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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974 10-16 HCMCall to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes 9 -11 -74 Community Education Housing and Redevelopment Ohthorsity 1975 Tax Levy 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 OCTOBER 16, 1974 CITY HALL The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Howard at 6 :30 p.m. Chairman Howard, Commissioners Weitzel, Nelson, Hastings, Beikler, Ward and Haroldson. Also present were City Councilmen Bill Fignar, Tony Kuefler, Robert Jensen and Maurice Britts, and Administrative Assistant Daniel Hartman. Motion by Commissioner Ward and seconded by Commissioner Weitzel to approve the minutes of the September 11, 1974 meeting as sub- mitted. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Howard reported on the Community Education Council in School District No. 286. He stated that the Community Education Council has requested the appointment of a member of the Housing Commission to represent the Commis- sion on the Council. He noted that Commis- sioner Kohrt was appointed to the Community Education Council at the last Housing Commis- sion meeting. A discussion ensued relative to the topic of community education, and the community education programs developed in School District No. 286. Chairman Howard stated that Mr. James Norwick, Director of Community Education, would be willing to attend a Housing Commission meeting to discuss community education and the role of thv Community Education Council. The Commission next discussed the Housing and Redevelopment Authority 1975 tax levy. Chairman Howard commented that the Housing and Redevelop- ment Authority has the power to levy a one third mill for housing programs in Brooklyn Center. The secretary announced that an invitation had been extended for the Housing Commission to visit a newly constructed home built by Mr. David Brandvold at 5433 4th Street North. Chairman Howard stated that he sent a letter to Mr. James Mulvaney and Mr. Al McLane thanking them for their presentation to the Commission on N.S.P. credit policies. The Commission recessed at 6:56 p.m. and resumed at 7:04 p.m. Chairman Howard next introduced Mr. Greg Peterson, Administrative Assistant to Congressman William Frenzel, who discussed the Federal Housing and Community Develop- ment Act of 1974. He stated that the Act is basically one providing for community develop- ment. He commented that block grants are available to cities over 50,000 in population as well as hold harmless grants for those communities which have established programs due to past federal support. He stated that Brooklyn Center would not qualify for either of these grants but would qualify for discre- tionary grants provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. He stated that H.U.D. is presently in the process of developing the requirements for discretionary grants and once they are developed Brooklyn Center will be made aware of the specifications. He also commented that Hennepin County with legislative authority could qualify for Urban County Grants which in turn could be made avail- able to Brooklyn Center. Mr. Peterson stated that hold harmless grants are provided for those communities which have developed programs and are in need of continuing the programs to meet their original goals. He stated that St. Louis Park and Hopkins are examples of communities that would qualify for such hold harmless grants. Commissioner Haroldson asked if the state could qualify for funds which in turn could be available to Brooklyn Center. Mr. Peterson commented. that the state can qualify as any other'local uh it of government but the funds probably would be used for rural areas in the state since funding provides only 20% for rural development. 10/16/74 -2- Other Business Recess Federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (Mr. Greg Peterson) He commented that the important element of the law is the grant program as developed which would simplify the requirements needed to apply for federal funds. He stated that in the past H.U.D. has used very detailed requirements which have caused a great amount of red tape not needed at the local level. He stated that the new law will simplify the application procedure and pro- vide grants to communities under general guide- lines. Mr. Peterson next 'described the housing portion of the law stating that housing programs are limited in that most funds are available under the Section 8 Housing Provision. He stated that Section 8 allows for a direct subsidy to low income citizens in communities through a leased housing agreement. He commented that at present funds have not been allocated for any portion of the Housing and Community Develop- ment Act of 1974. Chairman Howard asked if the Metropolitan Council will play a role in the grant application proce- dure. Mr. Peterson commented that the Metropoli- tan Council could qualify for discretionary funds but they will not be involved in the implementa- tion of the law at the local level. He commented that many programs under the law have not been developed at this time. He stated that H.U.D. must develop the administrative procedures needed for the programs to take effect. Councilman Jensen inquired of the guidelines for administering the grants. Mr. Peterson commented that the intent of the law is to reduce the detailed requirements needed with only general guidelines developed by H.U.D. Councilman Fignar stated that it is his under- standing the Federal Housing and Community Development Act would provide funds to local communities with the fewest possible admini- strative requirements. Mr. Peterson stated that an overall goal of the law is to reorganize H.U.D. and F.H.A. He com- mented that this will provide administrative operations which will respond more directly to the needs of local government. Commissioner Ward inquired as to the flow of funds available under the new law. Mr. Peterson commented that the flow of funds will be directly from H.U.D. to the local units of government. He stated that the municipality will make application to the local office of H.U.D. who in turn will work through their regional office and the Washington office. A discussion ensued relative to the Housing an d Community Development Act of 1974. Mr. Peterson concluded his remarks by stating that funds are also available for elderly housing programs as well as for 235 and 236 programs. Chairman Howard thanked Mr. Peterson for his presentation. Motion by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Commissioner Hastings to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 8:13 p.m. Chairman 10/16/74 -4- Adjournment