07-11-83 Human Resources & Economic Development

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Olnmmtfln iitpnrt HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The July 11, 1983 meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Development Committee was called to order at 4: 00 p.m. by its Chairman Councilman Robert Taylor in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Councilmen Voorde, Taylor, Serge, Beck, Szymkowiak, and Harris, Colleen Rosenfeld, Ann Kolota, F.J. Nimtz, Jon Hunt, Dick Maginot, Jim Wensits, Eugenia Schwartz, Bert Harrison, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Councilman Taylor noted that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss four bills sent to Committee for review and recommendation. Colleen Rosenfeld explained that Bill No. 65-83 would appropriate $1,400,000 from the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program of Housing and Community Development for acquisition, relocation, clearance, and site improvement activities in the central business district. The activity will be conducted in the area bounded by Western; LaSalle, the river, and Main Street. The money would be, used to review recommendations suggested by the American Cities Corporation with regard to the development of the downtown business area and various possibilities regarding pedestrian access. Essentially this would be money borrowed against future economic development money at an interest rate between 9 and 11% with repayment to begin in 1985 for a period of six years. She noted that a downtown task force would be established to work with Jim Childs and Associates, architect, who is being paid by the Redevelopment Commission at a cost of not more than $50,000.. Redevelopment would be charged with overseeing the money if this ordinance would be approved through a contract with the Board of Public Works. Mrs. Rosenfeld then reviewed Bill No 66-83 which would appropriate $1,100, 000 from the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program of the Housing and Community Development Act for acquisition, relocation, clearance and site improvement activities in the East Bank Development area Mrs. Rosenfeld then reviewed Resolution 9-J along with Ann Kolota who explained that the resolution would approve the East Bank Development plan by adding 19 new parcels to the acquisition list and amend the design review committee. The map attached to the resolution was then explained. It was noted that advances on Section 108 Loan allows the City to plan for it establishes a line of credit. The maximum amount that can be borrowed pursuant to HUD regulations is three times the entitlement. The last installment is being paid off this year on the advance taken during the Nemeth administration which was financed at 16-17%. Mr. Hunt noted that September 30, 1983 is the last date to established a line of credit. Councilman Voorde then voiced several concerns he had regarding the proposed Bill No. 65-83. He questioned where public input could be channeled, he believed that the cost of maintaining skywalks and atriums was prohibitive, he was most concerned that the Common Council would be totally out of the process once the appropriation ordinance is passed. He was concerned that a meeting with the BDC and the Human Resources and Economic Development Committee had never been arranged to discuss the role of the Common Council in this procedure. Councilman Taylor stated that he had great reservation regarding the upkeep of maintenance on atriums and skywalks. However since the City was I11 [ pwu. stletWo PUBLISHING CO.