04-17-84 Human Resources & Economic Development

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atnmmtttrt t urt OD fir Gomm &Iountil of thy 0I4 of ePout1j HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The April 17th meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Developmen Committee began at 5 :35 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Councilman: Serge, Braboy, Beck, • Puzzello, Taylor, Crone, Paszek, and Zakrzewski; James Seitz, Ken Fedder, Jeff Gibney, Bob Parker, Colleen Rosenfeld, Casey Posey, Pam Meyer and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Mr. Fedder then reviewed Bill No. 37--84 which would authorize the assignment of the Bath VanMele and Assoc. ,Inc . interests under the $700 ,000 E.D.C. Revenue Bond to VanMele Realty Trust. Mr. Fedder noted that this' is a restructuring of the old bond issue with a transfer of ownership. The bondholders would still have all of their securities. The bond is current in its payments and has an unpaid balance of $573,099 .73. Following discussion by the Committee Councilman Puzzello made a motion seconded by Councilman Taylor that Bill No. 37-84 go to council favorably. The motion passed unanimously. • Mr. Fedder then noted that he had received a letter from Councilmen Braboy and Beck regarding the allocation of funds for various bond issues. Mr. Fedder noted that this is a hot issue in Washington and made reference to a recent article in the National League of Cities.. , He speculated that the final verion would probably have a cap on all funds, would have several new restrictions, and have a definite date of determination. Arguments include that such bonds are a drain on the .U.S. Treasury, and the opposition sees such bonds as vehicles to create new jobs and new taxes. There have been several cities who have abused the process and are currently "blacklisted The City.of South Bend's greatest concentration is in the Industrial Park area. Mr. Fedder stated that he would send a copy of the final bill to the Council once it is .adopted. Councilman Braboy then called upon Colleen Rosenfeld to review guidelines governing community development. She noted that South Bend continues to decrease in population with 1980 showing approximately 109 , 000 persons and 1982 showing approximately 107,000 persons . A variety of options are presently being considered: concentrated efforts in small areas with a 2-3 year plan for the area, plus other project in other parts of the City. which fall within the guidelines. They are looking at blocks between 6-12 in nature which would be larger than the former demonstration blocks. There will be a concentrated effort on marketing all of the CD programs. The Committee then reviewed the map of the neighborhood revitalization area which has six smaller areas targeted within it In response to questions by Councilman Taylor, it was noted that direct mailings, pamphlets and staff time would be made available for owner-occupied and rental units. Approximately $800,000 would be earmarked for Bureau of Housing projects. Councilman Puzzello noted that in some respects it sounds similar to various NHS projects. I:t was stressed that persons must be income eligibile i.e. earning no more than 80% of the median income of. the City. /w[[ IN[[[ .0Eam .u.s$[MIM. CO.