11-23-98 Community & Economic Development

Home Browse Search

Community anity and Economic Development Committee Sober 23, 1998 Page 2 shareholder of the project noted that he wants to make sure that there is absolutely no hint of impropriety with regard to this financing mechanism and therefore has asked for the continuance. Council Member Sniadecki made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pfeifer that Bill No. 95-98 be continued to December 14th and be retained at the Committee level for further review. The motion passed. Dr. Varner noted that he had discussed with Council Members Aranowski and Ujdak and the Council Attorney his desire to receive more information from the Business Development Corporation (BDC)with regard to loans. He has asked the Council Attorney to look into formalizing a process whereby the Council would receive information when loans are initiated and then would receive quarterly updates on the same. Council President Coleman noted that the Council has members on the BDC and that better communication with the membership should always be encouraged. Council Member Udjak is a BDC member. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 96-98 which would appropriate$ 138,000 received from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for emergency shelter grant programs. Elizabeth Leonard made the presentation. She noted that this action would follow a thirty-thy public comment period where no comments were received. Council Member Pfeifer voiced concern with regard to proposed funding for the Aids Task Force of the St. Joseph County Health Department. She noted that clients are now taken care of by the Aids Ministry Aids Assistance. Ms. Leonard noted that the funds would be for utility expenses and homeless prevention. Council Member Pfeifer noted that this program has changed since last year. She further noted that Aids Ministry Aids Assistance did apply for assistance and were denied. Council Member Ujdak inquired as to whether Aids Ministry Aids Assistance would qualify to receive funds. Ms. Leonard stated that they did apply and funds could be used for operations and essential services such as counseling, health care and homeless prevention. Following discussion, Council Member Pfeifer made a motion, seconded by Council Member Sniadecki that Bill No. 96-98 be continued to December 14th and be retained at the Committee level for further review. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 97-98 which would appropriate$3,749,000 from the Community Development Block Grant Fund together with Bill No. 100-98 which would transfer$766,300 amount various accounts within the Department of Community and Economic Development. Elizabeth Leonard noted that both Bills deal with CDBG funds. Two (2) public hearing where held on October 15th with regard to these measures. The Urban League gave comments and requested that their application be re-examined. Ms. Leonard noted that the City is near its cap in this area. The City administration has agreed to look at other possible funding sources.