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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-28-94 Personnel & Finance atommftttt *oat PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE to Ujt COlttlttott tounttl of Ujt City of *outb 3Stitb: The February 28, 1994 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Sean Coleman at 4:45 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Luecke, Washington, Kelly, Puzzello, Slavinskas, Zakrzewski, Coleman, Duda and Ladewski; Jeanne Muir, Howard Goodhew,and Michael Kaiser. Council Member Coleman then introduced the Committee Members as Council Member Ladewski, Council Member Luecke, Council Member Zakrzewski, and himself. He noted that the purpose of the meeting was to interview business owners who are perspective applicants for the Urban Enterprise Association. The Committee then interviewed Howard Goodhew. It was noted that he was the Mayor's appointment in the past. Currently Council Member Duda is the Council Representative with Council Member Slavinskas being a member of the UEA as a business owner. Council Member Slavinskas noted that he would like to serve but would defer in light of the candidates being considered if necessary. Mr. Goodhew noted that under Mayor Parent's Administration he provided the initial $10,000 to begin the UEA project. He stated that he believes that an entrepreneur is needed on the board. He was the Small Business person of the year selected by the Chamber of Commerce two (2) years ago. He stressed that he would like the opportunity to continue working on projects started that go beyond the bricks and mortar. He also noted that his company,the Ridge Company,is headquarter in the UEA and has twelve (12) other locations throughout the United States. Council Member Ladewski and Council Member Kelly commended Mr. Goodhew and his involvement in many community projects. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke, Mr. Goodhugh noted that he has been involved with an out reach program by going door to door to encourage zone residents to become employees. He noted that there was limited success to the project. He again stressed his willingness to serve on the Board and that he would appreciate the opportunity to continue to be involved on this very worth while project. Mr. Michael Kaiser the Chief Financial Officer of Lock Joint Tube was then interviewed. He noted that he has sincere civic interest and an interest to represent the business. Jeanne Muir then reviewed the two (2) handouts on the Urban Enterprise Zone (copy attached) she noted in response to a question raised by Council Member Coleman that currently there are 187 members of the zone,however there were 197 last year. The high at any one time was 225 businesses who take advantage of the Personnel and Finance Committee February 28, 1994 Page 2 tax credits. She noted that such businesses must by an S Corporation or a regular Corporation. Council Member Coleman thanked each of the candidates and noted their interest and civic duties. He indicated that a recommendation of the Committee would be made to the full Council this evening. It was also noted that three (3) other individuals have withdrawn their names. Council Member Coleman noted that he made several phone calls to several businesses in the Urban Enterprise Zone. Following further discussion,Council Member Ladewski made a motion, seconded by Council Member Zakrzewski that Howard Goodhew be the representative to the Urban Enterprise Association. Council Member Zakrzewski noted that when he was on the Board from 1984 to 1986 and that the experience brought to the Board by Mr. Goodhew was greatly appreciated. Council Member Slavinskas noted that this is a critical time and to continue working on many of the projects he believed was important. Council Member Luecke questioned why Mayor Kernan did not reappoint Mr. Goodhew. There was no official response to that question. Council Member Washington voiced concern with regard to problems of quorum and how persons can be more influential when fewer members are present. Council Member Coleman noted that the Mayor has an appointment and the Council has anappointment, and that the Council must weigh all of the concerns properly with regard to the candidates. Council Member Luecke noted that he would favor supporting new individuals on the Board.;Council Member Coleman noted that he admires Mr. Goodhew's experience and dedication,however he would appreciate a new face on the Board. A vote was then taken on the motion to appoint Mr. Goodhew. Council Member Ladewski, and Council Member Zakrzewski voted in favor, Council Member Coleman and Council Member Luecke voted opposed. In light of the Council rules, the Council President had the oppourtunity to cast a vote, and Council President Puzzello voted against the motion. A motion was then made by Council Member Luecke, seconded by Council Member Coleman to appoint Michael Kaiser as the Council's Represenative to the Urban Enterprise Association. The motion passed by a 3 to 1 margin with Council Member Zakrzewski in the minority. Council President Puzzello noted that she would prefer to be counted with the majority of the entire Common Council. There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sean Coleman Chairperson,Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments