HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-11-08 Community & Economic Development CommitteeCOMMUNITY 8~ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AUGUST 11L2008
The August 11, 2008 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the
South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Acting Chairperson, Councilmember Ann
Puzzello at 4:10 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room.
Committee Members present: Ann Puzzello, Karen L. White, Catherine Andres, Citizen Member
Councilmember's present: Councilmember Tom LaFountain, Councilmember David Varner,
Councilmember AI "Buddy" Kirsits, Councilmember Timothy Rouse
Persons in attendance included: Richard Deahl, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney;
John Voorde, City Clerk
BILL N0.08-75 TAX ABATEMENT -JADE CROSSING CLELAND BUILDERS
Councilmember Ann Puzzello, Acting Chairperson, began by reading a request for continuance
until August 25, 2008 from the petitioner, Cleland Builders.
In compliance, Councilmember Karen L. White, motioned followed with a Catherine Andres
second to continue Bill No. 08-75 until the August 25, 2008 meeting of the Council. All supported.
MISCELLANEOUS
David Varner read a letter from Rich Deahl of Barnes & Thornburg representing Foxtrot Realty
outling Foxtrots efforts to recruit minorities. (At an earlier meeting it was determined all
employees were of Hispanic descent with no African-Americans) Rich Deal reported: 1. There
was now an application form. 2. A file of applicants was to be maintained and 3. Job postings
were to be sent to four neighborhood organizations to broaden the pool of applicants. Karen
White expressed appreciation for the effort to diversify the workforce.
Councilmember Puzzello suggested progress reports.
Councilmember Tim Rouse pointed out the efforts to diversify were required under federal law
when government contracts were involved. Councilmember Varner noted government contracts
require employee records.
Richard Deahl responded that only applicant records were not kept. Otherwise employee records
were not deficient.
Councilmember Rouse said word of mouth for job openings was not adequate. Deahl responded
by saying additional requirements were not required for employers with less than 50 employees.
Councilmember White and Catherine Andres both suggested the abatement process be
reviewed.
There being no further business to come before the committee, Acting Chairperson,
Councilmember Ann Puzzello, adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Puzzello, Acting Chairperson
.Community & Economic Development Committee