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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974 03-19 HCMCall to Order Roll Call Minutes of the Proceedings of the Housing Commission of the City of Brooklyn Center in the County of Hennepin and the State of Minnesota SPECIAL SESSION MARCH 19, 1974 CITY HALL The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in special session and was called to order by Chairman Howard at 7 :34 p.m. Chairman Howard, Commissioners Haroldson Beikler, Weitzel, Nelson, Hastings, Magnuson and Kohrt. Also present were Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Fignar, Britts and Jensen, City Manager Donald Poss, Director of Planning and Inspection Blair Tremere and Administrative Assistants Daniel Hartman and James Lacina. Housing Maintenance Chairman Howard introduced the City Manager and Occupancy who presented the staff proposal for a Housing Ordinance Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance. He com- mented that the Ordinance would provide the mechanism needed to handle complaints in the area of housing maintenance. Mr. Poss commented that the Ordinance provides for the inspection of all housing units in Brooklyn Center to make sure the units are up to Code. He stated that th,s is needed since Brooklyn Center has become a mature community. He continued by stating that the Housing Main- tenance and Occupancy Ordinance defines certain techniques that are to be used in providing for a Brooklyn Center maintenance program. He also stated that the Ordinance applies to both apart- ments and single family owner occupied homes. Mr. Poss stated that the Ordinance does not allow for a permit Occupancy Program but it would be easy to provide for such a Program in the future. He stated that it will be important for the Housing Commission to make sure the community is totally aware of the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance. He commented that the citizens must accept it as an operating Code. Continuation of The City Manager's Presentation He stated that many individuals have fears about such ordinances but the fears are groundless. He commented that citizens must be made aware of the purpose of the ordinance in terms of protecting their health, safety and welfare. Mr. Poss also stressed the importance of realizing that the Ordinance is not a panacea for solving all the problems in the community. He stated that it is only a vehicle to be used in the area of housing maintenance and occupancy. The City Manager then reviewed the Ordinance giving a brief presentation on each section. He stated that enforcement is the key to a successful Code and to be able to enforce the Ordinance properly the citizens of Brooklyn Center must accept it. Questions were addressed to the City Manager on certain segments of the Ordinance. Commissioner Nelson asked if there would be a need for addi- tional personnel to handle the new Code. Mr. Poss replied that at present he did not anti- cipate an increase in personnel but if the City finds that a need exists, additional personnel will be added to the Planning and Inspection Department. She also asked the reasoning behind the dele- tion of a Permit Occupancy Program. The City Manager commented that the City must develop the basic mechanisms first before developing such a program. He stated that Housing maintenance is an evolutionary process. Recess The Commission recessed at 8:54 p.m. and resumed at 9 :15 p.m. Mr. Poss concluded his remarks by stating that the Commission must keep in mind the need for citizen feedback. He stated that the Ordinance does not infringe on any constitutional rights of the citizens in Brooklyn Center. The City Manager next presented a proposed review process for the Commission's considera- tion. He stated that once the Commission has had a chance to review the proposal he would appreciate the opportunity to listen to their comments and reply to their concerns. -2- 3 -19 -74 Comments on the Proposed Ordinance Adjournment He stated that the Code should also be pre- sented to the Neighborhood Advisory Committees for their review and written comments. Mr. Poss commented that he was making the Code available to civic groups in the community as well as the Planning and Human Rights Commis- sions for their review. He stated that he would like to see the Housing Commission hold an informational session open to the public. Commissioner Haroldson asked if the City is planning to inspect all apartments at the time of licensing. The City Manager replied that the license would be for a two year period allowing time to inspect all license applica- tions. He also commented that a random method could be used in terms of inspections unless the City has received complaints. Chairman Howard thanked Mr. Poss for his pre- sentation. Mayor Cohen presented brief comments on the Ordinance. He stated that the citizens of Brooklyn Center must realize that the Ordinance will not affect their privacy but it will simply make for a better living environment in the community. He commented that he would be willing to help the Housing Commission in their review. Councilman Jensen stated that the purpose of the Ordinance seems to be the most important part of the overall proposal. Councilman Britts commented that he was sure the review process established by the Commission would allow for acceptance by the general public. Councilman Fignar offered whatever assistance is needed for the final product to be acceptable to all concerned. Motion by Commissioner Magnuson and seconded by Commissioner Hastings to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 9:54 p.m.