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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985 09-10 HCM 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 SEPTEMBER 10, 1985 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Don Lawrence at 7:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Don Lawrence, Commissioners Ken Felger, Cliff Williams, Dolores Hastings, Ron Turner, Barb Sorenson and Phil Cohen. Also present were Councilmember Rich Theis and Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman. POINT OF SALE DISCUSSION Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman reviewed the history of Point of Sale ordinances in Brooklyn Center. He noted that there are basically two options available to the Commission to consider. First, the St. Louis Park system which requires corrections be made based upon the inspection prior to the closing of the sale of a home. Second, the Minneapolis Truth in Housing system which in essence requires an inspection report be made available to prospective buyers so that they might be informed relative to any problems existing in the home. He noted that the Commission had previously recommended to the City Council the Point of Sale inspection ordinance which was considered by the Council and reported back to the Housing Commission for further study. A brief discussion then ensued relative to the various options available to the Housing Commission. Commissioner Cohen indicated he would like to complete the study by the year's end with recommendations being made by early next year. He indicated that he would like to find out what realtor's obligations are for disclosure relative to such problems in a home. He indicated he felt there probably is a need for a stronger program. Commissioner Felger noted that he does Truth in Housing inspections in the City of Minneapolis and he indicated there is a great deal of liability in performing such inspections. Administrative Assistant Hoffman added that the question of liability also occurs for the City and the selection of inspectors, if they are performed in- house or not, and for potential law suits that might arise from the failure to detect problems within a house. Commissioner Cohen wondered what banks were doing prior to issuing loans and what were the positions of realtors. He suggested that perhaps the City's position should be to fill in those areas not covered by banks or realtors. Following the discussion it was agreed that at the next meeting copies of the Minneapolis ordinance and the St. Louis Park ordinance would be available for commission members consideration. We would also try to determine what the realtors requirements are for disclosure, what Council actions had been taken previously and the history of the Commission on the subject. HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman reviewed the current home rehabilitation grant program. He noted that the program, which is federally funded, is guaranteed funding only through next year. He indicated that this is perhaps the time for the Commission to start considering possible replacement programs and funding possibilities should the federal government cease to fund Community Development Block Grants. A brief discussion then ensued relative to possible to funding sources. It was agreed that the Housing Commission would study the rehab grant program. Commissioner Cohen suggested that a study for a five year program be considered. LOW INCOME HOUSING Administrative Assistant Hoffman introduced the topic of providing housing for low income individuals. He noted that this will perhaps be the most difficult problem for the Commission to try and resolve. Administrative Assistant Hoffman then reviewed some basic concepts that could be applied to rental housing to make it affordable for low income individuals. Following his presentation, there was a brief discussion relative to the subject. Commissioner Cohen emphasized there is a need to house the poor especially the elderly. He stated it will be imperative that funds be developed to address this problem. The Commission agreed that this would become a priority study item. OTHER BUSINESS Administrative Assistant Hoffman reviewed the Year 2000 plan with the Commission. He noted that the Commission is being asked to review and comment on the plan and the time schedule as noted in the Year 2000 Study. It was agreed that this would be an agenda item at the October meeting. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Felger and seconded by Commissioner Williams to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 0 9: .m. 3 p i Chairman