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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 07-12 HCM arM2cwrerx tctixt„ Brooklyn Center Housing Commission Chair's Report Sunday, July 12, 2009 Chairperson's Report This meeting was held at the home of Chairperson Steve Landis' home at 7118 Grimes Avenue North. The public was invited to attend via scheduling on the Brooklyn Center website. Lunch was provided to attendees. Call to Order Lunch was held at 12:00. the meeting begain at 12:30 PM. Roll Call The following Commissioners were present with Judy Thorbus absent (vacation): Steve Landis (Chair), Kathie Amadahl, Gretchen Knutson, Kris Lawrence Anderson, James Richards and Joshua Xiong. Approval of Agenda Approved. The agenda included a review of Housing Commission Duties and Responsibilities. Approval of Minutes No minutes reviewed. Chairperson's Report 1. This meeting began with a general review of "neighborhood health" with reports from all commissioners representing each of the Commission Districts. Consensus is that the general health of our neighborhoods is improving. Realtor James Richards reports housing prices are on the rise to include but not limited to foreclosed and (general) sale properties. 2. There was minor discussion regarding the Brookdale Mall property. Action item: Request City Staff provide a recurring report on current ownership and tax (payment) status. 3. General discussion held regarding Housing Commission Duties and Responsibilities with a reflection that the current Charter has not been updated since 2006, is likely outdated and may require revision. 4. Reviewed other Advisory Group Charters including Planning Commission, identifying the potential that other Charters may be out of date and in need of review, update and potential realignment. 5. Action Item: Would like to suggest City Staff, City City Council and potentially the Charter Commission team to review Duties and Responsibilities for all Advisory Commissions for accuracy, update and possible realignment of Duties and Responsibilities. City Council Liaison Report City Council Liaison not present. No report given. Review Housino Commission Duties and Responsibilities Review 1. Advise, investigate and review relevant matters for the City City Council. Comments. Vague but broad enough for flexibility in tasking. 2. Develop an overall plan for housing in line with the comprehensive plan for Brooklyn Center and the needs of the metropolitan area. Comments. No such plan outside the Comprehensive Plan exists to the best of our knowledge. There may be opportunity to create a plan or framework which further supports the Comprehensive Plan or in i. �aW:Y)tlaFYN Ctllf�rt any event assists City Staff, City Council and the residents of Brooklyn Center in identifying and planning for changes to housing needs. 3. Serve as a forum for the citizens of Brooklyn Center to voice their opinions regarding housing matters. Comments: Historically there have been few opportunities which have driven citizen input at the Housing Commission level. We would like to explore additional opportunities to act as a forum and thereby assist City Staff, City Council and the residents of Brooklyn Center. 4. Work closely with the Planning Commission and all other commissions on matters regarding housing. Comments: We would like to see more cross functionality, joint meetings and in general better communication between all Advisory Commissions specific or ancillary to housing needs. 5. Work with the neighborhood advisory committees of the Planning Commission to understand the housing needs of each area of Brooklyn Center. Comments. Based on feedback from City Staff, Neighborhood Advisory Committees are no longer used. 6. Develop and recommend standards for occupancy and maintenance of housing for the community. Comments. It was noted that Brooklyn Center's City Staff are doing an excellent job of developing these standards. As chartered, the Housing Commission would like to play a more active role in the process of reviewing, updating or creating standards and improving processes overall. 7. Study the feasibility of establishing an occupancy permit program in conjunction with a housing maintenance code in Brooklyn Center. Comments. Building Code, Chapter 3 and Building Maintenance and Occupancy Chapter 12 appear to cover this requirement which could be further reviewed as necessary. 8. Investigate new and innovative concepts in housing for the community. Comments. Seems to work in conjunction with Item #2 and may be redundant. 9. Develop and recommend programs which will provide quality housing for low and moderate income citizens. Comments. Ongoing by City Staff and City City Council. Low and moderate income housing is well or over represented in Brooklyn Center. Believe City Staff and City Council are addressing this matter on an ongoing basis. 10. Develop and recommend a rehabilitation program as needed for existing housing in Brooklyn Center, especially for major maintenance and energy modernization projects. Comments. Plans are in today which address most of these needs. Energy may be an area we could play a larger role. Action item: City Staff please provide recurring status report of all programs relating to rehabilitation and sale of foreclosed vacant properties to include but not limited to: Vacant Building (ordinance), Home Ownership Purchase Program, VacantWatch Program, ReNew Home Purchase Program etc. 11. Understand the financial resources available to the citizens in Brooklyn Center as it relates to housing. Action item: City Staff please provide recurring status report of all financial resources (or programs) available to the citizens in Brooklyn Center. 12. Investigate all housing programs in terms of life safety. Comments. Believe existing standards for occupancy and maintenance meet the needs for safety. Housing Commission could play a larger role in reviewing, updating or adding to programs or ordinances R 1 0ttC34+3TN C1tlY.tY�k specific to life safety. As an aside, increased life safety and compliance with Building Maintenance Codes would likely be improved through implementation of Point of Sale inspections. 13. Provide education seminars for the citizens of Brooklyn Center in matters of housing. Comments. See Items 3. In conjunction with City Staff (including Code Compliance) and City Council, the Housing Commission would like to be integrated into any outreach efforts aimed at the residents of Brooklyn Center. 14. Serve as the initial review and advisory body for the Board of Appeals regarding contested compliance orders pursuant to the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance, Sections 12 -1202 and 12 -1203. Comments. This is a valid, ongoing process. A