01-13-92 Human Resources & Economic Development

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Tommittee &port HZ,JMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ea tic Qiumnwn Moonlit of tits Qlity of 6outli *nth: The January 13, 1992 meeting of the Humans Resources and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Rolland Kelly at 5:25 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Zakrzewski, Duda, Coleman Luecke, Washington, Kelly, Puzzello, Slavinskas, Ladewski; Sherry Sims, Deputy Director and Roger Kratzel, Manager of the South Bend Housing Authority, Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Kelly noted that the first item on the agenda to be reviewed was Resolution No. 92-4 which would authorize the South Bend Housing Authority to submit an application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for fifty units of Section 8 Family Self-Sufficiency Certificates and/or Vouchers. Mr. Kratzel noted that they are seeking forty vouchers and ten certificates which would be in effect for five years. This is a new incentive program for self-sufficiency and it would entitle the South Bend Housing Authority to additional units after 1993. It was noted that the fifty tenants would have training regarding education,job-training in order to become self-sufficient. In response to a question raised by Council President Luecke, it was noted that the fifty units would be in addition to the current number. Currently there are 1,429 persons on a waiting list as of December 1991. The list is taken in chronological order. It was also noted that the fifty units is the maximum amount available at this time. In response to a question raised by Council Member Coleman, it was noted that there are 1,455 Section 8 units leased as of December of 1991 which involve approximately 900 landlords. In response to a question raised by Council Member Slavinskas it was noted that there are two full time inspectors with the Housing Authority. In response to a question raised by Council Member Kelly, it was noted that the primary assistance is Section 8 which pays for all or part of the individuals rent. Assistance is based on family size and income. It was noted that representatives of the Housing Authority meet the family, and design a program based upon educational and training needs. A new concept instituted is the "Contract for Participation" which is required by HUD of the tenants. It was also noted that the program includes a new "Escrow Saving Account" which, if the individual successfully completes the program and goes off of public assistance, that they would get the Escrow money back as a positive incentive. Following further discussion Council Member Slavinskas made a motion, seconded by Council Member Cleo Washington, that Resolution No. 92-4 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. There being no further businesses to come before the Committee the meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Roland Kelly, Chairperson Human Resources and Economic Development Committee