HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023.07.18 HCMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
July 18, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Enger at 7:03 p.m.
MEETINGATTENDEES
Chair Gretchen Enger
Vice Chair Michael Donnelly
Commissioner Lori Best-Deyoe
Commissioner Laura Freund
Commissioner Jerry Gayflor
Commissioner Elizabeth Riel — not present
Commissioner Florence Williams — (joined via WebEx at 7:12 p.m.)
City Staff present: Community Development Director and Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson and City
Associate Planner Krystin Eldridge. City Clerk Barb Suciu joined the meeting via WebEx at 7:13
p.m.
Also present: Marty McDonough, Director of Government Affairs with Minnesota Multi Housing
Association (MHA), City Councilmember Dan Jerzak, and Eric Falkman, COO with Soderberg
Apartments.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
The members of the Commission introduced themselves to one another.
Commissioner Best-Deyoe asked if Brooklyn Center is 20 percent rental properties. Staff Liaison
Jesse Anderson stated he doesn't know offhand. City Planner Krystin Eldridge noted it was about
40 percent rental properties when she last looked at the statistics.
Commissioner Best-Deyoe asked if group homes count in that percentage. Mr. Anderson
explained group homes or other rental properties are only counted as a rental if a rental license is
needed. If the homeowner also lives on site, there is not a need for a rental license.
Commissioner Best-Deyoe noted part of the reason she wanted to join the Housing Commission
is because of all of the rentals and group homes on her street.
APPROVAL OFAGENDA
There was a motion by Chair Enger and seconded by Vice Chair Donnelly to approve the agenda
as submitted. The motion passed.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES: APRIL 18, 2023 AND MAY 16, 2023
There was a motion by Chair Enger and seconded by Commissioner Gayflor
to approve the minutes for the April 18, 2023 and May 16, 2023 Housing Commission meetings
The motion passed.
NEWNEIGHBOR PROGRAM
HOUSING COMMISSIONER TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON PACKETS
Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson stated the packets are still being put together by Staff. He explained
the New Neighbor Program is a hand -delivered bag from a Housing Commissioner to any new
residents of Brooklyn Center. There is a hope to deliver in early August, and the deliveries are
most successful on weekday evenings.
41212023-21112023 (245 NEW NEIGHBORS)
None.
512112021-313112022 (120NEWNEIGHBORS)
None.
SELECT DELIVERYDATES
Chair Enger suggested folks discuss availability.
Commissioner Florence Williams joined the meeting through WebEx at 7:12 p.m.
Mr. Anderson noted the next Housing Commission meeting is August 15, 2023, so the delivery
date should be before then. Chair Enger stated she would be unavailable to attend the August 15
meeting. She offered to attend virtually. Mr. Anderson pointed out Commissioners cannot
participate virtually anymore.
City Clerk Barb Suciu joined the meeting through WebEx at 7:13 p.m.
The consensus of the Housing Commission was to deliver some packets on August 8, 2023. They
will meet in the parking lot to pick up packets and assign addresses for delivery. The hope is to
leave to start deliveries by 6:00 p.m.
Chair Enger asked who was available on August 10, 2023 for delivery. Vice Chair Donnelly
suggested only delivering once per week and offered the date of August 15, 2023.
Mr. Anderson pointed out August 15, 2023 is a Housing Commission meeting with a full agenda.
The consensus of the Housing Commission was to deliver more packets on August 16, 2023. They
will meet in the parking lot to pick up packets and assign addresses for delivery. The hope is to
leave to start deliveries by 6:00 p.m.
Chair Enger asked for availability for deliveries on August 22, 2023. Commissioner Best-Deyoe
stated people move out of Brooklyn Center so fast it is impossible to get to know neighbors.
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The consensus of the Housing Commission was to deliver more packets on August 22, 2023. They
will meet in the parking lot to pick up packets and assign addresses for delivery. The hope is to
leave to start deliveries by 6:00 p.m.
PRESENTATION ON NEW CONSTRUCTION MULTI FAMILY LICENSE AND REPEAT
TYPE 4 LICENSE
Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson gave an overview of the history of discussions on the topic. In
January 2023, City Council requested Housing Commission to review Licensing for New
Construction Rental Properties. In February 2023, the Housing Commission had an agenda item
for New License. There were only 2 Commissioners in attendance and no meeting was held. In
March 2023, the Housing Commission had an agenda item for New License. There were only 3
Commissioners in attendance and no meeting was held. In April 2023, the Housing Commission
had discussion regarding the Initial Rental License Type. There was direction to staff to have 3
scenarios reviewed by the City Attorney. Then in June 2023, the Housing Commission were
provided the feedback from the City Attorney on the 3 scenarios reviewed by the City Attorney.
The Commission continued the discussion for the next meeting.
Mr. Anderson stated there has been a rental licensing program since the 1970s. Mr. Anderson
explained system was last modified in 2010, and it is intended to promote quality assurance.
Additionally, it is meant to reward landlords for quality rental services and to provide extra
attention to lower -performing rentals.
Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson explained there is a four -tier structure of licensing in Brooklyn
Center. A license is required when a unit is not owner -occupied. After a license is granted, there
is a required inspection. The tiered structure is performance -based, and each tier has different
requirements. A license cannot move up to another tier unless they meet all of the current tier's
requirements, have no violations, and successfully complete an inspection in a particular timeline.
Mr. Anderson stated the ordinance covers length of license, application, revocation, definition of
a valid police call, and tenant protection ordinance.
Mr. Anderson stated after the inspection, Staff reviews police service calls. He showed a list of
valid calls. Different amounts of validated police calls count against license levels in different
ways. The validated police calls haven't impacted properties in a while, mostly because those with
several validated police calls are already at the 6-month license level.
Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson stated each license level correlates with a different level of crime -
free housing requirements. He showed a slide with information on the various licensure tiers. If
the property owner doesn't fulfill the requirements, then they are not eligible to move up to a higher
license tier. The license repeats as a six-month license if the crime -free housing requirements are
not met or if there are a high number of qualified police calls.
Mr. Anderson showed a slide with the distribution of the various license types. The lowest tier is
only eight percent of the units in Brooklyn Center. The tiers do not reflect the size of the residence.
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Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson showed some of the numbers Council used to make changes in 2018.
At that time, 44 percent of type four rentals were repeats. 38 percent of the repeats were due to
violations. In 2022, there were 76 repeats, 60 percent of which were only due to failing to meet
requirements.
Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson stated of the type four licenses issued in the 2015-2018 period, 86
percent of them improved from the previous inspection. Since 2018, that percentage has increased.
The percentage is lower for 2023, but it is early in the year and Staff has been stricter on rental
licensing lately.
Mr. Anderson noted the Commission has also been asked to consider new construction licensure.
The ordinance is written somewhat weirdly, and the current City Attorney agrees. As it stands,
new construction houses can't get higher than a tier one license.
Mr. Anderson stated Sonder House has gotten a lot of attention. There are 127 units, and their
license expired May 31, 2023. At that time, there were zero violations. They have recently paid
the renewal fee. A full inspection was conducted on April 26, 2023 and 168 property maintenance
code violations. A majority of the units had few or no violations, and the common areas were well -
maintained. Several units had multiple property code violations, which resulted in the large total
number. A follow-up inspection is scheduled.
Mr. Anderson explained Sonder Point, a senior living facility, recently had an inspection and
received zero violations. The Sanctuary is also a senior living facility. After two years of operating
the facility, there were 27 violations and six police calls for service, neither of which impacted the
license type. Maranatha is an older rental, and they have done well with inspections over the years.
Most recently, their inspection showed 16 violations and allowed them to maintain their license
type.
Mr. Anderson noted the City Attorney reviewed some licensure options. The first suggestion was
new developments can only qualify for a Type 3 license and require an action plan. This would
require the fewest number of changes to the existing City Code and the Rental License Category
Criteria Policy. As it stands, new licenses start at Type 2. Type 3 requires an action plan, so this
requirement would automatically be in place. The language of the City's form Rental License Plan
would have to be tweaked because it assumes that the property has been placed in the Type 3
category for known nuisances and calls.
Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson stated the City Attorney had a response to the second option, which
was that a new license could quality for a Type 2 license, but it will be reviewed at the one-year
mark; if their license changes based on code violations or validated nuisance police calls for
service, it would be change to that new license type. This would require a few more additions and
changes to the City Code. If the goal is a one-year review, rather than saying that a new license
qualifies for Type 2, the City Attorney recommends a one-year provisional/probationary license
that will be reviewed at one year, and at that time, placed in the proper category. It may be
confusing for a licensee if they think they have a two-year Type 2 license, with everything that
comes with that, but it's not really a two-year license. It seems like it would be cleaner to just say
it's a one-year license.
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City Clerk Barb Suciu noted the audio is going in and out.
Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson added the third option was offering a six-month licensure and
requiring a mitigation plan with police calls for service as part of the review. As discussed, six
months seems like a pretty short period of time for the initial license period and may not necessarily
be representative of a longer period of time. With the mitigation plan requirement, this would
effectively be a Type 4 provisional license from the outset and would be particularly restrictive for
potential landlords. Of the three options, this is the only one that pose some concerns with regard
to the legal impact and a potential claim that it is too restrictive.
Mr. Anderson noted a fourth option was added to keep current licensing ordinance that provides
for a 2-year license maximum for initial rental license at New Construction.
Chair Enger explained the goal is to determine which option the Housing Commission would like
to recommend to the Council. She asked for each Commissioner to share their opinion to find a
consensus.
Commissioner Florence Williams asked if she would be able to vote. Mr. Anderson asked Ms.
Suciu, but she did not respond. Mr. Anderson stated typically someone cannot vote remotely, but
this is just a recommendation to the Council.
Commissioner Gayflor stated his initial impression was in support of the first option. However,
one year is a little tight for inspection, and he now prefers option two.
Commissioner Freund noted she prefers option four. Vice Chair Donnelly agreed that he supports
option four.
Commissioner Best-Deyoe stated her preference is option two. Chair Enger agreed she prefers
option two. Commissioner Williams stated she also prefers option two.
There was a motion by Chair Enger and seconded by Commissioner Gayflor to recommend the
City Council consider that a new license can qualify for a Type 2 two-year license but will be
reviewed at the one-year marls and if their license changes based on code violations or validated
nuisance police calls for service, it would be change to that new license type.
Commissioner Williams stated the current system isn't working, so the fourth option is pointless.
Then the first option is too short of a timeline for a new construction.
Mr. Anderson stated it is hard to determine if the current process is working or not. There isn't an
evaluation at the one-year mark, which could be helpful to address issues with a poorly performing
property.
Vice Chair Donnelly asked if there is an example of that. Mr. Anderson stated there is not an
example.
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Chair Enger stated there has been minimal construction in Brooklyn Center since the 1970s. Part
of the reason the Commission is discussing the licensing process is because of the upcoming new
development planned in the City.
Vice Chair Donnelly asked if the recommendation would impact the first phase of the Opportunity
Site. Chair Enger stated Wangstad Commons would be the first building impacted by any licensing
changes.
Commissioner Williams stated Sonder House is in the process of obtaining new licensure. Mr.
Anderson stated they are in the renewal process for the first time. It currently looks like they will
obtain a two-year license. Commissioner Williams asked if the recommendation would impact
Sonder House. Mr. Anderson stated Sonder House is past the point of first -round licensure, and
the recommendation only impacts the first-time licensing.
Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson added if the recommendation were implemented, it is unlikely it
would impact Wangstad Commons or the Opportunity Site,
Vice Chair Donnelly and Commissioner Freund voted against the same. Chair Enger,
Commissioner Best-Deyoe and Commissioner Gayflor voted in favor of the motion.
Commissioner Williams was in attendance virtually and expressed that she supported the motion.
The consensus of the Housing Commission was to recommend the City Council consider that a
new license can qualify for a Type 2 two-year license but will be reviewed at the one-year marls
and if their license changes based on code violations or validated nuisance police calls for service,
it would be change to that new license type.
There was a motion by Vice Chair Donnelly and seconded by Commissioner Freund to recommend
the City Council consider keeping current licensing ordinance that provides for a 2 year license
maximum for initial rental license at New Construction.
Chair Enger, Gayflor, and Best-Deyoe voted against the same. Motion failed.
Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson noted he would relay details of the discussion to the Council and that
Commissioner Williams participated remotely when the recommendation is presented.
CITY CO UNCIL LIAISON REPORT
This item was considered after Future Meeting Topic Schedule — July 18, 2023 — Presentation on
Tenant Protection Data and invite property owners/representatives.
FUTURE MEETING TOPIC SCHEDULE
JULY 18, 2023 — PRESENTATION ON TENANT PROTECTION DATA AND INVITE
PROPERTY OWNERSIREPRESENTATIVES
Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson explained there was direction from Council for the Housing
Commission to consider the Tenant Protection Ordinance. At a future meeting, tenants and
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advocacy groups will be invited.
Chair Enger pointed out she would be unable to attend the August meeting, but she would like to
participate virtually. Mr. Anderson stated he would confer with City Clerk Barb Suciu to determine
their options.
Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson stated there are two main components to the tenant protection
ordinance. First, there is a 30-day pre -eviction notice requirement. Second, there is a requirement
that non -renewals have just cause. This establishes requirements that prevents a property owner
or property manager from non -renewing an existing tenant's lease without just cause. Options of
just cause include the non-payment of rent, material non-compliance, tenant nomenewal,
occupancy by property owner of family member, building demolishing or conversion,
rehabilitation or renovation, complying with a government order to vacate, occupancy conditioned
on employment.
Mr. Anderson explained in 2018-2019, the City first looked at adopting a tenant protection
ordinance regarding the sale of an affordable housing property. In conversation with City Council
on housing policies, the Council wanted Staff to look at additional tenant protections in 2021. Staff
reviewed ordinances and met with staff from the City of St. Paul. Due to the lawsuit against the
City of St. Paul, City of Brooklyn Center decided to only bring forward a few sections for tenant
protections. The proposed ordinance was brought to the Housing Commission on October 19,
2021. The Housing Commission heard from housing advocacy groups and numerous tenants
throughout the process.
Mr. Anderson stated the proposed ordinance was brought to City Council on November 8, 2021
for a discussion and first reading. During the council meeting, staff presented the two proposed
tenant protections. It was brought back to City Council at the December 13, 2021 meeting. There
was public comment from property owners, tenants, and tenant advocacy organizations. The City
Council continued the discussion for the meeting in January 2022.
Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson noted during the City Council meeting on February 14, 2022, the
Council continued the tenant protection conversation with three proposed changes: adding a
provision for landlords to track non -renewals of leases and report them to the City when request:
reduction of the pre -eviction notice from 30 days to 14 days, and addition a provision that would
allow property owners to give a 90-day notice for non -renewal without giving a reason. The
Council requested that the proposed changes be reviewed by the Housing Commission.
Mr. Anderson stated at the February 28, 2022 City Council Meeting, Staff presented and reported
on the February 15, 2022 Housing Commission meeting. The Housing Commission preferred a
30-day pre -eviction notice but would consider a 14-day notice as a good compromise. The
Commission was split on the 90-day non -renewal notice without just cause. The Commission
agreed that the property owners should be required to document and report non -renewals. Public
comment was heard regarding the proposed changes. Council had a discussion about the changes
and voted to approve Resolution No. 2022-30 which included the 30-day pre -eviction notice, just
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cause non -renewal, and tracking and reporting of non -renewals.
Mr. Anderson pointed out in January 2023, City Council requested an update on the Tenant
Protection Ordinance related to the landlords' non -renewals documentation. Staff sent out a survey
to all property owners and managers on April 5, 2023. The survey was sent via GovDelivery and
to 350 emails including single family and multifamily owners/managers. Another email was sent
on April 24, 2023 directly to large property owners/managers in the City. Staff also directly called
managers to request the survey be completed. A total of 27 responses were received.
Mr. Anderson summarized the results of the landlord survey. 95 percent of landlord participants
stated their property is considered affordable housing. 23 landlords sent out less than 5 evictions
while two sent out 6-10 evictions and another two sent out 30-60 evictions. The eviction filings
were for a number of reasons. 11 landlords stated evictions were for non-payment of rent, three
were for abandonment, and two for lease violations.
Mr. Anderson stated there was a question on how long the landlord waiting for an eviction hearing
with Hennepin County. 13 landlords did not file an eviction, six waited 5-8 weeks, five waited 0-
4 weeks, and three waiting more than 9 weeks. As for results of the hearing, 10 were issued a
write of recovery, five resulted in a mutual termination, and three ended up in mediation.
Mr. Anderson added there was a question about how many lease non -renewals were issued in 2022.
18 issued 0-5 non -renewals, four issued 6-10 non -renewals, one issued 11-15 non -renewals, and
two issued more than 15 non -renewals. 61.5 percent of non -renewals were for late rent and 38.5
percent were for material lease violations such as property damage, smoking, non -cooperation with
pest control, and unsanitary conditions.
Mr. Anderson noted 77 percent of landlords stated that the tenant protection ordinance did not
impact their decision to issue an eviction. 70 percent of landlords stated that the tenant
protection ordinance did not impact their decision to issue a non -renewal.
Mr. Anderson added the Council was also interested in the feedback received by Minneapolis and
Saint Louis Park after implementing their tenant protections. Both cities have not received or are
not aware of any complaints regarding violations of the ordinance. Minneapolis stated that they
had originally proposed 30 days based off feedback from their public hearing, but after feedback
from the property managers and owners, the City lowered it to 14 days. Saint Louis Park originally
proposed 10 or 14 days for a notice, but after the owners opposed the length, they lowered it to
seven. Both cities have been unable to determine the effectiveness of the program due to the
eviction moratorium.
Eric Falkman, COO with Soderberg Apartments, explained they own and manage about 2200 units
around the Metro, with about 785 units in Brooklyn Center. The tenant protection ordinance came
up in a unique time as they were coming out of COVID-19 restrictions and civil unrest. Currently
at the State level, they are working on a comprehensive tenant protection ordinance. Brooklyn
Center has some of the most severe tenant protection ordinances in the State.
Marty McDonough, Director of Government Affairs with Minnesota Multi Housing Association
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(MHA), agreed Brooklyn Center has some of the most severe tenant protection ordinances in the
State. He stated the Association is comprised of about 2200 members serving over 600,000 renters
throughout the State. The membership includes small-scale landlords, apartment management
companies, developers, common interest communities, and providers of related products and
services.
Mr. McDonough pointed out Saint Louis Park was the first City that wanted some sort of protection
ordinance for tenants should a rental facility come under new ownership. From there, other cities
followed suit.
Mr. McDonough explained something unique about Brooklyn Center was defining affordable units
as those under 80 percent area median income (AMI), while every other city has their definition
at 60 percent AMI. 80 percent AMI for an efficiency apartment is $1,468 per month, a one -
bedroom is $1,574, a two -bedroom is $1,889, and so on. That definition includes almost all units
in Brooklyn Center. The majority of cities chose the definition of 60 percent AMI for consistency
as renters may move around or as property owners may operate units in multiple cities.
Mr. McDonough stated there is a section of law in Minnesota, called 504B, with extensive
information defining the roles and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. Some cities don't even
have a rental licensing program. For example, Eagan is just starting a rental license process.
Mr. McDonough stated there has been an assumption for quite some time that a tenant is aware of
the cost they are agreeing to upon signing a lease and when it is due. However, the ordinance in
Brooklyn Center requires the landlord to notify the tenant of their nonpayment at or after the due
date before they are able to start any eviction process. It then takes on average six weeks for the
case to get a court hearing, during which time the landlord won't be receiving any payment. The
issue only compounds on itself from there.
Mr. McDonough noted Minneapolis has a 14-day notification period and St. Louis Park has a
seven-day notice. However, Brooklyn Center is at a 30-day notice. There is a new Statewide
requirement of a 14-day notice since Brooklyn Center created their ordinance. St. Louis Park will
likely eliminate their ordinance all together and just abide by the State's requirements.
Minneapolis' timeline is the same, but they have different reporting requirements. MHA is
working with Minneapolis to get the requirements more in line with the State.
Mr. McDonough explained the States requirements have a lookback period of only three years for
evictions. Also, pending evictions will no longer be public. There is an option for tenants to
request an inspection of the unit bcf'ore moving in, and there is a tenant remedies portion to report
non -working elements such as air conditioning, refrigerators, or elevators. There are provisions
about breaking leases for health issues, required disclosure of any non -optional fees, and 24-hour
notice before entry.
Mr. McDonough added just cause non -renewals can be dangerous for cities to do. For example,
there could be a problem tenant who is causing other tenants to leave, but the reason isn't only the
list of just causes. Brooklyn Ccntcr is the only City to have a just cause non -renewal component.
7/18/23 -9-
The only other city that has tried is has had it repealed.
Mr. Falknian stated his company ('eels the same way. It is ultimately for the ease of the renters
because Brooklyn Center has unigric rules that don't apply elsewhere, Soderberg Apartments has
fielded numerous questions and concerns from tenants trying to move into or out of Brooklyn
Center due to the tenant protection ordinance. There are similar issues in Saint Louis Park.
Overall, Soderberg Apartments has great relationships with tenants, and they want to maintain
those relationships.
Mr. Falkman shared examples of problem tenants that caused other tenants to leave and couldn't
be removed due to just cause. The problems couldn't be substantiated such as smoking or creepy
behaviors. An eviction is the last resort for landlords, and non -renewals are a valuable tool to work
together with tenants. The ordinance forces landlords to start the eviction process much sooner
than they would like because of the additional time constraints. They would prefer to work
together with the tenant.
Chair Enger asked where they can find information cited by the presenters. Mr. McDonough
agreed the information is difficult to find and was part of a Bill with other random topics such as
gun control.
Mr. Anderson confirmed he would send out the information on the Bill and how to access it. He
noted he previously sent out I lomcl,inc's summary of the new regulations.
Mr. Falkman added there has been a serious increase in stolen identities in the State, which is
another concern for landlords. Councilmcmber Jerzak agreed there are issues created for the
victim of the stolen identity, the neighboring tenants, and the landlords. It is virtually impossible
to chase down the criminals, and law enforcement doesn't have the capacity to handle such
concerns.
Commissioner Gayflor explained Brooklyn Center is unique to most other cities in Minnesota.
There may need to be certain regulations to protect its diverse community. She asked why this
topic is a priority and how consistency matters.
Mr. McDonough stated consistency is important for both landlords and tenants. Both sides can
expect similar processes for applications, inspections, leases, non -renewals, evictions, and the like.
It is easier to teach and train employees and also makes it easier for tenants to know their rights.
Mr. Falkman noted the discrepancy can cause conflict. He pointed out Brooklyn Center already
has one of the strictest rental licensing programs he has ever encountered. The City has strong
tools in their licensing to support tenants. I. andlords may see it as burdensome, but he sees it as a
benefit as it raises the standard of housing and prevents bad actors from renting units in Brooklyn
Center.
Commissioner Williams asked what the purpose of the presentation is. Chair Enger stated it is
educational and the Commission N•vill hear from tenants and tenant advocacy groups in a fixture
meeting. Then there will be a future discussion to determine if any recommendations should be
7/18/23 -10-
made to the Council.
Commissioner Laura Freund pointed out 70 to 77 percent of landlords were not impacted by the
ordinance, according to the survey. She asked what brought up the topic. Mr. Anderson asked for
feedback on the ordinance from the Housing Commission,
Mr. Falkman added many housing providers don't understand the ordinance and aren't sure on
how to implement it.
Chair Enger noted only 27 responses were received from 350 survey requests. The lack of
response may also reflect the lack of understanding by landlords.
Mr. Falkman stated landlords were solicited for feedback during the process. Landlords didn't
even know about the potential ordinance until the second reading. Housing providers in the
community feel as though their opinion is unimportant or not valued, and that may have resulted
in fewer survey responses.
Councilmember Jerzak pointed out parr ol'tlhe process for the ordinance required that there be a
survey of landlords after the ordinance was in place for a while. Since the ordinance process
began, there is a new Mayor and two new Councilmembers. Also, there weren't any State
regulations in place when the ordinance development began. The inspectors have been caught in
the middle of the issue as well, and that is not their role.
Commissioner Williams stated Brooklyn Center isn't trying to be different and may not have an
issue with becoming consistent with the Stalc regulations, There needs to be further discussion
before universal claims are made,
Commissioner Gayflor stated the lacl< o I' survey responses from landlords show that landlords
don't really care.
Chair Enger thanked Mr, Falkman and \/Ir. N/1cDonough for their time. Mr. Falkman noted he left
his card if anyone wanted to speak further,
AUGUST IS 2023 — PRESI.N71 1 T%ON ON TENANT PROTECTION AND INVITE
TENANTSANDADVOC11 CY GROUP
None.
SEPTEMBER 19 2023 — UI_I IIOUS[AfG REPORTPRI:SENTATION
None.
CITY COUNCIL LIAISON REI'OR7'
Chair Enger stated this item will no( he addressed as Council Liaison Councilmember Kris
Lawrence -Anderson was not present.
OTHER B USINESS
Chair Enger showed a documeni that she lound on the City website related to the ULI Housing
7/18/23
Report. There are short- and long-term ideas of things to implement. She suggested there be a
presentation on the topic and why the document was created. Mr. Anderson stated he sent it out
previously to the Commission, but he cam rescnd it. The presentation is scheduled for September.
Commissioner Best-Deyoe stated the housing market in Brooklyn Center is slowing down.
Chair Enger added there is a Council agreement that the Councilmembers follow during their
meetings. She explained she put together a similar document that could ensure the Housing
Commission is working as a collective and all parties feel equal. She provided a copy of the
document to the present Commissioners. Mr. Anderson proposed the item be a discussion topic at
a future meeting.
Commissioner Freund asked where Chair Eiigcr found the methodology. Chair Enger stated she
learned it from the Council and modeled it iI'm, the Council norms.
Councilmember Jerzak noted Commissions tend to have a set of bylaws or code of conduct that
the Staff Liaison could provide to the Commission. Mr. Anderson stated the bylaws were provided
to each member of the Commission, but review of the bylaws can be added to the agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Commissioner Gaynor and seconded by Commissioner Donnelly to
adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. 'I'Iic Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned
at 9:08 mm.
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