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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-16-85 Human Resources & Economic Development Comma Smart • Ma to (gnu= emit of eug dentin; knit: THE HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC • DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The December 16 , 1985 meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its ' Chairman, Councilman . Eugenia Braboy at 4 : 00 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. . Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Beck, Serge, Crone, Paszek, Braboy, Voorde, Puzzello, Zakrzewski and Taylor; Hedi Robinson, Larry Johnson, Jeff Gibney, Ann Kolata, Jon Hunt, Sal Paradise, Traci Jacobs of the Mayors Minority Affairs Council, Isaiah Jackson of the Mayors Minority Affairs Council, Joseph Sanders of the Mayors Minority Affairs Council, Stephen Luecke of the Community Development Advisory Council, Ms. Newman, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, and members of the news media. Ms.Newman reviewed Bill No. 173-85. She is the Human Rights Commission Chairperson. The bill would call for an increase in salaries, and would be funded by one-third from EEOC. Mr. Jon Hunt spoke in favor of the bill and noted that the salaries compared to other skilled levels and salary levels. Mr. Larry Johnson also spoke in favor • of the bill. Ann Kolota then reviewed Bill 168-85 which would address economic development target areas: Basically the bill would establish new boundaries of the South Bend Central Development area. Mrs. Kolata noted that by State law a total of 36-37 square miles would be the legal limit and the new bill would address approximately one-third of the area. She also noted that a new bill will be filed for the Janaury 13th meeting. Councilman Braboy noted that Bill No. 127-85 which she had introduced earlier for Council consideration would be continued indefinitely. • Following further discussion by the Committee, Councilman Beck made a motion seconded by Councilman Taylor that Bill No. 168-85 go to Council favorably. The motion passed unanimously. Councilman Braboy then noted that the second part of the meeting would be to continue the discussion on the tax abatement revisions . She noted that the new State law which takes effect January 1, 1986 sets forth designations for 3, 6 , or 10 year abatements. She then called upon members of the Mayors Minority Affairs Council to address the Committee. Mrs. Jacobs then presented a handout to the Committee members dated December 16, 1985 regarding "recommendations for proposed changes in the South Bend Tax Abatement Ordinance. " The letter basically had two primary recommendations. A copy of the letter is attached. Mrs. Jacobs stressed that overall the Mayors Minority Affairs Council would like a structured monitoring of the entire abatement process . She then reviewed the handout. roma P*UPI offeilp PUBLISHING CO. Page 2. The Human Resources and Economic Development Committee Councilman Braboy noted that the Mayor should be commended for the establishment of the Mayors Minority Affairs Council.: . It was noted that Mr. Jackson would be the key contact person who could be reached at 234-9522. Several Councilmen questioned the recommendations. It was suggested that the Council would review the recommendations and have a subsequent meeting to discuss them further. Mr. Steve Luecke of the South Bend Heritage Foundation and Citizens Advisory Council then presented his concern over "linked development" . He noted that a development fund would be established where up to 50% of the abatement would be contributed by petitioners seeking abatement. He noted that Cities considering this proposal ..were those that have it in effect and include San Francisco, Chicago and New York. He further noted that he would have a written letter sent to Mrs. Braboy addressing his concerns. Council Braboy noted that because of funds diminishing for low income housing that viable alternatives would be necessary. She stressed that cities must assume some of the responsibilities in this area both in short term and long term. Councilman Crone had several questions regarding both the Minority Affairs proposals and Mr. Luecke' s proposals. Councilman Voorde noted the need to monitor what is happening in this area in the State Legislature. Mr. Hunt noted that there is "a delicate balance of valid social concerns" . Mr. Gibney stated that it went far beyond social goals and that it was bona fide economic development. Councilman Paszek stated that proper terminology should be used and cautioned the Council, "of putting too many saddles on the horse. " Ann Kolata stated that she would provide additional information to the Council and specifically noted that her office had a position paper from Fort Wayne regarding tax abatement. Councilman Braboy requested the Committee to consider both proposals in detail so that they could be further discussed at a subsequent meeting. Following further discussion by the Committee, Councilman Beck made a motion seconded by Councilman Puzzello that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 5 :00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Eugenia Braboy, Chairman Human Resources and Economic Development Committee II