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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974 11-12 HCMCall to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes 10 -16 -74 Federal Housing and Community Development 0 Act of 1974 (Mayor Philip Cohen) 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 NOVEMBER 12, 1974 CITY HALL The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Howard at 7 :40 p.m. Chairman Howard, Commissioners Nelson, Kohrt, Beikler, Magnuson and Weitzel. Also present were Mayor Philip Cohen, Director of Planning and Inspection Blair Tremere and Administra- tive Assistant Daniel Hartman. Motion by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Commissioner Kohrt to approve the minutes of the October 16, 1974 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Howard introduced Mayor Philip Cohen who presented a slide presentation on the Federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. He stated that the slide presentation was developed by the National League of Cities. He commented that it has been presented at regional meetings by H.U.D. to explain the new Housing and Community Development Act, Commissioner Hastings arrived at 7 :43 p.m. Commissioner Haroldson arrived at 7 :45 p.m. The slide presentation outlined the programs available for local units of government in the area of i ising and community development. At the conclusion of the presentation, Mayor Cohen discussed the Housing and Community Developme: t Act with the Commission. He stated t_ Brooklyn Center falls below the standards established under the Act to provide funds othyr° than through the use of discre- tionary funds. He stated that local governments in the metro- politan area have been meeting to discuss the ramifications of the new law and the possibility of establishing guidelines that would help H.U.D. process applications for discretionary funds. He stated that communities must re-examine their goals and objectives to make sure the funds would be used properly. He stated that H.U.D. guidelines for the discretionary funds have not been published at this time but the requirements will be extensive. The Mayor continued by commenting that an applica- tion for discretionary funds will require a municipality to meet certain standards established by H.U.D. He stated that it would be foolish for a community to apply for such funds if the require- ments to qualify would cost more than the programs the funds would establish. He stated that the program must help citizens in a community not create administrative red tape. He commented that the Housing and Community Development Act is a large city bill providing funds for large urban communities not the smaller suburban cities. He stated that the first step would be a housing plan so that H.U.D. would have an idea where the funds would be spent in the community. He stated that whether the funds were available or not, such a housing plan should be developed so communities would have an idea of their problems. Commissioner Nelson inquired if consideration has been given to senior citizens under the new law. She asked if assets of an individual are considered when applying for low income housing. She commented that once a senior citizen sells his home he has a certain amount of assets which could restrict him from assistance. She a] questioned whether individuals must live in a community to take advantage of their low and moderate income housing. Mayor Cohen commented that the federal government has eliminated local residency requirements. Chairman Howard stated that the Ar7t does not provide for middle income communities such as Brooklyn Center. He stated that it is hard to beli the federal government would not take into cosideration middle income communities. Mayor Cohen tated that the Federal Housing and Community Deveiopment Act does not address the need for community development in the middle size communities. Commssioner Haroldson inquired if the funds available would not allow for the improvement of the Palmer Lake area. Mayor Cohen commented that the Palmer Lake area could qualify for discretionary funds. He stated that 11/12/74 -2- Community Education Congressman Frenzel the funds available are such a small amount the Palmer Lake area project would not be completed. The Mayor then referred to the State Finance Agency and its funds which are available for rehabilitation loans. He stated that changes will have to be made in the rehabilitation loan program but once these changes have been accomplished loans will be available to all interested citizens. Commissioner Kohrt inquired of restrictions placed upon discretionary funds in terms of other communities and their receiving of other types of grants. Mayor Cohen commented that there are no restrictions on the discretionary funds available and all communities would qualify for the funds. He stated that this is the main reason a balance must be established in the metropolitan area so all communities will have a chance to qualify for at least part of the funds. He stated that it is important for a metropolitan area to realize low and moderate income citizens must be spread out among the communities and not concentrated in the central cities. Chairman Howard thanked the Mayor for his presentation. Recess The Commission recessed at 9 :00 p.m. and resumed at 9 :20 p.m. Chairman Howard reported on the Community Educa- tion Council stating that a conflict in scheduling exists between the Council and the Commission. He stated that it would be his feeling for the Commission not to take an active role in the Community Education Council until some time in the future. He also commented that he is sending a letter to Congressru -a Frenzel thanking him for the avail- ability of Mr. Peterson at the st Housing Commissio; meeting. Tour of A brief discussion ensued relative to the tour Mr, Brandvold°s House of the house built by Mr. David Brandvold. Chairman r:oward commented that the house was very impressive and it points out that a local builder can build a nice home for a relatively low cost. 11/12/74 The secretary next commented on the Housing Main- Housing ten7ce Code. He stated that the City Manager will Maintenance have the final staff proposal prepared for a review Code by the Housing Commission in January. The Director of Planning and Inspection stated that he is in the process of preparing his Department for the charge of enforcing the Housing Maintenance Code once it is adopted. Chairman Howard informed the Commission that Commis- Commissioner sioner Magnuson will make a presentation to the Magnuson's Housing Commission on real estate in Brooklyn Center Presentation at the December meeting. Commissioner Haroldson inquired as to the possibility Tour of of a tour of the City to view the housing stock in the the Housing community. Mayor Cohen commented that the need for Stock in prevention of housing deterioration exists in Brooklyn Brooklyn Center. He stated that the magnitude of the problem Center seems to be a concern of the Commission. He made reference to a 1968 housing survey made by the League rf Women Voters. The secretary noted that the Housing Maintenance Code provides a basic standard of living. He commented that the magnitude or degree of Housing Maintenance Code violations is a financial concern in terms of the citizens who can not afford the financial burden of I4ing their homes up to Code. He stated that the City will have to present to affected c,..Lizens the options available for financial assistance. Mrtion by Commissioner Haroldson and seconded by Commissioner Magnuson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 1004 p.m. Chairman 11/12/74 -4- Adjournment