03-24-75 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 24, 1975 REGULAR MEETING - RECONVENED (CONTINUED) and he referred to the Ironwood project. He wondered why the sidewalks along Widener Lane and Miami should be included in the.project. He mentioned that the city's insurance agent lived in that area. Mr. Hojnacki stated that there was a requirement that the funds be used for the benefit of low -to- moderate income persons. Councilman Miller wondered where these funds would be coming from. He talked about the inspection of houses and code enforcement. He felt a more com- prehensive substandard building department should be utilized. He wondered why the substandard budget could not be picked up under the Community Development proposal. Mr. Hojnacki indicated that he could not think of any reason why this could not be done. He stated that the only problem would be that Community Development funds could only be used in areas designated in the plan. He indicated that this would not include annexed areas either. Councilman Miller felt the city shouli be thinking in terms of solving some of the problems with code enforcement. He felt there were no enough alternative actions which could be taken. He wondered about the possibility of a neighbor- hood maintenance ordinance to accomplish this purpose. He proposed this as a part of the program. Mr. Hojnacki indicated that with the code enforcement, the individual's rights and freedoms had to be considered. The mere passing of an ordinance would not solve the problem, in his opinion. Councilman Miller felt that a comprehensive housing program should look at those problems and some vehicle should be utilized to handle the problems. He wondered about the area of social services. He mentioned the inclusion of the Primary Day School into the project. Mr. Hojnacki indicated tha this project had not been included in the proposal. At one point, it was thought perhaps revenue sharing funds could be used for the program. Councilman Miller asked that consideration be given to the school project. Council President Parent indicated that only a few councilmen had had the opportunity to speak, and he wished to allow everyone that opportunity. Councilman Miller indicated that he had many questions concerning the program. He talked about the re- programming o many of the programs. He asked about the amount of $450,000 in the future planning segment of the project. He wondered if some of the money would be used to purchase land downtown. Mr. Hojnacki indicated that some of the money could be used for that purpose. Council President Parent felt that the councilmen should yield to each other. He indicated that he was not trying to stop debate by the Council, and that he would allow each councilman to ask questions starting with Councilman Serge. At this point, Councilman Szymkowiak indicated that he had been waiting to spea for quite some time. Councilman Serge wondered about the deadline for the application. Mr. Hojnacki indicated that it must be approved by April 15. He mentioned that MACOG and the State Planning Agency must render an opinion on the application also. Council President Parent asked Councilman Szymkowiak to comment at this time. Councilman Szymkowiak indicated that he would not speak on the issue because he had been refused previously. Council President Parent again stated that Councilman Szymkowiak could now have the floor for his questions; however, he declined to do SO. Council President Parent then talked about the project areas. He wondered if there were any intentions of dealing with other areas of the city where neighborhood deterioration was starting. Mr. Hojnacki indicated that the other programs could be utilized rather than the rehabilitation program at this time. He stated that the resources would have to be concentrated in order to make any impact. Council President Parent asked about the Walnut Street railroad project. Mr. Farrand indicated that the program was proposed for retaining walls and ramps for the handicapped. Counci President Parent asked about the current obligations, and Mr. C. Wayne Brownell, Acting Director of the Department of Redevelopment, listed the current obligations, including real estate appraisa and construction. Councilman Kopczynski felt the outlying areas were being neglected and the neighborhoods would have to be taken care of. Councilman Horvath felt that, because of the questions raised, the application might have to be re- written. He wondered about the time element involved. He felt a caucus should be scheduled to discuss the priorities. Mr. Hojnacki indicated that the budget was the critical item which HUD would be reviewing closely. Councilman Horvath wondered if changes could be made after the application was submitted. Mr. Hojnacki indicated that he would submit priorities and the application could be altered after a six -month period. Councilman Horvath indicated that the city was faced with a frozen tax rate. He was hopeful that some of the funds could be used for programs to relieve the city budget. Mr. Hojnacki indicated that this was not revenue sharing money and was to be used for only housing and community develop- ment programs. He stated that it should not be looked at as a supplement to run the city. Councilman Nemeth indicated that the Council wanted more information on the particulars. He felt a program such as this deserved more than just a "passing glance by the Council ". He could not see how the Council could act on the resolution at this time. In view of the many questions raised, Councilman Nemeth made a motion to continue the resolution to the April 7, 1975, meeting of the Council, seconded by Council President Parent. The motion carried. Council President Parent made mention of the complaints made by some councilmen concerning the timl allowed for speaking on various issues. He felt the councilmen should review the tapes of the . Y meetings, and the would realize that two or three councilmen use up most of.the Council portion of the public hearings. He stated that he, in presiding at the meeting, was only trying to be fail to all councilmen. ORDINANCES, FIRST READING ORDINANCE NO. 5819 -75 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION AND LEASING OF INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES, THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS TO APPLY ON THE COST THEREOF, THE SAFEGUARDING OF THE INTERESTS OF THE HOLDERS OF SAID BONDS, APPROVING_AND AUTHORIZING A LEASE AGREEMENT AND A MORTGAGE AND INDENTURE OF TRUST, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO (Hanover Logansport, Inc.) This ordinance had first reading. Councilman Taylor made a motion to suspend the rules and take action on the ordinance, seconded by Councilman Miller. The motion carried by a roll call vote of nine ayes (Councilmen Serge, Szymkowiak, Miller, Taylor, Kopczynski, Horvath, Nemeth, Newburn and Parent). The ordinance then had second reading. Mr. Kenneth Fedder, Attorney for the South Bend'Development Commission, made the presentation for the ordinance. He stated that the matter was previously before the commission, and the various documents have been finalized. A number of new jobs would be brought into the community with the approval of the bond issue which was in the amount of $2,595,000. The issue would allow for the construction of a shopping center on Western s