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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-97 Personnel & Finance Qtommitt*s Z port: Personnel and Finance Committee 'o the COMM QCOuntil Of t t tag Of SOutb glitttb: The September 9, 1997 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Vice-Chairperson, Council Member David Varner at 3:00 p.m. in the council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Kelly, Pfeifer, Varner, and Broden; Cathy Roemer, Tom Skarbek, Beth Leonard, Jon Hunt, Sherri Phipps, Kathy Baumgartner,Pam Myers, Ann Kolata,Terry Bland and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND NOS. 212-1002--- 310-0401 1997 Revenue: $ 40.269.280 1997 Expenses: $38.058.526 1998 Revenue: $ 42.803.035 1998 Expenses: $ 42.643.636 Dr. Varner noted that the focus of the initial portion of today's Committee meeting would be upon: Redevelopment Fund No. 212-1002 Economic Development-General Administration Fund No. 212-1003 Business Assistance Fund No. 212-1006 Housing Assistance Fund No. 212-1007 Planning&Neighborhood Development Fund No. 212-1009 Economic Development(General Fund) Fund No. 101-1001 Redevelopment Commission-Studebaker Bond Fund No. 310-0401 Mr. Jon Hunt and Beth Leonard then presented an overview of the proposed budgets. In response to a question raised by Council Member Pfeifer,its was noted that the funding process for CDBG funds begins with a legal advertisement in June. The process is as follows: 1. Applications are sent out 2. Applications are due in August 3. Applications are reviewed for eligibility 4. Recommendation are made in September 5. Public comment at two (2) public hearings one in South Bend& one in Mishawaka during the month of October It was further noted that Council Member Broden has called a meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee for September 25, 1997 to review the applications. Council Member Varner requested further updates on the Blackthorn development with regard to real properties and assessed values. Ann Kolata noted the difficulty of tracking all of the key numbers in the Assessor's office. Personnel and Finance Committee September 9, 1997 Page 2 Council Member Pfeifer thanked Kathy Baumgartner for the classes sponsored through the Bureau of Housing. Ms.Baumgartner noted that as the program changes from federal to private sponsorship that she is emphasizing more involvement of people into the programs;better marketing; and better processing times. Mr.Hunt highlighted attempting to focus on non-traditional neighborhoods such as the vicinity of the Riley High School area and not to be tied to federal requirements which oftentimes become cumbersome. President Kelly noted that the Christmas in April Program has been in effect for ten (10) years. He appreciated the new emphasis on quality instead of numbers and recommended an evaluation of properties assisted and their current status. Council Member Pfeifer also appreciated the two-year emphasis in an area. Discussion took place on the "Citywide Development Asst"proposed at $ 14,649. Ann Kolata noted that this person would assist in providing information to individuals that is not being provided by the Realtors or by Project Future. Council Member Pfeifer suggested a better emphasis on diversity in all aspects of planning and development. She noted the increasing need for a special emphasis on access to governmental services. Such diversity would include but not be limited to making services more user friendly for individuals with disabilities (physical and otherwise), to those where English is not their primary language, as well as a better awareness of needs due to age,health conditions,race, etc. In response to a question raised by Council Member Broden it was noted that there will be 8,000 square feet of store front available in the Robertson's building. Alot of start up stores are interested, however Jeff Gibney believes that a major retailer may have an announcement in the near future. Dr. Varner suggested looking at the Ironwood/Calvert area as a potential area for a Partnership Center in the 5th District. He suggested that preservation of an area before it becomes a problem should be pursued by the department. The Council Attorney raised several questions on behalf of Council Member Udjak who was unable to be present at the Committee meeting. Mr. Hunt noted that the top CED priority projects for 1998 would be: 1. Increased effectiveness of partnership centers 2. More emphasis on community planning 3. Expansion of the development area near the airport utilizing more state funding 4. Completing all acquisitions in the Sample-Ewing area 5. Prepare for the next round of development and a stronger CCA in the downtown and East Bank area. Mr. Hunt also noted the need for better data collection. With regard to the revitalized Western Business Council, Mr. Hunt noted that John Stark would be providing information which would address commercial strip planning, increased membership, determining who is involved,and diversity. Personnel and Finance Committee September 9, 1997 Page 3 STUDEBAKER BOND FUND NO. 310 1997: $489,097 1998: $ 809,083 Cathy Roemer noted that the levy was not high enough for the bond. As a result, the City must bring it up (as reflected above)to bring it current. She noted that the levy is set annually. The shortfall is set at$ 191,515. It was further noted that the bond would be paid off in February 2006. CENTURY CENTER FUND NO. 670 1997: $ 2,732,978 1998: $2,679,298 Brian Hedman, Liz Rowe, Cleo Hickey, Christina Butler, and Ed Ehlers then joined the Committee members. Mr. Hedman noted that the budget has been revised so that it is now a balanced budget. A new cafe would be introduced on the main floor level to meet the growing demand in this area. By next year, the Century Center will own all of its energy management equipment. Mr. Ehlers, Treasurer, noted that the Century Center is the catalytic agent for the downtown. He then reviewed the debt service. He noted that the contribution of the hotel/motel revenues was predictable by its past. In light of the formula established, he is hopeful that despite competing interests that funding would remain in place. He noted that the budget was balance by a readjustment of the hotel/motel monies by $ 34,000, and by increasing the parking rates from $2.00 to $3.00. MORRIS CIVIC FUND # 101-0401 1997:$ 314.850 1998: $ 282.240 Cleo Hickey noted that the Morris Civic would be closed in 1998. The renovations would begin with the site utilities being relocated first; followed by the 1st bid package addressing structural steel (to take place in Jan/Feb.1998) followed by the 2d bid package in March/April. The Grand Re-Opening is to take place in early 1999 for the theater. It was noted that the renovation is being funded by EDIT and private funding. Five (5) million dollars has been pledged with$ 1.8 million being collected to date. Following further discussion,the meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dr.David Varner,Vice-Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments