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CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK
<br /> Mr. O'Connor stated, I would like to add along with the CDBG I was speaking of, prior to putting
<br /> this budget together, at the time we were presenting this budget,we had approximately$72,000 in
<br /> unused CDBG money that I think was out of fiscal year 2016, maybe 2017. One (1) of those two
<br /> (2)years. However, since putting that together,we thought that money would roll over to the 2020
<br /> budget year. However,we were told that,that would expire on December 31St. So that money now
<br /> is being diverted. $72,000 remaining balance in CDBG is to be diverted to do an emergency
<br /> demolition on the, I think it's 1824 South Franklin commercial building that just caught fire
<br /> recently. And we're going to take that one(1) down tomorrow.
<br /> Committee Chair White stated, Okay. Well hopefully you can keep in contact with us because I
<br /> know there are certain buildings the residents have major concerns with, and they have been
<br /> standing for quite some time. The other question is, looking over at your budget presentation, I'm
<br /> very pleased that the RSVP program is working and there's a need for additional support. But as
<br /> you look at Code Enforcement, what other things do you believe that your department could be
<br /> doing? Because as we look at Code from a positive perspective, that department is very critical to
<br /> the quality of life for our neighborhoods. Do you have any other areas that you think that you
<br /> would want to look towards in really addressing some of those other issues that we continuously
<br /> we hear about? You know, the lots and trash or other things of that nature.
<br /> Ms. Skibins replied, I think large commercial structures, as you pointed out, as well as if there is
<br /> a way to concentrate a little bit more on the illegal dumping that's taking place in South Bend,
<br /> that'd be fantastic, too. One (1) of the things I think that frustrates both Marlaina, and myself is
<br /> that because of the issues that we've suffered through this year with our software, we are having a
<br /> difficult time addressing things that are on our radar, like the commercial structures that are not
<br /> addressed, like the illegal dumping, like the tire issues dumping and things like that because our
<br /> time is taken away from that in trying to just basically make Code Enforcement continue running.
<br /> So, there are many things that are on our radar. We want to get better at what we do. We want to
<br /> continue to work with the community, which I think that we're doing a pretty good job with. But
<br /> we also have to work with the community and solicit their suggestions and how we can improve
<br /> the services that we already offer and how we can enhance them.
<br /> Committee Chair White stated, I know that the Council Members have questions, I'm going to
<br /> allow them to follow up as well. But in terms of the illegal dumping program, if I'm not mistaken,
<br /> I think was it $600,000 that was given towards that program, or maybe $200,000 plus. But, if we
<br /> could get an update on the status of the illegal dumping program and what some of the challenges
<br /> are and what areas have been addressed,that would be great. Because that program was developed,
<br /> I'd probably say maybe six (6) or seven (7) years ago, based on residents that had some concerns
<br /> about the illegal dumping that was happening in certain districts.
<br /> Ms. Skibins asked, Are you aware of any other departments that were involved besides Code
<br /> Enforcement?
<br /> Committee Chair White replied, We had meetings and I do believe that Parks was involved. Parks
<br /> really looked at the graffiti challenges, but the illegal dumping I think really came out of Code.
<br /> But, I need to double check that. And I think it was quite a bit of dollars. But if you could just,you
<br /> know, report that back to us so we can have that information. And also, to see what the status is.
<br /> EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
<br /> 455 County-City Building 227W Jefferson Bvld South Bend.Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f 574.235.9173 TTD 574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov
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