HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 11-17 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
NOVEMBER 17, 2009
COUNCIL COMMISSION ROOM
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Landis at 7:39 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Steve Landis, Commissioners Kathy Amdahl, Kris Lawrence - Anderson and Judy Thorbus.
Also present were Council Liaison Tim Roche, Councilmember Mark Yelich, Assistant City
Manager Vickie Schleuning and Staff Liaison Tom Bublitz.
REVIEW OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 12 RENTAL LICENSING
PROVISOINS
Prior to the time that a quorum was present and meeting was called to order, Housing Commission
members present engaged in an informal discussion of a review of Chapter 12 Rental Licensing
Provisions.
The Assistant City Manager reviewed the background on preparation of the proposed amendments to
Chapter 12, Rental Licensing and Enforcement noting the draft amendment had been reviewed by
numerous organizations including the Brooklyn Center ARM group and the Minnesota Multi
Housing Association. She noted the revisions before the Commission tonight focus on licensing and
rental provisions and that the next revision of Chapter 12 will focus on maintenance and upkeep of
property.
The Commission continued its review of the draft ordinance amendment to Chapter 12. Chairperson
Landis suggested that on Page 12 -14, Section 12 -901, Paragraph Lb (1) that there is a need for a
single family dwelling and single dwelling unit definition. Also on Page 12 -14, the Chair pointed
out language in 12 -901 regarding "a point system based on criteria recommended by the City
Manager and approved by the City Council ". The Assistant City Manager explained that these
criteria will consist of a separate document from the ordinance and development of a point system is
in process.
Commission members discussed the issue of whether fees could be refunded or not if the application
does not go through. The Assistant City Manager stated she would follow up on this issue with the
City Clerk.
On Page 12 -19 the Chair inquired as to the relevance of requiring a date of birth under 12 -909.
Councilmember Roche noted it was important to cross reference names and dates of birth
particularly when there are renters with relatively common names. It is important to determine the
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correct renter by a date of birth.
On Page 12 -21 Commissioner Lawrence - Anderson questioned the phrase in paragraph g "as
determined by the City Manager ". She indicated that this could be construed as being vague. The
Assistant City Manager responded noting that this would allow staff to bring the issue to the City
Council and that a public hearing and other due process procedures would also be put into place.
Commissioner Amdahl noted that it appears that this will allow the city staff to bring the issue to the
City Council without the license being up. Commissioner Lawrence - Anderson expressed concern
that this language was still too vague and she understands the need for action but there is also a need
to quantify noting an example of counting the number of violations in a 30 day period. Chair Landis
added that he believes there should be some minimal framework around excessive calls.
Councilmember Member Yelich arrived at 8:15 p.m.
Commission members continued to discuss Page 12 -21, Paragraph g. Chairperson Landis explained
everything about the draft document is about establishing standards and noted that this paragraph
does not follow the process. He suggested making the metric the calls for service over a period of
time.
The Assistant City Manager stated she would review this section noting that the City Attorney's
office had believed that due process was observed in this instance.
Commissioner Amdahl noted that in Paragraph j on Page 12 -21, it refers to "business license ". She
explained this term is confusing and that perhaps it should be the "entity that is licensed ".
Commission members continued to review the draft ordinance pointing out a few minor typos and
other minor changes.
Chairperson Landis inquired on Page 12 -30 whether or not there is a standardized housing lease
addendum as referenced in Section 12 -915. The Assistant City Manager noted there is a standard
one and staff will obtain it for Housing Commission review.
Chairperson Landis inquired if there were any additional questions or comments on the draft
ordinance. Hearing no more comments from Commission members, he requested that the Housing
Commission be considered in the next phase of the review of Chapter 12.
Commissioner Lawrence - Anderson inquired as to the establishment of a point system referenced in
the ordinance this evening. It was noted that this will be a separate document from the ordinance
which will establish the point system.
Chairperson Landis commented that, because of the lateness of the hour, he would like to defer Items
8 through 10 to another meeting. He also added that he would like to invite Becky Boie and the
Assistant City Manager to the December Housing Commission meeting.
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There was a motion by Chairperson Landis and seconded by Commissioner Amdahl to defer items 8
through 10 until the next Housing Commission meeting. The motion passed.
With regard to the December meeting, Chairperson Landis explained this will be a discussion to
develop a framework and outline to present and/or discuss with the City Council at an upcoming
work session or at the all city commission meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — July 12, 2009 & October 27, 2009
There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Lawrence - Anderson
to approve the July 12, 2009 minutes of the Housing Commission meeting. The motion passed with
Commissioner Thorbus abstaining.
There was a motion by Commissioner Thorbus and seconded by Commissioner Amdahl to approve
the October 27, 2009 Housing Commission minutes as submitted. The motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Thorbus noted the Brooklyn Center Taxpayers Association will be holding their
annual Christmas breakfast on December 5, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. and invited Commission members to
attend.
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Commissioner Thorbus and seconded by Chair Landis to adjourn the
meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
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