Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973 10-30 HCMCall to Order Roll Call Invocation 0 Discussion of the Duties and Respon- sibilities of the Housing Commission: 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 OCTOBER 30, 1973 CITY HALL The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Howard at 7:33 p.m. Chairman Howard, Commissioners Hastings, Haroldson, Magnuson, Ward, Weitzel, Kohrt, Nelson, and Beikler. Also present were Mayor Philip Cohen, Director of Planning and In- spection Blair Tremere, Administrative Assis- tant Daniel Hartman and Administrative Assis- tant James Lacina. The invocation was offered by Reverand Colon Kivi. Chairman Howard introduced Mayor Philip Cohen who thanked the Commission members for their willingness to help develop relevant housing programs for Brooklyn Center. He stated that housing is an important area of concern. He also commented that housing is a sensitive area yet an area where programs must be devel- oped to keep a high quality of life in our community. Mayor Cohen then discussed the Metropolitan Housing Authority Concept developed by the Metropolitan Council and presented to the Minnesota Legislature. He stated that the Metropolitan Housing Authority Concept would provide the coordination needed to develop a total program for the Twin City Metropolitan area. The Mayor stated that the Housing Commission has been given the charge of examining the housing situation in Brooklyn Center. He stated that the Commission must make sure quality housing exists in the community. Mayor Cohen then addressed himself to the lack of federal funds available for housing and outlined certain past federal programs. He stated that the Commission must be prepared to make recommendations to the City Council once federal funds are made available. The Mayor also elaborated on the need for some type of Housing Maintenance Code to protect the citizens of Brooklyn Center. He stated that there are many approaches which the Commission must investigate. Mayor Cohen commented that the City Council was looking for input from the Commission in the area of housing. He stated that the issue of housing is tied to many other areas of con cern for the citizen. He commented that the first task of the Commission is to understand the housing needs of the community. Chairman Howard thanked the Mayor for his presentation and attendance. Discussion then ensued relative to the estab- lishment of by -laws for the Housing Commission. Chairman Howard established a committee made up of Chairman Howard, Commissioners Ward, Kohrt and Nelson to draft proposed by -laws. The secretary discussed the Commissioners attendance at the Housing Action Workshop sponsored by the League of Minnesota Munici- palities. Chairman Howard then discussed the develop- ment of committees to investigate certain areas relevant to the Commission. He stated that the Commission must develop expertise to handle the many. housing oriented issues. A discussion ensued among the Commissioners as to the types of committees and areas of imme- diate concern to the Commission. A lengthy discussion ensued relative to the Brookdale Garden Apartments as they relate to the eventual establishment of a Housing Main- tenance Code. Chairman Howard commented that he had received a petition from the tenants in the complex asking the City to pass a Housing Maintenance Code. -2- 10 -30 -73 Neighborhood Advisory Committees Next Meeting of the Housing Commission Recess Introduction of Mr. John Doyle, Metropolitan Council Housing Staff Housing Maintenance Code and Occupancy The secretary commented that Brookdale Garden Apartments dramatized the need for some type of Housing Maintenance Code in Brooklyn Center. The Director of Planning and Inspection reviewed the information the City has accumulated rela- tive to Brookdale Garden Apartments. He stated that there seemed to be a lack of upkeep and maintenance which has led to a deterioration of the facility. Mr. Tremere commented that it is the City's responsibility to develop minimum life safety and environmental standards for housing in Brooklyn Center. Chairman Howard then stated that he is inter- ested in having the Commissioners meet with their Planning Commission Neighborhood Advisory Committees in the near future. Chairman Howard established November 7, 1973 at 7:30 p.m. as the next meeting of the Housing Commission. The Commission recessed at 8:56 p.m. and resumed at 9:13 p.m. Chairman Howard then introduced Mr. John Doyle representing the Housing staff of the Metro- politan Council. Mr. Doyle commented on the Metropolitan Council's concern for housing and offered his assistance to the Commission. Mr. Doyle stated that he has been assigned the northwest suburban communities as a staff re- source person from the Metropolitan Council. He stated that he is willing to make available to the Commissioners information relative to housing. Commissioner Ward then commented that the Commission seems to place a high priority on the development of a Housing Maintenance Code and Occupancy Program for Brooklyn Center. Chairman Howard stated that the Commission must first develop a course of action to be followed in handling these two areas of concern. -3- 10 -30 -73 Housing Needs in Brooklyn Center Adjournment The secretary stated that the Commission must also examine Brooklyn Center in terms of housing needs. He stated that the Commission must understand the needs of the community. He also commented that a meeting with the Planning Commission in the near future would help in understanding the concerns as far as housing in Brooklyn Center. Motion by Commissioner Magnuson and seconded by Commissioner Weitzel to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 9 :37 p.m. Secretary -4- 10 -30 -73 Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 77 -22 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A BROOKLYN CENTER HOUSING COMMISSION AND DEFINING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES THEREFOR WHEREAS, the housing situation in Brooklyn Center has reached a point in its development which requires a concentrated effort in the development of housing standards to protect the quality of life in the community; and WHEREAS, Brooklyn Center shows the beginning of some housing deterioration and it is a common fact that deterioration can quickly reach a point where repair is no longer feasible and deterioration will then spread to the.entire neighborhood causing blight; and WHEREAS, for a housing program to be successful, it must involve citizen participation to tailor the program to the citizens of Brooklyn Center; and WHEREAS, the City of Brooklyn Center being a progressive community, must commit itself to the maintenance of quality housing for its citizens: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Brooklyn Center City Council that there is hereby established within the City of Brooklyn Center an advisory Housing Commission as follows: Subdivision 1. TITLE: This organization shall be known as the Brooklyn Center Housing Commission. Subdivision 2. SCOPE: The scope of activity of this Commission shall consist of advising the City Council and other Brooklyn Center advisory commissions regarding matters relevant to housing. Subdivision 3. PURPOSE: The general purpose of this Commission shall be to afford citizen input in the development of a housing program to supplement the activities of the City Council. Subdivision 4. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: In fulfillment of its purpose, the duties and responsibilities of the Commission shall be to: (I) Advise, investigate and review relevant matters for the City Council. RESOLUTION NO.77 -22 (2) Develop an overall plan for housing in line with the comprehensive plan for Brooklyn Center and the needs of the metropolitan area. (3) Serve as a forum for the citizens of Brooklyn Center to voice their opinions regarding housing matters. (4) Work closely with the Planning Commission and all other commissions on matters regarding housing. (5) Work with the neighborhood advisory committees of the Planning Commission to understand the housing needs of each area of Brooklyn Center. (6) Develop and recommend standards for occupancy and maintenance of housing for the community. (7) Study the feasibility of establishing an occupancy permit program in conjunction with a housing maintenance code in Brooklyn Center. (8) Investigate new and innovative concepts in housing for the community. (9) Develop and recommend programs which will provide quality housing for low and moderate income citizens. (10) Develop and recommend a rehabilitation program as needed for existing housing in Brooklyn Center. (11) Understand the financial resources available to the citizens in Brooklyn Center as it relates to housing. (12) Investigate all housing programs in terms of life safety. (13) Provide education seminars for the citizens of Brooklyn Center in matters of housing. (14) Serve as the initial review and advisory body for the Board of Appeals regarding contested compliance orders pursuant to the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance, Sections 12 -1202 and 12 -1203. RESOLUTION NO. 77 -22 Subdivision 5. COMPOSITION: The Commission shall be composed of a chairman and eight members. Subdivision 6. MEMBERS METHOD OF SELECTION TERM OF OFFICE REMOVAL: Chairman: The Chairman shall be appointed by the Mayor with majority consent of the City Council. The Chairman may be removed by the Mayor with majority consent of the Council. The Chairman shall assure fulfillment of the following responsibilities in addition to those otherwise described herein: (1) Preside over meetings of the Commission; (2) Appear or appoint a representative to appear before the City Council and City advisory commissions to present the view- point of the Commission in matters pertaining to housing; (3) Review all official minutes of the City Council and other advisory commissions for the purpose of informing the Housing Commission of matters relevant to housing; (4) Provide liaison with other governmental and voluntary organi- zations on matters relevant to housing. Vice Chairman: A Vice Chairman shall be selected annually by the Chairman from the members of the Commission. The Vice Chairman shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the Chairman and shall assume the responsibilities of the chair in the absence of the Chairman. Members' Term of Office: Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with majority consent of the Council for staggered three -year terms, except that any person appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term. Upon expiration of his term of office, a member shall con- tinue to serve until his successor is appointed and shall have qualified. Residency Requirements: Commission members shall be Brooklyn Center residents and may be appointed on an at large basis after giving con- sideration to the geographic neighborhoods as described in Subdivision 11. Qualifications for Membership: Members of the Commission shall be residents of the City of Brooklyn Center while serving on the Commission and shall represent a broad range of interest in the housing function. RESOLUTION NO. 77 -22 Initial Appointment: The Commission under this resolution shall become effective September 1, 1973 and shall consist of three members appointed for a term through December, 1974, three members appointed for a term through December, 1975, and three members appointed for a term through December, 1976. Resignations Removal from Office Vacancies Commissioners may resign voluntarily or may be removed from office by the Mayor with consent by majority vote of the City Council. Three consecutive unexcused absences from duly called Commission meetings shall con- stitute automatic resignation from office. Vacancies in the Commission shall be filled by Mayoral appointment with majority consent of the City Council. Compensation: Commissioners shall serve without compensation. Subdivision 7. RULES AND PROCEDURES: The Commission shall adopt such rules and procedures not inconsistent with these provisions as may be necessary for the proper execution and conduct of business. Subdivision 8. MEETINGS: The initial meeting of the Commission shall be convened at the call of the Chairman during October, 1973. Thereafter, regular meetings shall be held with date and time to be determined by the Commission. Special meetings may be called by the Chairman. Subdivision 9. STAFF: The City Manager shall as one member of the administrative staff to serve as staff to the Commission. The staff member assigned shall perform such clerical and research duties on behalf of the Commission as may be assigned by the Chairman. Subdivision 10. EX OFFICIO MEMBERS: The Mayor or his Councilman appointee shall serve as an ex officio member of the Commission privileged to speak on any matter but without a vote, and shall provide a liaison between the Commission and the City Council. Subdivision 11. NEIGHBORHOODS: Neighborhoods Described: Southeast Neighborhood: The Southeast neighborhood shall be bordered on the south by the south city limits; on the east by the Mississippi River; on the north by FAI -94; and on the west by Shingle Creek. RESOLUTION NO. 77 -22 Northeast Neighborhood: The Northeast neighborhood shall be bordered on the south by FAI -94; on the east by the Mississippi River; on the north by the north city limits; and on the west by Shingle Creek. Northwest Neighborhood: The Northwest neighborhood shall be bordered on the south by FAI -94; on the east by Shingle Creek; on the north by the north city limits; and on the west by the west city limits. Central Neighborhood: The Central neighborhood shall be bordered on the south by County Road 10; on the east by Shingle Creek; on the north by FAI -94; and on the west by Brooklyn Boulevard. West Central Neighborhood: The West Central neighborhood shall be bordered on the south by County Road 10; on the east by Brooklyn Boulevard; on the north by FAI -94; and on the west by the west city limits. Southwest Neighborhood: The Southwest neighborhood shall be bordered on the south by the south city limits; on the east by Shingle Creek; on the north by County Road 10; and on the west by the west city limits. Neighborhood Advisory Committees: Commissioners shall be assigned by_the chairman as liaison to neighborhood advisory committees of the Planning Commission. It will then be a responsibility of each neighbor- hood advisory committee of the Planning Commission to review housing matters and present the neighborhood attitudes and opinions on general and specific housing programs directly affecting that neighborhood. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution supersedes Resolution No. 73 -140 adopted August 20, 1973 and Resolution No. 75 -97 adopted May 19, 1975. January 24, 1977 Date Mayor ATTEST: (Ct..r• T Clerk The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Bill Fignar and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Philip Cohen, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, and Gene Lhotka; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.