10-17-88 Personnel & Finance and Residential Neighborhoods

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Joint Meeting of the Personnel and Finance and Residential Neighborhoods Committees 10-17-88 Page 4 situation. He believes that the Mayor is honorable and that the Council should stand behind him on his word. He further stated that the City always has "found the funds" for particular City projects. Councilman Zakrzewski took issue with Councilman Niezgodski and specifically noted that the Alley Program, although committed to by the former Mayor, is not a priority currently because of funding. He further stated that he is in favor of a non-reverting fund to be established. He praised Mayor Kernan however noted that under the current budgetary restraints, money was not prioritized for a hard surface alley program. He further stated that he saw the non-reverting fund as a "good insurance policy" which hopefully would never have to be used. Mr. Watson stated that driveways are replaceable and that the Housing Authority's position was one of if something is not expressly excluded that it would be included. Mr. Watson further stated in a response to a question raised by Councilman Zakrzewski that 34 of the 50 homes have been purchased. None are currently occupied. This is primarily due to the fact that the lead-base paint testing program must be completed first and then maintenance needs must be addressed before residents actually move into the new homes. Councilman Zakrzewski stated that he believed that the fund should be only for external maintenance needs. Councilman Puzzello brought up the example of soft wood versus hard wood and it was noted that the soft wood flooring would require carpeting. Mr. Max Moore, a citizen member of the Personnel and Finance Committee, stated that the Council must look at both the big and small issues of the City. He gave an example of an 18 year old woman living at 901 Lincolnway West where there is no gas or water and that the facility does not meet code. He believed that these are the types of individuals who should be helped. Mr. Watson noted that the area under discussion is not owned by the South Bend Housing Authority. Councilman Luecke further noted that there is a "vacate and seal order" which has been issued by Code Enforcement. He further stated that the Housing Development Corporation is currently looking into the residence to determine if it should be acquired. Following further discussion, Councilman Coleman stated that he believes the Council should be sending a specific message. He then made a motion seconded by Councilman Slavinskas that a sunset provision of 10 years be incorporated into the ordinance. The motion passed 8 to 0. Mr. Watson noted that currently there are 157 single family detached scattered site rental units with 27 being applied