HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-24-03 Community & Economic Development "
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The September 24, 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 Kelly, King, and Kuspa, Director of Financial
and Program Management for Community&Economic Development Beth Leonard,Judy Rosheck
John Sellers, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member King noted that the meeting was called to receive a presentation on the proposed
allocation of CDBG, HOME&ESG funds for 2004.
Beth Leonard made the presentation, and provided a two-page handout entitled"I 1CD Applications
for Program Year 2004" (copy attached). She noted that an "Action Plan" must be submitted to
HUD by November 14th. The Common Council will be asked to approve an appropriation
ordinance at the last meeting in November. She noted that HOME funds are acted upon through a
consortium and as a result Mishawaka's proposed CDBG projects are listed.
Ms. Leonard stated that their is a 20%cap on projects under the"General Administration"category
for a total of $707,000. She noted that the proposal is within $10,000 of the maximum allowed
under the cap. Each of the proposed projects under "General Administration" are bolded on the
handout. Ms. Leonard noted that in the public service area, program income from last year may be
included.
Ms. Leonard stated several applications were late, with each applicant being called before their
application was submitted. She noted that the following entities submitted late applications and as
a result, they have not recommended funding for any of the following:
#70 South Bend Police Department Neighborhood Patrols/Foot-Bike $90,000
#71 South Bend Police Department Neighborhood Watch Program $40,000
#72 South Bend Human Rights Corn. Affirmative Fair Housing Activities $50,000
#74 LaSalle Park District Council LaSalle Fillmore Neighb. Center $10,100
Council Member Kelly inquired whether denying any funds would be considered harsh. Ms.
Leonard stated that each of the entities were contacted when their application did not arrive by the
deadline.
Council Member King noted that last year the General Administration category was at 19.9%. He
inquired what percent is being proposed in this category. Ms. Leonard stated that she did not have
that information available, but would provide it to the Council later.
Ms. Leonard stated that the city is"well under the cap"in the public services area.
Council Member King noted that some of the applications were late last year, however still
received funding. He inquired who makes the decision in this area.
Ms. Leonard stated that Council Member King's recollection is correct. She stated that their
recommendations are made in consultation with the Mayor.
Judy Rosheck stated that there has been a reduction of$110,000 in CDBG from 2002 to 2003.
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Community and Economic Development Committee
September 24, 2003
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Council Member King stated that Ms. Leonard should report that the Committee was"very critical"
of those who did not get their applications filed in a timely manner, and that they should be
reprimanded.
Ms. Leonard stated that the affected entities will not know that they have been proposed to receive
no funding until next Monday. She further noted that they are unaware of any additional program
income or additional re-programming income which will be available.
Ms. Leonard noted that the "SB Housing Repair and Improvement Program" is the former
affordable loan program, which now has a waiting list of over 200. The Near Northwest
Neighborhood Inc. Revitalization program will focus on Cottage and Lindsey. She further noted
that the"ESG"or Emergency Shelter Grant requests are the same as last year.
Ms. Leonard stated that HOME is a consortium of the City of Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, and
the City of South Bend working cooperatively. There is a formula from HUD which includes
program income. $106,000 is unallocated in Mishawaka and St. Joseph County. It is anticipated
that Mishawaka's funds will be proposed for Mary Phillips School. The county's portion is
$40,000 in this area.
In response to a question from Council Member King, Ms. Leonard stated that the funds would be
earmarked for Mishawaka and St. Joseph County,a policy developed in the past.
Council Member Kuspa noted that South Bend Heritage is proposed to receive a great deal of
funding. He inquired about the overall workings of South Bend Heritage and inquired who sits on
their Board of Directors.
Council Member King stated that he should contact them directly at 289-1066 and request an
annual report and brochures, noting that they would be happy to meet with him at their office.
Ms. Leonard noted that South Bend Heritage is required to provide invoices, contracts and
documents on all of their projects. She added that she believes they have been in existence for 25
years.
Council Member King thanked the Community&Economic Development representatives for their
presentation and handout. He requested that if their are any changes,that the Council be updated.
Council Member King then adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Karl King, Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
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Attachment