2004-06-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Session 1923 June 7, 2004 Mayor Adams asked the Council to agree that The Loop's information about the developer's proposed project was correct. Mr. Wagner stated that he was unaware of what they said, but not what they wrote to the Council. Mayor Adams then asked if a public hearing dealing with community development was to be held, and the City Manager responded that the hearing has been held and the item would be on the agenda two weeks from tonight. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS NON-AGENDA ITEMS Bettyann Slatten, works at Jewish Food Pantry at 10965 Schuetz Road in Creve Coeur, 63146, asked if it would be better if she addressed the Council at a later time. Mr. Ollendorff responded by advising that all written communications received from members of the audience are photocopied and distributed to Councilmembers, so they are familiar with the ideas proposed. He said that in the past the City has not allocated money to any food pantry; money given is to homeless shelters but it is used to purchase food for residents. A number of sponsors from food pantries would like to see money allocated to their programs and submitted written statements. Mrs. Slatten continued and described the program at her facility where the working poor are assisted. She came tonight because many of the people her facility serves live in University City. In 2003, 251 families in University City were served, totaling 476 individuals, with 33 percent of those people over the age of 65; in 2004 273 families have been served, with 526 individuals, representing an increase. There is an increase of people from University City seeking their help, and additionally, 150 University City homes receive monthly deliveries of food to the elderly or to the developmentally disabled. Tonight she asked the Council to consider giving an allotment to the Jewish Food Pantry with the stated purpose of food purchase only. Shirley Richman, 840 Oak Brook Lane, 63132, thanked the City Council for support and generosity towards the Community Partnership over the years. This facility is closing, so she asked the Council to consider directing $4,000 towards providing food for people in need before it is necessary for them to enter the shelter system. Ms. Brot asked if money under this Community Development Funds grant must be directed towards homeless only, or if it can be used to solve problems addressed by the public, and Mr. Ollendorff said the City had posed this question to the County and to the Federal Government. His interpretation of the grant guidelines is that food programs cannot be supported; the funds must be directed to housing for Iow-income program. He is currently seeking an answer and will have it for the next meeting. Joan Botwinick, 511 Westview Drive, said she attended a hearing where the Director of Finance, Willie Norfleet, said that some religious organizations might receive funds, and then she received a letter from his stating that St. Louis County would not approve funds being directed to a church organization. She pointed out that the Salvation Army, which Page 9