HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-23-03 Community & Economic Development rte_
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The June 23, 2003 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called
to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karl King at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Informal
Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Pfeifer, White, Coleman, Kelly,
Kuspa, Kirsits and King; Elizabeth Leonard, Terry Bland of the gout Otn4 tribunt and
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member King called for a presentation on Bill No. 03-62 which is a five (5) year
residential real property tax abatement request of Rufus and Ursula Chatman for the property
located at 140 Lake Street.
In light of no one being present to address Bill No. 03-62, Council Member King suggested that it
be delayed and that a presentation on Bill No. 03-63 be made.
Beth Leonard of Community and Economic Development noted that Bill No. 03-62 would approve
an agreement re-establishing the St. Joseph County Housing Consortium and would authorize the
execution of the agreement by the city. Ms. Leonard noted that the consortium was established in
1991. Approximately $ 1 million is utilized each year. Through HUD plans must be established
every five (5) years with the draft required to be done by June 2004. South Bend is working with
the City of Mishawaka and the Council Commissioners and have met with both.
Council Member Pfeifer suggested that monthly meetings be considered to assure input from the
various communities.
Beth Leonard stated that they would be following the City Plan process. Two (2) meeting have
been held with Mishawaka and county officials.
Council Member Pfeifer suggested that at the July 28th meeting of the Community Relations
Committee that Ms. Leonard provide a history of the consortium in greater detail and address its
future goals and initiatives. Council Member Pfeifer noted that there are very real housing
challenges in our community and that this information would be important to review.
Council Member King noted that the consortium has its own Board made up of representatives
form South Bend, Mishawaka and St. Joseph County.
In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer, Ms. Leonard noted that St. Jude's House
is not under the Aids Ministries.
No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to the Bill.
Following discussion, Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member
Kuspa that Bill No. 03-63 be recommended favorably to Council.
The petitioners for Bill No. 03-62 were not present. Accordingly, Council Member Kelly made a
motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 03-62 be continued until July 14th,due
to no presenters being present. The motion passed.
Community and Economic Development
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June 23, 2003
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There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member King adjourned
the meeting at 3:37 p.m.
At 3:50 p.m. Council Member King reconvened the Community and Economic Development
Committee in order to hear a presentation on Bill No. 03-62.
Rufus and Ursula Chatman, and Terry O'Brien of the Community and Economic Development
Committee were now present Council Member King asked Mr. O'Brien to give a report to the
Committee.
Council Member Kelly made a motion to rescind his prior motion to continue Bill No. 03-62 to
July 14th, seconded by Council Member Kuspa. The motion passed.
Terry O'Brien noted that Mike Beitzinger is on vacation and that he would review his report dated
June 16, 2003 (copy attached). The petitioners, Mr. and Mrs. Chatman plan to place a 1,908
square foot manufactured home on the property. The total project cost is $ 73,500. The report
concluded that the petitioners meet the qualifications for a five-year residential tax abatement under
§ 2-77.1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing"single family real property abatement"
Mr. Chatman apologized to the Committee, noting that he and his wife were at a closing in Elkhart
and were delayed. He noted that their home would be located on one (1) acre of land and that he
and his wife are excited about their new home.
Following discussion, Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member
Kuspa,that Bill No. 03-62 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member King adjourned
the meeting at 4:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Karl King, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
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