Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Committee of Finance, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was called to order at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 19, 2026. The committee reviewed and approved several ordinances related to city contracts, grants, real estate, public safety, and zoning. Major discussions centered on equitable funding for youth sports, the future of data centers in the city, and a complex lease incentive deal for the IX Center aimed at attracting large-scale manufacturing jobs.
Youth Programs and Funding Equity (Ordinances 748 & 911)
Police Commission Lease (Ordinance 1162-2026)
Data Center Moratorium Extension (Ordinance 1246-2026)
IX Center Lease and Payroll Credit Incentive (Ordinance 1042-2026)
Okay. Let me know when I have a case. Good afternoon. Today is Monday, October the 19th, two o'clock PM. This committee of finance, diversity, equity, and inclusion is called to order. Madam Clerk Caldero. Here. Present. All right, we're going to go through a few of these pieces first until we can get to the IX so that we could try to move pretty fast today. Okay. Uh first ordinance is ordinance number, this is part to records number seven forty-eight dash twenty twenty-six by council member Bishop, Star and Griffin. An emergency ordinance authorizing the director of parts and recreation to enter into one or more contracts with Ohio City Incorporated to provide variety of family and youth programming activities. Okay. Yes, sir. Okay. Uh Councilman Casey and Councilman Palency. Again, as I stated in municipal services and property, very supportive of Ohio City, Inc., but I really hope that when other organizations that that host uh youth sports around the city uh start reaching out to the city that uh that the pocketbook is open as well. Um we've had uh I know of one at least one organization that was denied funding in the past um for youth baseball. Uh and it's the oldest and largest organization for youth baseball uh in the city. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Um just to follow up on that. Have we done a landscape analysis to really try to figure out if and where we have gaps because I'm going to hear a regular trend about okay, what's happening in my neighborhood or backyard. Now I know that this is a organization that's well funded and well supported. Um I'm aware of the history, but I think you're gonna hear a reoccurring message of what about our neighborhood. So have we done any landscape analysis to look at all of the different programming and see where or what we need to have focus on because we also have to make sure that we're uh you know judicious on how many programs we could do. But director. To the chair, thank you. I appreciate that comment. Um as it relates to a landscape analysis, the 2023 uh needs assessment that was conducted as a part of the development of the master plan, uh demonstrates uh needs in the community as it relates to programs and services and facilities. Um I would suggest that this item specifically was sponsored and originally funded through Councilman McCormick. Um and then when uh it transitioned to Councilman Davis at that time um the funding did not come out of Councilmanic dollars, but our departmental dollars. So we've been funding it for two years now. Uh we fund other youth sports organizations, community football, for example. Um, certainly um not opposed to um finding out what other organizations may or may not need some support or help. Okay, I mean, and the reason I'm bringing it up because I could just think of two major organizations right offhand. And that's the Tri-City Baseball League that I know that Councilman Casey has in his area, and then uh Buzz Buzz Buzz Buzz Baseball. B buzz. B Buzz, yeah, B Buzz. So I'm just thinking those two off the top of my head.