HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-28-86 Human Resources & Economic Development eattultilthm �trpiwt
Wu tip Comm Monta l dill, dittg of tw ttli fn.'THE HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The January 28, 1986 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 Puzzello, Beck,
Voorde and Braboy; Traci Jacobs , Isiah Jackson, Ann Kolota, Eugenia
Schwartz, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, and members of the news media.
Councilman Braboy noted that the purpose of the meeting was
to continue the discussion on the revised tax abatement procedures.
She then called upon Mrs. Jacobs to give her report.
Mrs. Jacobs then handed out a letter dated January 28, 1986
from the Mayors Minority Affairs Council. The letter basically
addressed five (5) issues related to tax abatement. The issues are:
(1) the intended "public purpose" of tax abatement •
(2) history of compliance_ to employment goals
(3) recourse of Council tf employment goals are not reached
•
(4) review of the process of granting tax abatement
(5) the use of "JTP eligible individuals" in the tax abatement
guidelines
A copy of the letter is attached to the minutes.
The Council Attorney then stressed that the overall public
•
purpose is not one of employment but rather the State requirements of
"blighted or .underdeveloped areas" . Mrs. Schwartz added that the State
requirements were the governing guidelines in this area. Mrs . Kolata
noted that approximately 110 abatements, both real and personal , have
been granted by the City since 1979.
Mr. Jackson noted that minorities are typically hired in larger
firms rather than smaller firms and this should be considered.
Councilman Braboy noted the need for a role model with regard to minority
hiring. Mrs. Kolata noted that requests for tax abatement in TIF areas
also need Commission approval. Mrs. Schwartz noted that currently in
the ordinance there is a review process regarding employment achievement.
Mrs. Kolata and Mrs. Schwartz then passed out several handouts
for the Committees ' review. They noted the possibility of a public
forum where petitioners for tax abatement would review their success in
hiring at specific meetings of the Human Resources and Economic
Development Committee. Councilman Taylor expressed concern over a
public forum, especially when the economy would be depressed. Councilman
Taylor saw such a forum as a "confrontation" .
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Page 2.
The Human Resources and Economic
Development Committee
Councilman Braboy noted that she saw a process as bringing
"accountability" to the system.
Mr. Gibney noted that job creation is an emotional issue.
He said that we should look at the entire St. Joseph County area.
Unemployment typically would be present by individuals living near tax
abatement areas.
Ann Kolata noted that enterprise zones also look at "underskilled
and undereducated".
Mrs. Jacobs requested that the questions on the tax abatement
petitions also be reviewed.
The Committee then discussed the affirmative action resolution
which was passed by the Redevelopment Commission and Councilman Voorde
noted that a subsequent resolution was also passed by the Common Council.
It was suggested that perhaps the new procedure could incorporate a
process where the President of the Common Council would send a copy of
the affirmative action resolution to each of the petitioners granted tax
abatement. In this way each petitioner would be aware of the City's
concern in this area.
It was also suggested that perhaps the JPT criteria could be
changed to minority. Mrs . Kolata agreed to provide copies of the
application to the Mayors Minority Affairs Council.
Following further discussion by the Committee it was agreed
that the Wednesday meeting would be cancelled.
Councilman Braboy suggested that a draft of the new tax abatement
ordinance be prepared and be brought to the last Committee meeting in
February.
There being no further discussion the meeting was adjourned
at 5: 15 p.m.
Respectfully sumitted,
Eugenia Braboy, Chairman
Human Resources and Economic
Development Committee