Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 04-29 CCM Special Work Session MINUTES -OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE -CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER rN —THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA SPECIAL WORK SESSION APRIL 29, 1996 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special work session and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 7 p.m. ROLL CALL _ Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Debra Hilstrom, and Kristen Mann. Councilmember Charles F. Nichols, Sr. was excused from tonight's meeting. Also present were City Manager Michael J. McCauley, Community Development Director Brad Hoffinan, Community Development Specialist Tom Bublitz, and Council Secretary Carla Wirth. FACILITATED COUNCIL WORKSHOP The City Manager advised Mr. Neu is available on June 15 or 22. Due to vacation and other scheduling conflicts, the Council requested the City Manager determine if Mr. Neu is available an afternoon and evening, rather than a weekend. DISCUSS USE OF CDBG ZUiy'DS The Community Development Specialist provided a brief history of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, eligible activities, and what Brooklyn Center has been doing over the past several years with an emphasis on housing rehabilitation. The Community Development Director explained CDBG started as a grant program with the objective of getting money into the housing stock for rehabilitation without the opportunity to use the funds for speculation. But, the CDBG program has now developed into somewhat of a loan program. Concilmember Hilstrom inquired regarding the number of CDBG recipients who are also recipients of first -time home buyer program funds. The Community Development Specialist stated he also shares this concern and believes there are some involved in both programs. 1 The City Manager pointed oft in three years, about $250,000 per year will be received for eligible allocation. He commented on focus topics and issues related to endowment, condemnation, and loans for repayment. It was noted that rehabilitation projects could be shifted to the County which 4/ - I - I would free -up City staff time. He asked if the Council wishes to continue the current programs or have staff research with the County the option of targeting specific neighborhoods to provide a focus and concentration to neighborhood improvement and redevelopment, as opposed to isolated scattered site improvements. Discussion ensued regarding the issues involved with changing the focus of CDBG use to target specific neighborhoods while still being able to address situations involving one junk house in a block of nicer homes. The "strings" attached to CDBG use which makes it difficult to find qualified uses was noted. The Community Development Specialist explained the option of removing blighted properties and selling the property at market price compared to other programs which would better benefit low - to moderate - income residents. The Community Development Director commented the issue is if Brooklyn Center is doing nothing but slum and blight rehabilitation, which may establish a precedent the County would be concerned about. The City Manager asked if the Council would like staff to research the option to refocus the use of CDBG and determine priorities, to hold another hearing, and reallocate funds. Councilmember Carmody pointed out an area in the southeast section of Brooklyn Center which she supported to target with CDBG funds. The City Manager suggested an option of removing several houses between Camden Avenue and 4th Street and creating a housing opportunity on the parkway which provides some replacement as well as an "anchor" in that neighborhood. It was noted this is the same area which constantly receives compliance orders. Councilmember Carmody suggested a backup area would be June and 69th Avenues. Councilmember Hilstrom indicated support to shift the focus from scattered ttered site rehabilitation to a target area and suggested staff prepare a recommendation on areas which can be targeted that will comply with Hennepin County guidelines and qualify for funding. Councilmember Mann concurred. The City Manager suggested a public hearing be scheduled in May to revise the allocation of CDBG funds for use in 1997. The Community Development Specialist recommended if the Council reduces rehab funds, the elderly rehab projects not be eliminated. Councilmember Hilstrom suggested the use of scattered site acquisition funds be considered for any eligible home within a targeted area. Council consensus was reached to consider a CDBG reallocation of $60,000 for the Rehab Loan Program, $6,000 for the H.O.M.E. Program, and add $109,000 for scattered sites acquisition. These 4/29/96 _ _ reallocations will be considered at a public hearing with the possibility of some future adjustments. It was also agreed to consider focusing CDBG funds at 53rd Avenue as a target area and 69th Avenue as a backup target area, and to direct staff to approach Hennepin County about assuming rehab projects with the understanding Brooklyn Center will comply with the County's program guidelines. It was also agreed to reconsider the endowment issue and if focusing the money to a target area, then the Council will consider the option of condemnation, if deemed necessary. Councilmember Hilstrom suggested the area off 63rd Avenue and Brooklyn Boulevard as another target area option. The City Manager advised staff is also considering how Tax Increment Financing (TIF) can be incorporated as one of the "building blocks" into this type of rehabilitation program. ADJOURNMENT A motion by Councilmember Carmody and seconded by Councilmember Hilstrom to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. passed unanimously. City Clerk Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Carla Wirth TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 4/29/96 _ ; _