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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979 09-11 HCMMINUTES 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 11, 1979 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Plummer at 7:31 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Plummer, Commissioners Hastings, Cilke, Weitzel, Haroldson, Ainas, Turner and Williams. Also present was Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman. Chairman Plummer noted that Commissioner Duenow would be unable to attend and was excused. Councilmember Bill Fignar was absent and excused from the meeting. COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS Chairman Plummer noted that Commissioners Hastings, Williams and Cilke had attended a handicapped housing seminar and asked if they would report on that seminar. Commissioner Hastings then proceeded to review the events of'the seminar. She stated that they saw a film entitled, "A Different Approach She added that the film pointed out that every individual has some type of handicap. She then described the problems handicapped individuals, especially those confined to wheelchairs, find most common in today's housing. She noted bathroom sinks, corners and the general construction of the homes do not con- sider the needs of handicapped individuals. She added that 5% of the new housing today is for the handicapped but at that rate of construction it would take 200 years to meet just today's needs. Discussion then ensued and following that discussion the Commissioners that attended indicated that they found the seminar to have been very worthwhile. HOUSING INSPECTION ORDINANCE Administrative Assistant Hoffman reviewed with the Commission the staff's thoughts on the administration of the housing inspection ordinance. He indicated that the present thoughts of the staff were to contract for a housing inspector to do the inspections associated with the ordinance. He indicated that the relation ship with the City would be similar to our electrical inspector. The electrical inspector is paid on a percentage of the fees collected from the purchase of permits. He indicated the building department had listed a number of items that should be considered as consumer awareness items and those that should require mandatory repairs under the housing code. Commissioner Ainas indicated that he felt the housing inspection fee should be on a gradual fee based upon the square footage of the home. He added that he felt there was a relationship between the size of the home and the length of time it would take the inspector to conduct a thorough inspection of the home. Thus, an additional cost would be warranted. Chairman Plummer indicated that she would like to see the items on the check list for the next meeting. She also requested copies of the St. Louis Park check list used by their inspectors. Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman indicated that he would try to have the draft ordinance language prepared by the next meeting for their review. RECESS The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission recessed at 8 :35 p.m. and reconvened at 8:50 p.m. 9 -11 -79 -1- WORKSHOP DISCUSSION Chairman Plummer introduced the next agenda item by stating that she would like the Commission to start working on a housing seminar that would concen- trate on housing rehabilitation and energy efficiency. She also indicated that she would like to see the Commission study the relationships between housing, zoning and transportation. A brief discussion ensued as to when the seminar would take place. It was the consensus of the group that the meeting should probably take place in the spring of the year. Commissioner Haroldson indicated that he felt that the number of items at the seminar should be limited and should be closely related so that people do not find themselves in the con- flict of wanting to go to two different meetings at the same time. Following Commissioner Haroldson's remarks, there was a brief discussion about holding a series of seminars. Commissioner Turner indicated that he would like to see some discussions about safety in the use of wood burning stoves today. Com- missioner Weitzel indicated she would like to see. solar energy considered at the seminars. Chairman Plummer stated that she would like to get some ideas from the energy agency and that we should perhaps invite them to the next meeting. Discussion then ensued relative to meeting jointly with the Conservation Commission. It was suggested that the Conservation Commission be invited to meet at the October meeting to discuss the seminar and other topics of mutual concern. HOUSING REHAB PROGRAM Administrative Assistant Hoffman updated the Commission by stating that the City Council has adopted the Commission's recommendations on grant selection criteria. He also stated that we have a' tentative agreement with the Metro HRA to provide administrative services for the program. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Weitzel and seconded by Commissioner Turner to adjourn the Brooklyn Center Housing Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. a Chairman