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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978 05-16 HCMCall to Order Roll Call Guest Speaker 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 MAY 16, 1978 CITY HALL The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Phyllis Plummer at 7 :48 p.m. Chairman Phyllis Plummer, Commissioners Dolores Hastings, Ray Haroldson, Ronald Turner and Clifford Williams. Also present were Councilman Bill Fignar, Philip Cohen, Director of Planning and Inspection Blair Tremere, Inspection Aide Laurie Thompson and Admin- istrative Assistant Ronald Warren. Chairman Plummer announced that former mayor Philip Cohen was present this evening to discuss and provide information about the Metropolitan Council and its housing policies and practices. She recognized Mr. Cohen, who stated that he intended this evening to address and explain what things the Metropolitan Council was doing and possibly what assistance they can be to the City. He referred to a copy of the Subsidized Housing Handbook which had been distributed to the Commission and explained that it is a guide to housing relocation resources in the Twin Cities metro- politan area and basically is a comprehensive review of programs available and a summary of what is going on in the field of subsidized housing in the metropolitan area. He then referred to a copy of Minnesota Housing Needs, Housing Resources and Housing Resource Distribution Plans which was prepared by the Office of Local and Urban Affairs, State Planning Agency and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. He explained that this booklet shows the housing needs in Minnesota and comments on what programs are available to meet these needs. He then referred to a copy of Municipal Housing Policy in Minnesota which is a report based on the work of students at the University of Minnesota, prepared under the direction of Michael E. Gleeson, Assistant Professor, School of Public Affairs. He explained that municipalities have been left, basically, to set their own housing goals and design their own housing programs by combining federal and state programs together with state granted local authority. He pointed out that this report attempts to inventory -1- 5 -16 -78 these programs and grants of authority and to describe how they have been used by referring to case studies of three Minnesota cities. He added that this information should be useful in helping decide how to address housing needs in Brooklyn Center based on what other communities have done in the past. Mr. Cohen also commented on some handout printed material dealing with metropolitan area housing needs. He stated that the basic question is what are the needs of Brooklyn Center as identified by the City of Brooklyn Center. He explained that it is important to determine what these needs are and then to match up various programs, or develop new programs which will meet the housing needs of the community. Mr. Cohen stated that data obtained from the Metro HRA Section 8 Rent Assistance Program was used to determine the need for large family housing in the metropolitan area. He added that he felt it would be worthwhile for the Housing Commission, as an advisory commission to the City Council, to assist in identifying what the community housing needs are and then to make this information available and also assist in addressing these housing needs. He briefly commented on the needs for large family subsidized housing in the metro politan area and some of the problems associated with it. He pointed out that the reason he feels local government should determine what the needs of its community are is that people at the local level should be more familiar with these needs and be able to determine how best to address them. He noted that, as an example, municipalities must make a deter mination as to how much property can be left off of the tax rolls and stated that this decision should be made at the local level. Mr. Cohen further stated that it is important for local communities to not only be familiar with the Metropolitan Council and its policies, but they also must work together to determine needs. He further stated that perhaps Brooklyn Center and the Metro Council can work jointly for Brooklyn Center's benefit. Commissioner Duenow arrived at 8 :03 p.m. A brief discussion ensued relative to Metro Council housing goals and the Metro Council's review authority over federal grant applications based on a community's performance. Mr. Cohen stated that although there are a number of varied housing subsidy programs, the monies available simply are not there at this time to meet the total demand. He further stated that the cost of housing for low, moderate and now even middle income families is continually outstripping the family income avail- able to acquire housing. 5 -16 -78 -2- Approval of Minutes 4/25/78 In conclusion, Mr. Cohen suggested that the Housing Commission review carefully the information and data provided to help them in determining Brooklyn Center's housing needs and then attempt to plan for these needs. He stated that the Metropolitan Council will be happy to provide any assistance that might be needed by the community. Chairman Plummer thanked Mr. Cohen for his presenta- tion and indicated that she hoped he might be available to meet with the Housing Commission again at its June meeting to further review and discuss housing needs and problems and how they might be addressed. Commissioner Haroldson offered a correction to page 9, paragraph 3 of the April 25, 1978 Housing Commission minutes. He clarified that he felt people would be willing to install smoke detectors in their homes if they were required and if the City might be able to make them available at a reduced cost. Motion by. Commissioner Haroldson, seconded by Com- missioner Duenow to approve the minutes of the April 25, 1978 Housing Commission meeting as corrected. The motion passed unanimously. Home Improvement Chairman Plummer introduced the next item of business Grant Program on the agenda, that of a final review of the Home Improvement Grant Program priority ranking. She stated that the Director of Planning and Inspection would review the program so that the Housing Com- mission might be able to make a final recommendation to the City Council regarding the ranking of home improvement grants. The Director of Planning and Inspection commented that an informational sheet and a recommended ranking for eligible grant applications has been distributed to members of the Commission. He stated that the total amount of grant funds available in 1978 is $18,229.86. He explained that bids for most of the projects have been received' and that in two instances revised, or additional, bids are being sought. The Director of Planning and Inspection reported that the biggest concern in considering a ranking for these grant applications is the property at 810 53rd Avenue North. He reviewed slides of the property and commented that the applicant is eligible for the program and had requested attic insulation and ventilation, wall insulation, reroofing and replacement of fascia, -3- 5 -16 -78 replacement of window frames, weatherstripping and plumbing and electrical repairs. He stated that this home is in an area of the City that has high potential for future redevelopment. He stated that it is on 53rd Avenue North near the new freeway interchange. He pointed out that this house abuts Bellvue Park and that there is no doubt that there are many planning concerns and considerations for this older area of the City. He added that there are a number of other homes in the area that are in a similar condition and stated that improving this house would have little significant impact on the rest of the neighborhood. He continued that in the preliminary ranking, 810 53rd Avenue North was ranked the highest. He stated that because of the many planning considerations and also because it is doubtful whether the home improvement grant program funds, which are limited to $5,000, will make a significant improvement to the property, it is recommended that a full grant not be awarded. He suggested the Com- mission, as an option, consider upgrading 810 53rd by providing funds for the more serious problems such as the plumbing and electrical repairs needed. He stated that these repairs would make the home more habitable and safer. He indicated that such improvements could perhaps be made for approximately $1,000 and recommended that this be the amount of the grant rather than the $5,000 which was originally estimated. He pointed out that other options would be to put no money at all into the property or to put the full amount of the grant into the property which might be contrary to state policy which cautions against attempts to substantially rehab- ilitate deteriorated dwellings where total replacement may be a better public investment. He stated that degree of redevel- opment- rehabilitation is beyond the scope of the particular program. He added that MHFA has been contacted regarding this application, and they have informed the City that it would be proper to make only the safety improvements provided the grant does not exceed $1 ,000. The Director of Planning and Inspection also reported that there are some complications with respect to getting authorization from the fee title holder for the improvements. He explained that the applicant purchased the property on a contract for deed and that there are several contracts for deed associated with the title of the property. He pointed out that a co- signa- ture from the fee owner is necessary for the awarding of a grant; and this appears doubtful at this time. The Director of Planning and Inspection stated that for flex ibility in dealing with this application, he would recommend that only the major health and safety considerations be addressed through the grant program if the necessary commitments and authorizations can be obtained. Chairman Plummer commented that it makes sense to her to proceed in this manner, especially addressing the health and safety considerations proposed. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Hastings, the Director of Planning and Inspection stated that it would take a major insulation job and extensive window repairs to make the necessary energy related improvements and that it is estimated that the total cost to make all of the requested improvements would be in excess of the $5,000. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Williams, the Director of Planning and Inspection stated that the Building Official estimates that the plumbing and electrical repairs might be made for less than $1,000; but this is subject to actual bids from contractors. He added that the state has indicated that if more than $1,000 is expended upon a particular project, then all the necessary energy related improve- ments would have to be addressed as well, and that a commitment to provide funds for all of the improve- ments would have to be made. Commissioner Turner stated that he concurred with the recommendation and was of the opinion that the Housing Commission should proceed in this .manner. Commissioner Hastings commented that she too favored, recommending up to $1,000 to correct the necessary health and safety items. Commissioners Duenow and Williams also concurred with the recommendation. Commissioner Haroldson commented that even if the City were to consider rehabilitating or redeveloping this entire area it may take longer than seven years which is the time frame allowed for the repayment agreement. He stated that he felt $1,000 should be the minimum put into this property and with .heating bills being as they are, and energy conservation as important as it is, he feels that the extra dollars should be put into this property. Chairman Plummer polled the Housing Commission with respect to the Director of Planning and Inspection's recommendation that not more than $1,000 be recom- mended for this particular home improvement grant. Chairman Plummer, Commissioners Hastings, Turner, Duenow and Williams concurred with the recommendation and Commissioner Haroldson favored providing more funds for the applicant. -5- 5 -16 -78 The Director of Planning and Inspection continued to review the recommended ranking for the remainder of the eligible grant applications. He noted that in the case of the properties at 5900 June Avenue North and 4207 63rd Avenue North, it has been requested that the applicant's obtain other bids because it is felt that the original bids are high. He also -reported that there had been some discussion at the last Housing Commis- sion meeting about whether or not corrective drainage work could be done with these home improvement grant funds. He noted that it is felt that different grading will address the problem and added that the state contends corrective drainage work can be done under the program if the drainage problem affects the structure of the home. He pointed out that it is felt that none of these cases have drainage problems affecting the structure of the home. The Director of Planning and Inspection next reported that the total amount of grant funds expended, with the inclusion of up to $1,000 for the property at 810 53rd Avenue North, would be $16,940 which would provide for a contingency of approximately $1,200 in case some of the work exceeds the estimated amount. Chairman Plummer left the table at 9 :12 p.m, and returned at 9:15 p.m. The Director of Planning and Inspection also reported that two applications, reviewed by the Housing Commission at its April 25 meeting, have been dropped from further con sideration. He explained that the applicant at 5650 Logan Avenue North had withdrawn the application, and the appli- cant at 5815 Humboldt Avenue North had not completed the application. He pointed out that both applicants could make application for future funding if it is available. Commissioner Duenow left the table at 9:29 p.m. and returned at 9:33 p.rn. Following a lengthy discussion, there was a motion by Commissioner Hastings and seconded by Commissioner Williams to recommend approval to the City Council of the following priority ranking for Home Improvement Grant applications: 1. 6730 Perry Avenue North; 2. 3913 58th Avenue North; 3. 3901 52nd Avenue North; 4. 5947 Bryant A r3nue North; 5. 5900 June Avenue North; 6. 4207 63rd Avenue North; 7. 6430 Toledo Avenue North; 8. 6812 Toledo Avenue North; and an amount not to exceed $1,000 for the property at 810 53rd Avenue North. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Haroldson again commented that, although he voted in favor of the recommendation, he felt more funds should be made available for the property at 810 53rd Action Recommending A Priority Ranking For Home Improvement Grant Applications Other Business Adjournment Avenue North. The Secretary pointed out that if the full amount of the grant was recommended for 810 53rd Avenue North, then probably the properties ranked number 5, number 6, number 7 and number 8 would have to be eliminated from the recommendation. In other business the Commission indicated that it would like to review a draft certificate of occupancy ordinance for the purpose of possibly making a recom- mendation at a future date to the City Council about such a program. Chairman Plummer requested members of the Commission to review the housing information made available this evening by Mr. Cohen and also to review the housing chapter of the Metropolitan Development Guide and to give consideration to addressing the housing needs in Brooklyn Center. She added that it might be possible to have Mr. Cohen appear again at the June Commission meeting and that possibly by next September the Com- mission can get into the swing of determining housing needs in Brooklyn Center. Chairman Plummer deferred the agenda item regarding review of the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance until the next Commission meeting. Motion by Commissioner Turner and seconded by Com- missioner Hastings to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 10:18 p.m. Chairman