-  Of the $1,196,360 in loans closed and pending, $291,600, or 24.4%, represents funds set aside from the reserve account. This credit enhancement (or additional collateral) has ranged from 5% to 46% of the individual loans, demonstrating the program's flexibility to consider loans on a case-by-case basis and still maintain an acceptable overall reserve.

     -  The majority of the loans include funds for working capital, an area identified wherein borrowers have difficulty obtaining conventional smaller loans.

      -  The types of businesses being served by the Fund continues to generally be service sector businesses, which is to be expected given Charlotte's market.

      -  The average loan size of $56,969 affirms the need for non-conventional sources for smaller loans.

      -  While loans are eligible in all seven NC counties located in the MSA, 13 of the 15 businesses receiving loans under this program thus far are all located in Charlotte. The remaining two are located in Matthews and Rockwell respectively. Of the six pending loans, five are located in Charlotte, with one in Wadesboro.

Animal Control Response to Pit Bull Incidents
Staff Resource: Tammy Williams, 704-336-7552

Several recent incidents of children suffering pit bull bites, including one fatality, have brought renewed attention to the issue of pit bulls in our community. The Animal Control Bureau is reviewing the concerns associated with this issue and is taking the following actions:

· Developing a proposal to reduce the number of animals that can be kept outside without a permit from three to two. Owners wishing to have more than two animals that are primarily kept outside would have to receive a permit from Animal Control. Animal Control would conduct an evaluation of each permit request to determine the maximum number of animals, regardless of breed, that could be kept outside at any residence. Criteria to evaluate permit requests will include proximity to other residences, potential nuisance issues such as barking or odor, and potential safety concerns. The permitting process will give Animal Control a greater opportunity to determine how the presence of outside animals will affect the community and to have some authority in determining how those animals will be housed. Council will receive this proposal for consideration in October.

     -  Partnering with the Police Department's Westover Division in a pilot program to locate and identify animals that are potentially dangerous. Patrol officers will be provided a computerized form to record information on potentially dangerous animals that they observe as they work in their assigned neighborhoods. The information will be transmitted to Animal Control so that the bureau can be more proactive in addressing potential problems. If the pilot is successful, the program will be expanded to other patrol divisions.

     -  Looking at the feasibility of reviving the dangerous dog hotline so that citizens can call in information directly to the bureau instead of going through 911.

     -  Continuing to use the media to publicize the issues related to dog bites.

The Police Department does not anticipate recommending a ban on pit bulls or any other specific breeds. The Animal Control Bureau and the Police Attorney have conducted extensive research into the issue of banning by breed and have found that most other major cities have, at some point, considered such a policy but decided against it. Animal Control's position is that the current dangerous dog laws, along with more effective enforcement, should adequately address the issue.

Staff from Animal Control and the City Manager's Office met with Ms. Tameka Brown, the mother of Roddie Dumas, the fatally injured child, two weeks ago. Ms. Brown asked for a meeting to share her ideas about how to prevent future tragic dog attacks. It was a positive meeting and staff committed to keeping Ms. Brown informed about any potential changes to the current dangerous dog ordinance. Ms. Brown also indicated her desire to become involved with the city's animal control and bite prevention programs. Staff welcomes her participation and is following up with specific ways she can be of assistance.

Weather Status
Staff Resource: Wayne Broome, 704-336-7616

As a result of flooding on Mountain Island on the evening of September 9, 2004, several events took place. Fire Emergency Management received a call about 8:15 that water was about over the banks on Mountain Island at Riverside Drive. Cooks Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched along with Gilead Volunteer Fire Department to investigate and confirmation was received. A request for voluntary evacuation was made of residents. A call was made to the Red Cross to open a shelter at West Mecklenburg. In addition, calls were made to several departments of the City and County to inform them of activity. Media inquiries were made and answered about conditions and about actions that have been taken and actions that might be taken based on the situation.

The Red Cross kept the shelter open until 2:00 am this morning, but no people utilized it. Calls this morning indicated that Mountain Island is holding steady with no anticipated rise in water levels. As conditions improve in the NC mountains and foothill areas, and with water levels getting back to normal, the river system should start to get back to normal flows. Staff will continue to monitor flooding conditions and water levels to determine if any negative impacts will occur today or overnight.

Hurricane Ivan continues to move West-Northwest at about 14 mph. The five-day track shows impact on the U.S. around central Florida; however, this could change as Ivan moves toward the U.S. Any landfall on the U.S. would be sometime on late Monday or Tuesday. Ivan is a category 4 to 5 storm with winds of 140 mph or greater. Staff will continue to monitor the storm and will take action.

Neighborhood Development - Key Organizational Changes
Staff Resource: Stanley Watkins, 704-336-3796

Toni Tupponce, Neighborhood Development's Neighborhood Services Division Manager, is taking on a new position in Neighborhood Development. Ms. Tupponce will be working with the department's Key Business Support office on special projects. She will be responsible for moving forward key organizational projects including the Weed and Seed Initiative, the Housing Trust Fund Non-Profit Initiative and an assessment of the City's After School Programs. In her new role Ms. Tupponce will continue to be involved in community and neighborhood affairs.

On an interim basis, Patsy Rogers will take on the leadership responsibilities for the Neighborhood Services Division. Ms. Rogers is a 17-year employee with the City of Charlotte. Prior to this interim role, she worked with the Workforce Development Board on Charlotte-Mecklenburg employment issues and programs, provided guidance for the board and staff of the Charlotte Enterprise Community Program and provided oversight for the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program.

In these new roles, Ms. Tupponce and Ms. Rogers will continue to assist the City in improving Charlotte's neighborhoods.