HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-10-08 Community and Economic DevelopmentCOMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NOVEMBER 10, 2008
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Vice-Chairperson; Ann Puzzello; Karen White;
Citizen Members: M. Catherine Andres; Mark Smith
Others Present: AI "Buddy" Kirsits; Timothy Rouse; Tom LaFountain; Gary Gilot; Catherine
Fanello; Rita Kopala; Martha Lewis; Jamie Loo; Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand; Jeff Gibney; Bob
Matia; Marti Wolfson
AGENDA:
BILL N0.65-08 -APPROPRIATION FROM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND N0.212
Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., Vice-Chairperson presides.
This bill appropriates $2,261,981 in CDBG funds and $495,000 in unspent re-programmed funds
for the 2009 Action Plan of the Community Development Department. Subbing for Director Pam
Meyer, Judy Rosheck, explained the dollar amount in each program element. She stated all
public input hearing requirements were held prior to submission.
Councilmember Puzzello asked about the "one dollar" house program absence in the request.
Jeff Gibney, Director of Community and Economic Development Department, explained the
program in '08 had failed to attract but a handful of applicants. He attributed this mostly to the
costs associated with rehab to be borne by the owners. With such few interested the city decided
to re-program over $400,000 in allocated but unspent dollars.
Tim Rouse asked is any of this money could be spent for crossing guards.
Gibney allowed that perhaps so in targeted areas, but not likely. Nonetheless he would explore
the possibility.
Martha Lewis asked if any dollars were available for non-targeted neighborhoods to which Gibney
said HUD severely restricts use of dollars in CDBG's.
Councilmember White made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member M. Catherine Andres to
send this bill to the full Council favorably.
BILL N0.66-08 -APPROPRIATION FORM EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT PROGRAM
FROM FUND N0.212
Judy Rosheck subbing for Pam Meyer requested approval of an appropriation of $118,833 in the
'09 Action Plan of the Community Development Department. In total four agencies which provide
these services would share the dollars. All hearing and public input requirements have been met.
Councilmember Puzzello made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member Mark Smith to send this
bill to the full Council favorably.
BILL NO. 67-08 -TRANSFER REQUEST AMONG VARIOUS ACCOUNTS IN FUND 212 OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Jeff Gibney, Director, Community & Economic Development Department, explained this was a
companion bill to the '09 CDBG appropriation bill specifically to allow transfer and re-allotment of
'08 CDBG monies. Gibney explained that the federal funding cycle pre-determines the need to
re-program unspent dollars.
Councilmember Puzzello asked about the status of the "Christmas in April" plan.
Gibney said the program now called "Rebuilding Together" would focus on River Park in '09
Councilmember Rouse asked about the status of the "Indiana Plan."
Judy Rosheck said it is gone for'09 adding HUD severely restricts use of this money.
Rouse asked how much latitude the city had using the dollars stating the uses should reflect the
Council's priorities.
Gibney promised more Council input into allowable uses in 2010.
Citizen Member M. Catherine Andres made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member Mark Smith
to send this bill to the full Council favorably.
BILL N0.08-100 -RESIDENTIAL TAX ABATEMENT -CRESCENT OAKS II - TAMPICO
DEVELOPMENT
Bob Mathia, Community & Economic Development Department reported this five (5) year
residential abatement request was for 19.9 acres (80 lots) in the Crescent Oaks II Development.
He said the zoning was okay and all requirements of the petition had been met.
Derek Spier from the Abonmarch Group representing Tampico made the presentation. Along
with the presentation he supplied an aerial handout (see attachment)
Councilmember Puzzello made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Karen White to send this
bill to the full Council favorably. Councilmember Henry Davis voted against.
BILL N0.08-101 - RESIDENTIAL TAX ABATEMENT PETITION FOR ROYAL OAK ESTATES
SECTION 2 & 3 FOR FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
Bob Mathia of the Community & Economic Development Department again reported the financial
particulars and stated all requirements had been met in the application.
Citizen Member Mark Smith suggested a review of the criteria for eligibility for residential tax
abatement. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. agreed.
Councilmember Puzzello made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Karen White to send this
bill to the full Council favorably. Councilmember Henry Davis voted against.
There being no further business to come before the committee, Vice-Chairperson Henry Davis,
Jr., adjourned the meeting at 4:35 p.m.
RespectfuJl~Submitted,
Henry Davis, Jr., Vice-Chairperson
Community and Economic Develoment