Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977 01-11 HCMCall to Order Roll Call Appointment of Vice Chairman Home Renovation Workshop MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION JANUARY 11, 1977 CITY HALL The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Vice Chairman Hastings at 7:40 p.m. Vice Chairman Hastings, Commissioners Weitzel, Haroldson, Beikler, and Plummer. Also present were Ronald Turner, Karen Duenow, Councilman Bill Fignar and Administrative Assistant Ronald Warren. The Secretary reported that Chairman Howard and Com- missioner Magnuson had informed him that they would be unable to attend this evening's meeting due to other commitments and were, therefore, excused. Vice Chairman Hastings reported that the Chairman's annual appointment of a Vice Chairman would be deferred until the February meeting. 1977 Meeting Vice Chairman Hastings introduced the next item of Schedule business, that of review and discussion on the proposed 1977 Housing Commission meeting schedule. The Secretary explained that the proposed schedule is designed so that the Commission will meet on the second Tuesday of each month and that the schedule is subject to change upon prior notification. He noted that tradi- tionally the Commission forgoes meeting during the summer months because of vacations and other scheduling conflicts. A brief discussion ensued relative to the meeting schedule with Commissioner Haroldson pointing out that he may be unable to attend the scheduled June 14 and November 8 meetings. The Vice Chairman introduced the next item of business on the agenda, that of continued discussion of and preparation for the Housing Commission's Home Renovation Workshop. She briefly reviewed the plans for the proposed workshop for the benefit of those in attendance and then called for a report from each Com- missioner on the status of their attempts to arrange speakers for various works presentations. Following the Commissioners' reports, the Vice Chairman requested that the Secretary be given the pertinent informa- tion so that letters of confirmation can be sent. Councilman Fignar introduced Mr. Ronald Turner and Ms. Karen Duenow to members of the Commission and commented that both of these persons have applied for appointment to the Commission. He briefly reviewed their backgrounds and welcomed them to the Housing Commission meeting. The Secretary next distributed and reviewed cost information developed for the proposed Horne Renovation Workshop. He explained that he, along with the Vice Chairman and Com- missioner Plummer, had developed the cost information based on past workshops and current costs. He noted that there were two areas of particular concern that he felt the Commission should review and make a decision on. He stated that one area had to dowith an advertisement, and the other with refreshments. He explained that the cost to run a 30 column inch ad in all Post publications for one edition would be approximately $168. He further explained that Judy Labon of NSP has recommended, and he concurs, that refreshments not be served at the workshops because at previous workshops refreshments have resulted in waste. He stated that at the St. Paul Workshop alone, eight out of every ten gallons of coffee prepared were thrown out. He reported that eliminating this item would reduce the expenses by approximately $100. A lengthy discussion ensued relative to the cost informa- tion, particularly with regard to advertisements and re- freshments. Commissioner Plummer stated, and Com- missioner Weitgel concurred, that refreshments be deleted and that the ad be included. The Secretary explained that NSP will participate in the funding of the program and noted which items they tentatively have agreed to fund. He stated that NSP, by law, cannot pay for the cost of running the advertisement in the newspaper and that this item, if included, would have to be justified by the Housing Commission. Commissioner Haroldson questioned the number of people such an ad would attract, especially in light of planned news releases and public service announce- ments. Further discussion ensued relative to the benefit of running the ad with each of the Commissioners expressing their opinions. Introduction of Possible New Commission Members Review of Home Renovation Workshop Cost Informa tion Recess The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission recessed at 8 :44 p.m. and resumed at 9:05 p.m. HRA Depositories Following the discussion it was the consensus of the Commission to delete refreshments from the cost informa- tion and continue with the inclusion of the advertisement in the Post publications. The Vice Chairman introduced the next item of business on the agenda, that of the continued discussion on HRA designated depositories. The Secretary briefly reviewed and explained the process utilized for determining official HRA depositories. He also reviewed the Housing Commission's deliberation on the subject at its December 14, 1976 meeting. He ex- plained that the City Council at its January 3, 1977 Council meeting had designated ten depositories for City funds. He noted that Councilman Fignar had express& the Housing Commission's concern about designating HRA depositories that are "participating financial insti- tutions" in the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Home Improvement Loan Program and that the Commission would be further reviewing the matter. The Secretary also re- ported that three out of the ten banks designated as official depositories for City funds are participating in the MHFA Program and that the Director of Finance has informed him that these three banks, in addition to some other banks, will be recommended as official depositories for HRA funds at the HRA business meeting to be held on January 24, 1977. The Secretary further reported that the Board of Directors of the First Brookdale State Bank will be discussing at its January 20, 1977 Board meeting, the possibility of becominc a "participating financial institution" in the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Home Improvement Loan Program. He recommended that the Commission direct him to write a letter to the First Brookdale State Bank on behalf of the Housing Commission to urge the Board of Director's to give a favorable consideration to becoming a participating bank. Following a brief discussion there was a motion by Com- missioner Plummer and seconded by Commissioner Weitzel to direct the Secretary to send a letter to the First Brook dale State Bank on behalf of the Housing Commission to urge the Board of Directors to give a favorable considera- tion to becoming a "participating bank". The motion passed unanimously. Further discussion ensued relative to designating HRA depositories with the Commission expressing their support for the recommended designation of the three participating banks as HRA depositories. Councilman Fignar left the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Vice Chairman Hastings introduced the next item of business by explaining that the Chairman is prepared to make recommendations to the Mayor for appointments to fill present Commission vacancies. She stated that two interested and well qualified persons have come forth and wish to be appointed to the two vacancies, but that a problem exists in that the Commission's enabling resolution requires that six members be appointed from various neighborhoods with the Chairman and two Com- mission members being appointed on an at large basis. She further stated that with these residency requirements as they are only one of the two candidates could be recommended for appointment. She commented that the Commission has been unable to attract interested persons from the Southwest Neighborhood to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Commissioner James Kohrt in February of 1976. The Secretary briefly reviewed the residency require- ments contained in the Housing Commission resolution and also the efforts that have been made to seek persons from the Southwest Neighborhood to fill the vacancy. He stated that the Commission is faced with the.problem of deciding what is the most important criteria for appoint- ment to the Commission, geographic representation or interest, ability and desire to serve. He explained that presently geographic representation presents itself as an obstacle for insuring a full Commission member- ship. He next reviewed the concept of geographic representation and stated that it is intended to give the Commission a neighborhood perspective of various housing concerns and problems. Following the Secretary's review, an extensive discus- sion ensued relative to residency requirements and Commission membership. Commissioner Weitzel commented that there has been a vacancy from the Southwest Neighborhood since February, 1976 which indicates that there has been no representation on the Commission from that area for almost one year. She stated the opinion that it is important that the Com- mission have a full and active membership of persons interested in serving on the Housing Commission and Housing Commission Enabling Resolution Commission Bylaws Adjournment that, in light of the length of the vacancy and the unsuccessful attempts to attract persons from that area, she favors recommending a modification to the resolution that would make all members appointed on an at large basis. Commissioner Haroldson stated that he views Housing Commission participation on the neighborhood advisory committees of the Planning Commission to be of signifi- cant importance and would not like to see this practice abandoned. He added that he would like to see appoint- ments made with consideration given to geographic balance, but that this balance should not be the most important criteria for appointment. Commissioner Beikler stated that he favored Commission appointments on an at large basis with consideration given to geographic representation. Commissioner Plummer commented that she felt it would be possible to continue with Commission representation on the neighborhood advisory committees. She concurred with Commissioners Haroldson and Beikler, and added she supports a change as long as the overall goal is to attempt to maintain geographic representation provided it does not hinder a full Commission membership. Following further discussion with Vice Chairman Hastings expressing similar views there was a motion by Com- missioner Plummer and seconded by Commissioner Haroldson to direct the Chairman to convey to the Mayor and City Council the Commission's recommendation that the Housing Commission enabling resolution be amended regarding residency requirements and to further convey the rationale for this recommendation. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Plummer inquired as to when the Commission will undertake its annual review of the Housing Com- mission Bylaws. The Secretary responded that this review will be the substance of a forthcoming Commission meeting. Motion by Commissioner Haroldson and seconded by Commissioner Plummer to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 9 :45 p.m. Chairman