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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-88 Human Resources & Economic Development atruntOttrt Report HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE duo tl t atmmnwn Council of tit City at 6md1i stub: The August 8, 1988 meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairman Councilman Steve Luecke at 4: 30 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Councilmen: Luecke, Niezgodski, Puzzello, Slavinskas, Zakrzewski, Coleman, Duda, and Voorde; Kathy Baumgartner, Hedy Robinson, Laurie Eckenberger, T. Brooks Brademas, James Wensits, Ann Kolata, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Councilman Luecke noted that the first item on the agenda was to discuss Bill No. 32-88 which would .appropriate $53,000.00 for an emergency shelter grant. Kathy Baumgartnerhoted,that the grant wag` in two amounts $46, 000.00 and $7,000.00 and would be used top renovate the Gilbert's building. She noted that there would be support systems throughout the building and that it would be open twenty-four hours a day. She noted that there has been a huge community effort with regard to this project of housing the homeless. COPOSH will review and monitor the renovation project, and between $250,000.00 to $400,000. 00 would be needed to renovate the building. The primary costs involve safety and privacy renovations. The overall building is very structurally sound. As of this date bids on the renovation have not taken place. Mrs. Baumgartner further noted that the United Religious Community would be the coordinating agency with Mr. Steve Newton being the Manager of the building. Notre Dame students would be staffing the facility as "crew leaders". Upon a question being raised by Councilman Duda, it was noted that individuals or organizations who wish to participate in the project should contact Mr. Steve Newton. Upon a question being raised by Councilman Luecke the Committee was advised that more entitlement funds are anticipated. In response to a question from Councilman Coleman, it was noted that the building is anticipated to be open by October 1st. Upon further favorable comments, Councilman Coleman made a motion seconded by Councilman Slavinskas that Bill No. 32-88 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Councilman Luecke then noted that he had received a letter from Mr. John Phair who wished that Bill No. 38-88 and Resolution No. 88-24 be continued. This request was being made since the committee's report from a sub-committee from the Center City Associates could be heard by the full body. 1 No copies of the recommendations had been received by the City at this time. Upon a motion being made by Councilman Slavinskas and seconded by Councilman Coleman Bill No. 38-88 and Resolution No. 88-24 were recommended to be continued until September 12, 1988. The motion passed. Councilman Luecke then noted that Mr. T. Brooks Brademas had requested to be heard under miscellaneous to voice concerns with regard to difficulties he is experiencing with the Human Rights Commission. Mr. Brademas noted he has been involved with providing housing for low and moderate income families for the past 25 years. He also noted that over 35 years ago he was a volunteer with the American Friend Service Committee which was begun by the Quackers. He then brought to the Committee's attention the fact that a claim from a Mishawaka resident had been filed against him through the Human Rights Commission. He questioned the jurisdiction of this and believed that the charge was totally unfounded. He further stated that in his opinion the Human Rights Commission is doing a "disservice" to South Bend. He further stated that he believes that the commission members are "scared to death" of Executive Director Mary Allen. Mr. Brademas stated that the claimant has been a tenant of his for over 9 years and that during this period of time she had been delinquent with her rent over 30 times and had presented "NSF" checks on several ocassions. He noted that the facility in question has 154 apartments and that 33% of those are rented by minorities even though Mishawaka has less than a 1% minority rate. He believed that unless this case could be resolved, that he may be suing the City for harassment. Mr. Brademas then brought to the Committee's attention a second case involving an individual which was turned down by the South Bend Housing Authority for assistance. Mr. Brademas suggested "doing away with the staff of the Human Rights Commission". Councilman Voorde noted that the Human Rights Commission is under the umbrella of Mr. Hunt's Department and inquired whether Mr. Brademas had had conversations with that department. He noted that he had. In summary, Mr. Brademas stated that he questioned jurisdiction, the process and timeliness of complaints, the 2 s . question of the overall mission of the Human Rights Commission, and the roll they play in education. Councilman Luecke, Councilman Puzzello, and the Council Attorney all noted that the Human Rights Commission would be having their budget reviewed this Thursday and that many of the broader questions raised by Mr. Brademas could be addressed at that time. The Council Attorney noted that the specifics of the cases could not be dealt with since they are ongoing, and because the Council played no role in that process. The overall procedures and policies of the commission could be reviewed however. Councilman Puzzello voiced concern about the role that the Human Rights Commission was playing with regard to the accusations against Mr. Brademas. Mr. Brademas stated that he is outraged since he has made housing for the poor at moderately low income, a committment for the past 25 years. He believed the current situation with the Human Rights Commission was "intolerable". Following summary comments by Councilman Luecke, the meeting was adjoured at 5:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Councilman Steve Luecke, Chairman Human Resources and Economic Develpment Committee SL:srk 3