04-11-11 Community & Economic Development

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Chairperson Rouse said remedies could be appropriately imposed. 7he result, he added would favor the entire community. Councilmember White asked how this bill would be enforced. Chairperson Rouse asked Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand to explain. She said the key provision to measure adherence would be the establishment of a nine-member review board and the creation of a new position referred to as a diversity compliance officer. This person would work with Lonnie Douglas, head of the Human Rights Commission, and be given the resources to monitor compliance. The structure would model an effective effort in the city of Evansville. Councilmember Henry Davis asked whether the standards would apply to contracts not requiring a public bid. Councilmember Rouse assured him city resources were committed to seeing this was done. Director of Public Works, Gary Gilot, said there would necessarily be a transition period to implement and measure procedural changes. Chairperson Rouse responded saying we have to work together proactively. Citizen Member Murray Miller noticing a Chamber of Commerce appointment to the review board wondered why? Chief Deputy City Attorney Aladean DeRose noted, the newly created position would call for a person having legal and contractual expertise. The Mayor brought attention to the dollar costs associated with the bill and defended his efforts to make a positive impact on diversity. Chairperson Rouse pointed to the greater social costs of not acting proactively. Gary King said better efforts were needed to help, potential bidders wade through a too complicated bidding process. Lee Byers said the local efforts to help small business would help keep dollars local a benefit for everyone. Linda Wolfson argued the importance of having appointments to the review board be made by elected officials to assure accountability. Councilmember Henry Davis asked whether the Park Board was bound by the ordinance and was assured that they were. Thereafter Henry Davis motioned the bill go to Council favorably. Councilmember Puzzello followed with a second and all affirmed. Under miscellaneous Rev. Sylvester Williams from WUBS radio proposed public access programming be hosted by his station. Councilmember White asked if the Council's IT Committee could take this proposal under consideration. She also asked Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand to draft a resolution to move forward with public access with South Bend funding contingent upon contributions from other governmental entities. Chairperson Rouse raised the prospect of the S. B. Council moving ahead with the idea of an economic summit. President Dieter said yes; but Councilmember Varner asked where the Council was going with this in terms of goals. He suggested examining the revenue side of funding sources of the City. Chairperson Rouse said all 10 revenue streams should be examined.