07-08-02 Community & Economic Development

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Qommitt *port* Qommttttitt anb eronoutic Orteloputtnt, 'ommittet The July 8, 2002 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson,Council Member Karl King at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, King, Kelly, White, Coleman and Kirsits; Citizen Member Isabel Gonzalez, Community & Economic Development Director Jon Hunt, Beth Leonard, Planner Tonya Zozulya, Judy Rosheck, Fire Chief Luther Taylor, Assistant Fire Chief Rick Switalski, Terry Bland of the 'ouh Venb ZriItttte, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member King noted that a quorum of the Committee was not present and therefore no formal action would be taken by the Committee, however presentations would be received for informational purposes. Council Member King then called for a presentation on Substitute Bill No. 46-02 which would transfer $450,000 among various accounts within the Department of Community and Economic Development. Beth Leonard made the presentation. She noted that the listed accounts would be reduced so that $450,000 would be available for the Olive School demolition project. Council Member Pfeifer voiced concern with regard to information not getting out on the affordable housing program. Beth Leonard noted that there is a sliding scale for the affordable housing program. Mr. Hunt added that there are plenty of applicants, however many are turned down because of property taxes not being paid. Council Member Pfeifer stressed the need to focus on our neighborhoods and the housing and people within them,and that rehab is necessary. Council Member King suggested that perhaps a joint meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee and the Residential Neighborhoods Committee be held so that more time could be spent on this topic and so that a history of the various rehab and loan programs could be reviewed. Council Member White inquired about the $ 25,000 proposed reduction for Legal Services Mediation. Ms. Leonard stated that the monies are currently unspent by Legal Services and that they are currently in that account. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that the Block Grant Program also be reviewed in the joint committee meeting, since the city needs to"focus on our city and our people". Council Member King thanked everyone for the presentation on Substitute Bill No. 46-02, and stated that the Council would take action on this bill later this evening. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member King adjourned the meeting at 5:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Karl King, Chairperson Community and Economic Development Committee KCF:kmf Attachments