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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976 12-14 HCMCall to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes 10 -12 -76 Approval of Minutes 11 -9 -76 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 DECEMBER 14, 1976 CITY HALL The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Howard at 7 :44 p.m. Chairman Howard, Commissioners Hastings, Magnuson, Weitzel, Beikler, and Plummer. Also present were Judy Labon, Consumer Affairs Department of Northern States Power Company, Councilman Bill Fignar and Administrative Assistant Ronald Warren. Motion by Commissioner Hastings and seconded by Commissioner Weitzel to approve the minutes of the October 12, 1976 Housing Commission meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Magnuson, seconded by Commissioner Plummer to approve the minutes of the November 9, 1976 Housing Commission meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Discussion of Past Chairman Howard introduced Judy Labon, Consumer Home Renovation Representative with Northern States Power Company's Workshops Consumer Affairs Department, who was present this evening to review past NSP workshops conducted in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Ms. Labon discussed various aspects of the workshop and reviewed statistical data relative to attendance and participation at the work- shops. She explained that a total of 896 persons attended the St. Paul workshop which was held recently, and that approximately 1,800 persons had attended the Minneapolis workshop held last spring. A brief discussion ensued relative to publicizing the workshop with Ms. Labon suggesting that the Commission consider advertising the event through key neighborhood or community newspapers, news releases and public service announcements to various newspapers and radio stations. She also suggested distributing brochures to Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, elementary, junior high, and high schools, as well as church bulletins, etc. Commissioner Haroldson arrived at 8:10 p.m. Further discussion ensued with Ms. Labon reviewing and commenting on the Housing Commission's tentative workshop schedule. Chairman Howard explained that the workshop schedule would be finalized in January. Ms. Labon offered members of the Commission her card and urged them to contact her if they experience problems arranging speakers for the workshop. Chairman Howard expressed the Commission's appreciation to Ms. Labon for her efforts in assisting the Commission with workshop preparations. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission recessed at Recess 8:20 p.m. and resumed at 8 :30 p.m. Chairman Howard introduced the next item of business, that of discussion on banks that are designated as official depositories for Housing and Redevelopment Authority funds. He stated that the Housing Commission has long been concerned that banks in the Brooklyn Center area have not seen fit to become involved as "participating financial institutions" in the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Home Improvement Loan Program. He explained that the City Council, as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, has attempted in the past to urge various banks to partici- pate in this program, but with little or no success. He further explained that the possibility has been discussed by the Housing Commission to formally urge the HRA to only designate "participating" banks as depositories for HRA funds. He noted that the HRA will be making these designations in January, and suggested that the Commission review the matter to determine if there is a consensus that would warrant taking a position that should be relayed to the HRA. Commissioner Plummer left the table at 8:32 p.m. and returned at 8:35 p.m. The Secretary briefly reviewed the process utilized for determining official HRA depositories. He explained that a number of banks are so designated and that the City's Finance Director uses these banks as a means of obtaining competitive quotations for making invest- ments of HRA funds. He stated that the Director of Finance then deposits the funds where the best return on the dollar can be obtained. HRA Depositories Home Renovation Workshop Councilman Fignar stated that it is important that the Commission be conscious of the investment return because the City should attempt, as much as possible, to obtain the best return as a service to taxpayers. Commissioner Plummer questioned whether or not the amount of return lost would be significant and stated her opinion that using only participating financial institutions as depositories is a matter of principle, regardless of the investment return. Commissioner Haroldson responded that he felt the potential investment loss on HRA funds could be significant and that the Housing Commission should be concerned about it. He noted that most participating banks are full service banks and very few savings and loan institutions, with the exception of Washington Federal Savings and Loan Association in Stillwater, Minnesota, are participating financial institutions in the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Home Improvement Loan Program. Chairman Howard suggested that the Housing Commission convey an opinion to the HRA urging that body to consider doing business witli participating banks if the invest- ment return would not be hindered. Further discussion ensued relative to HRA depositories with the Commission expressing no clear consensus on an action to be taken. Following further discussion there was a motion by Com- missioner Hastings and seconded by Commissioner Plummer to convey to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority that the Housing Commission is reviewing the matter of HRA depositories in light of their participation in the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Home Improve- ment Loan Program, that no clear consensus has yet been arrived at by the Commission, and that, following further review and study of the matter, the Commission would like to express its opinion to the HRA regarding these depositories. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Howard introduced the next item of business, that of further review of the Housing Commission's planned Home Renovation Workshop. A brief discussion ensued relative to contacting speakers for the various workshop presentations. Chairman Howard stated that he would request a report from each Commissioner at the January meeting on the results of their attempts to line up speakers. Commissioner Plummer left the table at 9 :18 p.m. and returned at 9 :19 p.m. Further discussion ensued relative to contacting various groups and organizations in an attempt to attract partici- pation at the workshop. Chairman Howard suggested contacting all City Advisory Commissions to explain the program and solicit their help and support. Commissioner Magnuson suggested that the Presidents Round Table also be contacted to urge their support of the program. Chairman Howard requested Commissioners Hastings and Plummer to meet with the Secretary to develop cost infor- tio relating to the workshop to be reviewed b th e ma n 1 ea e g P Y Commission at the January meeting. He also requested that Commissioners contact the Secretary with information regarding speakers for the workshop so that letters of confirmation can be sent. The Chairman also requested the Secretary to develop a proposed Housing Commission meeting schedule for 1977 to be presented at the January meeting. Chairman Howard reported that the Mayor has received some applications for appointment to the Housing Com mission and that he and Councilman Fignar would be talking to these interested persons and would report on possible recommendations at the January meeting. Motion by Commissioner Hastings and seconded by Commissioner Haroldson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission ajdourned at 9 :40 p.m. Chairman Meeting Schedule Commission Membership Adjournment