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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-08-04 Community Relations Committee The November 8, 2004 meeting of the Community Relations Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer at 5:18 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits and White; Director of the Division of Community Development Pam Meyer, Executive Director of the Department of Community &Economic Development Sharon Kendall, Rita Kopola, Director of Economic Development Don Inks, Judy Rosheck, John Sellers, Ann Kolata, , Mary Beth McAdams, Corey Hall, a member of the news media and Kathy Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney. Council Member Pfeifer noted that the meeting was called to receive updates on MACOG and NRC. Mary Beth McAdams and Corey Hall of MACOG then addressed the committee. Ms. McAdams who deals primarily in the transit area noted that MACOG has representatives from Marshall, Elkhart and St. Joseph counties. Their budget is between $3-$4 million, with this year's budget being $3.4 million. It also encompasses the St. Joseph River Commission. South Bend is not a paying member of MACOG, but St. Joseph County pays $90,000 per year. Mayor Luecke and Dr. Varner are the representatives to MACOG from South Bend. They meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m. It was noted that cabs in Elkhart County are subsidized. In the Summer of 1999 there were two(2)bus routes in Elkhart County. Council Member Pfeifer inquired about a link between South Bend and Elkhart. Ms. McAdams stated that that is a part of their long-range plans. Mr. Hall stated that it is in the 20-year horizon, since a forecasting model for traffic is required. The 2025 plan will be brought up to date to 2035. In 1994, they contracted with United Limo to provide service, but it was under-utilized. Council President White inquired about the process of adopting new routes, noting that there is a new senior-citizen complex at Mayflower. Ms. McAdams stated that this would be addressed by TRANSPO. Council Member Kirsits inquired about the St. Joseph River Commission. It was noted that it was founded as a result of a state law and covers seven (7) counties. It addresses water quality concerns. Such persons as Jack Dillon sit on the Commission. Documents are available on the website: MACOG.COM Mr. Corey had two (2) MACOG documents with him, one addressing Unified Planning and the 2005-2007 Transportation Improvement Program which is a 3-year program and includes Kosiousko County. It was noted that Elkhart and St. Joseph counties are in non-attainment areas. Community Relations Committee November 8,2004 Page 1 • Community cR ations eommittex Council Member Pfeifer requested that a copy of both of the two (2) documents referenced by Mr. Corey be filed with the Office of the City Clerk so that the Council Members could review them. Mr. Corey noted that the copies he had with him today were his personal copies,but that he would see that other copies are filed. Council Member Pfeifer thanked the MACOG representatives for their updates. Pam Meyer,the Director of the Division of Community Development, then provided an update on NRC formerly known as NRTC. Council Member Pfeifer is on NRC. Ms. Meyer noted that this group began in 1993 and is composed of eighteen (18) people, 12 from neighborhood organizations and groups, and others representing IU South Bend, Notre Dame, Bethel College. $100,000 is available for grants, and scholarships are available for conferences and training. She noted that a workshop will take place this Thursday. She then provided a handout which included a color brochure entitled "Building Neighborhoods one block at a time--NRTC--Neighborhood Resources & Technical Services Corporation" and a 16-page handout entitled "Presentation to Community Relations Committee, Common Council of South Bend, South Bend"(copy attached). Ms. Meyer then highlighted some of that material. Council Member Pfeifer noted that NRC is one of the most pratical things done in our community. She would like NRC to host a conference and believes it is a very valuable entity. Ms. Meyer added that one of their recent initiatives was to put forth a legislative effort addressing fireworks. There being no further business to come before the committee, Council Member Pfeifer adjourned the meeting at 5:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer, Chairperson Community Relations Committee KCF:kmf Attachments Community Relations Committee November 8,2004 Page 2