08-24-64 Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 24 1964 CITY PLANNING COMMISSION The proposed reduction in the City Planning Commission budget of some $3,445.00 can be added to as follows: Account No. Reduction 212 Postage $ 25:00 213 Traveling Expenses 250:00 363 Other Office Supplies 100:00 721 Furniture and Fixtures 50:00 725 Office Equipment 25.00 726 Other Equipment 50.00 Total Additional Reduction $ 600.00 Councilman Palmer made a motion that the report be accepted and placed on file. Councilman Szymkowiak seconded the motion. Motion carried. URBAN RENEWAL COMMISSION The budget of the Urban Renewal Commission is too vague to be certain of possible savings. For example, we have now in planning three projects and two projects in execution. The likelihood of any of those in planning to become projects in execution is very uncertain but most probable. As it now stands, the Urban Renewal Department budget shows a city share which is $11,960.00 less than that of last year. It would seem highly unwise to contemplate further reductions. Councilman Geib made a motion that the report be accepted and placed on file. Councilman Szymkowiak seconded the motion. Motion carried. FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES COMMISSION The budget of the Fair Employment Practices Commission is reasonably presented. Councilman Glass made a motion that the report be accepted and placed on file. Councilman Muszynski seconded the motion. Motion carried. 5 MINUTE RECESS - 8:55 P.M. Councilman Smith made a motion for a five minute recess. Councilman Palmer seconded the motion. Motion carried. RECONVENED MEETING - 9:23 P.M. WORKABLE PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT DECLARATION OF POLICY FOR THE WORKABLE PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT In reviewing progress under its Program for Community Improvement, a locality is taking stock -- evaluating its accomplishments and deciding on new goals for the coming years. This is an important process-- publicim it as a means of building community understanding and support for community improvement objectives. Prepare a Declaration of Policy statement to be issued by the chief executive officer and governing body to the people of the community. The statement should identify and summarize (1) significant achievements during the past year; (2) changes or revisions in the community's overall objectives, and (3) major goals which are set for attainment during the coming year. DECLARATION OF POLICY During the past year the City has made significant progress toward broad measures to cope with blight and deterioration, and toward reversing a declining trend in its economy. Rousing code cnforcement received a boost by the hiring of a third inspector with a fourth to be added about the first of 1965. This is making possible the systematic enforcement of the code, on a house to house basis in one neighborhood (LASALLE PARK). The site controversy on new public housing as was finally resolved aftei more than two years, thus eliminating the threat to the Chapin Street Redevelopment Project. The resolution of this question assures adequate relocation resources for low income families in present and currently proposed Urban Renewal Projects. The Chapin Street Project is now nearing the conclusion of the land acquisition stage, with site clearance and improvement as well as land disposition scheduled for 1965. The fifteen acre "Industrial Expansion Project" for which a Survey and Planning Application has been filed,is designed to help in the best possible utilization of the former Studebaker properties, by making future growth possible. While a commitment has been received from the Cummins Engine Company that they will bid on the land when it becomes available, no commitment is being made by the City, which will sell the land to the "highest and best" bidder. In the Sample Street Project, the rate of land'sales has been increasing. All the remaining land will become available by late August of this year, and site improvements are expected to be completed at about the same time. The General Neighborhood Renewal Plan for the LaSalle Park Area and the Feasibility Study and Comprehensive Plan for the Central Area will both be completed within the next two months. These will provide the basis for preceding with the undertaking of the Urban Renewal Projects in those areas. The initiation of a Community Renewal Program is being restudied by the new City Administration, with a decision expected soon. The City's first construction under Sec. 221 D (3)of the Rousing Act is now being planned, and major activity along this line is expected in the LaSalle Park Renewal Area. The most significant advance now proposed is the creation of an Area Planning Commission to include the two cities: (South Bend and Mishawaka) as well as St. Joseph County. It will thus be a true metropolitan organizat The new City Engineer, who is taking office on August 1, 1964 will examine the problem of air pollution regulations, and is expected to make appropriate proposals. Councilman Geib made a motion that the report be accepted and placed on file. Councilman Muszynski seconded the motion. Motion carried.