06-13-83 Human Resources & Economic Development

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Page 2. Human Resources and Redevelopment Committee $20,500 from the Community Development Block Grant Fund for the neighborhood paintup program. Coleen Rosenfeld explained the program and stated that each home would be inspected at least four times. Last year 61 homes took part in the program which used just under $20,000. This year the program is hoping to reach 20 homes. The decrease in number is due to the fact that repairs up to $500 will be allowed which had not been in the past. Persons eligible for the program would be based on a low income standard with $20,500 being the maximum allowable for a family of four. The program would be on a first come first serve basis for all people who qualify. It was also indicated that $230,000 would be earmarked from the Federal "Jobs Bill". This money would allow all low and moderate income families to participate even though they are not within targeted areas. Beverly Crone questioned what type of insurance and hold harmless provisions were required and was informed that in the past such information was included in the contracts executed between the Board of Public Works and the neighborhood groups overseeing the projects. It was also indicated that an additional $9,000 had already been appropriated for the project. With the presence of Councilman Serge, the Committee now had a quorum. Councilman Serge made a motion, seconded by Councilman Harris that Bill No. 39-83 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed unanimously. Councilman Serge then made a motion that Resolution No. 9-C,9-D,and 9-E be recommended favorably to Council. Councilman Harris seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously. The Council Attorney reviewed Resolutions 9-F, 9-G and 9-H and . indicated that the Council had previously adopted Resolutions for tax abatement of the real property located at 4600 Western Avenue, 1901 Western Avenue, and 1116 South Main. However in light of House Enrolled Act No. 1899 which was passed into law on March 22, 1983 and made retroactive to March 1, 1983 the new resolutions were required. They basically changed the terminology from "urban development areas" to "economic revitalization areas" and brought all other matters consistent with the State law. Council Attorney then reviewed a draft of the new proposed tax abatement ordinance (copy attached) . She indicated that since there appeared to be no conceTsusfrom either the City Administration or the City Council related to criteria adressing affirmative action, local contractors, and related matters, that these items were not included. She specifically noted that the Area Plan Commission was suggested to be dropped from the procedure in an attempt to streamline the process. Under the old State Law the Area Plan Commission was required. Councilman Voorde stated that he did not want to restrict the City' s ability to attract new businesses to our community by well-intentioned criteria such as affirmative action and local contractor requirements. Because counties can now give tax abatement, the City must be competitive. He further suggested that the Redevelopment staff be kept in the process and that the City use the "SIC Codes" for specific types of uses when considering tax abatement. Councilman Voorde further noted that although additional criteria may be well intentioned it could not be enforced.