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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.09.17 HCMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chair Enger at 7:08 p.m. MEETING ATTENDEES Chair Gretchen Enger Vice Chair Florence Williams Commissioner Laura Freund Commissioner Natalie O'Connor Commissioner Alyssa Kuglin Commissioner Elizabeth Riel was absent and excused. City Staff present: Associate Planner Krystin Eldridge and Economic Development Manager Ian Alexander Also present: Breanne Rothstein, CEO of Thrive Consulting APPROVAL OFAGENDA There was a motion by Commissioner Freund and seconded by Commissioner O'Connor to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion passed. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES There was a motion by Commissioner Freund and seconded by Commissioner O'Connor to approve the April 16, 2024 minutes with amendments. The motion passed. LIO USING COMMISSION BYLAWS Associate Planner Krystin Eldridge explained the Bylaws are in the meetings packet for the commissioners to review as to inform them of the role of the Housing Commission. Ms. Eldridge expounded on the listed bylaws and how they are approved. The bylaws for how someone is added, removed can be reviewed. Chair Enger mentioned City Council will be reviewing bylaws for all commissions in the coming months. Chair Enger asked if the Code of Conduct will be added to the bylaws. Ms. Eldridge stated it is only policy and will probably not be added to the bylaws. Commissioner Williams asked what the blue highlights in the bylaws mean. Ms. Eldridge tried to highlight the pieces that may be important however it would be wise to read the bylaws to reference history and to learn which bylaws have been removed and learn what is important. 9/ 17/24 -1- DRAFT AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND PRE,ESENTATION — THRIVE, LLC — BREANNE R 0THSTEIN Breanne Rothstein, CEO of Thrive Consulting, LLC Ms. Rothstein explained in 2021, the State legislature approve funding match for the creation of Local Housing Trust Funds. The Local Housing Trust Fund is a policy in the form of an ordinance. Based on a recommendation from the Housing Commission, it would be the responsibility of the Council to adopt the ordinance. It isn't so much a fund as a separate bucket for dedicating resources to housing. The Fund can be used for multiple types of housing. Participation is a statement about a city's commitment to housing to inspire contributions. Once money is in the Trust Fund, it must be used on housing efforts. Ms. Rothstein noted a city could create a fund at anytime. The program is of interest now because Minnesota will match local contributions. The match is one-to-one for the first $150,000 and increases the match for funds and a one to two match up to $300,000. $150,000 plus 50% up to $300,000. The funding is subject to availability. The match must be to a new public revenue. Ms. Rothstein stated fund can only be for eligible expenses for households at or below 115 percent of the State Median Income. The income would be around $75,000 to $100,000. The funds must be used within five years. The fund may be used for development, rehabilitation or financing of housing development, down payment assistance, rental assistance, and homebuyer counseling. Also, up to ten percent may be used for administrative or staff expenses. Ms. Rothstein pointed out funding source will have its own set of requirements for spending, eligibility, and affordability levels. In addition to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) levy and Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) from the sales tax, private donations, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and loan proceeds are other potential sources of funding for a local housing trust fund. Ultimately, the Fund is extremely flexible. Chair Enger asked what must be used by households at or below at 115% of State Median Income mean. Ms. Rothstein explained households that benefit from the Housing Trust Fund cannot earn no more than 1 15% of the State Median Income, which is around 75 thousand per year for Brooklyn Center but is only an educated guess. Ms. Rothstein explained new housing would have to benefit similar households. Each funding source will have different requirements and the list of eligible sources include HRA Levy, Affordable Housing Aid (Sales Tax in the 7- county metro -direct check), private donations to the City, generous employers maybe for potential employees. Ms. Eldridge noted each packet includes a copy of the proposed Ordinance. 9/ 17/24 -2- DRAFT Chair Enger asked who administers a fund. Ms. Rothstein stated the State of Minnesota will oversees the program, but it is the responsibility of each City for administration. It would be handled similarly to TIF. Ms. Eldridge added Brooklyn Center contracts with Ehlers for TIF administration and may be used to set up the Housing Trust Fund and help City Staff with some administration. Chair Enger asked how were the funds reported. Ms. Rothstein stated there would be an application process for a city to participate in the program to show they have adopted an ordinance. The State will write the City a check and the City is required to show how it met the program after the fact. It will be incumbent upon the City to have the proof of how the funds were spent. The State is really overwhelmed with housing funding and programming. Chair Enger asked how a city determines what the funds are used for and if it will be used for market rate and affordable housing. Ms. Rothstein stated the funds can be used for any housing type. Any restrictions related to affordability depends on what entities contribute to the fund. For example, the matching program from the State has a household income threshold. Most of them will have affordability requirements, but it will depend on the source of the funds. Chair Enger asked if the Fund will be stable in light of budgetary and inflation issues. Ms. Rothstein stated the Fund would be unstable. The resources could be added to existing housing programs. The State could stop funding the program at any time. Ms. Rothstein stated it would be a stable fund, it is not meant to fund the general fund, this is meant to add the resources to your program. This is one-time funding essentially but could buffer the other funding you already have or will receive. Chair Enger asked if the Local Housing Trust Fund would have to wait to start until 2026 because of the budget cycle. Ms. Rothstein stated a City could begin collecting money once an ordinance is passed. City Council could make a budget amendment or just wait until a fresh budget cycle to incorporate the Trust Fund. Ms. Eldridge pointed out the City has programs to support down payment assistance and home rehabilitation. Homebuyer counseling is outsourced to local organizations. The Local Housing Trust Fund would entice developers to build in Brooklyn Center. Ms. Rothstein added she and Economic Development Manager Ian Alexander have discussed the potential of soliciting funds from donor sources. The Housing Commission can also make recommendations to the Council on how to spend the money. Chair Enger asked if the finds would be committed to Brooklyn Center's most pressing housing needs. She asked if the Fund would benefit the Opportunity Site. Ms. Eldridge stated it wouldn't benefit the Opportunity Site, but it would support ongoing rehabilitation efforts. At different times, the City has different needs. For example, there was a high need for rental assistance in previous years. 9/17/24 -3- DRAFT Commissioner O'Connor asked what the priorities of Brooklyn Center are in terms of housing. Commissioner Williams asked how the Local Housing Trust Fund would benefit the residents of Brooklyn Center. Resident -facing programming such as rental assistance or homebuyer counseling would be an obvious benefit. However, she is a homeowner, and she is drowning in taxes. The tax burden on residents is constantly increasing. Chair Enger added Brooklyn Center has one of the highest tax rates in the Metro. Commissioner O'Connor noted some residents with older roofs can't even get insurance. Chair Enger stated there are income eligibility requirements for local programs along with waiting lists. Ms. Eldridge stated the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) administer local housing programs, and they have income eligibility requirements. Chair Enger explained she has asked Community Development Director Jesse Anderson for statistics on the amount of affordable housing in the City. There needs to be a shift toward market - rate housing to increase Brooklyn Center's tax capacity. Commissioner Williams stated there are various beliefs regarding affordable housing because of what it brings to the City. Chair Enger added affordable housing is a Catch 22 because of the varying definitions of affordability. Ms. Eldridge stated the Federal definition of affordable housing refers to housing for folks at or below 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). Chair Enger pointed out Brooklyn Center is the poorest City in the Metro area. Ms. Rothstein stated, the Local Housing Trust Fund could support developers that may have a funding gap. The Fund isn't large enough to fill large gaps, so it tends to make more sense to put the money towards existing programs. Chair Enger asked if the City has down payment assistance programming. Ms. Eldridge confirmed Brooklyn Center has a program to support down payment assistance, but it is rather restrictive. Recipients must currently live or own a business in Brooklyn Center to be eligible. Commissioner O'Connor stated the housing market isn't allowing people to move anyways. Commissioner Williams explained she doesn't want to be part of a community that casts people out for living differently than others. Hopefully, new developments will bring new tenants. The City needs to focus on programs that directly benefit residents. Commissioner O'Connor agreed Brooklyn Center needs to support and uplift current residents. Chair Enger asked what coordination efforts with local organizations are being considered by 9/17/24 -4- DRAFT Brooklyn Center. Ms. Eldridge explained there hasn't been much discussion about new coordination efforts with local organizations. Ms. Rothstein pointed out the Local Housing Trust Fund is a first step toward more partnerships. The City can seek out donations from nonprofits and foundations that would be matched by the State should Brooklyn Center apply and be accepted to the matching program. Chair Enger asked if there is a guarantee to receive matching funds. Ms. Rothstein stated there is no guarantee to receive a match from the State. Because the program is brand new, it is hard to say how many municipalities will apply for it. However, having the program in place without receiving any matches doesn't have any downsides. Commissioner O'Connor asked if there is a prograrn in existence that they could tap into. Ms. Rothstein explained the fund's concept is relatively new and has only been an option for about ten years. Its creation was likely due to public and private collaboration, to allow a fund for private donations. There aren't any income restrictions in the Statute. Minneapolis has a huge Affordable Housing Trust Fund and puts most of their CDBG money there. Chair Enger asked which Statute allows for the Fund. Ms. Rothstein stated Minnesota State 462C.16 is for Local Housing Trust Funds for Local Housing Development allows for local governments to make a Local Housing Trust Fund. Commissioner O'Conner asked if H 5 percent State Median Income restriction would require all funds in the Local Housing Trust Fund be used for lower -income housing. Ms. Rothstein stated the income restriction is only for funds received from the State's matching program. Other funding sources don't necessarily have income restrictions. Commissioner Williams asked if the Housing Commission has any responsibilities beyond recommending the Council approve the Ordinance. Ms. Eldridge stated the Commission only needs to make a recommendation unless the Council asks more of the Commission. Chair Enger agreed the Commission is only being asked to make a recommendation. Commissioner Williams stated just because Chair Enger knows the Statutes, that doesn't make her smarter. Chair Enger stated she only answered a question. Commissioner Williams stated that she felt irritated. Chair Enger asked if the Housing Commission would usually need direction from the Council to consider something like the Local Housing Trust Fund. Ms. Eldridge stated the Council would come through the Housing Commission first because the item is related to housing. Commissioner O'Conner asked if there are an), cons to the Fund. Ms. Rothstein stated a downside could be an administrative burden handling the various funding restrictions. If there are multiple funding sources, and handling various proposals, and yearly budgeting and reporting it will be a con. However, if there isn't any money received, then there wouldn't be an administrative burden. There would also need to be budget discussions each year for allocating the funds. 9/17/24 -5- DRAFT Chair Enger noted her research on the item pointed out the same potential cons. Commissioner O'Conner asked if the City has the capacity to handle a Local Housing Trust Fund. She asked if someone has the ability to approach people for financing. Who will manage this program. Commissioner Williams stated the proposal is lacking information and details for the Commission to thoroughly consider the program. The Commission does not know what they are approving, it only tells you what the City wants to do, but there is no more information. Ms. Eldridge stated should the Local Housing Trust Fund be approved by the Council, it would be the Council's role to determine how to administer the program. It could be contracted out to someone who is already doing similar work for the City and then reviewed later as possible responsibility for a current or new City employee. Chair Enger if we pass the motion it goes to City Council, Ian would present this to Council and then it would become an ordinance. Ms. Rothstein added the Ordinance is rather short in comparison to others, so it is simple to review. Commissioner Williams stated it won't stay simple. The funding sources are discretionary and up to City Council how they pursue programming. Ms. Rothstein stated Mr. Alexander is interested in pursuing additional funding sources outside of the City to keep tax base stable or better as part of his role as Economic Development Manager. Commissioner Kugler asked if the local contribution has to be provided by the City. Ms. Rothstein stated the match needs to be provided by the City. However, metro sales tax dollars can be used for the match. Which is a new sales tax Commissioner O'Conner stated there is still a need to determine how the City will use the sales tax dollars. Commissioner O'Conner asked Ms. Rothstein for more information on her background and how she got connected with Brooklyn Center. Ms. Rothstein explained she was hired by Mr. Alexander to help secure external funding sources. Many cities are interested or already doing this in the program because of the matching opportunity. The money has been allocated, the program guide is available to the public, and the Statute is in place. Everything is ready except for the application, we want to get ahead of it. Commissioner Williams stated Ms. Rothstein is trying to create a plan to show Brooklyn Center what they can be done with the money received. Commissioner O'Conner stated Mr. Alexander approached Ms. Rothstein. Commissioner Williams asked what Mr. Alexander thinks about the state of Brooklyn Center. Mr. Alexander stated there is a lot that needs to be done. He looks forward to meeting the Commissioners individually. Brooklyn Center has a great opportunity in the next two years to set 9/ 17/24 -6- DRAFT up unique funding and development opportunities. He hopes to increase the tax base in the City among other things. Commissioner O'Conner stated the Housing Commission will likely be involved in allocating the funds. Ms. Eldridge explained the Council oversees the allocation but may make requests of the Comm►ss►on, Mr. Alexander noted the Housing Commission can be much more substantial role in Brooklyn Center, and he hopes to bolster the role and advance housing options in the City. Chair Enger stated in her two years on the Commission, the Council has only made one request of the Commission, which was to review the rental licenses. They can work with their Liaison to bring things to Council. Ms. Eldridge stated the Commission's City Council Liaison is COuneilmember Kris Lawrence - Anderson. She speaks with Chair Enger regularly. Chair Enger noted she takes pause with the comment that the proposed Ordinance is simple to Commissioner Williams point. The Commission doesn't seem to have much information. All of the finding sources have requirements the Commission is unaware of. She stated she wants to be more educated on the topic. They don't want to paint themselves into a corner. She asked what the most pressing issues at hand and how they are determined which issues are important. There needs to be a balance because there are no guarantees. Commissioner O'Conner stated the Commission is just being asked to recommend approval of a framework. Commissioner Williams asked what Commissioner O'Connor knows about the framework. Commissioner O'Connor stated the framework seems flexible with a lot of options. Commissioner Williams asked what the options are. Commissioner O'Connor stated the pool format allows for many options for the finds. Commissioner Williams asked where the money is coming from. Commissioner O'Connor stated they need to find the money. They need to have somewhere to put the money before they obtain it. Commissioner Williams stated she has some issues with the proposal. Ms. Rothstein has to show what she can do with the money, but she hasn't shown the Commission what she will do. There aren't clear eligibility requirements. Ms. Eldridge asked if the Commission would like information on how other cities are using the funds. Commissioner Williams stated that should have already been done. Ms. Rothstein asked if the recommendation for approval included a condition for the Commission to be involved in its applications and allocations, would they be interested in moving it forward. The Council can choose to honor the condition. Commissioner Williams asked what the timeline requirements are. Ms. Rothstein stated a city needs to have a fund established to apply for the match program. The match program isn't open 9/17/24 -7- DRAFT to applications yet, and there isn't a date set for its opening. Other sources would be money through the regional sales tax. The City might have TIF moneys or other sources. The State's matching program has strings. The matching program requires the fund, but if the Commission isn't comfortable with the strings, then there isn't a time constraint as a Local Housing Trust Fund can be created at any time. The other funding sources that could benefit from the trust fund. T Commissioner O'Connor asked if the Legislature is considering other housing items that would involve a timeline. Ms. Rothstein pointed out the State has shown more commitment to housing in recent Legislative sessions than in her career. The funding can change depending on politics or as other priorities may arise. The Federal election also may impact housing funds or programs available. Chair Enger asked where housing falls on the list of priorities. Ms. Eldridge stated the City hasn't been seeing a ton of issues with tenants. However, there is a lot of dilapidated homes in the City. The City receives a lot of complaints about Code violations. The homes receiving complaints are primarily rentals. Commissioner Williams stated there is no investment of the City to the people who own homes in the City, the ones that pay taxes. Ms. Eldridge stated homeowners are in charge of their own properties. Code enforcement applies to exteriors of homes. Commissioner O'Connor added Brooklyn Center doesn't have a big rehab program, and the proposed Fund could bolster housing programming. Ms. Eldridge stated there is a down payment assistance program and home rehabilitation program in the City run through CEE which is a State funded. (1:03:55) Chair Enger pointed out there are restrictions for those programs. Commissioner O'Connor asked if CEE is known for promoting energy efficiency. Ms. Eldridge confirmed CEE promotes energy efficiency among other things. Commissioner Williams CEE help with lead, radon abatement and windows. Commission Williams advises someone should be checking the list to see how applicants are being prioritized. There is a reason to apply and imagine being stuck on a list for two years. Ms. Eldridge stated she could look into the details of the application process. Commissioner O'Connor asked if the Local Housing Trust Fund could be connected with existing programs. Ms. Eldridge stated it depends on the finding sources. The Trust Fund could provide more money for rehabilitation. Chair Enger pointed out the use of the funds depends on the allocation decisions made by Staff. Commissioner O'Connor stated it seems like if Brooklyn Center were to receive housing funds, they wouldn't have anywhere to put it. Setting up the fund could act as a foot in the door for future 9/17/24 -8- DRAFT funding opportunities. Ms. Rothstein noted once money is put in a Local Housing Trust Fund it can only be used for eligible housing programs only. Commissioner O'Connor asked if there is a fund that would contribute to development. Ms. Rothstein stated the Local Housing Trust Fund can contribute to development in certain situations. Commissioner Williams stated the Housing Commission doesn't get to decide how the money will be allocated, who will be eligible to receive funds, or which funds will be sought out. Ms. Rothstein pointed out the Commission can request to be involved in those processes. Commissioner Williams stated just because they request something doesn't mean it will be granted. Chair Enger asked if the Planning Commission would have more input in a Local Housing Trust Fund. Ms. Eldridge explained no they wouldn't and that the scope of the Planning Commission primarily is to approve applications from developers, business owners, or homeowners for construction projects. The Planning Commission is very restrictive and must follow very strict guidelines. The Housing Commission's role is much more flexible. Commissioner Williams asked Commissioner Freund and Commissioner Kugler their opinions on the topic. Commissioner Freund stated it makes sense to set up a Local Housing Trust Fund. It doesn't feel like something she would regret. Commissioner Kugler noted her it would be beneficial to set it up. During her professional Nvork with Hennepin County, she knows how much is already given out for rental assistance and there is not a lot of assistance for homeowners. During the pandemic the CARES Act was mainly for renters, however renters are important. Commissioner O'Connor added the Local Housing Trust Fund is flexible. It could be used for rentals or homeownership. The framework would be in place to support a rental assistance program. Ms. Rothstein pointed out it seems reasonable for the Housing Commission to weigh in on decisions related to a potential Local Housing Trust Fund. It is just a request, but the Commission would take on the heavy -lifting for considerations. So many of the housing sources are new and will require substantial consideration. The Council could say no to those considerations but you could still look at adding it to the recommendation in the motion Chair Enger stated there aren't currently development assistance or rental assistance programs offered by Brooklyn Center. She asked if the proposed Ordinance requires that the City create programs for development assistance and rental assistance. Ms. Rothstein stated the City does development assistance through TIF and land acquisition. Ms. Eldridge stated the Ordinance lists options for the money rather than prescriptions for the money. 9/17/24 -9- DRAFT Chair Enger noted she wants the expectations to be clear. She asked if TIF has eligibility requirements. Ms. Eldridge stated TIF can be for housing, retail, commercial or other uses. There are different requirements depending on the type of TIF. Chair Enger asked if the Local Housing Trust Fund would only work with housing TIF. Ms. Eldridge confirmed that was correct. Commissioner Williams stated the Housing Commission only works on things as directed by the Council. She states things only get places in front of the Commission with but there is no expectation. They review items with minimal information. Chair Enger noted her agreement with Commissioner Williams' concerns. There isn't enough information to make a decision. The presentation was only a few slides. They don't know if they will receive funds at all, they don't know if they will receive matching funds, and they don't know how other cities are using the funds. Commissioner Williams stated there should have been research on how other cities are using the funds included in the presented. Ms. Rothstein explained the way it can be used is in Statute. The Statute states the sources and what the funds can be used for. There are only about four or five cities in the region that have implemented such funds because they are so new. Minneapolis is a prolific user of their fund. There is a link provided in the digital packet with more information such as the Statute itself and resources From a housing organization. Ms. Rothstein asked if the item is passed along to Council even if the Commission doesn't recommend approval. Ms. Eldridge stated she would need to confer with Mr. Anderson to determine next steps. Ms. Rothstein added Minneapolis uses their fund to store Federal funds. They have different priorities and needs than Brooklyn Center. If Brooklyn Center wants to expand its housing program offerings, this would be the best next step. Commissioner Williams stated renters come in and out of the community while homeowners are committed to the City. There are also elderly folks to consider. Rental assistance shouldn't be a priority. Why isn't there anything to help the elderly before they go into foreclosure. Renters don't bring anything to the City while homeowners bring monetary value. Commissioner O'Connor noted the Ordinance doesn't go into that much detail and it not that far along. Ms. Eldridge explained homebuyer counseling is an option to support homebuyers. Commissioner Williams stated homebuyer counseling doesn't help homeowners. A homeowner already has to be in foreclosure before they receive assistance. Elderly people have a fixed income. Any new money coming into Brooklyn Center needs to help folks like homeowners and elderly who have been holding the community together. People are more than dollar signs. Ms. Eldridge asked what type of program Commissioner Williams would like to see. Commissioner Williams stated there should be funds to help prevent homeowners from foreclosures or prevention assistance. 9/ 17/24 -to- DRAFT Commissioner O'Connor pointed out the proposed Ordinance doesn't include a list of prescriptions for the money but a list of ideas. She stated Commissioner Williams is a few steps ahead of what is being asked of them. Commissioner Williams stated she is a proactive thinker. The Housing Commission only reviews what the Council wants them to review. She stated she didn't take on the role of Commissioner to play nice and be quiet. Her ideas should be included on the list of ideas. Once the Housing Commission recommends approval or denial, the item is out of their hands. After being on the commission for 3 and half years, this is out of our hands once its approved. Commissioner O'Connor asked Commissioner Williams if she would support recommending approval of the Ordinance if there was a condition for the Housing Commission to remain involved in the decision -making for the Local Housing Trust Fund down the line. Chair Enger noted a negative of a fund is the lack of equity and inclusion of ideas in the Ordinance. Commissioner Williams stated she understands the Ordinance includes a list of ideas. However, it doesn't include ideas the community needs the most. She explained she works for the County and regularly sees families that need financial support again and again. People uphold Brooklyn Center, not money. The City needs money, but they need to consider the cost of the money. Ms. Rothstein pointed out a recommendation of approval could include adding program ideas such as foreclosure prevention or other homeowner resources and services. They would have to check with an attorney to confirm the ideas are in alignment with State Statute, but it appears they would be. Chair Enger expressed her preference to table the item until more information is provided to the Housing Commission. They should be able to review a revised Ordinance before recommending its approval to the Council. She agreed with Commissioner Williams that the item needs to be worked through more before voting on it. Commissioner O'Connor asked what else needs to be addressed. Commissioner Williams pointed out she hasn't been able to read through everything because she has been working. Chair Enger asked if the ordinance was in the first packet. Ms. Eldridge stated the first packet sent out didn't include the Statute, but a follow-up email was sent with additional information. Chair Enger noted the idea sounds nice and all, but there are more questions she would like to research more. Ms. Rothstein encouraged the Commissioners read the additional information provided in the initial packet. There are local case studies, information on how other cities are using the funds, 9/ 17/24 -1 1- DRAFT and more. Chair Enger explained the Council will look to how other cities are using the funds. Case studies can be helpful, but Brooklyn Center is its own unique City. These case studies are not apples to apples and is not comfortable deciding bases on other cities. Commissioner O'Connor asked if the Commission seems concerned about what the Council will do. Chair Enger explained they have more concerns about what the Council will direct Staff to do. If the Housing Commission is going to have a stake in the matter, they need to ensure all of the details are worked out so their desires are accurately understood by the Council. Commissioner O'Connor asked if there have been issues with how the Council has handled recommendations fi•om the Housing Commission in the past. Chair Enger stated the Council hasn't brought much to the Housing Commission for consideration. The City recently completed a housing study that provided short-, mid-, and long-term goals, but it was unclear which, if any, had been addressed. The Housing Commission regularly receives visits from consultants, but it is unclear how to implement the information thrown at them. Chair Enger added it has been an issue with the Commission meeting quorum which has consequently stalled meetings. The Commission received a presentation on potential Legislative changes impacting housing, but there weren't any action items on the matter. Ultimately, there has only been one item given to the Housing Commission to review in recent years. Commissioner O'Connor asked what the goals of the Commission are. Ms. Eldridge pointed out she provided a printed copy of the Bylaws for the Commissioners to review and understand their charge. It is ultimately up to the Housing Commission to choose the direction they want to go. Ms. Eldridge suggested the Commission asked if they wanted to move forward with the motion. Commissioner O' Connor stated she would like the Housing Commission to receive answers to their questions at the next meeting. They have been saying the same thing for the last 45 minutes. The Commissioners have expressed interest in doing research on their own time. She asked what questions the Commissioners need to have answered in order to move forward. Commissioner O'Connor asked if the guy present in the meeting is the City Council Liaison. Ms. Eldridge stated Councilmember Kris Lawrence -Anderson is the City Council Liaison. Commissioner O'Connor pointed out Councilmember Kris Lawrence -Anderson hasn't attended any of the meetings since she has been on the Commission. Chair Enger explained she met with Mr. Alexander about his ideas for the City. Part of his role is bringing items to the Housing Commission to review in an effort to be forward -thinking. She hopes the Commission can be more proactive. From there, the Commission can provide input to the Council through Councilmember Kris Lawrence -Anderson. (1:38:55) *couldn't hear* 9/17/24 -12- DRAFT Chair Enger the meeting was the first time the Housing Commission has had quorum in months. That has been a big part of the challenge. Commissioner Williams mentioned we can't expect anybody to take them seriously if they are not taking it seriously. Once the Commission figures out their role and goals, Commissioners will be more likely to attend regularly. Commissioner O'Connor pointed out Mr. Alexander wants to meet with each of the Commissioners. Ms. Eldridge stated Mr. Alexander asked her to get availability information from the Commissioners. Chair Enger stated there needs to be a commitment from the Commissioners to attend the meetings. Everyone has outside lives, but the Commissioners applied to serve and accepted their roles. We can't have conversations if we don't have quorum. Commissioner O'Connor asked if Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson attends the meetings. unknown stated Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson does not attend the meetings. Chair Enger asked for an update on the status of the Housing Commission. She asked if there are other Commissioners or if others have left the Commission. Ms. Eldridge stated Lori Best-Deyoe had to step down due to personal issues. Jerry Gayflor moved to Brooklyn Park. Also, Elizabeth Riel declined the meeting. Additionally, Natalie O'Connor and Alyssa Kuglin are new. There should be seven Commissioners, but they only have six currently. Liaison Ms. Eldridge asked how they wanted to vote for the motion. Chair Enger motioned to table the consideration of the establishment of the local housing trust fund draft ordinance to the 2024 October Housing Commission Meeting. Chair Enger noted there has been a request for more information such as how other cities are using their funds. Ms. Eldridge confirmed she would research what other cities are doing. Ms. Rothstein added there is a request to determine if foreclosure assistance is aligned with the Statute. Chair Enger pointed out a five -page PowerPoint is merely an outline. There was a motion by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Freund to table the resolution adopting an Ordinance which establishes a Local Housing Trust Fund. The motion passed. CITY COUNCIL LIAISON REPOR T City Council Liaison Lawrence -Anderson was not present. 9/ 17/24 -13- DRAFT OTHER BUSINESS NEW NEIGHBOR BAGS FUTURE DISCUSSION. SWOTANALYSIS In light of the late hour of 9 o'clock, Chair Enger requested the additional items be moved to the next meeting. Commissioner O'Connor asked if they can request that COuncilmember Lawrence -Anderson attend the meeting. Chair Enger stated they cannot force her to come. Commissioner Williams stated the Commission will hear from her if there is something she wants them to hear. Commissioner O'Connor asked if COuncilmember Lawrence -Anderson would be open to receiving a phone call. Chair Enger confirmed COuncil►-nember Lawrence -Anderson would take a phone call. There is a roster provided online with contact information for the Commission, though it needs to be updated. Commissioner O'Connor thanked Ms. Rothstein for attending the meeting. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner O'Connor and seconded by Commissioner Freund to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 9:08 p.m. 9/ 17/24 -14- DRAFT