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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 09-17 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 17, 1991 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Nicholas Eoloff at 7 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Nicholas Eoloff, Commissioners Jon Perkins, Barbara Jensen, Pamela Frantum and Ernie Erickson. Also present were Council Liaison Phil Cohen, Councilmember Jerry Pedlar and Assistant EDA Coordinator Tom Bublitz. Absent and excused from the meeting were Commissioners John Kalligher, Neal Nelson and Robert Torres. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MAY 14, 1991 There was a motion by Commissioner Erickson and seconded by Commissioner Perkins to approve the May 14, 1991, Housing Commission minutes as submitted. The motion passed. HOUSING MAINTENANCE CODE ENFORCEMENT, Councilmember Cohen introduced Councilmember Pedlar to the Housing Commission members and explained Councilmember Pedlar was here this evening to discuss his concerns regarding housing maintenance and related code enforcement issues. Councilmember Pedlar stated his main concern is with the housing maintenance code as it relates to poorly maintained property, and that there should be some features in the code that address the proper maintenance of housing. He pointed out the major question in his mind is whether there needs to be something more we can do with regard to codes to improve the enforcement of poorly maintained property. He added if the City wants people to invest in the community, we need to address the problems of housing maintenance. Councilmember Cohen stated he believes the City Council will support recommendations from the Housing Commission with regard to housing maintenance. He added he appreciated Councilmember Pedlar's concern with regard to housing maintenance, and that this was a priority issue with the Housing Commission. Commission members discussed the issue of housing maintenance as it relates to existing codes and enforcement. Commissioner Jensen 9 -17 -91 -1- 9 -17 -91 -3- expressed her concerns over the issues raigpd by e successful as planned. Councilmember Cohen commented if the Purchase Plus Program does not work without a direct subsidy, the efforts could be directed towards the legislature to develop a program to assist with the Purchase Plus efforts. In general, the Housing Commission agreed the concept of the Purchase Plus Program was excellent. In discussion of the planner prepared by the MHFA, the Housing Commission members expressed some concern that the document may be too complicated for the average lay person to fully understand and put into action. RENTERS' FORUM The Assistant EDA Coordinator pointed out he wanted to inform the Housing Commission about the upcoming renters' forum to be held at Constitution Hall at the Brooklyn Center Community Center on September 26, 1991. He briefly reviewed the agenda for the forum and invited Commission members to attend. VISIT BY MAYOR PAULSON Mayor Paulson welcomed Commission members back from their summer recess and expressed his gratitude for the work the Commission is doing in the area of housing. He also offered the assistance of the City Council on Housing Commission projects and expressed the thanks of the City Council for the good work that has come out of the Housing Commission. He also discussed his support for the decentralization of decision making in the community, citing the example of the southeast neighborhood advisory committee. He concluded his remarks by stating his goal is to make neighborhoods a part of the participatory process. HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION AND HOME REDESIGN AND REMODELING PROGRAM The Assistant EDA Coordinator briefly reviewed this item and pointed out he had been working with Mr. Schatzlein, who is in the process of forming a nonprofit housing corporation for the suburban metropolitan area. He added he is currently working on two projects with Mr. Schatzlein: one being the development of a model for a homeowners' association for single- family housing, and the other, a prototype home redesign and remodeling program for the City of Brooklyn Center. The Assistant EDA Coordinator explained the programs proposed by Mr. Schatzlein would be funded through the nonprofit corporation. At present, the only contribution to the projects the City has made is with staff time. He added the projects have been reviewed and endorsed by the City Council. It would be the intent of Mr. Schatzlein to develop these programs in conjunction with the City's Housing Commission and the Earle Brown Neighborhood Housing Advisory Committee. The Housing Commission expressed an interest in both programs and indicated they would be interested in learning additional details on both programs. 9 -17 -91 -4- ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Perkins and seconded by Commissioner Jensen to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Chairperson 9 -17 -91 -5-