10-16-17 Personnel and Finance (#8)

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Jose Arevalo, 105 E. Jefferson Boulevard, stated, I have three (3) concerns. First is the double- digit percentage increases in salary for City staff. I think that is too high. When fifty percent (50%) of kids in public schools are on free or reduced lunches that gives an indicator that about half of the population are low income. I think having all the high salaries is an audacious situation. I work in real estate and do a lot of work in the community on real estate related matters. We have talked about using new approaches using City monies for rehabbing houses in the community. Instead of rehabbing by place costing $150,000 to do that, we are looking to rehab by components that are most necessary. For example roofs and AC units. We can't ignore the necessity for quality and stable housing. A survey we conducted identified that twenty-two point eight percent(22.8%) are either uninhabitable or poor. We have to ask what we are doing for real people every day. Kurt Kohlsart, 2043 South Bend Avenue, stated, I would like to thank the Administration for what you do. I've worked and lived many places but am from South Bend. I think we are on the right path. I can't imagine what you have to deal with. David Hurley, 831 W. Colfax Avenue, stated, I would like to reiterate the importance of funding the housing line-item. I agree that increasing that amount makes sense. It is important to think about the funding for housing as an investment, not an expense. It will leverage capital. I think there are opportunities to tackle this issue. I would also like some action on the recommendations from the vacant and abandoned houses task force. Most land is owned by LLCs and land trusts, but I think this funding will help gain control of some of the houses right now. Ms. Hockenhull stated, We will respond to the questions asked tonight via word document and will publish that document. With no further business, Committee Chair White adjourned the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting 6:54 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Karen White, Committee Chair 9