HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-10-14 Community RelationsCOMMUNITY RELATIONS NOVEMBER 10, 2014
Committee Members Present Gavin Ferlic, Derek Dieter, Henry Davis Jr.,
Valerie Schey
Other Council Present Oliver Davis, Tim Scott,
Dr. Varner, Dr. Fred Ferlic
Others Present Patrick Mullen, Media,
Tasha Outlaw, Mr. Emory, Kathryn Roos
Brian Pawlowski, Keenan Lane, members of
the public.
4:46pm
Overall impact of Ban the Box in the City of
South Bend
Chairperson Oliver Davis opened the meeting.
Valerie Schey introduced Chery Ashe who has approached the council with this issue.
There are over 600 to 700 ex- offenders looking for jobs. There is date to support this.
They think we should take the "have you ever been arrested box off of applications.
Scott Ford says the tax abatement applications will .give a company applying for tax
abatement 34 points if they ban the box.
Henry Davis Jr. said who is going to police this. Just because you ban the box doesn't
mean you are hiring ex- offenders.
Tim Scott says is ok with this. It's a start.
Gavin Ferlic likes it. He believes it provides incentives.
Derek Dieter - How many studies do you have on this issue?
Valerie Schey — None locally.
Derek- What about veterans, the disabled and other incentives?
Doc Ferlic- Agrees with Tim. Would Mishawka and the County also follow this? Cheryl
Ashe says meetings to happen with County coming up. She will also ask IUSB and ND
to be on board with this.
Dr. Varner- Good results over time should be an incentive. So the businesses have the
choice.
Al Harrison — Hoosier Initiative — Employment went up in Indianapolis because of this
incentive. Placed 275 ex- offenders in the region.
Henry Davis Jr. Indy found employers willing to hire that's why their numbers are so
high. The city should recruit employers.
Cheryl Ashe spoke of the Goodwill program, how they work with employers to work with
people with felonies. 6 month program.
Marie Kazmarek — Dismas house — jobs give people strength.
Cheryl Ashe — the ban the box gives people a change to at least get an interview.
Marcus Ellison — Ivy tech program gets records expunged from their record.
Scott Ford- CID has already made the change on tax abatement applications for
companies to receive the 34 points if they have banned the box on their applications.
Henry Davis — Does the company have to take the box off their application? Scott —
yes. Henry said but they still might not get the job, he thinks they should have to hire an
ex- offender to get the 34 points.
Members of the public spoke about how at least banning the box would level the playing
field a bit more if people are qualified. It would open the door for ex- offenders,
Dr. Varner — 34 points out of 1000 points on a tax abatement applications is a good
starting point.
Oliver adjourned meeting at 5:33 p.m.
c u s mitted,
/1
4is, Chairperson
ity Relations