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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 09-18 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 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. Chereen Norstrud was not excused and Kathie Amdahl was excused. 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 LIAISONREPORT 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 NSP 1 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 �`.3d p.m. airman Page 2 9-18-12