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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 01-21 HCPAGENDA BROOKLYN CENTER HOUSING COMMISSION January 21, 2020 7:00 p.m. Council Commission Conference Room Brooklyn Center City Hall 1) Call to Order: 7:00 p.m. 2) Approval of Agenda 3) Approval of Minutes: November 19, 2019 4) Election a) Chairperson b) Vice Chair 5) Brooklyn Center Beautification and Public Art Master Plan Summary Update a) Jack Becker 6) City Council Liaison's Report 7) Chairpersons Report 8) Other Business 9) Adjournment 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 NOVEMBER 19, 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 - Present Tamika Baskin — Present Kathie Amdahl - Present Joan Schonning — Present Michael Stokes — Present Paul Oman - Present Also present was Staff Liaison Jesse Anderson and Council Liaison Kris Lawrence -Anderson. APPROVAL OFAGENDA There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Baskin to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion passed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There was a motion by Commissioner Stokes and seconded by Commissioner Baskin to approve the minutes of the Housing Commission meeting on October 15, 2019. The motion passed (Chairperson Goodell abstained). REVIEW HOUSING COMMISSION D UTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Chairperson Goodell reviewed the Housing Commission's Duties and Responsibilities document. He added the list of items needs to be reviewed and amended. He requested the Housing Commission's feedback and comments on each of the items on the list, as they should be reviewed and amended. Chairperson Goodell stated many of the items on the list are projects or processes that are already being done or were suggested at the time the Housing Commission was created and are no longer relevant. He requested consideration of the Housing Commission's relationship and interaction with the Planning Commission as it relates to housing issues. Mr. Anderson stated the Planning Commission is an advisory body, providing recommendations to the City Council, as required by Ordinance. He added the Housing Commission does not have any Page 1 such requirement but is also an advisory body. He noted there have been relatively few housing developments in recent years. Mr. Anderson stated both the Housing and Planning Commissions make recommendations to the City Council, but the Housing Commission does not have a required action in the process. Commissioner Baskin stated she would like to have more involvement with the Planning Commission including joint meetings to discuss housing matters. Mr. Anderson stated the Planning Commission reviews applications and requests that are related to zoning, often including a Public Hearing process, which the Housing Commission is welcome to attend. Commissioner Amdahl stated the Housing Commission is not formally invited to attend and does not receive notifications of Planning Commission meetings. Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated the Housing Commission could be included in the Planning Commission meeting agenda distribution, to review upcoming applications and requests and decide whether they want to attend. Chairperson Goodell stated the Housing Commission could be advised of items to be reviewed by the Planning Commission that are specifically related to housing, and Housing Commission feedback and comments could be requested. He added the Housing Commission is not procedurally required to review Planning Commission issues. Mr. Anderson stated any housing proposal would be forwarded to the Housing Commission for consideration and recommendations, either in connection with the Planning Commission or as a separate Housing item. Commissioner Baskin stated she would support adding an option to comment and provide input on any housing matters that are reviewed by the Planning Commission. Mr. Anderson stated Planning Commission meets on Thursdays, and their agenda can be forwarded to the Housing Commission. Commissioner Johnson stated he would support a joint meeting between the Housing Commission and Planning Commission to establish a working relationship. He added this would be a good place to start. Chairperson Goodell asked whether the Housing Commission could be called upon to review or advise on housing -related issues that come before the Planning Commission. Mr. Anderson confirmed that the Housing Commission is called upon for review at some point during the process. He added there are often many steps in the planning process. Page 2 Chairperson Goodell asked whether there should be an amendment to Code requiring Housing Commission review and comment on housing -related issues. Mr. Anderson stated any such change would require City Council approval. Commissioner Schonning stated she would welcome a formal invitation from the Planning Commission for the Housing Commission to review housing -related issues, but not necessarily to attend Planning Commission meetings. She added the language could be changed from "work closely with Planning Commission" to "be informed of issues before the Planning Commission." Mr. Anderson agreed, adding he could include a list of pending Planning Commission items for the Housing Commission's review when he sends out the Housing Commission meeting agenda. Commissioner Baskin stated she serves on the Zoning Task Force. She asked whether the input from the Zoning Task Force is being considered in Planning Commission decisions as part of their process, with regard to housing matters. She added she would support getting more information from the Planning Commission and collaborating with them. She noted it will be helpful to get an idea about whether they want to receive Housing Commission input. Mr. Anderson agreed that the Planning Commission could be asked what type of involvement they want in housing -related matters. The Housing Commission agreed. Commissioner Johnson stated it may be problematic for the Planning Commission as it will add another step in their process. Mr. Anderson stated the Housing Commission and Planning Commission are both advisory bodies to the City Council. He added the Housing Commission has not historically been called upon to make recommendations to the Planning Commission. Chairperson Goodell stressed the importance of ensuring that the Housing Commission stays informed about housing -related items that come before the Planning Commission. Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated the Community Development Director could add the Housing Commissioners to her email distribution list for Planning Commission meetings, so they can be informed about upcoming requests and applications. Commissioner Baskin recommended including the statement "The Housing Commission shall be advised of Planning Commission topics related to housing matters." The Housing Commission agreed. Commissioner Schonning stated she would like to see community engagement partnerships within Brooklyn Center based on neighborhood and nearby parks. She added neighborhood engagement could be an important community connection developed by the Housing Commission. Page 3 Mr. Anderson stated City Staff has a Communications division, as well as a Community Engagement Committee related to the Opportunity Site. He added Angel Smith is working on coordinating neighborhood groups, and setting up a Neighborhood Advisory Committee. Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated the City Council reviewed the 2020 proposed budget, which included a Community Engagement budget item providing funding for neighborhoods to host events and manage communications. Commissioner Schonning agreed, adding the Housing Commission could work collaboratively with the City's Community Engagement staff to enhance housing in Brooklyn Center. Commissioner Amdahl requested the following amendment to Item 5: The Housing Commission works with neighborhood engagement staff to understand the housing needs of each area within Brooklyn Center." She added Planning Commission input is not necessary for this type of review. Chairperson Goodell stated, alternatively, Item 5 could read: "The Housing Commission partners with the City's community engagement staff to understand the housing needs of each area of Brooklyn Center." He stated the Housing Commission's goal is to realign more closely with what they are actually do and are interested in doing. Commissioner Stokes stated this could imply that it is someone's specific responsibility. Chairperson Goodell suggested the Housing Commission could go through each item and note recommended revisions. 1. "Advise, investigate and review relevant matters for the City Council." - No change. 2. "Develop an overall plan for Housing Brooklyn Center that is in line with the Comprehensive Plan for Brooklyn Center." Replace with: "Review and provide recommendations to the City Council during Comprehensive Plan development process related to housing." 3. "Serve as a forum for citizens of Brooklyn Center to voice opinions regarding housing matters." Chairperson Goodell stated residents have asked if they could address the Housing Commission. He added the Housing Commission's agenda items are not necessarily open for discussion. Mr. Anderson stated it is not a public open forum, but a resident can request an issue be addressed by the Housing Commission. Commissioner Amdahl stressed the importance of giving residents the opportunity to address the Housing Commission with the understanding that the Housing Commission provides recommendations but does not make changes. Page 4 Replace with: "Provide a forum for citizens of Brooklyn Center if requested to voice their opinions regarding specific housing matters." 4. "Work closely with the Planning Commission and other Commissions on matters regarding housing issues." -No change. 5. "Work with neighborhood Advisory Committees and Planning Commission to understand the housing needs of each area of Brooklyn Center." -No change. 6. "Develop and recommend standards for occupancy and maintenance of housing." Replace with "Review and provide recommendations regarding standards of occupancy." 7. "Study feasibility of establishing occupancy permit program in conjunction with Housing Maintenance Code of Brooklyn Center." -Delete 8. "Investigate new and innovative concepts in housing." - Delete 9. "Develop and recommend programs which will provide quality housing for low- and moderate -income renters." -Delete 10. "Develop and recommend rehabilitation programs as needed for existing housing, especially related to maintenance and energy." Mr. Anderson stated these types of programs are not developed by the Housing Commission. He reviewed other such programs, including CDBG funding, the City's Rehab Program, Fix and Fund, and NSP funding. He added this item was probably added to accommodate NSP funding to purchase and renovate vacant properties. Commissioner Baskin stated Item 6 could be changed to incorporate Items 7-10, and should read, "Review and provide recommendations on housing -related matters in Brooklyn Center." The Housing Commission agreed. Mr. Anderson requested that the term "review maintenance" should not be removed, as the Housing Commission will also hear appeals. 11. "Understand financial resources available to the City of Brooklyn Center as it relates to housing." Replace with "Understand financial resources available to the citizens of Brooklyn Center as it relates to housing." 12. "Investigate housing programs in terms of life safety." -Delete 13. "Provide educational seminars for citizens in manners of housing." Page 5 Chairperson Goodell stated this could include New Resident bags delivery. He asked whether that should be codified. Commissioner Baskin stated that would exclude renters. Commissioner Amdahl stated many apartment managers pick up New Resident welcome bags. Chairperson Goodell requested the following for #13: "Provide information about services and amenities for new residents of Brooklyn Center." The Commission agreed. Mr. Anderson stated the Housing Commission could be a forum to provide information to renters about how to contact City Staff with rental issues. Commissioner Baskin asked what types of training are provided by City Staff regarding housing. Mr. Anderson stated voluntary ARM training is offered to landlords. 14. "Serve as initial review and advisory body for Board of Appeals regarding contested compliance orders pursuant to the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance Sections 12-1202 and 12-1203." -No change 15. "Assist Planning Commission with reviewing and redeeming a development review policy and make recommendations to the City Council with regard to redevelopment in Brooklyn Center." Mr. Anderson recommended the first part of # 15 regarding policy should be omitted, and the sentence changed to read "review and make recommendations to the City Council with regard to redevelopment of the City". The Housing Commission agreed. Mr. Anderson stated he would compile the Housing Commission's recommended changes and bring the amended document back for another review at an upcoming meeting. Mr. Anderson stated the City Council's Housing discussion has been scheduled for the last 2 City Council work sessions but has been delayed. NEW NEIGHBOR PACKET UPDATE Chairperson Goodell stated delivery of New Neighbor packets is complete. He thanked the Commissioners for their hard work and efforts. Mr. Anderson recommended a Housing Commission discussion regarding coupons included in New Neighbor packets. He added only free coupons are currently included, but "buy one get one free" coupons could be considered. Page 6 Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated "buy one get one free" coupons could be discussed by the Housing Commission and brought to the city Council for consideration. The Housing Commission agreed. CITY COUNCIL LIAISON'S REPORT Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated the City Council has been focused on issues related to the Opportunity Site, including financing and timing. She invited the Housing Commissioners to attend City Council meetings to provide input and feedback. She added Phase 1 of the development concept includes market rate apartments and affordable housing, as well as a movie theatre and entertainment complex. She noted the site will take at least 20 years to develop, with a major goal of improving the quality of new development housing, increasing the median income, creating synergy and building new opportunities within Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated there has been discussion about a potential dog park in Brooklyn Center, with a possible location in Centennial Park. She added there has also been discussion about having a community pumpkin patch by the community gardens, which would be low maintenance and inexpensive, and a good community engagement effort. CHAIRPERSONS REPORT Chairperson Goodell stated the Housing Commission has typically not held a meeting in December. He requested comments and feedback about whether to hold a December 2019 meeting. It was the maj ority Consensus of the Housing Commission to cancel the December 17, 2019 Housing Commission meeting. The Housing Commission's next meeting will be January 21, 2020. OTHER BUSINESS Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated she is into sure whether she will be back in the Liaison role in 2020. She added she will continue to champion a potential community pumpkin patch and dog park. Commissioner Johnson stated this is his second term on the Housing Commission, and he will not be renewing his term in 2020. He thanked the Commissioners, adding he has enjoyed working with them, and it has been a great experience. Chairperson Goodell thanked Commissioner Johnson for his service on the Housing Commission, adding he was a mentor for Chairperson Goodell. He expressed his appreciation for Commissioner Johnson's contributions. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Oman to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 8:47 p.m. Page 7 Chairperson Page 8