HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-21-09 Community and Economic Development Minutesn ~~
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~'~~~-. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 9-21-09
Timothy A. Rouse, Chairperson, Community and Economic Development Committee
called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
Committee Members Present: Henry L. Davis, Jr., Vice-Chairperson, Ann Puzzello,
Karen L. White; Catherine Andres, Citizen Member
Other Councilmember's Present: Derek Dieter, Oliver Davis
Other's Present: Mayor Luecke, Pam Meyer, Rita Kopala, Linda Beckley, YWCA, Judy
Rosheck, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Jeff Parrott
Agenda: 2010 CDBG and ESG Funds & Recommendations
Chairperson Rouse stated that this meeting was called to review the 2010 CDBG and
ESG allocations. He called upon Pam Meyer, the Director of Community Development
to present the 2010 information. With the aid of a color handout, Pam noted that
$3,078,707 were available in CDBG funds for 2010. The application process and
respective budget calendars were described as well as the policy guidelines that
underlined the allocation decisions of the administration. Pam reminded the Council that
the 25% cut for 2010 in public services was reflective of a policy to phase out "soft"
programs over a three year period in favor of "bricks & motor" programs adopted a
couple of years back. This focus was intended to address blight in neighborhoods. The
administration formulated this policy, in part, as a result of the Council's desire to
emphasize "quality of life" issues in the "challenged" neighborhoods. Pam went on to
assure the committee that all allocations met HUD eligibility guidelines, all public
notices were given, and all subsequent applications for funds were reviewed in the
context of the administrations stated policies. Moving to the handout, Pam indicated the
planning and administration costs were shown in yellow. Public services in green and
funded programs in blue. In particular Pam noted new program funding such as $50,000
awarded to the Center for the Homeless to rehab a building directed to provide services to
veterans. Karen White wondered why neighborhood centers were not on the list. Pam
said they did not apply or were in some cases not eligible. That led Tim Rouse to ask
about the level of public participation in the process. He took exception to Pam's
response that notices were published in the paper, meeting federal requirements. Rouse
suggested more could be done to "reach out." Participation was limited, in part, because
of a lack of awareness among the community. Derek Dieter asked about programs for the
NNW.
Councilmember White asked if funds could be targeted to specific areas. If the services
are eligible under federal guidelines they could Pam replied. Wondering why funds were
being used to repair an alley behind the Natatorium, Rouse said more information was
needed to see the big picture. Better accounting of dollars from different funds or pools
of money shown in the aggregate was needed to help the council make informed
judgments. He wanted to know the total amount of public dollars available annually in
South Bend and a clear, concise summary of where the dollars were spent. Pam Meyer
again stated the allocations reflected the priorities of a five-year plan put together with
input from the Council and the general public. She also noted that Mishawaka and St.
Joseph County had contracted with South Bend's CD Department to administer the funds
which they were granted by the feds. Before wrap up Rouse asked for public comment at
which time Linda Beckley, the Director of the YWCA, expressed concern about cutbacks
in public service dollars. She questioned the priorities of putting human needs on the
back burner. Needs increase, she said, as available dollars are withdrawn with no
replacement dollars in sight. Oliver Davis asked who or how these policies were formed.
Pam said policies were reflective of the Mayor's priorities noting that needs always
exceed resources. She also noted the Council had a vote of the 2010 allocation. To
which Tim Rouse reminded her that the Council could only cut dollars not add or
reallocate. Henry Davis spoke to the need for a better focus to maximize the effect of
limited resources. He felt a focused plan for vacant lot infill emphasizing better quality
homes to boost rather than lower surrounding property values. Pam responded saying
they, the city, are always sensitive to neighborhood character and always look to
maximize the limited dollars impact.
There being no further business to come before the Committee at this time, Chairperson,
Rouse adjourned the meeting at 5:32 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Timothy A. ,Chairperson
Communit d Economic Development Committee