03-25-10 Community & Economic Development Committee

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training. One way would be to provide money for employers to train hirees. The troub{e here is that Hardie Blake's people do not have jobs. The other way would be in UEA areas for job training paid directly to programs like Project Impact. "Work One" has been the recipient of the former example. Project Impact now that Jeff has committed to support them to the tune of $350,000 the latter. Jeff commits this money to PI with at least three provisions: First, the development of outcome measures. Second, to reduce the percent of dollars going to administrative salaries. Usually 10% of total funding, P.I.'s significantly exceeds this proportion. Third, is the pledge form both the city and Hardie Blake to seek other sources of funding. The key for future funding consideration will be measures developed to gauge the programs effectiveness. At this point Tim Rouse spoke to the need for programs like Project Impact if ex-offenders are to have a fighting change of turning over a new leaf. Rouse cited unemployment levels at 11.9°/a for these folks with over 400 offenders released to society each year in St. Joseph County resulting in over 280 referrals to Project Impact already. He echoed the need to provide more structure and outcome measures.- Public funds require public accountability. Mayor Luecke stated that though the need for job training and re-entry assistance is real, he questions the city's role given it's budget crisis. In response to Tim Rouse's questions about establishing measures, echoed by Derek Dieter who also spoke to the transparency of dollars pledged to P.I. type programs, Jeff Gibney said his department was committed to working with P.I. and Hardie Blake. To that end, he instructed Chris Dressel a planner in his department to spend up to 28 hours a week helping P.I. Not to spy on them but to help them develop measures of effectiveness and structure. Councilmember Varner asked Jeff how long a commitment the city has made to Project Impact. The answer was one year beyond which the progress of P.I. would be re-considered. Councilmember Varner also warned that other agencies may want TIF dollars to address social concerns and would demand equal consideration. Councilmember Rouse cautioned that funding for P.I. might open a Pandora's Box of funding requests. Jeff said the city has a social responsibility to faster job training and could not foresee a time when such agencies would be totally weaned from public dollars. The second main topic of discussion was to list and evaluate the priority of projects potentially funded by TIF dollars suggested by the Council. Don Inks then provided for Council review a bound summary of 2010 TIF areas. This all- comprehensive document serves as a balance sheet and income statement for each TIF area. He also referenced a 5-year proposed work plan annually reviewed by the Redevelopment Commission. In terms of money available Inks said there was up to $40 million carry over from earlier years and up to $23 million that will be generated in 2010. He said the Commission would welcome Council input. Councilmember White said the Council needs to know how projects are prioritized and advanced. The Mayor said the most successful economic development projects are those that partner with the private sector. In these cases public dollars can be an effective vital catalyst to development. Councilmember White also brought up the need to review the city's pledge to develop LaSalle Square. When and how was this commitment to be honored? She also said the animal shelter needs more discussion with the neighbors to its new proposed location. Councilmember Kirsits said programs need to be considered and prioritized based upon getting the biggest bang for the buck in return.