Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975 05-06 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 MAY 6, 1975 CITY HALL The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Howard at 7:37 p.m. Chairman Howard, Commissioners Kohrt, Hastings, Weitzel and Ward. Also present was Administra tive Assistant Ron Warren. Motion by Commissioner Weitzel and seconded by Commissioner Hastings to approve the minutes of the April 29, 1975 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Howard introduced the first item of business on the agenda, a review of the City Council's action on proposed amendments to the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance. He noted that the City Council was quite responsive to the recommendations submitted by the Housing Commission. Chairman Howard then recognized the secretary who gave a brief synopsis of the City Council's proceedings. He reported that the Housing Com- mission had made nineteen recommendations for change in the ordinance; sixteen recommendations for no change; and had referred approximately six items for further review by the City Council and staff. He noted that the City Council had accepted the Commission's recommendations almost unanimously. He further noted that the City Council had instructed the City staff to review further Section 12-601, concerning minimum thermal standards, for the possible inclusion of an insulation standard as a condition of sale, and had also directed the City staff to review the ordinance for the possibility of adding "rooming units" to various provisions and sections of the ordinance where they may be needed. The secretary stated that the Council had modified Section 12-704, to prohibit the use of toxic-based paints and materials. The secretary then explained the action taken on the various items the Housing Commission had recommended for further review by the City Council. Regarding Section 12 ®201 (10) the definition of a habitable room, he stated that the City Council had voted to delete the floor covering, ceiling covering and wall finish provisions in the unfinished basement factor of the habitable room definition. Regarding Section 12 ®711, YARD COVER, the secretary stated that the City Council had directed the staff to incorporate a less restrictive definition that would include some other acceptable yard cover. He further stated that the Council had also decided to replace the word "neighborhood" with the word "com- munity" so that the last sentence of this section would read as follows ®o "and such yard cover shall be maintained consistent with prevailing community standards". Commissioner Haroldson arrived at 7053 pom. The secretary explained that it was the consensus of the Council not to change Section 12802 (2), PERMISSIBLE OCCUPANCY OF A DWELLING UNIT, Regarding Section 12804, MINIMUM CEILING HEIGHT, he noted that it was the consensus of the Council to refer this matter to the City staff to develop wording that would accommodate some of the problems that have been noted, with the possibility of adding a °°grandfathering clause' to this section. He further explained that it was the consensus of the City Council not to change Sections 12-1001, ENFORCE- MENT AND INSPECTION AUTHORITY, and 12 ®1202, RIGHT OF APPEAL, The secretary concluded his presentation by noting that the Council had passed a motion to adopt a resolution charging the Housing Commission with the responsibility of being a reviewing body for the appeal process. Chairman Howard introduced the next item of business on the agenda, a review of the various programs for financing home improvement loans. The Chairman noted the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's home improve- ment program and passed out, for the Commissioners .review, information explaining the program. He stated that this program was developed by MHFA to make loans available to homeowners desiring to repair, improve or rehabilitate their property, He further stated that the program involves local lending institutions and is contingent upon the ability of the MHFA to float bonds or gain possible appropriations from the Legislature. Financing for Home Improve- ment Loans Informing New Residents of the Housing Ordinance He explained that lending institutions must currently be authorized to make FHA insured home improvement loans and have a Title property improvement loan contract of insurance from HUD/FHA. Chairman Howard noted that the Brooklyn Center State Bank and Home Federal Savings and Loan are currently eligible for the program but are somewhat skeptical and have a wait-and-see attitude toward it. Their feeling, he stated, was that there might not be a great demand in this area for these types of loans, The Chairman went on to explain further the MHFA program and briefly noted the general eligibility for the loans, the type of improvements that can be made under the program and some of the particu- lars of the loans. He stated that the incentive of the program is to encourage people to make home improvements, and cited a loan cancellation provision as evidence of this fact. He briefly noted thac there are certain instances where the loan will be completely cancelled, provided the improvement is made. Chairman Howard concluded his presentation by noting that it was his intention to invite a representative of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to the next Housing Commission meeting to explain in more detail the home improvement program and any other financial assistance programs available. The next item of business discussed was ways to inform new Brooklyn Center residents of the Housing Ordinance. Chairman Howard stated two possible ways of publicizing the ordinance. One way was to contact realtors so they are aware of the ordinance. The other suggestion was to have the newspaper emphasize building permit requirements for home improvements. A lengthy discussion ensued relative to informing new residents of the ordinance. Commissioner Haroldson suggested that it might be a good idea to suggest that the local newspaper occasionally print some of the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance requirements. Commissioner Hastings noted that it might be possible to give the Welcome Wagon representatives Housing Commission pamphlets that contain the inserts about the ordinance. She stated that Welcome Wagon representatives could then distribute this information when they visit new residents of the community. Motion by Commissioner Ward and seconded by Commis- sioner Hastings to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously® The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Chairman 5-6-75 -4- Adjournment