HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-13-92 Human Resources & Economic Development Tommittee &port
HZ,JMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
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The January 13, 1992 meeting of the Humans Resources and Economic Development
Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Rolland Kelly at 5:25
p.m. in the Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Zakrzewski, Duda, Coleman Luecke,
Washington, Kelly, Puzzello, Slavinskas, Ladewski; Sherry Sims, Deputy Director and
Roger Kratzel, Manager of the South Bend Housing Authority, Don Porter, and Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Kelly noted that the first item on the agenda to be reviewed was
Resolution No. 92-4 which would authorize the South Bend Housing Authority to submit
an application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for fifty units of
Section 8 Family Self-Sufficiency Certificates and/or Vouchers.
Mr. Kratzel noted that they are seeking forty vouchers and ten certificates which would be
in effect for five years. This is a new incentive program for self-sufficiency and it would
entitle the South Bend Housing Authority to additional units after 1993.
It was noted that the fifty tenants would have training regarding education,job-training in
order to become self-sufficient. In response to a question raised by Council President
Luecke, it was noted that the fifty units would be in addition to the current number.
Currently there are 1,429 persons on a waiting list as of December 1991. The list is taken
in chronological order. It was also noted that the fifty units is the maximum amount
available at this time. In response to a question raised by Council Member Coleman, it was
noted that there are 1,455 Section 8 units leased as of December of 1991 which involve
approximately 900 landlords. In response to a question raised by Council Member
Slavinskas it was noted that there are two full time inspectors with the Housing Authority.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Kelly, it was noted that the primary
assistance is Section 8 which pays for all or part of the individuals rent. Assistance is
based on family size and income. It was noted that representatives of the Housing
Authority meet the family, and design a program based upon educational and training
needs. A new concept instituted is the "Contract for Participation" which is required by
HUD of the tenants. It was also noted that the program includes a new "Escrow Saving
Account" which, if the individual successfully completes the program and goes off of
public assistance, that they would get the Escrow money back as a positive incentive.
Following further discussion Council Member Slavinskas made a motion, seconded by
Council Member Cleo Washington, that Resolution No. 92-4 be recommended favorably to
Council. The motion passed.
There being no further businesses to come before the Committee the meeting was
adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Roland Kelly, Chairperson
Human Resources and Economic Development Committee