HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 12-16 HCM T
MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF TI� HOUSING COMIVIISSION OF T'HE
CTTY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND STATE OF MIlVNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
DECEMBER 16, 2008
AT "T AMERICA CONFERENCE ROOM
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Landis at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Steve Landis, Commissioners Kathie Amdahl, Gretchen Knutson, Kris Lawrence-Anderson,
and Judy Thorbus. Also present were Council Liaison Mary O'Connor, Councilmember Mark
Yelich and Community Development Specialist Tom Bublitz. Commissioner Joshua Xiong was
absent and excused
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
There was a motion by Chairperson Landis and seconded by Commissioner Thorbus to
approve the agenda as submitted. The motion passed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OCTOBER 21, 2008 AND NOVEMBER 18, 2008
Commission Members noted they had not received the October and November minutes in their
packets and the approval of same were deferred to the January meeting.
CHAIRPERSONS REPORT
Chairperson Landis noted that, given the activities of the holiday season, the discussion of the
Comprehensive Plan should take place at the Commission's first meeting in January 2009. He
explained that this would allow the Commission time to review the plan in advance of their meeting
with the Planning Commission. He also noted that two foreclosed homes had been sold in his area
noting that this appears to be a positive sign.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Councilmember O'Connor reported on numerous Council actions and discussions including the
following:
Approval of a joint powers agreement with Brooklyn Park for the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance
for Youth.
Increase franchise fees for Xcel and CenterPoint Energy.
Amended Chapter 5 regarding outdoor fires and accepted the International Fire Code.
Approved the Willow Lane School parking lot construction.
Set the t� levy for the city at a 3.67 increase for 2009.
Approved the 2009 annual city budget including the setting of water and sewer rates and a
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capital improvements budget.
Set the fees for the vacant building ordinance.
REVIEW AND DISCUSS DRAFT 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
There was a motion b Chai erson Landis and seconded by Cammissioner Lawrence-Anderson to
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defer discussion of the 2030 Comp Plan to the January meeting. The motion passed.
DISCUSSION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF HOUSING C'OMMISSION
Chairperson Landis suggested that this item be moved to the February Housing Commission
meeting.
GOALS FOR 2009
This item was also defened to a future meeting of the Commission.
OTHER B USINESS
Chairperson Landis thanked Council Member 0'Connor for her input and being a good
resource for the Commission. He also stated that, given the current situation with
foreclosures and the economy, he believed the Commission needs to address issues to
make Brooklyn Center a more desirable place to live. He pointed out that some of the older
residents refer to the city as the "village" and thought that this was a good description of
what a community should be like and that this would help set the tone for 2009. He also
noted he would like to continue to work with other Commissions as the opportunities arise.
Chairperson Landis noted that he observecl a vacant home on Grimes, that it was posted as
uninhabitable and inquired what would be done with these kinds of properties.
Councilmember Yelich briefly discussed the staff proposal offered at the last Council work
session where a program is being developed to provide $10,000 deferred loans to provide
funds for down payment and closing costs for persons purchasing vacant and foreclosed
properties. He noted that the $10,000 deferred loan would be forgiven if the homeowner
stayed in the property for at least �ve years. He added that no sub-prime mortgages would
be associated with this payment and closing cost assistance. I,
The Community Development Specialist noted that the program would also include I
demolition of properties that are in a state of deterioration that would prevent reasonable
rehabilitation of the property and that in addition to the $10,000 deferred loan, a grant
program is being developed for down payment and closing cost assistance for
families/persons using FHA 203K mortgage loans which include rehab as part of the
perrnanent mortgage financing.
There was no other business addressed by the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Chairperson Landis and seconded by Commissioner Lawrence-
Anderson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing
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Commission adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Chairman I
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