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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 01-20 HCMPage 1 9-18-07 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 January 20, 2015 COUNCIL COMMISSION ROOM CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Marko at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Zachary Marko–Present Judy Thorbus–Present Kathie Amdahl–Present David Johnson–Present Mark Goodell–Present Leroy Houston–Excused Also present: Council Liaison Lawrence-Anderson and Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Goodell. The motion passed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There was a motion by Commissioner Johnson to approve the minutes of the Housing Commission meeting on November 18, 2014. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Thorbus. The motion passed. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson reported former Housing Commissioner Ephraim Olani was given a Proclamation of Recognition at the Council Meeting for his service on the Housing Commission. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson also reported this year’s street reconstruction will include an overhaul of 63rd Avenue N. Commissioner Amdahl asked where on 63rd Avenue N. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated it would be from Unity Avenue N. to Ewing Avenue N. The posted speed is 30 MPH and the average speed was recorded at 43 MPH. The road will be narrowed similar to Dupont Avenue N. to reduce the speed on the street. The south side will remain a sidewalk and on the north side will be a 10 foot asphalt bike and walking trail. It will also include some bump-outs. There was a lot of discussion at the meeting and most supported the upgrades, some were concerned about the trail. Page 2 9-18-07 Commissioner Thorbus asked if there will still be parking on the street. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated there will still be parking on the street. Commissioner Thorbus asked if there will there be a bus lane. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated they will be using the same drive lane with room to pull off. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson reported Luther Volkswagen is making progress. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson also reported the house on 63rd Avenue N. and Brooklyn Boulevard is gone and purchased by the city. This is important because this property is a gateway to the city and a home is not likely to be built there. There will likely be a bus shelter on each side of 63rd Avenue N. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson reported the Cars for Courage site will be coming down soon. There is talk of senior housing being constructed there. This may be reviewed by the Housing Commission. Commissioner Thorbus asked why Brooklyn Center doesn’t post a sign for properties being considered for redevelopment. Brooklyn Park does this. Council Member Lawrence-Anderson stated that is a good point, we can review this. CHAIRPERSONS REPORT Chairperson Marko reported that the PowerPoint information for 63rd Avenue N. construction would be helpful. Chairperson Marko also reported Commissioners Thorbus and Goodell were reappointed. Chairperson Marko asked if there an update on the frozen water pipes issue. Staff Liaison Anderson stated there were a lot of properties that had pipes freeze in 2014 due to the time length of cold weather. The properties that had frozen water lines are being reviewed to determine if that was a one-time issue or if it is going to be a continuing issue. Also, Fix Up Fund loans are available for these repairs. Council Member Lawrence-Anderson stated the city owns the line to house. If it freezes it is the owner’s responsibility. This is being given special consideration when the street improvement is being conducted. The city has been authorized to purchase equipment to help thaw frozen lines. It is likely to become a policy to help when there is a freeze up. Commissioner Amdahl asked if the problem was caused by the line being installed incorrectly at the beginning or is it resulting from erosion. Council Member Lawrence-Anderson stated that the city is considering that when reviewing it. Chairperson Marko requested more information on budget, there was a 2.9 percent increase. 2015 POSITIONS Chairperson Marko stated he will not continue as Chairperson due to work schedule. Commissioner Thorbus nominated Commissioner Johnson as Chairperson. Commissioner Johnson stated he is willing, but will miss a couple meetings where the Vice Chair Page 3 9-18-07 will need to fill in. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Amdahl. The motion passed. Commissioner Marko nominated Commissioner Thorbus. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Goodell. The motion passed. Commissioner Johnson stated he will miss the February meeting and May meeting. 2015 PRIORITIES Commissioner Marko stated the Commission should continue the Welcome Packets. Marko will continue some winter deliveries. Commissioner Amdahl stated that we have streamlined the packets. Commissioner Marko asked who the contact for the Cub food bags is. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated he no longer works there. Commissioner Thorbus asked if we could ask the Business Association to donate bags. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated we could consider asking other community organizations such as the Lions. Commissioner Thorbus stated that getting volunteers to help with delivery was unsuccessful in past. Commissioner Marko suggested that a new effort could be to try to connect with organizations to help with homeless people who are pan handling to get off the street. Chairperson Johnson stated some studies have shown that some are not homeless. Commissioner Marko stated he would like to try to connect with them and see if we can help them. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson said we need to get approval from the City to go out and do this. Commissioner Goodell asked what the status of the rental recognition program is. Staff Liaison Anderson stated that we have been attempting to get feedback from residents at Brooklyn Center rental properties, and have not found any volunteers to participate. Commissioner Thorbus would like a city-wide curbside clean-up day. Commissioner Thorbus would like the Housing Commissioners to report code violation and help the City become more aware of common eye soars. Commissioner Marko asked if the Housing Commission wants to make suggestions for code changes. Chairperson Johnson suggested we review what issues are emerging for the housing stock. Considering why Brooklyn Center has low valued homes. Commissioner Goodell asked if there could be clarification from the City Council on what they want from the Housing Commission. Commissioner Amdahl asked about the driveway Ordinance changes that were reviewed. Commissioner Thorbus asked if we could get a tour the Crest Apartments. Page 4 9-18-07 Commissioner Thorbus asked for more information on the water rate increase. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business addressed by the Housing Commission. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Goodell to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Amdahl. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 8:04 p.m. __________________________________ Chairperson