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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 02-16 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 FEBRUARY 16, 2010 COUNCIL COMMISSION ROOM CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Landis at 7:10 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Steve Landis, Commissioners Kathie Amdahl, Kris Lawrence - Anderson and Judy Thorbus. Also present were Crime Prevention Specialist Becky Boie and Staff Liaison Tom Bublitz. Commissioner James Richards and Council Liaison Tim Roche were absent from the meeting. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There was a motion by Commissioner Lawrence - Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Amdahl to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion passed. Chair Landis noted that he would like to only briefly review Item No. 9 given the length of the agenda and the fact that Becky Boie is in attendance at the meeting to address Item No. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — NOVEMBER 17, 2009 There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Lawrence - Anderson to approve the minutes of the November 17, 2009 Housing Commission meeting. The motion passed. It was noted that a quorum was not present at the December 15, 2009 meeting and, therefore, no minutes were recorded. CHAIRPERSONS REPORT Chairperson Landis announced to Commission members that he will be moving to the Finance Commission. He explained he had been interested in learning more about municipal finance for some time and that this is an opportunity to fulfill that interest. He added that he does feel good about the current direction of the Housing Commission. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT In the absence of the Council Liaison, Chairperson Landis reviewed some of the Council notes focusing on the January 25, 2010 study session. He briefly reviewed the January 25, 2010 study session minutes for Commission members noting that it was suggested that the Planning Commission should review what can be done to enhance the entrance corridor in the area of Humboldt Avenue between 65 and 69 Avenues and also from the city's southern border to 57` Page 1 2 -16 -2010 Avenue North. He pointed out it was discussed in the minutes that the Planning Commission could do a visioning of the corridors from a citizen user perspective from a conceptual point of view and that the majority consensus of the City Council was supportive of the Planning Commission conducting an aesthetic visioning of the Humboldt Avenue Corridors between 65' and 69 Avenues between 53` and 57 Avenues. Chairperson Landis noted that it was his understanding the Planning Commission typically does not have a role in determining design elements of streets, walkways, etc.. He suggested that the Housing Commission should be involved and not ignored regarding issues of neighborhood improvements and neighborhood design. Commissioner Lawrence - Anderson stated she believes the Housing Commission needs to have more collaboration with the Planning Commission. Chairperson Landis noted an all Commission meeting was discussed in the January 25, 2010 Council work session minutes. He stated the City Council appears prepared to review advisory commissions in some fashion. Chairperson Landis noted the Housing Commission is being asked to review the City's Strategic Plan for 2010 and determine two to three items to work on to assist the City Council in achieving the goals of the Strategic Plan. He added that he would encourage the City Council to do a thorough review of all Commissions and their duties and responsibilities. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR Chairperson Landis thanked Commission members for volunteering their time and effort on the Housing Commission. He inquired if anyone was interested in leadership of the Commission. Commissioner Thorbus stated she would be willing to be Vice Chair. Chairperson Landis opened the meeting up for the purpose of taking nominations for Chair of the Housing Commission for 2010. Chairperson Landis then nominated Commissioner Lawrence - Anderson to serve as Chair for 2010. There were no other nominations offered and Commissioner Lawrence - Anderson was elected Chair of the Housing Commission for 2010 by unanimous consent. Chairperson Lawrence - Anderson appointed Judy Thorbus Vice Chair of the Housing Commission for 2010. Chairperson Lawrence - Anderson stated she would like to see Commissioner Landis at the next Housing Commission meeting to wrap things up for his transition from the Housing Commission to the Finance Commission. PRESENT SUMMARY OF HOUSING COMMISSION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES REVIEW Commissioner Landis stated that historically the Housing Commission has had minimal tasking Page 2 2 -16 -2010 responsibilities assigned to them. He pointed out the Housing Commission's Charter indicates the Commission has a considerable set of tasks and responsibilities. He explained that in July of 2009, the Commission began its review of its roles, duties and responsibilities. He added he wanted to discuss ways the Housing Commission could participate more in neighborhood issues pointing out in the November 17, 2009 Housing Commission minutes, items addressed under No. 5, How to Increase Advisory Commission Participation in Neighborhood Organization Meetings. Commission members briefly discussed this issue and moved to Item No. 10 on the agenda. HOW TO INCREASE ADVISORY COMMISSION PARTICIPATION IN NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION MEETINGS Chairperson Lawrence - Anderson recognized Becky Boie, the Police Department Crime Prevention Specialist. Ms. Boie noted that currently there are 202 Neighborhood Watch Groups in the city. Ms. Boie noted that on March 13, 2010 there will be a watch captain's workshop in the Phil Cohen room at the Community Center and that the Housing Commission is invited. It was noted that the staff liaison will send a distribution list to Ms. Boie and that future notices regarding her neighborhood meetings will be sent directly to Housing Commission members. Ms. Boie suggested that one of the ways the Housing Commission could assist the Neighborhood Watch Program is to help with door to door flyer drops. She said this is the most effective way of getting people to attend meetings. She added that she would get the dates of neighborhood meetings to Housing Commission members. She also noted that attendance at the neighborhood meetings has averaged 100 to 150 people. Chairperson Lawrence - Anderson suggested that at least one Housing Commission member should be present at future neighborhood meetings. Ms. Boie reviewed some of the dates for upcoming neighborhood meetings including May 26" at Palmer Lake Park, June 29 at Lions Park, July 15 at Twin Lake Park and September 14 at East Palmer Lake Park. She noted that August is the National Night Out meeting. She added that neighborhood meetings are also advertised on the City's website. Chairperson Lawrence - Anderson suggested that perhaps the Housing Commission could look at working in neighborhoods where no watch groups exist currently. Commissioner Landis stated that he still believes there needs to be a review of the duties and responsibilities of the Housing Commission with the City Council involved. He added that he would also like to see the Housing Commission maintain their continuing association with the police department. Commissioner Thorbus addressed the issue of the Housing Commission's previous request for data on rental calls for service and an update on vacant housing. Commission members briefly discussed this and requested staff to provide a monthly update on calls for service and vacant properties. Page 3 2 -16 -2010 Commissioner members continued their discussion of the Housing Commission's roles and responsibilities. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business addressed by the Commission. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Chairperson Lawrence - Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Amdahl to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 8:10 pin, Chairman i I Page 4 2 -16 -2010