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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980 09-16 HCMCORRECTION MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION -OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION SEPTEMBER 16, 1980 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Plummer at 7 :45 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Plummer, Commissioners Ainas, Haroldson, Hastings, Cohen, Williams, Turner, Duenow and Cilke. Also present were Councilmember bill Eignar and Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman. REVIEW OF COMMISSION BYLAWS AND ENABLING RESOLUTION Chairman Plummer introduced a discussion of the Commission's bylaws and enabling resolution as the first agenda item. After a brief discussion Commissioner Haroldson inquired if the use of ad hoc committees would not be in violation of the Open Meeting Law. It was noted that such ad hoc committees would be open to the public should the general public care to take part in such meetings and as such do not constitute a violation. A brief discussion ensued relative to Article IV dealing with three unexcused absences. Following that discussion it was the consensus of the group that no action was needed relative to the Article. Commissioner Ainas questioned Article VII relative to the neighborhood advisory committees. He inquired as to whether or not such committees were in existence. Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman indicated that as a practical matter such neighborhood committees which are shared with the Planning Commission are no longer in existence. He stated that the reason was really because of a lack of use. Following the review of the bylaws, there was a motion by Commissioner Cohen and seconded by Commissioner Haroldson indicating that the Commission had reviewed their bylaws as required on an annual basis and that the Commission found there was no need for further action. The motion passed unanimously. There was a motion by Commissioner Hastings and seconded by Commissioner Williams noting that the Commission had given its annual review to its enabling resolution and they felt no further changes or modifications were required. The motion passed unanimously. HOUSING REHAB PROGRAM The next agenda item was a discussion of Brooklyn Center's housing rehab program. Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman stated that of the grants that have been closed out as of this date, the average number per household was slightly greater than three. He further added that the range in the number per household was from two to five persons. He also indicated that the average grant was $3,555.75 with a range of $1,250.00 to $7,278.00. The average income of the grant recipient was $7,496.00 and the range was $4,668.00 to $9,858.00. Administrative Assistant Hoffman indicated that he felt that the grant program was reaching those individuals that the City had intended to reach with this grant program. He also added that the quality of the projects that were being done under the grant program were in his opinion superior to those that were done previously under the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency grant program. A brief discussion then ensued relative to the types of projects undertaken. Administrative Assistant Hoffman indicated that the Department of Housing and Urban Development had required that the Urban County have a uniform rehab grant program. He stated that during the summer participating communities met and discussed approaches to the rehab grant program. He indicated that for the most part Brooklyn Center's program had become the Urban County program. The two (2) basic changes were the requirement for a first come -first serve basis for administering the grants and that the repayment agreement be changed from four (4) to--five (5) years. He further stated that the majority of the other communities in the Urban County were under a seven (7) year repayment agreement. He noted that under the Urban County plan the maximum income would be $7,500.00, however, Brooklyn Center and a few other communities would be allowed to submit an amendment to use the maximum Section 8 income requirements as we were currently doing. DISCUSSION: AGENDA SCHEDULE The next agenda item was a discussion of projects to be pursued during the coming year. The first project to be discussed was the housing inspection ordinance. Commissioner Haroldson indicated that he would like to have a meeting with the general public and have an open forum concept. Commissioner Ainas agreed with that approach but indicated that he felt we would get pro- spective sellers and the general tone would be negative. Commissioner Williams inquired as to whether or not such homes were not approved by FHA and VA before their sell. He indicated that only homes that were being financed by FHA and VA would receive such inspection. Commissioner Cohen noted that in his work in Senator Durenberger's office he receives many complaints about VA and FHA inspections. He indicated that he felt that the staff should prepare a report on VA and FHA inspections. He indicated that he felt that it would be necessary to know how thorough such inspections were. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that the Commission would hold a public hearing in November. It was also indicated that they would like to have a report on the FHA and VA inspections by the October meeting. Chairman Plummer inquired of the Commission if there were other activities they would like to pursue. Commissioner Haroldson inquired about energy audits. Chairman Plummer noted that there are groups available to do this and inquired it we wanted to explore the concept further. Commissioner Ainas inquired if energy audits were not more properly for the Conservation Commission. Follow- ing a brief discussion, Councilmember Fignar suggested that the matter be tied to the sale of a home. It was the general consensus of the Commission that energy audits would be pursued with the housing inspection ordinance. Commissioner Hastings indicated en interest in pursuing a study of condo conversions. She indicated that she was concerned with the displacement of people through the condo conversion process. Commissioner Cohen noted that there were state laws and federal laws in the making to regulate such conversions. He also stated that Wayzata currently has a law on the books regulating condo conversions. It was agreed that the Commission would pursue the matter in depth and it was the suggestion that they obtain speakers from the developers per- spective for a future meeting. Commissioner Williams indicated he was interested in the homes for the handi- capped that were being built in the City of Minneapolis. A brief discussion then ensued and Commissioner Williams indicated that he would pursue the matter and report back to the Commission at a future meeting. 9 -16 -80 -2- Councilmember Bill Fignar indicated that he would like to have someone from the Robbinsdale HRA come in and review their HRA program with the Housing Com- mission. He noted that they have been very active with new housing construction and felt that we could benefit from a review of their program. Commissioner Cohen indicated that we need to look at programs that make homes affordable to young couples. Commissioner Haroldson indicated that he would like to see a program with making smoke alarms mandatory in residential structures. A brief discussion then ensued relative to asuggestion by Commissioner Ainas. He indicated that he felt that every other meeting should start one -half hour earlier and have an open forum for public comment. It was the consensus of the other Commissioners that the Commission would receive very little comment from the general public. It was agreed that the concept would be considered again by the Commission at a future date. OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Hastings informed the Commission that the League of Women Voters was presenting a discussion of the amendments that were up for vote this fall on September 25 on Channel 2. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Cohen, seconded by Commissioner Hastings to adjourn the Housing Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously and the Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Chairman