10-25-04 Community Relations Committee

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Community cJQEfations eommittzz The October 25, 2004 meeting of the Community Relations Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer at 5:08 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, Varner, Kuspa, Coleman, Kirsits and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Director of the Division of Community Development Pam Meyer, City Clerk John Voorde, Rita Kopola, Director of Economic Development Don Inks, and Kathy Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Pfeifer noted that the meeting was called to receive updates on the Economic Development Commission and the Housing Development Corporation. Director of Economic Development Don Inks made a presentation on the Economic Development Commission. He noted that he would file his notes with the Office of the City Clerk. Council Member Kelly is on the EDC and a County Council representative is currently vacant. They typically have 1-2 projects per year usually involving bond issues. Some past projects include: Point at St. Joseph with a $14 million bond; MDC South Bend (DHL) with a $2.2 million bond, Erskine Commons with a $4 million bond for on-site improvements and Erskine Village with an$8 million bond for on-site improvements. He noted that each of these projects are significant projects in the community. Council Member Kelly noted that the EDC meets as necessary. Council Member Pfeifer inquired whether any of the appointments to EDC are political (democrat/republican). Mr. Inks stated that he was not sure but would check on this. Dr. Varner noted that he thought the Erskine projects were closer to $6 million; however Mr. Inks stated that it was$8 million but may be closer to$6 million when it is finished. In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer, Mr. Inks noted that the Council does not have any appointments to the BDC. She inquired about how diverse the group is to which Mr. Inks stated that they try to be inclusive. Director of the Division of Community Development Pam Meyer then gave a presentation on the Housing Development Corporation. She noted that it was founded in 1986 and began as a 14-18 member Board. Because of quorum problems, it is now a seven (7) member board. Ms. Meyer then reviewed her handouts. They applied for a federal Home Loan Bank,however were denied. Some of the Housing Development Corporation's programs include: REWARD, Housing Counseling Program, Loan Servicing, Housing Project Development. They have not provided any loans since 1997. Community Relations Committee October 25,2004 Page 1