with
local businesses. 55-70 cases are handled each year regarding financial management. There are
separate programs for women and minorities. Start-ups and acquisitions had 166 inquiries this
year.
CONNECT is a partnership of education and labor on common problems. Julianne
Jankowski is its interim director. CONNECT has been in existence for 13 years and focuses on
helping children be ready. They work with the Children's Health Insurance Partnership. Since
1998 in St. Joseph County, 23,000 kids have been assisted and over $18 million of procedures
using state and federal funding have been delivered.
Project Future also concentrates on attracting new businesses and assists in helping
business expand. RACO is just one example.
Project Future has been in existence for 22 years. This year inquiries have been down,
but many have made no decisions regarding investments. The distribution side has slowed, and
manufacturing is more difficult in light of many businesses operating overseas. They are
however working with people from other countries.
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Council Member Pfeifer encouraged Mr. McMahon to come back and provide regular
updates to the Council.
Mr. McMahon also noted that a major life-science study is currently underway
addressing technology issues.
Council Member Pfeifer noted that IU South Bend and Ivy Tech should be added to this
group.
Dr. Varner inquired if Project Future operated as a 501 and whether proposed Bill'No.
32-04 would be a burden.
Mr. McMahon stated that they are a 501 and that Form 990 is a public document. He
stated that the bill may be seen in a negative light by the many volunteers who work with them.
They have 52 persons who provide oversight.
Council Member Pfeifer thanked Mr. McMahon and looked forward to future updates.
Council Member Pfeifer then asked Council Member Coleman to provide an update on
the Solid Waste Management Board.
Council Member Coleman noted that Mark Mehall is the Executive Director; while he is
the Chairperson has been in that position for the past three (3)years. He added that he has been
on the Board since 1999.
Some of the current considerations include household hazardous wastes. An Outreach
Coordinator would have separate duties. Tipping fees are up at the landfill which gives more
flexibility. There is single stream collection. They have added aerosol cans and phone books.
Council Member Pfeifer inquired about Styrofoam. Council Member Coleman noted
that it is not addressed. Dr. Varner noted that it vaporizes and is basically air.
Hazardous wastes may be dropped off at 1105 East Fifth in Mishawaka. Paints can be
dropped off. Tires can be dropped off and are subject to a fee of$1 per tire.
Council Member Puzzello inquired if there was any printed materials which address
these services.
Council Member Coleman stated that he would provide copies at a later date. He added
that there is a small step in the direction of recycling computers, tv's, etc., which has a fee of
$12. There is a composting seminar hosted by the cooperative extension. "Clean Your Files
Day" is also an annual event.
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Citizen Member Suzanne Karin inquired about the waste containers on wheels. Council
Member Coleman noted that Jack Dillon's depailment should be contacted on that since it is run
by the city.
Council Member Pfeifer thanked Council Member Coleman for his presentation. She
encouraged that any additional information be sent to her with regard to upcoming public
meetings,etc.
Council Member Pfeifer then adjourned the committee meeting at 5:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer,Chairperson
Community Relations Committee
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