HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-23-04 Community & Economic Development The South Bend Common Council's Standing Committee Report from the
Community and Economic Development Committee
The September 23, 2004 meeting of the Community and Economic Development
Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 4:03 p.m.,
in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Kelly, Puzzello, and Kuspa,
Community and Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, Director of
Financial & Program Management Beth Leonard, Judy Rosheck, John Sellers, and Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney.
Council Member Kelly noted that the Committee meeting was called in order to receive a
presentation on the 2005 requests for the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG),
HOME,and Emergency Shelter Grant(ESG)funding recommendations.
Director of Financial & Program Management Beth Leonard provided a two-page
handout to the Committee (copy attached). It detailed the HCD applications for program year
2005. It noted that administration expenses are limited to a 20%cap of$697,168 and that public
services were limited to a 15%cap of$546,576.
Ms. Leonard stated that the proposed allocations are subject to a mandatory 30-day
comment period which would run from September 27, 2004 to November 1, 2004. In response
to a question, she noted that the proposed allocations are not posted on the City's website.
Ms. Leonard stated that Mayor Luecke would like to have a separate meeting on the $21
million item listed under the South Bend Dept. of Redevelopment for a "Studebaker/Oliver
redevelopment" under section 570.201(d) to address "slum/blight" conditions. This may be a
separate request to the federal government. In response to a question from Council Member
Puzzello,it was noted that if the$21 million request goes forward that it would be in the form of
a loan.
Some of the major changes included: moving the Youth Development Commission so
that they are under the guidelines for public service; ARC Angels requested $30,000 however
they did not submit their information on time and there are some questions on their financials
which could be addressed and they could be added in at the end of the comment period;
Neighborhood Watch submitted their paper work late last year but were on time this year for
their $90,000 request; REAL Services did not reapply for a $12,000 which was used for their
guardianship program; and LaSalle Park District Council did not reapply for monies for the
LaSalle Fillmore Neighborhood Center.
Council Member Puzzello inquired about possible funding for the Near Northeast
Neighborhood Center.
Ms. Leonard stated that there are difficulties in adding new agencies, however there is
always a possibility. Applications are due August 1st of each year and application forms are
available in mid-June.
Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting of September 23,2004 Page 1
The South Bend Common Council's Standing Committee Report from the
Community and Economic Development Committee
In response to a question, Judy Rosheck noted that the Youth Development Commission
has a website and that one of their main functions is to work with other agencies where they train
volunteers. She noted that they also have a program where they test businesses and whether they
sell cigarettes to underage individuals. She added that monthly reports are sent to their office
which the Council could review.
Council Member Kuspa inquired about how the monies are allocated. Ms. Leonard
stated that claims are submitted for reimbursement. There is a process of monitoring and
reviewing their books.
Ms. Leonard stated that overall there is a 4% decrease in CDBG funds from 2004 to
2005. Reprogrammed monies are monies not spent in the previous year and may be between
$400,000 to $475,000. Program income is projected to be$220,000 for 2005.
Ms. Leonard then summarized the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) requests which are
roughly the same as this year. She noted that HOME funds will bring in approximately $ 1
million for South Bend. This is a project with the City of Mishawaka and St. Joseph County.
ADDI stands for American Dream Downpayment Initiative and would be an additional $70,000
in federal dollars. ADDI is a new program which began last year.
Ms. Leonard stated that HUD requests are limited to six(6) times the block grant as the
maximum amount for loans of the Section 108 debt. There is a $3.3 million debt now with an
additional $ 5 million outstanding, thus bringing the $21 million amount down to $13 million.
70%of CDBG monies must be spent on low/moderate programs.
Sharon Kendall noted that they are waiting on Congressional action.
Ms. Leonard stated that first reading by the Council would take place in late October and
the public hearing would take place at the 1st Council meeting in November.
Council Member Kuspa inquired about the Stone Soup Community, noting that many
poor people have too much pride to participate in such programs. Judy Rosheck stated that they
provide counseling and advocacy programs.
In response to a question, Sharon Kendall stated that she would look into whether there
are any agencies that provide an easy to read brochure which sets forth the many shelter, food,
etc programs which are available.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kelly
adjourned the meeting at 4:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Roland Kelly,Chairperson
Community and Economic Development Committee
KCF:kmf Attachment
Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting of September 23,2004
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