10-24-11 Community & Economic Development Committee

Home Browse Search

Bill No. 11-60 Supporting financial commitment to underwrite the creation of a Minority and Women's Business Development Program in South Bend. Chairperson Rouse began discussion of this bill recounting the steps taken to enhance minority prominence in all discussions related to the allocation of available public dollars for economic development initiatives. Using supplemental handouts(attached), Chairperson Rouse recounted the steps already taken to improve the prominence of minority, interests and more importantly the steps yet needed if minority participation was to become a reality. In so many words, only the commitment of dollars to such efforts would result in meaningful progress. In an effort to better illustrate what can and should be done, Chairperson Rouse called upon Mrs. Vivian Sallie, an economic developmenUhuman resources consultant to outline a program she had volunteered at Chairperson Rouse's request. According to her proposal, a commitment of about 175,000 in the first year would be needed to lay the foundation for real progress toward making the MBENVBE program a reality. Chairperson Rouse deflected some"knee jerk" criticism before asking for a motion to continue the hearing on Bill No. 11-60 until November 14, 2011. Councilmember Henry Davis so moved. Councilmember Puzzello followed with a second. A majority approved the request to ask for a continuance. Bill No. 11-61 Request to approve an APC order and a Redevelopment Commission amendment. This bill initiated by the city's Economic Development Department would allow the acquisition of property at the SE corner of E. Colfax and the St. Joseph River for the intended development of residential townhomes. This parcel is currently owned by the Holladay Corp. and is more commonly known as the former"Wharf" site. After the presentation by Matt Sikora of the Economic Development Department, brief discussion followed. Councilmember Henry Davis motioned to recommend favorably. It failed for lack of a second. The bill was sent to Council without recommendation. Under miscellaneous, Councilmember Varner went on record requesting an update from Public Works as to the status of the proposal for public access television. The request further asked a definitive level of commitment from the County and Mishawaka There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson Rouse adjourned the meeting at 5:45 p.m. RespectFully Submitted, � � �°/ Timothy A. f�,��e, Chairperson , Community and Economic Development Committee