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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 04-17 HCMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION April 17, 2018 COUNCIL COMMISSION ROOM CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Goodell at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson - Mark Goodell - Present David Johnson - Excused Tamika Baskin - Not Present Kathie Amdahl - Present Joan Schonning - Present Michael Stokes - Present Paul Oman - Present Also present was Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson and Council Liaison Marquita Butler. APPROVAL OFAGENDA There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Oman to approve the agenda as amended. Remove item 4. The motion passed. APPROVAL OFMINUTES There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Oman to approve the minutes of the Housing Commission meeting on March 21, 2018. The motion passed. LETTER TO CITY COUNCIL REGARDING HOUSING COMMISSION Tabled discussion for future meeting. NEW NEIGHBOR PROGRAM UPDATE Chairperson Goodell: Passed out some flyers. Staff Liaison Anderson: No new coupons have been received, However we did get approval from the Community Center and Golf Course. Commissioner Schonning: Passed some flyers out, but some didn't see the free item requirement. Commissioner Amdahl: Dropped off flyers at Slims and Marketplace business. Page 1 Chairperson Goodell: Should we set dates for the next Deliveries? We can wait to schedule at the next Housing Commission Meeting. Staff Liaison Anderson: Staff will try to get volunteers or intern staff to assemble packets. DISCUSS AFFORDABLE HOUSING POLICYAND PROVIDE FEEDBACK FOR CO UNCIL Community Development Directory Beekman: Provided background on affordable housing. This is in relation to a conversation that is happening regionally and a response from a presentation from ACER and CAPSH on the need for affordable housing and tenant protection. Staff provided recommendations at last Council meeting and the Council requested that it be brought to The Housing Commission for recommendation and review. Broad overview of the topic. Brooklyn Center is experiencing a record low vacancy rate, self-reported vacancy under three (3) percent. Five (5) percent is considered healthy. Rents could go up, and as there is an increase in the market. Units could flip and rents would go up. Landlords can become choosier with tenants. This could result in a reduction in landlords accepting choice vouchers. This also could cause the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing. There are three policies being consitered: Preservation, Tenant Protections and Creation. Section 8 restrictions Staff will be review ordinance and implication. However, staff will continue to monitor the Minneapolis law suit. Tenant Transition Ordinance This is triggered at the sale. It requires 3 month notice or relocation benefits. Inclusionary Housinz Require new market rate project to include affordable housing. This is being reviewed for its possible effect on the market and opportunity site. Chairperson Goodell: Are there State or County funds available to offset the cost of new affordable housing units? Community Development Directory Beekman: Yes, and they are highly competitive and the funds favor 100% affordable. Commissioner Stokes: Are they less mixed with the affordable housing? Page 2 Community Development Directory Beekman: Mixed income housing studies. Affective is when lower income have access to support such as education 41) tax break on existing building. When provided a subsidy and provide certified portion as low income, then they can apply for 41). HC is working on a program to help stabilize rents and staff is working to review EDA fund availability. Commissioner Stokes: Would these new requirements apply to just apartment? Community Development Directory Beekman: That's up to the city to determine who would be available. Other general identify at risk properties, include in comprehensive plan, educating landlords about section 8 programs and misconceptions. Commissioner Schonning: What are the due dates for policies and comprehensive plan? Community Development Directory Beekman: The City reds to have comprehensive plan done by October. Chairperson Goodell: How does this affect the housing complaint against Metropolitan council affordable housing policies? Community Development Directory Beekman: It is relating to consideration of poverty and Metropolitan Council's formula for what each community's share of affordable housing is. Brooklyn Center's share was 123 units by 2040. The complaint went to HUD, HUDS response was not to change and we are waiting for Metropolitan Council to respond. The City is required to include numbers in comprehensive plan. Commissioner Oman: Anything for affordable housing purchase? Community Development Directory Beekman: This is specific to rental in an effort to preserve affordable rental housing. There is no discussion on affordable housing for home owners at this time. Chairperson Goodell: What recommendations are needed from the Housing Commission? Community Development Directory Beekman: Tenant protection, Inclusionary Housing, Section 8. Next step is to bring back specifics on those topics for direct input and language. Chairperson Goodell: Waiting for Minneapolis lawsuit, but still examine its ordinance and options. Page 3 Chairperson Goodell and Commissioner Schonning: Agree with Council's direction on the policies. Community Development Directory Beekman: Any specific concerns or questions? Do you have direct concerns or initial thoughts? Commissioner Amdahl: Would be interested in looking at Minneapolis ordinance and the Saint Louis Park transition ordinance and determine if they make sense for this community. Commissioner Schonning: Interested in inclusionary housing to be reviewed with the Opportunity site. It seems right for the city and Yes to the Transition Ordinance. Chairperson Goodell: Tenant transition is a good compromise to work- with both sides and is more enforceable. Community Development Directory Beekman: We will need to get input from landlords. Chairperson Goodell: Let commission know about landlord feedback meetings as we may want to attend. Commissioner Stokes: Is there a lot of new construction? Community Development Directory Beekman: The statuary was affordable housing. But other than that, no, there has not been new rental in Brooklyn Center. Brooklyn Center is going to start to see new housing construction. The opportunity site would be the next project. Chairperson Goodell: Has to leave. Amdahl appointed as Pro Tem Chair. Motion passed. QUESTION OR CONCERNS RELATING TO THE KEEPING OF CHICKENS Commissioner Oman: Bring Minneapolis ordinance as example at next meeting. Commissioner Schonning: Would consider exploring the options of a limited number of chickens. Stacy Wiber - 6425 Freemont Ave N: We view chickens as a pet similar to other birds. But they would be kept outside. We would like a limited number of chickens. Minneapolis allows 4 hens at a single family and no rooster due to noise. Not looking to breed. I moved from Connecticut, which had allowed for up to 4 hens. They would only be allowed at single family home rented or owned. Page 4 COUNCIL LL4ISON'REPORT Council Member Butler provided un updated: The is new construction be considered for a new Luther Mazda Mitsubishi. Walmart remodel for a grocery pick-up area. A new Sprint store has opened. Also there is a new Hair Salon coming to shingle creels crossing. CHAIRPERSONS REPORT Chairperson Goodell reported: Report was not given. OTHER B USINESS There was no other business addressed by the Commission. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning and seconded by Commissioner Oman to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Chairma Page 5