Arthur Foulkes
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE — The Terre Haute City Council is scheduled to vote this evening on a “responsible bidder” ordinance for city construction contracts.
The hotly debated ordinance, which largely mirrors existing state law, would require contractors seeking city projects to use only apprentices certified by the U.S. Department of Labor.
At last week’s “sunshine” meeting, supporters of the ordinance – largely labor union leaders and members – said it would prevent city contracts from being awarded to companies breaking state labor laws or using workers with inferior training.
Opponents of the ordinance – largely the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce – said it would sharply limit the number of qualified bidders for city projects, thereby increasing costs. They also claim it would reduce the number of jobs available for semiskilled workers trained in non-apprenticeship programs.
The council may also vote tonight on a resolution that would lay the groundwork for formally granting Vigo County “recovery zone bonds” in April to a company planning to build a new Holiday Inn Express near Margaret Avenue and Indiana 46.
Passage of the resolution would allow Sycamore Hotel Partners LLC, the company building the hotel, to begin construction a month early, said Cliff Lambert, executive director of the Terre Haute Department of Redevelopment.
Late last year, city and county officials voted to provide half of Vigo County’s $7 million in recovery zone bonds to the new Clabber Girl distribution facility on East Margaret Avenue. That leaves $3.5 million for the Sycamore Hotel Partners project, Lambert said.
Economic recovery zone bonds were awarded to counties across the country through the Obama administration’s economic stimulus package. The bonds are tax-free, which allows banks to offer the bonds at a lower rate to investors. They are not covered by tax dollars.
The council is scheduled to meet tonight at 7 p.m. in City Hall.
Arthur Foulkes can be reached at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.
