HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-86 Human Resources & Economic Development Qtm nmtttrr airport
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ma to Mammon (Icnnc' of tip eitg of irpinto #irtak HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE
The December 8, 1986 meeting of the Human Resources and Economic
Development Committee meeting was called to order by its Chairman, Eugenia
Braboy at 5:25 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Councilmen: Serge, Braboy, Beck,
Puzzello, Taylor, Zakrzewski, Paszek, Barcome, and Voorde; Mr.- Jeff Gibney,
Citizen Member, Mr. Jon Hunt, Miss Hedy Robinson, members of the Minority
Affairs Council, Mr. James Knepp, Mr. Yarger, a petitioner, members of the
news media and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Councilman Braboy noted that two bills and one resolution were sent to
Committee for review and recommendation.
The first bill reviewed by the Committee was Bill No. 122-86 which
would appropriate $287,500 from the Redevelopment State Grant Fund to be
administered by the Department of Economic Development.
Mr. Jon Hunt explained the bill. He noted that $187,500 of the overall
appropriation is used as a loan to help finance two local industries.
Following discussion by the Committee, Councilman Barcome made a motion
seconded by Councilman Puzzello to recommend Bill 122-86 to Council
favorable. The motion passed unanimously.
The Committee then reviewed Bill Nb. 135-86 which would appropriate
$75,760 from the Local Equal Employment and Local Equal Opportunity Fund.
Linda McDugal, the Acting Director of the Human Rights Commission,
briefly explained the appropriation. She explained that the funds would be
coming from EEOC and HUD. Following discussion, Councilman Barcome made a
motion seconded by Councilman Puzzello that Bill No. 135-86 go to Council
favorably. The motion passed. It was also noted that several members of the
Human Rights Commission were present.
The Committee then reviewed Resolution 86-72 which would seek tax
abatement for the real property located at 3600 Lathrop Street in the City
of South Bend. Ms. Robinson then reviewed the Tax Abatement report from the
Redevelopment Department. It was noted that all items were in order.
Mr. James Knepp, the attorney for North American Sign, formerly known
as South Bend Neon, was the petitioner. He noted that the petitioner has
outgrown its current location located at 215 West Garst and is interested in
relocating to the Industrial Park. Mr. Knepp further noted that following
further review an update proper address should be 3601 Lathrop Street
instead of 3600. The Council attorney noted that the Resolution should be
corrected in the title and properly amended at the time of the formal
hearing this evening.
Members of the Minority Affairs Council were also present and asked
several questions of the petitioner. Tracy Jacobs voiced concern over the
fact that two minorities had been hired over the past five years and Mr.
Isaiah Jackson noted that their group would be willing to assist in minority
hiring practices and that an ongoing job bank for minorities was in process.
F••2 °•*•• ° k.•°Yarrger noted that he is also involved with the Plas-Tac Corporation
which had a more favorable response to hiring minorities. He did note
however that minorities have been pursued with regard to hiring in the past
and would continue to do so in the future.
Following further discussion on the bill, Councilman Barcome made a
motion, seconded by Councilman Taylor, that Resolution 86-72 go to Council
favorable. The motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, the
meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Eugenia Braboy, Chairman
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