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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987 01-20 HCM 4 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 JANUARY 20, 1987 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Ken Felger at 7:38 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Ken Felger, Commissioners Ray Haroldson, Dolores Hastings, Ronald Turner, Barb Jensen and Phil Cohen. Also present were Councilmember Rich Theis and Housing Coordinator Brad Hoffman. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There was a motion by Commissioner Jensen and seconded by Dolores Hastings to approve the minutes of the October 14, 1986 Housing Commission. The motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION SOLAR PROJECT SCHEDULE Commissioner Barb Jensen updated the Housing Commission about the status of Brooklyn Center's solar demonstration project. She indicated that she has been in contact with each of the homeowners involved in the project, and at the present time is trying to arrange visits for Commission members and Council members should they desire to do so. She indicated that she was in the process of receiving permission slips to obtain necessary consumption data from the utilities on each of the respective homes. She indicated that she felt the information should be compiled by the end of February, and that the Housing Commission and the Council could receive a final report in March or April. A brief discussion then ensued which Councilmember Rich Theis inquired as to the nature or type of. report that would be submitted to the Council. Commissioner Jensen indicated that at this point in time she was not sure of the exact nature of the report that would be forthcoming. HOUSING COMMISSION SEMINAR Chairman Ken Felger introduced the next agenda item by indicating to the members that they had previously stated their desire to put on the housing seminar for the general public, somewhat similar to other seminars they have done in the past. Commissioner Phil Cohen indicated he felt that the seminar format would provide an opportunity to educate the people of Brooklyn Center about the values of maintaining their respective homes. He indicated that he felt this was especially true for senior citizens. He said it is important that the people understand the costs of deferred maintenance to their homes and the benefits 1 -20 -87 -1- that may be associated with having a point of sale "truth in housing" law in Brooklyn Center. He indicated that perhaps a program could be developed out of the seminar where inspections for a fee could be available to have their homes inspected, and he advised of any problems that may exist that they are unaware of. Discussion then ensued relative to such a seminar. Discussion then followed as to a time frame for holding the seminar. Commissioner Cohen indicated he felt that it would be possible to put the program together by April. Discussion then followed and it was agreed that April 11, 1987 would be the target date for the seminar. It was also discussed that the seminar could be videotaped and put on cable for people to view in their homes. It was agreed that Phil Cohen would meet with Brad Hoffman and other staff people to set up a preliminary format for the seminar and that they would report back at the February meeting. OTHER BUSINESS Ken Felger indicated that in February he would have a problem with the traditional meeting of the second Tuesday in February, and he inquired if there would be consensus to move the next Commission meeting to February 17, 1987. The Commission agreed, and the February Housing Commission meeting will be held February 17, 1987. Chairman Felger indicated that he would like to establish a schedule of items for the Commission to work on for the rest of the year. Commissioner Haroldson indicated that it was his desire to pursue the truth and housing ordinance in Brooklyn Center. Commissioner Hastings indicated she would like to see the Commission try to educate the general public about the problems with illegal construction in homes coupled with the rental of such homes. She indicated that she felt it was not too code imposed a health and safety threat to the people residing there. She indicated that she felt it was important that they be aware of the consequences of those actions. Commissioner Haroldson indicated that he felt that that concept could be incorporated into the housing seminar that the Commission was planning. Commissioner Turner indicated that he would like to see the Housing Commission promoting fire and smoke alarm fire safety in homes. Commissioner Jensen indicated that she had a list of four items that she would like to see the Commission take up. 1. She felt the Commission needed to be active participants in the Year 2000 Report and that we needed to complete that task. 2. She felt that the City or Commission should list the pros and cons of accessory apartments in an R -1 zoning indicating that accessory apartments are not permitted under the current zoning ordinance, and that perhaps the Commission should take a position relative to that. 3. She indicated that energy conservation is not the pressing issue that it was several years ago but it still needs to be addressed and promoted in Brooklyn Center. She indicated that the energy problem will be with us, and we do need 1 -20 -87 -2- to address it. 4. She indicated that she would like to see the housing maintenance code expanded to include commercial industrial properties. Housing Coordinator Brad Hoffman indicated that would be a good topic to pursue, and we should put a definite schedule to start that discussion for the fall of 1987. Housing Coordinator Brad Hoffman stated that he would like to see the Housing Commission take up an amendment to the special legislation passed for Brooklyn Center to expand our energy loan program to be a home improvement loan program. He indicated this is a topic that should be taken up next fall. Councilmember Rich Theis indicated he felt that all these items should be kept on the schedule and basically checked off as we complete each of them. A brief discussion then ensued, and it was agreed that a schedule of topics would be the focal point of the Housing Commission for the remainder of the year. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Theis and seconded by Commissioner Haroldson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously and the Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 9:02 p.m. Chairman 1 -20 -87 -3-