HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-28-03 Community Relations (Committee deport
(Community V.tiations (Committee
The July 28, 2003 meeting of the Community Relations Committee was called to order by its
Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte Pfeifer at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting
Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski,Kelly,Pfeifer, King, Varner, White,
Kirsits and Kuspa; City Clerk Loretta Duda, Judy Roshek, Beth Leonard, Terry Bland of the
*out)) sera' tribune and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Pfeifer noted that the meeting was called to hear a presentation on the history and
goals of the St. Joseph County Housing Consortium.
Beth Leonard of Community and Economic Development made the presentation. She noted that
the St. Joseph County Housing Consortium was established in 1991. It was established as a
means to obtain HOME funds. The standards required a need of$ 500,000. In order to meet that
standard South Bend entered into an interlocal agreement with Mishawaka and St. Joseph County.
It needs to be re-authorized every three (3) years. In the last twelve (12) years, $ 12.5 million in
HOME monies have been brought back to the communities, with $ 7 million of that amount
coming to South Bend. Fifteen percent(15%) of the money is to be used for community housing
development organization(CHDO) activities.
Monies have been used for: mortgage subsidy programs through the Housing Assistance Program
with examples of new construction being in Rum Village; HOME Allocations with is a part of the
action plan; assisted South Bend Heritage; assistant the Near Northwest Neighborhood; assisted
the Housing Development Corporation for rental housing in the Monroe Park area;and southeast
housing programs.
Ms. Leonard noted that requirements for HOME is different than CDBG with CDBG funding
various public works projects and social service projects. HOME monies can only be used for
affordable housing for low and moderate income individuals. She noted that HOME has a formula
per unit with financing ranging from 5 to 40 years; whereas CDBG has inspections up front.
HOME units are inspected annually or every other year for rental units.
In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer, it was noted that if a home is built it
would not be regularly inspected after the initial inspection.
Ms. Leonard stated that HUD requires a five (5) year Community Development Plan with the
deadline being next June for 2005-2009. In 1999, for the 2000-2004 Community Development
Plan they utilized three (3) committees which dealt with social services, homelessness and
affordable housing. They developed broad strategies and goals and addressed issues and needs.
Dr. Varner inquired about the results of the 1994 Community Development Plan. Ms. Leonard
noted that it was a different plan and that much of it was bureaucratic paperwork.
Council Member King noted that in 1999 he was a participant on the affordable housing committee
and they began with a zero based approach and that it was non-bureaucratic. They developed a
"comprehensive affordable housing strategy"(CAHS).
Council Member Pfeifer inquired about whether the 2000-2004 goals were achieved with regard to
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July 28, 2003
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social services, homelessness and affordable housing. She inquired whether Ms. Leonard had any
handouts.
Ms. Leonard noted that she did not have any handouts, but noted that there were approximately
sixty (60) goals in the strategy. She noted that it was "basically a mixed bag" as to whether the
goals were met. In the housing area,loans for rehab in the 1st 3 years realized 35% of the goals in
South Bend, however there were problems with lead-based paint, the rising costs of rehab. Now
however they have a waiting list. Ms. Leonard noted that the have "far exceeded their goals" in
social services. Transportation options are included here but are usually not funded.
Council Member Pfeifer inquired as to how the new goals would be established. She inquired as
to what was accomplished as being beneficial to our community. Council Member Pfeifer inquired
about a homelessness update.
Ms. Leonard stated that there are opportunities in the adult education provider area and the child
care area. Ms. Leonard stated that emergency shelter is provided through the emergency shelter
grant with their goal to support and expand in this area, however their goal was not achieved. It
was noted that the YWCA received$ 100,000.
Ms. Leonard further noted that they are using the City Plan for the South Bend portion of the St.
Joseph County Housing Consortium, however there is a timing difference. They will also be
meeting with Mishawaka and St. Joseph County officials. Revisions are permitted.
Council Member Pfeifer inquired about how the three (3) areas were established. Ms. Leonard
stated they are the same three(3) areas that were used before.
Council President White asked how many persons sit on the Board of Directors for the Consortium
and who they were. Council President White requested that when the panels are put together that
the Council be updated as to who is on each panel/committee. Ms. Leonard stated there are six(6)
members with two (2) being Mayoral appointments for each city and two (2) being appointed by
the County Commissioners. She added that all HOME monies go through this board.
Council Member Pfeifer requested Ms. Leonard to provide a written handout on each of the major
areas addressed today which would include all of the sixty(60) goals. She also requested a listing
of past and present members of the various committees.
Ms. Leonard stated that the members of the Board included: Don Fozo, the late Jon Hunt, Jeff
Rea,Lyn Giardi, Beverly Crone and Mark Dobson.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Pfeifer adjourned
the meeting at 3:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Charlotte Pfeifer,Chairperson
Community Relations Committee
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