09-23-04 Community & Economic Development

Home Browse Search

The South Bend Common Council's Standing Committee Report from the Community and Economic Development Committee In response to a question, Judy Rosheck noted that the Youth Development Commission has a website and that one of their main functions is to work with other agencies where they train volunteers. She noted that they also have a program where they test businesses and whether they sell cigarettes to underage individuals. She added that monthly reports are sent to their office which the Council could review. Council Member Kuspa inquired about how the monies are allocated. Ms. Leonard stated that claims are submitted for reimbursement. There is a process of monitoring and reviewing their books. Ms. Leonard stated that overall there is a 4% decrease in CDBG funds from 2004 to 2005. Reprogrammed monies are monies not spent in the previous year and may be between $400,000 to $475,000. Program income is projected to be$220,000 for 2005. Ms. Leonard then summarized the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) requests which are roughly the same as this year. She noted that HOME funds will bring in approximately $ 1 million for South Bend. This is a project with the City of Mishawaka and St. Joseph County. ADDI stands for American Dream Downpayment Initiative and would be an additional $70,000 in federal dollars. ADDI is a new program which began last year. Ms. Leonard stated that HUD requests are limited to six(6) times the block grant as the maximum amount for loans of the Section 108 debt. There is a $3.3 million debt now with an additional $ 5 million outstanding, thus bringing the $21 million amount down to $13 million. 70%of CDBG monies must be spent on low/moderate programs. Sharon Kendall noted that they are waiting on Congressional action. Ms. Leonard stated that first reading by the Council would take place in late October and the public hearing would take place at the 1st Council meeting in November. Council Member Kuspa inquired about the Stone Soup Community, noting that many poor people have too much pride to participate in such programs. Judy Rosheck stated that they provide counseling and advocacy programs. In response to a question, Sharon Kendall stated that she would look into whether there are any agencies that provide an easy to read brochure which sets forth the many shelter, food, etc programs which are available. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kelly adjourned the meeting at 4:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Roland Kelly,Chairperson Community and Economic Development Committee KCF:kmf Attachment Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting of September 23,2004 Page 2