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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 11-20 HCP AGENDA BROOKLYN CENTER HOUSING COMMISSION November 20, 2012 7:00 p.m. Council Commission Room Brooklyn Center City Hall 1. Call to Order: 7:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes — September 18, 2012 and October 16, 2012 5. Chairperson's Report 6. Council Liaison Report 7. Guest Speaker Aeon's Chris Nimmer and James Lehnhoff 8. Other Business 9. Adjournment: 8:30 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 COUNCIL COMMISSION ROOM SEPTEMBER 18, 2012 CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson at 7:06 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Commissioners Ephraim Olani, Peggy Lynn and Judy Thorbus. Also present were Council Liaison Lin Myszkowski and Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson, Director of Building and Community Standards/Assistant City Manager Vickie Schleuning, and Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel. Absent: Chereen Norstrud and Kathie Amdahl APPROVAL OFAGENDA There was a motion by Commissioner Thorbus and seconded by Commissioner Ephraim to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion passed. CHAIRPERSONS REPORT Chairperson Kris Lawrence-Anderson provided an update on the Grow with Brooklyn Center campaign. Chairperson Kris Lawrence-Anderson suggested that the Housing Commission nominate the Minnesota School of Business in assisting with the new neighbor program. There was a motion by Commissioner Lynn and seconded by Commissioner Thorbus to approve the nomination. The motion passed. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Myszkowski reported that Wal-Mart has had the grand opening. It was discussed that Wal-Mart has had a lot of momentum since opening. Each member discussed their experience in visiting the store, except for Commissioner Lynn who had not yet visited the new store. Councilmember Myszkowski provided an update regarding the special assessment hearing that was held on 9-10-2012. She stated that the assessments totaled around $500,000. The assessments included citations,abatements,utilities,and administrative vacant registrations. Gary Eitel provided an overview of the special assessments process. Vickie Schleuning discussed special assessments regarding citations, rental issues, and the vacant ordinance. Councilmember Myszkowski provided an update on the budget actions. She stated that the council approved an initial levy of 2.61%. She stated the overall budget,at the rate of 2.61%,would see an Page 1 9-18-12 increase of approximately $300,000. Commissioner Lynn expressed concerns for those who are having trouble paying their water bill. She asked if residents had any assistance available for water bills. Commissioner Lynn suggested that the people contact CEAP if they need assistance. Vickie Schleuning suggested that a person may want to review options for financial counseling and that information could be put into the City Watch. Commissioner Ephraim expressed concerns about the fee increase for water consumption. Vickie Schleuning updated that there was a fee change that adjusts the fee per gallon depending on consumption. She also stated that this was a state mandate to adjust the fee. INTRODUCTION Gary Eitel introduced the new staff Liaison Jesse Anderson, Deputy Director of Building and Community Standards/HRA Specialist. Gary Eitel discussed the transition. Jesse Anderson informed the Commission on his background and experience. UPDATE ON NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM Gary Eitel stated he would provide an update on NSP1 and provided an update on the Brooklyn Boulevard Corridor study. Jesse Anderson provided an update to the NSP 3 program. He stated the properties the City is working on and attempting to purchase. Jesse Anderson updated the Commission on the changes to the NSP 3 program, including they would be incorporating CPTED requirements and address common code violation such as egress windows. Chairperson Kris Lawrence-Anderson proposed a question as to whether we advertised this information about the city properties to the residents. Gary Eitel expressed that he was unable to purchase a home at 61St Ave North because the property was purchased to be rehabbed. Commissioner Thorbus asked if there were residency requirements for property owners who purchase NSP homes. Vickie Schleuning responded that there are requirements and the requirements were dependent on the amount subsidized for their purchase. Commissioner Thorbus expressed concerns for occupancy requirements of the NSP homes. Jesse Anderson stated that they would need to be in compliance with the current code requirements. OTHER BUSINESS The Minnesota School of Business' involvement in the new neighbor program could be further pursued through the BCBA and this would strengthen and enhance the program. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Lynn and seconded by Commissioner Ephraim to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Chairman Page 2 9-18-12 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 COUNCIL COMMISSION ROOM OCTOBER 16, 2012 CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson at 7:04 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Kathie Amdahl, David Johnson, Judy Thorbus and Peggy Lynn. Also present were Council Liaison Lin Myszkowski, Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson,Director of Building and Community Standards/Assistant City Manager Vickie Schleuning,and Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel. Chereen Norstrud and Ephraim Olani were absent. APPROVAL OFAGENDA There was a motion by Commissioner Thorbus and seconded by Commissioner Amdahl to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion passed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—MAY 15, 2012 There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Lynn to approve the minutes of the Housing Commission meeting for May 15, 2012. The motion passed. CHAIRPERSONS REPORT Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson stated her appreciation for Commissioner Johnson in rejoining the Housing Commission. She also stated she did not recommended Minnesota School of Business for random acts of charity so we will send a letter of application. Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson stated she attended Minnesota Interfaith Open Forum on the separation of religion and state. She stated it was very interesting and there were Multiple perspectives from different religions. Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson stated that Odyssey Academy is having a pancake breakfast/wellness fair on October 27,2012 from 9 to 12. They will be using all natural ingredients and the cost is one dollar. They will be inviting city council,staff,local businesses and organizations to participate or attend. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Myszkowski reviewed agendas and minutes and stated council is moving forward with a baseline study regarding inclusion. She read an email from the City Manager which stated the city has hired Inclusion, Inc. She stated Council had a discussion regarding the sign ordinance Page 1 10-16-12 relating to advertising for businesses. The council discussed service deficiencies and decided to help connect local businesses with resources to assist with their business. Council approved the appointment of Commissioner Johnson. She added civil penalties were levied against Global Kitchen and Sun Foods for selling to minors. Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson expressed interest in attending City Council meetings where new commissioners are appointed. Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson has questions regarding sign issues. Councilmember Myszkowski explained concerns from local business regarding signs. One issue noted at the property was tree coverage and the number of signs in the window of the business. Mr. Eitel pointed out deficiencies in the property to help with signage. This information could be provided to assist local businesses. Commissioner Amdahl asked if a property owner can have open non-flashing signs. Councilmember Myszkowski stated she doesn't support flashing signs and that it is not allowed by code. Commissioner Lynn asked if they could have an ID sign for the mall. Councilmember Myszkowski stated they can and that they do have an ID sign located at the mall. OTHER BUSINESS Jesse Anderson provided an update on the foreclosures,vacant buildings,rental licensing,and NSP 3 program. Commissioner Thorbus expressed interest in seeing the rental packet that is sent to landlords. Vickie Schleuning provided a copy of the rental packet to all Commissioners. Commissioner Johnson stated he is interested in who is a Type IV Rental License Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson stated that we are heading in the right direction with rentals and provided recognition for Gateway Commons and Granite Peaks. Jesse Anderson provided updates on upcoming meeting agendas and informed that a representative from Aeon would be at the next Housing Commission Meeting. He also stated that a representative from Maranatha has been invited to speak at a future meeting. Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson suggested that the Housing Commission invite the Minnesota School of Business in December for a thank you and cookies. It was also discussed that the Commission move to 2nd Tuesday for the December meeting. Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson requested that a draft thank you letter be prepared for the next Housing Commission Meeting Commissioner Lynn provided an update on the Community Garden project. Councilmember Page 2 10-16-12 Myszkowski stated the Community Garden looks good with the new fence and doesn't believe it should be painted. Chairperson Lawrence-Anderson suggested the City proactively market the Community Garden next year. Commissioner Johnson stated he is happy with progress in the city and has issues to address relating to rental properties within the city. He stated he wants the City Code enforced and he encourages people to report code violations. 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 8:10 p.m. Chairman Page 3 10-16-12