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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 10-27 HCM MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION OCTOBER 27, 2009 COUNCIL COMMISSION ROOM CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Landis at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Steve Landis, Commissioners Kathie Amdahl, Gretchen Knutson, Kris Lawrence- Anderson, James Richards, Judy Thorbus and Joshua Xiong. Also present were Council Liaison Tim Roche and Community Development Specialist Tom Bublitz. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There was a motion by Commissioner Knutson and seconded by Commissioner Lawrence- Anderson to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion passed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES SEPTEMBER 15, 2009 There was a motion by Commissioner Thorbus and seconded by Commissioner Knutson to approve the September 15, 2009 minutes of the Housing Commission meeting. The motion passed. CHAIRPERSONS REPORT Chairperson Landis reviewed and read aloud a report he had prepared regarding the appeal from certain provisions of Chapter 12 which the Commission heard at their September 15, 2009 meeting Commission members entered into a discussion concerning the appeal heard at the September 15, 2009 Housing Commission meeting and the City Council's decision on the appeal made at the September 28, 2009 City Council meeting. I Comments made by Housing Commission members included: It was noted the Housing ommission concluded that with regard to the refrigerator asket 8 g g issue, the current ordinance language was not adequate or enforceable as written. A concern was expressed that the Housing Commission's review of the appeal was an objective review of the ordinance language as it relates to refrigerator gaskets and that the Council did not acknowledge the Commission's assessment and recommendations. At the September 15, 2009 Housing Commission meeting the Commission had a long discussion with Ms Atchison and believed that a compromise was achieved regarding the appeal. Further, it was noted that Ms. Atchison left the meeting agreeing to address the majority of the items called out in the inspection order. I Page 1 10 -27 -09 II The Housing Commission entered into a discussion regarding the Commission's relationship with City Council and Staff. Councilmember Roche discussed the Housing Commission's role and opportunities for the Housing Commission to partner with city leadership and noted that change can come from the ground up as well as the top down. Chairperson Landis stated he hoped the City Council will acknowledge the Commission's concerns and act accordingly, noting that everyone appreciates being valued. Commission members reopened the discussion on the September 15, 2009 appeal meeting relative to the refrigerator gasket issue. Commissioner Richards made a general comment noting that he has represented investors interested in Brooklyn Center and pointed out that many investors won't come to Brooklyn Center because of its ordinance enforcement, pointing out the issue with the refrigerator gasket as an example. Chairperson Landis reiterated the conclusion of his October 27, 2009 Chairperson's report noting that it was his hope that the staff, Housing Commission and Council could act in consort to address and solve some of the issues that are related to the ordinance language in Chapter 12. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Roche reported on the highlights from the previous Council meeting pointing out there were a great number of people at the October 26, 2009 meeting for the Random Acts of Kindness Day. Additionally, Councilmember Roche discussed the approval of the clean -up of Shingle Creek including the improvement of water quality, creek sides/beds and plantings from 694 to Bass Lake Road. He explained the project will also address street run- off and is a joint effort between Three River's Parks, Hennepin County and the City. Councilmember Roche next noted the new FBI building is in process and the ground work is scheduled for March of 2010..Councilmember Roche next distributed and reviewed information he had received from the Brooklyn Center Business Association meeting relative to housing data in the city. In conclusion, Councilmember Roche pointed out that Centerpointe Apartments has been purchased by the individual who also owns River Glen Apartments in the City of Brooklyn Center. CHAIR'S REPORT ON APPEAL REGARDING COMPLIANCE ORDERS RELATIVE TO CHAPTER 12 OF THE CITY CODE It was noted that many items relative to this agenda item had already been discussed. Housing Commission members focused on Item No. 3 from the Review of Housing Commission Duties and Responsibilities in the July 12, 2009 Housing Commission minutes The discussion focused on planning a meeting with representatives from the police department, neighborhood watch, City Council and Housing Commission in December. There was a motion by Commissioner Lawrence Anderson and seconded by Chair Landis to place on Page 2 10 -27 -09 the November Housing Commission agenda discussion of a meeting with the police department, neighborhood watch personnel, City Council and Housing Commission to discuss the Housing Commission's role in the future neighborhood meetings to be held in Brooklyn Center next year. DISCUSSION OF JULY 12, 2009 HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES AND NEXT STEPS Housing Commission members discussed the draft July 12, 2009 Housing Commission minutes and noted several revisions, corrections and comments relative to the draft minutes. The staff liaison pointed out that the minutes should stand separately as the record of the meeting and the Chair's report should be separate from the meeting minutes but could perhaps serve as a working document for the Commission. The Commission's corrections and comments were incorporated into the draft July 12, 2009 document and Chairperson Landis noted that he would bring back a revised document for consideration at the November meeting. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business addressed by the Commission. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Chairperson Landis and seconded by Commissioner Knutson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 9:05 p.m. A Chairman Page 3 10 -27 -09