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73 <br /> <br /> Ms. Linda Peacock, Assistant City Manager, said that the traffic light has been ordered <br />and will be installed upon its receipt. <br /> <br />PRESENTATION: REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter presented an ap_nual report to the City. available in the Office of the <br />Clerk of Council, which included discussion of the fo!lo~g toPics- Reversion, Council <br />Priorities, Building Commmfity, The Challenge that Lies Ahead, Improving Education, <br />Ep_hancing Residential Neighborhoods, Expanding the Middle Class, The Fmure - More <br />_.Middle Income and Improved Neighborhoods, Growing Finances, Creating More and Better <br />Jobs/The Private Sector's Contribution to Growing Finances, Economic and Financial <br />Forecast, _Achieving Balance, Special Concerns, Welfare Reform, Racism, and Civility. <br /> <br />Mr. Toscano commended the Mayor for the report. <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARiNG: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT - _Fy 98/99 <br /> <br /> Mr. Satyendra Huja, Director of Community Development, said that $702,000 in <br />Com_munity Development Block Grant Funds, $8 !,000 in Housing Opportunities Made Equal <br />(HOME) Funds, and $30,000 in program income is anticipated to be received in FY 98/99. <br />The purpose of the public hearing is to hear initial ideas for projects, reaffirm the priority <br />neighborhood and the amount of funds designated for it, and to convey Council's goals and <br />directiOns to the CDBG Co_mnfittee. <br /> <br />The public hearing was opened. <br /> <br /> Ms. Darcy Phillips, 703 Bolling Avenue, representing the CDBG CormmJttee and <br />Belmont Neighborhood Task Force, said the neighborhood is looking forward to contim3ing <br />as a priority neighborhood and hopes to focus on the park, with a bathroom and possible <br />police substation. Ms. Phillips said new members are needed on the Task Force due to <br />resignations, and recommended that minority representatives be appointed. <br /> <br />As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty said she is imerested in studying ideas for economic development and <br />neighborhood improvement. <br /> <br /> Ms. R/chards noted that the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Com~ssion has funds <br />for small business loans, and recommended that we explore what is available in the region <br />before launching into that area with CDBG funds to avoid duplication and to be sure of the <br />success of the program. Ms. Richards added that a regional home consortium also provides <br />revolving loan funds. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox asked if a brochure is available in City Hal! that informs the public about how <br />to become a homeowner. <br /> <br /> _Mr. Huja said that a pampbJet is available that is given to banks and also given when <br />code violations are cited by housing inspectors. <br /> <br /> 2Mr. Cox said that he hopes a vision will be explored for downtown Belmont so that <br />economic development efforts there will not be hit or miss. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards suggested that volunteer labor be used for park renovations in Belmont in <br />order to maximize the funds available. <br /> <br /> Referring to the funds set aside for social programs, and in light of the rethinking of the <br />entire CDBG process, Mr. Toscano reco__mataended that CDBG spending be built on Council <br />priorities, such as job readiness as it relates to welfare reform, growing finances, protecting <br />neighborhoods, and encouraging middle income housing. <br /> <br /> <br />