09-10-03 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Personnel and Finance Committee September 10, 2003 Page 3 funded;and that there should not be an effect on overseeing the tax abatement programs for several years with the proposed cuts. In response to a question from Dr. Varner,it was noted that Community&Economic Development provides staff for running meetings, accounting services, verification services, work on contracts, originate loans, close loans, deal with insurance. Dr. Varner requested a list of all not-for-profits which receive such assistance from the Department. Ms. Leonard stated that all of the 501C3 are under staff contracts. Dr. Varner inquired about how the fees are negotiated. Mr. Inks stated that they reflect the cost of services in order to recover all costs&it is done in arrears. Council Member Pfeifer inquired about the various partnership centers and the impact in light of the loss of two positions. Ms. Leonard stated that the UDAG $130,000 was "just a stream of money for which they were not providing any additional work". Mr. Inks added that in light of the current economy, tax abatement requests have been down, and that the new tax abatement ordinance will not affect residential tax abatements. If the economy rebounds and there are many new filings, they may be back to the Council for more staff. In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer, it was noted that they would seek interns on a non-paid basis to help provide service. Pam Meyer noted that they had hoped to expand housing initiatives, but never got to the point where she was comfortable with regard to the position, especially since they do not have a strategic plan. Much will come out of the City Plan and reconfigurations can be made at a later stage. Council Member Pfeifer asked if there are enough planners and whether the city is properly divided, especially if some areas get more involved. She noted that there are neighborhoods who want and need services. We have had excellent planners and she believes that we should maintain a good level of service to all areas which request assistance. Pam Meyer stated that there are six (6) planners and all are assigned to neighborhoods. Marco Mariani was a planner in the Southeast Neighborhood before his promotion to be a Manager. Ms. Meyer stated that she would have to think about Council Member Pfeifer's question and report back. Dr. Varner noted that generally the older areas of the city are inner city neighborhoods, and that it should be the "Near Southeast". He further noted that he talked with Jon Hunt early this year about the old business area along Miami and that the city should be more aggressive about areas that are in a transition stage. Council Member Kelly noted that Dr. Varner raises a good point, but that often times the problem is about creating interest so that there is an ongoing working relationship with the residents. Council Member Pfeifer noted that at a meeting last evening one of the questions raised was"What is the role of government?" She noted that it should be that government acts when others either cannot or do not,and therefore helps to prevent a neighborhood to slide Council Member Pfeifer