HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-09-09 Community & Economic Development Committee~iti=a~
~'~~ COMMUNITY 8~ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD COMMITTEE November 9, 2009
Chairperson Rouse called the joint meeting of the Community and Economic Development and
Residential Neighborhood Committees to order at 3:20 p.m.
Community and Economic Development Committee Members Present: Timothy Rouse,
Chairperson, Ann Puzzello, Henry Davis, Jr., Karen L. White, Catherine Andres, Citizen Member
Residential Neighborhood Committee Members Present: Timothy Rouse, Chairperson, Karen L.
White, AI "Buddy" Kirsits, Derek Dieter
Other Councilmember's Present: Tom LaFountain
Other's Present: Rita Kopala, Martha Lewis, Phil Byrd, Pam Meyer, Gregg Zientara, Mayor
Luecke, Tom Price, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Gary Gilot
Agenda: Bill No. 85-09 -Appropriation CDBG
Bill No. 86-09 -Transfer CDBG Funds
With a quorum present, Chairperson Rouse, of both CED and Residential Neighborhood
Committees in a joint hearing opened the meeting by introducing the presenter of Bills 85-09 &
86-09, Pam Meyer, Director, Community Development. Pam began with a background overview
of the CDBG grant allocation process leading up to the transfer and appropriation requests in
these bills. Most importantly was the continued shift of dollars from public services to
neighborhood revitalization efforts initiated by the administration and endorsed by the Council in
previous years. She said this would be the last year of a four year plan to wean public service
funding from the CDBG budget. The emphasis would be to reinforce efforts to create, home
ownership opportunities for low and moderate income families. Ms. Meyer said only two
proposals were rejected, one finding funding elsewhere.
Councilmember Henry Davis, quoting a '07 press release from the city, said two years ago 400
vacant and abandoned homes were slated for demolition. What progress had been he asked?
Gary Gilot, Director of Public Works, stated 390 houses had been demolished to date.
Councilmember Henry Davis then asked the Mayor if any private dollars had been invested in the
neighborhoods in most need. The Mayor said the focus was still necessarily on clearing blight
before private dollars could be persuaded to invest. Councilmember Henry Davis felt a way to do
both was needed. He also wondered how progress in efforts to revitalize neighborhoods could be
or was being measured.
Councilmember Rouse interjected concerns about the openness of the CDBG application
process. He felt while legal requirements may have been met, the process was no inclusive
enough. More awareness in the community should be developed. As well, subcontractors
should file development plans and periodic progress reports to the Council. Only that way could
the Council measure attainment of goals. Next year, he added, changes would be required. In
her department's defense, Pam Meyer said all federal funds required adherence to a
comprehensive five (5) year plan put together and monitored by a public process subsequently
ratified by the Council. Councilmember Rouse stated the Council has the ultimate responsibility
to oversee expenditures and measure their effective use. He said the grant application may have
met the legal requirements, but was devoid of public input. Only five (5) members of the public
were counted in the minutes of the departments "open" meetings. He felt this indicated while the
city was meeting HUD's legal requirements it was deficient in meeting HUD's moral imperative.
Councilmember Dieter noted his possible conflict disclosure on file in that some dollars were to
be used for increased foot patrols for the South Bend Police Department. On a motion by
Councilmember Puzzello followed by a second from Catherine Andres both bills were affirmed
with favorable recommendation.
Under miscellaneous Councilmember Dieter questioned the Mayor about possible tax revenue
shortfalls in the Eddy Commons area. The Mayor said construction of the full-service hotel was
delayed due to tight finance markets. Still bond payments would be made without tapping the
general fund. The Mayor also said he expected the Hall of Fame to remain open through 2010.
There being no further business to come before either committee, Chairperson Rouse adjourned
the meeting at 3:56 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
~~~
Timothy A. Rous ~ airperson
Community & Economic Development Committee
Residential Neighborhood Committee