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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976 09-14 HCMCall to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes 4 -13 -76 Adult Education Classes Housing Programs HRA Rent Assistance Program MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA Commissioner Ward was absent. REGULAR SESSION SEPTEMBER 14, 1976 CITY HALL The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Howard at 7 :45 p.m. Chairman Howard, Commissioners Magnuson, Weitzel, Haroldson, and Beikler. Also present were Administrative Assistants Ron Warren and Leon Beasley. Chairman Howard reported that Commissioners Plummer and Hastings were serving as election judges this evening and may be present later. They were excused. Councilman Fignar was unable to attend due to a Modest Cost Housing Advisory Committee meeting this evening. Chairman Howard deferred approval of the minutes until later. The Chairman next recognized the Secretary who proceeded to report that he has been in correspondence with Mr. McGuire of the North Hennepin Community College in reference to the College's fall adult education programs. He also stated that Mr. McGuire provided two descrip- tions of two courses offered at the College; Basic Home Repair and Understanding Community Development with complete tabloids to be sent later in the month. The Secretary briefly reviewed the HRA Rent Assistance Program structuring guidelines. He noted that the program began in Brooklyn Center on August 30, 1976, and further noted that applications for the program are being taken in the City Hall every Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. -1- 9 -14 -76 The next program to be summarized was done so by Administrative Assistant Leon Beasley. He stated the program's purpose, which is to provide an oppor- tunity for low income residents with a preference for senior citizens to gain grants to help improve their homes, especially those improvements which are of an energy saving nature. He then proceeded to state the guidelines of the program. The $5,000 maximum annual income drew response from Commissioner Haroldson relative to the availability of qualifying residents in Brooklyn Center. A brief discussion ensued in regards to the existence of low income residents in the City. The Chairman next recognized Mayor Cohen who made an unscheduled appearance before the Com- mission. The Mayor stated that if housing is to be provided for the future, it is time to get busy. He informed the Commission that rehabilitation and housing maintenance are important so as we main- tain what we have. He cited the skyrocketing costs of new construction to emphasize his point. The Mayor explained to the Commission that in the respective periods after World War II and the Korean War many federal dollars went into the housing market. Now very few funds exist from the federal government. He recommends that the federal govern- ment increase their participation and suggests the need. for land banking in the Metropolitan area. Following a brief discussion relative to the Mayor's comments, the Chairman on behalf of the Commission thanked the Mayor for his appearance before them. The Secretary next introduced information relative to the MHFA Home Improvement Loan Program. He stated that the program was similar to the grant program in design except the recipient is to pay back the funds borrowed. The Secretary then proceeded to 'further examine the program structure with the Com- mission with the aid of a pamphlet which was given to each Commission member. Commissioner Haroldson questioned that if the improvements made on some property of the recipient should necessitate increase in the assessment of that said property. The Secretary's response to Home Improvement Grant Program Mayor Cohen Hone Improvement Loan Program Home Renovation Workshop Affordable Home Loan Program Approval of Minutes 4 -13 -76 Commissioner Haroldson's question said the improvements made under the program would have littel if any effect on the property tax or the assessment of the recipient's home. He then proceeded to review the assessment process, citing the differences between market value and limited value of which the latter is the basis of the property tax and is restricted by State Statutes to what it can rise to. Commissioner Hastings arrived at 8:40 p.m. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission recessed at 8:41 p.m. and resumed at 9:05 p.m. The program next reviewed by the Secretary was the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's Affordable Home Loan Program. A short discussion relative to this topic ensued. Commissioner Haroldson suggested that Mr. Dick Miller of the MHFA is available to address the Commission on the various housing programs offered by that agency. Motion by Commissioner Hastings and seconded by Commissioner Weitzel to approve the minutes of the April 13, 1976 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Howard reported next on the Home Renovation Workshop. He stated that Ron Warren and himself met with Ms. Judy Labon of Northern States Power. He said they discussed the results that were achieved in Minnea- polis by that City's HRA and NSP. Also discussed was the workshop to be held in St. Paul in October. The Chairman briefly discussed the nature of the financing for those two workshops. The Chairman stated that the workshop planned for next spring in Brooklyn Center would involve a lot of hard work by the Commission members. He cited the tentative dates of the workshop which are the last week of March and the first two weeks in April. The Chairman further stated that the Commission should not rely heavily upon NSP personnel. He commented further upon the need of Commission members to participate fully. He suggested a general discussion meeting prior to the next meeting to develop ideas on what scope the workshop sessions are to cover. The Chairman cited the need of the Commission to coordinate the workshop with the Community Education program. He reported that he spoke with Mr.Norwick of Community Education and has set the tentative dates for the availability•of space in the high school. The Chairman recommends that the Community Education program take on the bulk of responsibility in coordinating and conducting the workshop. He further stated that the expertise and experience of NSP should be utilized along with the manpower of the Commission. Commissioner Weitzel left the table at 9:30 and returned at 9:32 p.m. After a lengthy discussion the Commission decided to meet Tuesday, September 28 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. to determine what is to be provided to the workshop sessions. A brief discussion ensued relative to a mobile home seminar. This was tabled in favor of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's presentation. Motion by Commissioner Haroldson and seconded by Commissioner Magnuson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 10:05 p.m. Chairman Adjournment IP i