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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974 09-11 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 SEPTEMBER 11, 1974 CITY HALL Call to Order The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Howard at 7:35 p.m. Roll Call Chairman Howard, Commissioners Ward, Beikler, Hastings and Kohrt. Also present was Admini- strative Assistant Daniel Hartman Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Hastings and seconded by 7 -9 -74 Commissioner Kohrt to approve the minutes of the July 9, 1974 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Credit Policies for Northern States Power Company Chairman Howard introduced Mr. Jim Mulvaney and Mr. Al McLane representing Northern States Power Company. Mr. Mulvaney explained the current credit policies for N.S.P. stating that for a customer to have his service discontinued, he must allow his bill to go past due approximately 90 days. He stated that before service is dis- continued, especially during the winter months, it has been N.S.P.'s policy to make personal con- tact with the customer. Mr. Mulvaney commented that N.S.P. has established a community relations department of which Mr. McLane is one of the community relations specialists. He stated that through Mr. McLane contacts are made with community services to provide help to those customers who are in financial difficulties. Commissioner Magnuson arrived at 7:49 p.p. Mr. McLane next described his position and a few of the situations he has been involved in as a community relation's specialist for N.S.P. He commented that each customer must be treated as a separate case since his problem is unique to the' individual. A question and answer session ensued with Commissioner Kohrt asking the number of delinquent bills that are responded to each day. Mr. Mulvaney commented that there is an average of about 31 calls made per day through the credit office to delinquent customers. He stated that this number is increasing due to the economic situation that exists today. Commissioner Ward then asked how many customers have their service discontinued each day. Mr. Mulvaney commented that about 35 customers are discontinued each day, keeping in mind that the figure applies to a four -day work week. Commissioner Magnuson questioned if agencies were used to solve the financial problems of customers. Mr. McLane commented that metro- politan agencies are very receptive to N.S.P.'s requests for help to customers. Commissioner Haroldson arrived at 7 :58 p.m. Commissioner Magnuson next questioned whether the Minneapolis Gas Company also has such a program in community relations. Mr. Mulvaney commented that to his knowledge no other utility company in the country has such a program. Commissioner Kohrt asked where the largest number of delinquent customers is in the metropolitan area. Mr. Mulvaney stated that customers with financial problems exist throughout the metropolitan area. Mr. Mulvaney commented that the basic reason why customers do not pay their bills is the priority placed upon utility bills. He stated that most customers place a low priority on paying their utility bill and when finances are tight, the utility bill is often allowed to go delinquent. He stated that it is N.S.P.'s policy not to refuse service to anyone who applies. He stated that a simple application form is completed and service is installed. 9/11/74 -2- Recess Community Education Mr. McLane commented that once a customer is receiving service and a problem arises, it is his responsibility to help the customer solve his difficulties. He stated that N.S.P. looks at the total family situation, including children, to make sure that the course of action taken is the best for all concerned. Mr. Mulvaney commented that service was imme- diately discontinued to those who try to cheat the company through changing residence or falsi- fying records. He stated that N.S.P. does not require any type of financial deposit on residential property before service is installed He commented that it is the responsibility of the customer to pay his utility bill. He stated that those customers who have their service discontinued are in most cases reconnected the same day. He commented that if service has been discontinued for a week a reinspection occurs to make sure no one has tampered with the connec- tions. A discussion ensued with additional questions from the Commissioners on the overall credit program as well as the use of electricity in today's society. Mr. Mulvaney commented that most customers must use electricity wisely to make sure shortages to not exist. Chairman Howard thanked Mr. Mulvaney and Mr. McLane for their attendance. The Commission recessed at 9 :00 p.m. and resumed at 9:35 p.m. Chairman Howard next introduced the topic of community education. He stated that Mr. James Norwick, Community Education Director for School District No. 286 would like to talk with the Housing Commission about community education in the near future. A discussion ensued relative to workshop which could be sponsored by the Housing Commission through the Community Education Council. The secretary commented that it would be within the responsibilities of the Housing Commission to organize such workshops. -3- 9/11/74 Chairman Howard next informed the Commission that on October 16, 1974, Congressman William Frenzel will appear before the Housing Com- mission to discuss federal housing programs. He stated that the meeting should be very interesting. The secretary commented that Chairman Howard is in the process of developing speakers for future meetings to help the Commission develop a thorough understanding of housing. Chairman Howard requrested that Commissioners who know of resource people available in the area of housing should contact him so the individuals 'can be scheduled. Chairman Howard commented that at present the Commission has two initial areas of activity. He stated that the first area is community education to provide the citizens of Brooklyn Center an understanding of the Housing Main- tenance Code. He stated that the second area is education for the Commission in housing matters which affect Brooklyn Center. Chairman Howard then announced his appoint- ment of Commissioner Kohrt as the repre- sentative of the Housing Commission to the Community Education Council in School District No. 286. The Chairman also commented that.he would like to have Commissioner Kohrt and Com- missioner Beikler contact representatives of financial institutions in Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center to get information of housing finance. It was also suggested that Commissioner Magnuson make a presentation to the Com- mission on real estate availability and cost within the community. Motion by Commissioner Haroldson and seconded by Commissioner Hastings to adjourn the meed.ng. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Chairman 9/11/74 -4- Congressman Frenzel Future Speakers for the Housing Commission Community Education Council Housing Finance Adjournment