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Home My WebLink About07-17-84 Human Resources & Economic Development Qlummtllrr Rr.pnri OD At &m um ()Sound' of 11 r OltIg of fimni lira HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The July 17, 1984 meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Development Committee was called to •order by its Chairman, Councilman Eugenia _, Braboy at 4 :05 p.m. in theCouncil informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Paszek, Braboy, Serge, Beck, Puzzello, Zakrzewski and Voorde, Jon Hunt, Colleen Rosenfeld, Jeff Gibney, members of the new media, Craig Hartzer, Glenda Rae Hernandez, .Janet Holston, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Councilman Braboy noted that the purpose of the meeting was to continue the discussion regarding the earlier proposed ordinance addressing slum and blight. She hoped that the Committee could resolve the exact terminology which would- be used as well as to decide who would be serving as the final approving authority. She then called upon Mrs. Rosenfeld to give an update. A letter dated July 13th addressed to Councilman Braboy from Mrs. Rosenfeld was then passed out to the 'Committee (copy attached) . It was noted that the "slum and blight language" presently comes from the Federal regulations . The legal department has determined that this same terminology would not have to be included. Mrs. Rosenfeld noted that six districts had been proposed with any other area being open for consideration. She noted that since the ordinance was filed her department has made further study. She is attempting to maximize: ; the amount of_ input as much as possible. Councilman Braboy proposed that "targeted areas" be used instead of slum and blighted areas. Councilman Puzzello noted that there may be confusion in that NHS uses the same terminology. Councilman Braboy inquired whether there would be a legal problem and was advised by the.:Council Attorney that legally it could be done however she recommended that different teminology be considered so that the public would nat be confused. She then. suggested the term "impact areas" since this terminology was no longer being used under the current tax abatement laws. Councilman Serge complimented Chuch Beards who has done a "tremendous job" remodeling 4-5 homes in the first district. Councilman Paszek also praised his work. Mrs. Rosenfeld noted that individual buildings would not qualify however, the program maybe used for individuals who are over income. Following further discussion Councilman Puzzello made a motion seconded by Councilman Beck that the terms "impact area"' be used instead of "slum and blighted" . The motion passed unanimously. The second concern addressed by the Committee was who should make the final decision. Mrs. Rosenfeld suggested that the Citizen Advisory Council -serve in an advisory capacity with the Board of Public Works and Common Council , serving co-equally. Councilman Beck requested that Council be the final authority and was advised that the Board of Public Works could serve in an advisory' capacity as it does in vacation petitions and scrap and junk yard licensing. Councilman Braboy suggested that the Board "review- and recommend" and the Council have the final say. Councilman Puzzello desired the Board and the Council to share the responsibility equally, however Councilman Zakrzewski also recommended that the Board be advisory with the Council making the final decisions. Councilman Serge agreed with the Council having the final •..0 •.q. .US .V•L•••■• CO. - - • • Page 2. authority and thought that all areas of the City could have a "piece of the pie Jon Hunt noted that the controlling factor would be the CD budget . and that expectations should not be raised if funds are not available. Mrs. Rosenfeld noted that her staff would work with everyone and that existing programs would be utilized first. Councilman Braboy noted that "we can not please everyone" and was advised that funds would be applied for on .a yearly basis, Councilman.Beck stated that there have been few confrontations in the past and that the Council should have final approval. She noted that she is "tired of passing power to an appointed board" . Councilman Paszek stated that since the Council is responsible to the people that the buck should stop with the Council. Mr, Jeff Gibney was pleased that revisions to the ordinance were being considered and hoped that the Council would remain a part of the decision making process. Following further discussion Councilman Beck seconded by Councilman Braboy that the Citizens Advisory Council and the Board of Public Works be advisory in. nature and review and recommend to the Common-Council who would have the final authority. The motion passed 2-1 with Councilman Braboy and Beck in the majority and Councilman Puzzello ' in the minority. Councilman Beck stated that she had been advised that in the past various CAC members had complained that their input was not important and that they did not have access to needed information. Mrs. Rosenfeld stated that CAC has not been required since 1982 however the City decided to maintain this -Board and furnishes copies of all material to each member. Councilman Beck complimented her on continuing:.: CAC since it far exceeds the requirements. Mr. Jon Hunt then reviewed a memorandum 'dated July 16th addressing business incentives. (copy attached) He noted that this was just a :thumbnail sketch from all of the various programs. He added that another program could be added which is a direct loan from the State which requires the City to guarantee a loan through a general obligation bond. Councilman Braboy thanked the staff for their presentation and requested everyone to revi.ew ....all of the tax abatement material so that they bring further recommendations to another meeting of her Committee. 'Councilman Beck. made a motion seconded by Councilman Puzzello that the . meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 5 : 00. Respectfully submitted, Eugenia Braboy, Chairman