HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-26-09 Community and Economic Committee~._
•r'G' ' `~~~•~
~~~~~P~` COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 10-26-09
Timothy Rouse, Chairperson, Community and Economic Development Committee called the
meeting to order at 5:25 p.m.
Committee Members Present: Ann Puzzello, Henry Davis, Karen L. White, Citizen Member
Catherine Andres
Other Councilmember's Present: David Varner, Derek Dieter, Oliver J. Davis, Tom LaFountain
Other's Present: Bill Hollingsworth, Bob Mathia, Phil Byrd, Ann Kolata, Gary Gilot, Pam Meyer,
Rita Kopala, Jeff Vitton, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Dale Devon, John Voorde
Agenda: Bill No. 73-09 -Appropriation EPA Brownfields
Bill No. 09-69 -10 Year Real Property Tax Abatement - 2630 Prairie
Bill No. 09-70 - 5 Year Real Property Tax Abatement -1015 N. Frances
Update Neighborhood Stabilization Project
Bill No. 73-09 -EPA Grant Appropriation for Brownfield Clean-Up
Committee Chair Timothy Rouse called upon Ann Kolata, Senior Planner, Economic
Development Department to make the presentation. She explained the bill asks the Council to
appropriate federal EPA grant dollars to two specific projects identified by the city's Economic
Development Department. The first project involves asbestos removal from a Montessori school.
The other for soil remediation at a former Studebaker site. Maximum eligibility per project if
$200,000. Councilmember White asked how the projects were identified. Ms. Kolata said these
particular projects were waiting in the wings. Otherwise she aid, it was difficult to find qualifying
projects due to federal red tape. Ms. Kolata also admitted it had been 3 or 4 years since the city
sought proposals for use of EPA dollars. Councilmember Rouse suggested casting a wider net in
the future.
On a motion by Citizen Member Catherine Andres seconded by Councilmember White and
affirmed by all the bill was sent to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Bill No. 09-69 -10 Year Tax Abatement for Prairie Apartments Phase II
Bob Mathia from the City's Economic Development Department reported the particulars of the
abatement petition. He described an 8 million dollar 96 unit multi-family housing project. This
phase II would complement phase I of the 128 units already receiving similar abatement. Phase I
is leased fully and there is a 40 family waiting list. Councilmember Rouse then recognized Bill
Hollingsworth, Project Developer, to add to the description. Moving to the public portion of the
hearing Chairperson Rouse recognized Mrs. Horton a Phase I Resident who spoke in support of
the petition.
Chairperson Rouse then accepted a motion from Karen White followed by Councilmember
Puzzello's second and a concurring vote from all the that bill be sent to the Council favorably.
Bill No. 09-70 - 5 Year Residential Tax Abatement for 1015 N. Frances
Chairperson Rouse opened the hearing by calling upon Bob Mathia to report on the petitions
eligibility. In brief, he described the project as asingle-family home valued at $615,000 to be built
having met all eligibility requirements. Home builder Dale Devon elaborated on the construction
noting amenities and timetable. Councilmember Puzzello and Catherine Andres made
appropriate motions which were supported by all to send to Council favorably. Chairperson
Rouse had pointed out prior to the vote that the house was not in a TIF area and would pay over
$33,000 in taxes over the 5 year abatement with only just over $2200 being abated.
Update Neighborhood Stabilization Program
In response to Council requests, Pam Meyer, Director of Community Development provided two
handouts for the Council (Attached.) The first was a "broad view" of federal funding for years
2007 through 2009. Explaining the charts and maps therein she noted the data presented was in
geographic form identifying the activity funded, the dollar amount and the sub-grantee agencies
providing the services. The other handout detailed timelines, activities, and dollars dedicated to
various components of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program in 2009. For these programs
over 4 million dollars was made available by the federal government through the Housing and
Economic Recovery Act to address abandoned and foreclosed properties. Various questions
were asked by the Council of Pam Meyer. Most focused on where and when dollars would be
spent. Ms. Meyer said the focus was on greatest need based upon data collected locally
including information on vacancy, subprime loans, and foreclosures. The amendment Ms. Meyer
offered to the appropriations passed by the Council in May did not affect total dollars available
only the amount for each activity...
After thanking Mrs. Meyer for the information, and there being no further business to come before
the Committee, Chairperson Rouse adjourned the meeting at 6:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Timothy A. Rom, airperson
Community a conomic Development Committee