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•CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK <br /> responded there are 12-13 code inspectors total with (1) Chief Building Inspector—(8) Inspectors <br /> (Neighborhood and Enforcement Services Team), (4) RSVP Inspectors. Councilmember Whtie <br /> asked whether the inspectors are complaint driven or if they are out in the neighborhoods.Mr. Bauer <br /> responded that the inspectors are responsible for a specific geographic area. If the inspector receives <br /> a complaint, the inspector is responsible for the investigation in their designated area. <br /> Councilmember White inquired about the number of Code Enforcement <br /> citations that have been issued and the number of hearings that have taken place to date. Mr. Bauer <br /> responded there has been 9,839 environmental violations YTD, 393-Housing Violations (unsafe <br /> building law-254 and securing a building that is exposed-139) for a total YTD issuance of citations <br /> at slightly over$10,000. <br /> Councilmember Canneth Lee and Caleb Bauer discussed the funds that had been allotted to certain <br /> initiatives, such the Home Repair Program, but had not yet been used, as well as the schedule for <br /> spending them.There was more discussion about how DCI intends to work with contractors to recruit <br /> them to manage the Home Repair Program's capacity and resident interest. Councilmember Lee <br /> asked how DCI is engaging minority contractors and assisting them with some of the upfront costs <br /> of materials for the Home Repair Program. Mr. Bauer responded they are limited to how they can <br /> scope programming around race; however, they have noticed an opportunity for growth in small <br /> contracting businesses. <br /> There was dialogue between Councilmember Tomas Morgan and Caleb Bauer about the price of <br /> demolitions and what DCI was doing to make property owners accountable for their negligence. <br /> Councilmember Hamann and Caleb Bauer had a discussion on the conditions of the Weather <br /> Amnesty Program. There was also dialogue on the crossover roles of employees from VPA to Code <br /> Enforcement and their assistance with the maintenance of vacant lots. <br /> Mr. Bauer continued his presentation with the New Neighborhood Housing Plan. The goal is to use <br /> a comprehensive strategy to reduce appraisal gap citywide and spur new housing development on <br /> vacant lots.There is continued focus on vacancy reduction and supporting the Housing Authority of <br /> South Bend. The Choice Neighborhoods Initiative grant application is planned in 2024. This is a <br /> HUD grant program that has been modified for the renewal and rehabilitation of housing. <br /> DCI has goals to submit applications for grants to use towards securing more affordable housing <br /> development.Mr.Bauer indicated DCI intends to use ARP funds to scale home repair programming <br /> that is focused on life-safety repairs and those that preserve the current housing stock,with focus on <br /> Census tracts with the highest poverty rates. DCI would like to start first with the targeted <br /> investments in neighborhoods that have significant repairs and then take a broader look and making <br /> sure there is access city wide for smaller repairs that are still necessary to preserve the vibrancy of <br /> city neighborhoods. The underlying goal is to preserve the housing stock that exists within the city's <br /> historic neighborhoods. <br /> Mr. Bauer discussed the Vibrant Places and they DCI does not have an annual budget request for <br /> this program in the 2024 budget. Funding for this program has already been appropriated through <br /> ARP Small Business Assistance. There is the potential to revisit the Council in 2025 to match past <br /> EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT <br /> 455 County-City Building 1227 W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend,Indiana 46601!p 574.235.9221 f 574.235.9173 TTD574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov <br /> 3 <br />