3.2 HRSR 03-03-2014Gty of
Elk .:
Rivex
Request for Action
To
Item Number
Housing and Redevelop ment Authority
3.2
Agenda Section
Meeting Date
Prepared by
Work Session
March 3, 2014
Brian Beeman, Director of Economic
Development
Item Description
Reviewed by
Elk River Housing Rehabilitation Policy
Jeremy Barnhart, Deputy Director, CODD
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Discuss Central Minnesota Housing Partnership's proposal to draft a Housing Rehabilitation Policy for
the City of Elk River.
Background /Discussion
At the August 5, 2013 HRA meeting, the HRA approved hiring Central Minnesota Housing Partnership
to write, administer, and carry forward the HRA's housing goals. At the August 26, 2013 HRA workshop,
the HRA felt the desire to create its own housing policy modeled off of both Coon Rapids and Brooklyn
Park's housing programs utilizing CMHP's expertise. CMHP is requesting to meet with the HRA to
discuss preparing a draft policy for 2014.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
• HRA Regular Meeting Minutes August 5, 2013
• Workshop Minutes August 26, 2013
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2013
Members Present: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Chuba, Kuester, Motin and Toth
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Brian Beeman Assistant Director of Economic
Development Clay Wilfahrt, and Recording Secretary Debbie Huebner
Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment
Authority was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Wilson.
2. Consider August 5. 2013 HRA Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
CHUBA TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 5, 2013 HRA AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
MOTION CARRIED 3 -0.
Consider Consent A eg nda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER CHUBA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
KUESTER TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS:
3.1 MAY 6, 2013 HRA MINUTES
3.2 CHECK REGISTER
3.3 BALANCE SHEET
3.4 REVENUE /EXPENDITURE REPORT
MOTION CARRIED 3 -0.
4. Open Forum — No one appeared for Open Forum.
Hear Coon Rapids Ho using Presentation
Brian Beeman introduced Kristin DeGrande of the City of Coon Rapids. Ms. DeGrande gave an
overview of Coon Rapids' housing programs including:
Home for Generations I and II
Home Improvement Incentive programs
Mortgage Assistance programs
MN Fix Up Fund
CEE Home Energy Loan
Making Projects Affordable
Remodeling Advisor visits
Commissioner Motin arrived at approximately 5:45 p.m
Ms. DeGrande explained qualifications for various programs and provide more detail on the various
financial assistance that is provided through the programs.
Commissioner Toth arrived at approximately 5:55 p.m.
A question and answer period followed Ms. DeGrande's presentation. The Commissioners had
questions regarding the number of homes purchased, rehabbed and then resold, how the
qualification criteria was established, how the funds are received and disbursed, and how many staff
people are needed to run the programs.
Chair Wilson thanked Ms. DeGrande for her presentation and stated that the information was very
helpful.
Amend Bylaws to be consistent with C4, Financial Policy
Mr. Beeman provided background information regarding the proposed amendment.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
CHUBA TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 13 -01, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ELK
RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO THE
PURCHASING POLICIES OF THE AUTHORITY. MOTION CARRIED 4 -0.
Approve Hiring CMHP or Tri -Cap to apply= for and administer the Small Cities Development Grant
and HRA Goals
Mr. Beeman stated that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority is asked to choose either CMHP
or Tri -CAP to administer a housing program. He reviewed a comparison table found in the staff
report to the HRA dated August 5, 2013. Discussion followed regarding comparisons between the
two agencies.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
TOTH TO WORK WITH CMHP TO WRITE AND ADMINISTER GRANTS AND HRA
HOUSING GOALS.
Commissioner Chuba stated he was uncomfortable with making a decision. He stated he was unsure
if the HRA would have the flexibility they desired. Discussion followed regarding the risk of putting
the decision on hold and losing funding for another year.
MOTION CARRIED 5 -0.
8. Set Date for 2014 Budget Workshop
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
KUESTER TO CALL A SPECIAL WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE HRA FOR
MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2013 AT 5:30 PM. MOTIN CARRIED 5 -0.
9. Other Business
There was no other business.
10. Adjournment
There being no other business, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting.
The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority= adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Tina Allard
City Clerk
Stewart Wilson
Chair, Housing and Redevelopment Authority
WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2013
Members Present: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Chuba, Kuester, Motin, and Toth
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Brian Beeman Assistant Director of Economic
Development Clay Wilfahrt
Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment
Authority was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Wilson.
2. Consider Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER CHUBA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
KUESTER TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 26, 2013 AGENDA WITH THE FOLLOWING
CHANGES:
MOVE ITEM 4. TO ITEM 3.
MOTION CARRIED 5 -0.
4. Discuss Small Cities Development Program Grant Structure and Guidelines with Central Minnesota
Housing Partnership
Brian Beeman introduced Jason Krebsbach, Community Development Director and Seth Thomas,
Program Manager, with Central Minnesota Housing Partnership (CMHP).
Mr. Krebsbach explained determining a target area is the first step of the process. He noted that the
submittal to DEED is not set in stone, and they would have the ability to adjust it, if necessary. He
explained that a "windshield" survey is done to identify areas in need, but does not show other issues
that may be going on inside a home. So there is some flexibility to amend the funding structure.
Mr. Krebsbach discussed three sections of the funding request process: 1) need, 2) impact, and 3)
cost effectiveness.
1) Need
Demographic data would be collected for target area (windshield survey, research and census
data, such as MnPro) to determine neighborhoods in need of rehab. He stated there is no set
requirement, but a general rule of thumb is identifying an area of need where there are 50 — 70
percent of the homes are substandard. Mr. Krebsbach stated that generally the HRA should
look for older neighborhoods in need of rehab with good solid homeownership levels.
40 Discussion following regarding the definition of "substandard ". Mr. Krebsbach stated that in the
"windshield" survey, they are looking for exterior issues such as shingles, siding, windows and
HRA Meeting Minutes
August 26, 2013
Page 2
doors, deteriorating steps lack of railings and poor or no lighting. He explained that based on
past projects, if a home shows exterior issues, there are likely interior issues as well, such as need
to remove heating oil furnaces, upgrades to 200 amp service, or replaced plumbing.
2) Impact of Funding
Mr. Krebsbach stated that while there is no actual requirement, DEED is looking to fund
projects that have the most impact. The HRA's goal should be to find neighborhood that needs
most work and having the greatest percentage of homes in need of rehab.
3) Cost effectiveness
Mr. Krebsbach explained that DEED sets Small Cities Development Program Grant Structure at
a maximum at $25,000 per project. CMHP uses a $20,000 max. Mr. Krebsbach stated that
CMHP statistics reflect an average project cost of $18,000 - $19,000. He stated that interest rates
and terms are negotiable. He noted that CMPH has always used zero percent interest, deferred
with 7 year term. 1/7 of the loan gets forgiven each year, and if the owner still lives in the home
at end of 7 years, the loan is forgiven. He explained that the HRA could do a split, such as
portion of the loan zero percent forgivable, and a portion of the loan at percent with a monthly
payment. He noted that income limits would be much higher in Elk River, since Sherburne
County is included as a metro county. Discussion followed regarding possible options for
payback if a homeowner moved out before the end of the established term.
Mr. Krebsbach explained that the Coon Rapids program is different, in that remodeling could be
as simple as a kitchen or bathroom and that this type of remodeling would not be eligible with
the Small Cities program. He suggested that the HRA could have an additional program for
these types of improvements.
Commissioner Kuester asked what the cap size is to be defined as a small city. Mr. Kresbach
stated the maximum population is 50,000.
Commissioner Chuba asked what happens if homes identified are functionally obsolete. Mr.
Krebsbach stated that the policies and procedures book addresses homes that are financially
dilapidated. He explained that when application comes in, an inspection is done to determine
whether or not it is a financially viable project. Commissioner Chuba asked what options are
there have if a structure is so bad it does not qualify. Mr. Krebsbach stated that some different
type of funding mechanism would be required if a home needs to be demolished.
Mr. Beeman asked how much Mr. Krebsbach would recommend budgeting for leverage funding.
Mr. Krebsbach recommended the HRA set aside $50,000 in leverage funds. The HRA discussed
this amount, as well as the option of budgeting funds for other types of projects.
3. Discuss 2014 HRA Budget Goals & Preliminary Budget
Brian Beeman reviewed the 2014 HRA budget details.
The following changes were made to the budget.
• Eliminate Historic Context Study - $20,000
• Eliminate Market Study - $20,000
• Reduce grant leverage funds for SCDP from $200,000 to $50,000
• Eliminate funding for public art - $10,000
• Remaining funds at end of year to be used for future housing and redevelopment projects
HRA Meeting Minutes
August 26, 2013
Page 3
is Mr. Beeman noted that the HRA cash balance as of June 30, 2013 was $849,513. He stated that the
changes will be made in the budget and presented to the HRA at their September 3, 2014 meeting for
approval.
5. Adjournment
There being no other business, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting.
The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Debbie Huebner.
Tina Allard
City Clerk
//' �Lq 04�
Stewart Wilson
Chair, Housing and Redevelopment Authority
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