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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974 07-09 HCMCall to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes 6 -19 -74 Review of the Proposed Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance 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 JULY 9, 1974 CITY HALL The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Howard at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Howard, Commissioners Kohrt, Weitzel, Nelson, Magnuson, Haroldson and Beikler. Also present were Councilman Bill Fignar, Director of Planning and Inspection Blair Tremcre and Administrative Assistant Daniel Hartman. Motion by Commissioner Weitzel and seconded by Commissioner Haroldson to approve the minutes of the June 19, 1974 meeting as corrected. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Hastings arrived at 7:40 p.m. A lengthy discussion ensued relative to the proposed Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance. The secretary presented a work sheet listing concerns voiced by the Housing Commission. The Commission, reviewed the docu- ment and the proposed ordinance in detail. The Commission discussed the definition of a family and its inconsistency with the defi- nition in the Zoning Ordinance. Chairman Howard commented that he felt the two -Codes should have the same definition to avoid confusion. Commissioner Nelson commented in terms of the definition of a dwelling unit stating she thought it was appropriate to have a permanent installed kitchen required. The Director of Planning and Inspection commented that the Com- mission should also be concerned with the need for sanitary facilities within a dwelling unit. It was the general consensus of the Commission that some reference should be made to sanitary facilities in the definition of a dwelling unit. A discussion ensued relative to the section of the Code dealing with the removal of snow and ice. Commissioner Kohrt commented that he felt the eight hour restriction on sidewalks and steps is appropriate since multiple residences are a business and such service should be required. It was the feeling of the Commission that the 24 hour required in terms of parking lots and driveways was too liberal and that a 12 hour restriction was more realistic. It w the consensus of the Housing Commission that the Code should address the need for safety valves on hot water heaters since a dangerous situation exists if such a mechanism is not pro- vided. The Commission also voiced a general concern that some type of smoke detection device should be required in all dwelling units as a condition of sale. A discussion ensued relative to the 60 amp service requirement as proposed in the Code for electrical service. Commissioner Magnuson com- mented that FHA and GI requires 60 amp service as a minimum but if the home is below the 60 amp service it must be brought up to 100 amp service at the time of sale. The Housing Commission recessed at 8 :48 p.m. and resumed at 9 :10 p.m. Chairman Howard recognized Mrs. Phyllis Plummer, 6520 Brooklyn Blvd., who presented general comments on the proposed ordinance. She stated that the ordinance should provide for a statement of intent as well as a review r chanism. She also voiced a concern in reference to the definition of building in terms of chattels. The Director of Planning and Inspection stated that the term chattels is defined as personal property and it is a legal term. It was the feeling of the Commission that the term could be confusing to the general public. mr.. Tremere llso commented ordinances are constantly in review and that there is no need for a review section in the ordinance. The secretary stated that citizens have a right to review the City ordinances at any time. -2- Recess Review Continued of the Proposed Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance 7 -9 -74 Public Utilities Community Education Program Public Utility Regulations Chairman Howard stated that the resolution creating the Housing Commission provides review power to the Commission on all matters dealing with housing. He stated that it would be within the prerogative of the Commission to review the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance at any time. Mr. Tremere then commented on Mrs. Plummer's comment in terms of an intent for the ordinance. He stated that the intent is incorporated in the purpose section of the ordinance. The review of the ordinance continued with com- ments being made in reference to the sections dealing with fence maintenance, yard cover and occupancy requirements. Commissioner Magnuson next voiced his concern as to public utilities in terms of their right to turn service off to customers. He stated that it is a situation that he would like to see controls developed so that service could not be cut off for not paying bills. He stated that by cutting off service an unhealthy situation could exist for children as well as senior citizens. A brief discussion ensued relative to the con- cern with Mr. Tremere stating that the City does not have a legal right to place controls on public utilities. The secretary commented that a 1974 state law regulates public utilities. Chairman Howard then commented that he would like to see the Housing Commission develop a Community Education program providing seminars_in housing maintenance, financing, etc. The secretary stated that he would contact Mr. James Norwick, Director of the Community Education Council in School District No. 286, to discuss such a pro- gram. Chairman Howard also stated that he would contact Northern States Power to have someone attend a future meeting of the Housing Commission to dis- cuss rules and regulations governing public utilities in terms of turning off service to customers. -3- 7 -9 -74 The secretary next commented that the City Manager will have the final staff proposal of the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance ready for presentation to the Housing Commission in August. Motion by Commissioner Haroldson and seconded by Commissioner Hastings to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 10:40 p.m. August Meeting of the Commission Adjournment Chairman