HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-23-93 Human Resources & Economic Development r
zeiglJoaz 4 111 De mom x eo o ttZQte i 212.a ce,41. 4410
aeve 'J's vomiter iittifttet cc •
The August 23, 1993 meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Development
Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Councilmember Roland Kelly at 4:03
p.m.in council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Councilmembers: Zakrewski, Coleman, Kelly, Duda,
Puzzello, Luecke, Slavinskas, Wahington, and Ladewski, Mike Beitzinger, Gunther
Gordon, President of Exacto, Aladine DeRose, Terry Bland, and Kathleen Cekanski-
Farrand.
Councilmember Kelly noted that the purpose of the meeting was to review Resolution No.
93-63 which is a personal property tax abatement request for Exacto Inc. located at 1137
South Lafayette Boulevard.
Mr. Beitzinger than reviewed the report from the department of Economic Development
finding that it did comply with the five (5) year personal property requirements for tax
abatement.
Mr. Gordon, President of Exacto noted that without the equipment proposed that they
would lose the contract, and with it they would be able to maintain and enhance their
current customer base. He noted that in the past five (5) to ten (10) years they have added
1.2 million dollars of equipment to the facility. He stated that the proposed new equipment
purchase would last between five (5) to ten (10) years. He also noted that he had heart
surgery last year and his company experienced financial difficulties in the areas of overtime
and health related costs. With the assistance of MTS (Manufacturing Technology Services)
of the state of Indiana and their report which resulted in action plan, their company is now
turning around.
Councilmember Puzzello noted that the City of South Bend through her committee is
currently reviewing the City Budgets for 1994 and could empathies with Mr.Gordon with
regard to overtime and health care related expenses. Mr. Gordon noted that he bought the
company in 1989 and owns the assets but leases the building itself. He further noted that
he employs nine(9) individuals from the Enterprise Zone and created five (5)new jobs and
that currently his company is working three(3)eight (8)hour shifts.
Council President Luecke complimented Mr.Gordon on his fine operation and his excellent
track record of employing individuals from the Enterprise Zone.
Following further discussion Councilmember Duda made a motion seconded by Council
Member Slavinskas that Resolution No. 93-63 be recommended favorably to Council. The
motion passed.
Council Member Kelly than noted that Resolution No. 93-64 which is a ten (10) year real
property tax abatement request for Turnmaster Corp. doing business at South Bend Lathe
Corp. located at 400 West Sample will be continued at the request of the petitioner. This
resolution will be rescheduled to be heard at the meeting of September 13, 1993.
The Council Attorney then noted that Aladine DeRose of the City Attorney's office
contacted her earlier today to request a suspension of the rules so that substitute Bill No.
Human Resources and Economic Development Committee
August 23, 1993
Page 2
58-93 dealing with Human Rights Ordinance could be heard before the Council. Mr. Kelly
than called upon Aladine DeRose to give a presentation.
Mrs.DeRose noted that HUD has September 1, 1993 deadline with regard to getting all
changes of the ordinance in place. Unfortunately, HUD is not formally approved all of
these changes but the City believes that they should move forward in order to meet the
September 1st deadline. She stated that overall it brings the ordinance into compliance with
state and federal laws and addresses disabled language with regard to the ADA.
Councilmember Washington questioned whether funding would permit the hiring of a new
hiring officer. Mrs. DeRose noted that was a separate issue however this ordinance must
be in place in order for the City to become entitled to funding. She noted that funding is
based on a per case basis. She also noted that it provides training and resource materials
which would otherwise not be available.
Council President Luecke again questioned the earlier tabling action requested by the City
Attorney's office on this. Mrs. DeRose noted that the suspension was necessary and the
director of the Human Rights Commission Lonnie Douglas would be available this evening
the Council Meeting.
Following further discussion Councilmember Duda made a motion seconded by Council
President Luecke that substitute Bill No. 58-93 be recommended favorably. The motion
passed.
There being no further business to come before the Committee the meeting was adjourned
at 4:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Roland Kelly
Chair Person Human Resources and Economic Development Committee