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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-23-92 Human Resources & Economic Development COMMITTEE REPORT HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE To the Common Council of the City of South Bend: The September 23 , 1992 meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 4 : 37 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Luecke, Ladewski, Puzzello, Washington, Kelly, and Coleman; Marsha Townsend, Elizabeth Leonard, Jon Hunt, Don Porter, Barbara Gatto, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Kelly noted that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the funding for the 1993 Community Development Block Grant Proposals. Mr. Hunt noted that Mayor Kernan wished to be at the meeting, however, he has been delayed. He would have provided an overview. Mr. Hunt then passed out a handout addressing "Continuing the Neighborhood Initiative" (copy attached) and highlighted Community Development's policy direction which will focus upon the Neighborhood Partnership Fund, and human/social services; highlighted Future Orientation by focusing upon the 1994-1996 CDBG program and the possible 1993 CDBG funding increases of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250, 000. 00) to four hundred fifty thousand dollars ($450, 000. 00) , and highlighted the 1993 neighborhood initiatives. Beth Leonard then reviewed a two page handout entitled "1993 CDGB Program Year - Suggested Funding Levels" (two page handout attached) . She noted that approximately 75% of the funding has been earmarked for some type of neighborhood activity. Council President Luecke was concerned that some of the homes in older neighborhoods are not being showed as a part of the reward/home buyer program. It was also noted that Christmas in April in 1993 and 1994 will focus upon the Southeast neighborhood with approximately three hundred and fifty ($350, 000. 00) to four hundred thousand dollars ( $400, 000. 00) being earmarked for that project. Council Member Coleman noted that he is the President of LaCasa and questioned the number of people that would be 1 assisted with the one hundred thousand dollar ($100, 000. 00) figure listed under "HDC/LaCasa" . Mr. Hunt noted that it is anticipated that these monies would be used to leverage the private sector. Council Member Coleman stated that he would like to track this item over the next several weeks. Council Member Ladewski noted that he is on the board to LaSalle Park Homes and was concerned that no request has been made for 1993 . Beth Leonard noted that LaSalle Park Homes has only made a request for 1992 . Council Member Washington questioned whether not for profit status was a criteria during the review process. It was noted that it was not, but that very limited requests to organizations that are of a not for profit status have been granted. Barbara Gatto voiced concern with regard to the northeast neighborhood Project Manager request. She noted that approximately forty-nine (49) homes are currently in the process of being rehabilatated. It was noted that the Near Northwest request would go against the administration cap. It was also noted that since the Near Northwest has a plan, that the office expense request of four thousand five hundred and fifty dollars ($4,550.00) would be justified. Council President Luecke suggested that Near Northwest and the Administration continue to brainstorm for possible other alternatives to keeping the neighborhoods alive. In response to a question raised by Council Member Coleman it was noted that in the revolving loan account that approximately two hundred thousand dollars ($200, 000. 00) has been loaned and that eighty thousand dollars ($80, 000. 00) has been suggested to be added to that account. Repayments are averaging approximately two thousand five hundred dollars (2 ,500. 00) per month. Council Member Puzzello voiced concern over the condition of the Near Northeast Neighborhood Center. She noted that lunchs are provided to the elderly from that location and extensive tutoring also takes place. She stated that the building is continuing to deteriorate. Beth Leonard noted that the roof was replaced several years ago but that building upgrades could be requested for next year. Beth Leonard noted that the "Proposed Statement" would be published on or about October 1 with the final comment day being October 19. A Resolution would then be filed for Council action in November and an appropriation ordinance also being submitted for Council review. The application must be submitted by December 1, 1991. Jon Hunt noted that the city is looking for a model with regard to funding strategies to assist in the development of neighborhood based service delivery programs. He stressed that 1993 would be the last year for funding on the existing program 2 basis since the city will begin focusing the CDBG funded public services into the "neighborhood initiative. " I was noted that all the applications were available for review in the City Clerk's Office. Following further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Roland Kelly, Chairperson Human Resources and Economic Development Committee Attachments 3