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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 03-16 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 MARCH 16, 2010 COUNCIL COMMISSION ROOM CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Lawrence - Anderson at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Kris Lawrence - Anderson, Commissioners Kathy Amdahl, Steve Landis, Chereen Norstrud, Ephraim Olani, Jim Richards, and Judy Thorbus Also present were Council Liaison Tim Roche and Staff Liaison Tom Bublitz. Chair Lawrence - Anderson recognized new Commissioners Olani and Norstrud and invited them to introduce themselves to the Commission. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Thorbus to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion passed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — FEBRUARY 16, 2010 It was noted that Council Liaison Roche was marked as present and absent at the February 16 t1i meeting. It was noted Council Liaison Roche was actually absent from the meeting and a correction was made to the minutes. There was a motion by Commissioner Thorbus and seconded by Commissioner Amdahl to approve the February 16, 2010 minutes as corrected. The motion passed. CHAIRPERSONS REPORT Chair Lawrence - Anderson briefly summarized the discussion the Commission had with the city's Crime Prevention Specialist Becky Boie, at the last meeting. She indicated she had asked Ms. Boie to review the City's strategic plan and suggest where the Housing Commission could possibly assist the Police Department. Ms. Boie suggested that input from the Housing Commission at the neighborhood meetings would be helpful along with assisting with the Neighborhood Watch Program including door knocking and handing out flyers to enlist additional Neighborhood Watch volunteers. Chair Lawrence - Anderson indicated she was interested in pursuing assisting with the Neighborhood Watch Program and also creating a welcoming group or committee to welcome and introduce new Page 1 3 -16 -10 residents to the city. Commission members discussed the formation of a welcoming committee similar in purpose to the former Welcome Wagon groups that used to welcome new residents to cities. The Commission discussed the formation of the welcoming committee as an ongoing program that the Housing Commission could pursue on its own. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Roche stated that on April O h , the Commissions in the city will have an opportunity to express to the City Council their interest in assisting with various elements of the Council Strategic Plan. He noted this would be an item the Commission will discuss further this evening. Councilmember Roche updated the Commission on a number of items including the foreclosure sale at Brookdale and the rehabilitation and remodeling of the former Centerpointe Apartments, now called Gateway Commons. Commissioner Lawrence - Anderson stated she would like to have the Commission go on a tour of the Gateway Commons remodeling and indicated that she would try and set this up before the Commission's next meeting. Commissioner Landis left the meeting at 7:40 p.m. REVIEW OF STRATEGIC PLAN BROOKLYN CENTER 2010 Chair Lawrence - Anderson continued the discussion with regard to assisting the police department and the Neighborhood Watch Program, pointing out that the Commission had previously expressed an interest assisting with the Neighborhood Watch Program and working with Becky Boie, the City's Crime Prevention Specialist, at the upcoming neighborhood meetings. With regard to specific Strategic Goals and Success Targets, Chair Lawrence - Anderson suggested that the Commission examine Strategic Goal No. 3 "We will stabilize and improve residential neighborhoods" and look at Success Targets 3 "Housing and accommodations for seniors will be available for aging residents consistent with the demand for housing by this demographic group" and No. 4 "There will be new housing construction to accommodate the needs of those seeking a modern housing and move up housing choices ". With regard to Strategic Goal No. 4, "We will positively address the community demographic makeup and increasing cultural diversity ", Commissioner Thorbus suggested that the City create information available in three major languages relative to the major new American groups in Brooklyn Center. Commission members discussed the issue of translating documents and it was noted that in the past this process has proved to be very expensive and that some of the city's documents had been translated. The staff liaison noted he would contact the police department and see that their experience had been with regard to translation of information from the city. Commission members discussed the Strategic Goal regarding senior housing and how to clarify the Commission's role regarding that particular success target. Chair Lawrence - Anderson suggested that Page 2 3 -16 -10 the Commission might do research, legwork on a number of issues, study of demographics, etc. but that it was essential that the Commission receive clarification from the City Council and Staff regarding what the end product should be. The Commission continued to discuss senior housing issues and Success Target No. 3 regarding new housing construction, modern housing and move up housing choices. Chair Lawrence - Anderson noted that the staff liaison had forwarded a document to her entitled "Rethinking Housing" which was a summary of a workshop held to discuss new trends in housing. The staff liaison briefly reported on the "Rethinking Housing" document noting that the workshop was spear headed by Bill Morrish who had previously been at the University of Minnesota and has authored books on urban design and development principles. He noted that Mr. Morrish has been quite influential nationwide with regard to housing development. He also explained the "Rethinking Housing" workshop addressed green housing standards which appear to be an increasingly important issue in housing development and rehabilitation. Finally, he reported it also appears that non - profit housing groups are increasing in influence with regard to housing development throughout the Metropolitan area and that this appears to be a growing trend. DISCUSS APRIL 6, 2010 JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND ADVISORY COMMISSIONS MEETING Commission members proceeded to focus their discussion on the April 6, 2010 joint meeting. There was a general consensus of Commission members to pursue as ongoing goals, continuing to develop a relationship and assist with Neighborhood Watch Groups, attend this summer's round of neighborhood meetings and work with the city's Crime Prevention Specialist, and to establish a welcoming group as an ongoing effort in the city to welcome new residents. Commissioner Olani suggested that the Commission look at new residents living in apartment complexes. Councilmember Roche suggested that perhaps the River Glen and Gateway Commons apartments would be a good place to start that communication. Chair Lawrence - Anderson stated that she would set up a tour of the Gateway Commons apartment remodeling for the Commission's April meeting so that they could tour the facility. The Commission next discussed the success targets related to the Strategic Plan for Brooklyn Center. Chair Lawrence - Anderson stated she believes the Commission has a desire to assist the City Council with housing related items such as senior housing, Strategic Goal No. 3 and Success Target No. 3 and No. 4. She emphasized the need for clarification from the Staff and City Council prior to working on any of these success targets. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business addressed by the Commission. Page 3 3 -16 -10 ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Thorbus to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 8:45 p.m. C i Page 4 3 -16 -10