06-23-03 Community & Economic Development

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rte_ QCommtttr *oat toutittunitg autf eumoutir liatioputatt Qtommittt The June 23, 2003 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karl King at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, White, Coleman, Kelly, Kuspa, Kirsits and King; Elizabeth Leonard, Terry Bland of the gout Otn4 tribunt and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member King called for a presentation on Bill No. 03-62 which is a five (5) year residential real property tax abatement request of Rufus and Ursula Chatman for the property located at 140 Lake Street. In light of no one being present to address Bill No. 03-62, Council Member King suggested that it be delayed and that a presentation on Bill No. 03-63 be made. Beth Leonard of Community and Economic Development noted that Bill No. 03-62 would approve an agreement re-establishing the St. Joseph County Housing Consortium and would authorize the execution of the agreement by the city. Ms. Leonard noted that the consortium was established in 1991. Approximately $ 1 million is utilized each year. Through HUD plans must be established every five (5) years with the draft required to be done by June 2004. South Bend is working with the City of Mishawaka and the Council Commissioners and have met with both. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that monthly meetings be considered to assure input from the various communities. Beth Leonard stated that they would be following the City Plan process. Two (2) meeting have been held with Mishawaka and county officials. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that at the July 28th meeting of the Community Relations Committee that Ms. Leonard provide a history of the consortium in greater detail and address its future goals and initiatives. Council Member Pfeifer noted that there are very real housing challenges in our community and that this information would be important to review. Council Member King noted that the consortium has its own Board made up of representatives form South Bend, Mishawaka and St. Joseph County. In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer, Ms. Leonard noted that St. Jude's House is not under the Aids Ministries. No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to the Bill. Following discussion, Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 03-63 be recommended favorably to Council. The petitioners for Bill No. 03-62 were not present. Accordingly, Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 03-62 be continued until July 14th,due to no presenters being present. The motion passed. Community and Economic Development