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4.1 HRAG 02-02-2015ver DRAFT Meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority Held at the Elk River City Hall Monday, January 5, 2015 Members Present: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Chuba, Kuester, Motin and Toth Members Absent: None Staff Present: Community Operations and Development Deputy Director Jeremy Barnhart; Economic Development Specialist Colleen Eddy and Sr. Administrative Assistant Debbie Huebner I. 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. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Consider I /5/2015 Agenda Moved by Commissioner Toth and seconded by Commissioner Kuester to approve the January 5, 2015 agenda with the following addition: 7.5 — Update on Economic Director position Motion carried 5 -0. 4. Consent Agenda Moved by Commissioner Kuester and seconded by Commissioner Chuba to approve the following consent agenda: 4.1 Minutes ■ November 3, 2014 4.2 Check Register 4.3 Balance Sheet 4.4 Revenue /Expenditure Report 4.5 HRA October Report Motion carried 5 -0. 5. Open Forum Housing and Redevelopment Minutes January 5, 2015 No one appeared for Open Forum. 6. Public Hearings - None 7.1 Update on Housing Rehab Programs Page 2 Mr. Barnhart provided an update on the HRA's housing rehabilitation projects; 1) the Small Cities Development Program, and 2) the 2014 -2016 Housing Rehabilitation Program. Commissioner Kuester asked what time of marketing is planned to promote the programs. Mr. Barnhart stated that he does not have a formal plan at this time, but is considering "door- knocking" (personally visiting homes and providing the information). Chair Wilson stated he was somewhat surprised that their application was denied. Mr. Barnhart concurred, stated that he feels greater community outreach and interest will help next year's application. Commissioner Toth asked if staff felt the inclusion of commercial in the program was a deterrent. Mr. Barnhart stated no, that adding the commercial element actually strengthened their application. Chair Wilson noted that the State only has so many dollars, and they want the cities to use it for the intended purpose. Staff will continue to work on an aggressive marketing campaign this spring to increase awareness in the community. 7.2 Consideration of Staff Assignments from Strategic Plan Mr. Barnhart explained that staff assignments will be designated at the annual meeting. He asked the HRA to consider priorities /goals the HRA is trying to achieve, for inclusion in the Strategic Plan. He asked that the HRA consider the following questions: • What needs are not addressed b existing programs or processes? • Is a particular geographic area in need of redevelopment assistance? • Is a common regulation or problem hampering private development efforts? Commissioner Toth stated that he agreed with Mr. Barnhart's recommendation for the need to make people aware of the programs. He stated that he felt people think there must be a "catch ". Commissioner Chuba asked if monies can be used for teardown. Mr. Barnhart stated yes. He added that they have funds from different sources that can be put together for a program. P 0 W I R I I I NATURE Housing and Redevelopment Minutes January 5, 2015 Page 3 Some discussion followed regarding the possibility of acquiring properties, tear them down when it is not cost - effective to rehab them, building new and selling. It was realized the HRA would have some risk of getting their money back. Mr. Barnhart asked that the HRA think about their goals and be ready to priority them at the February meeting. 7.3 Housing TIF Policy Mr. Barnhart reviewed his memo the HRA. He noted that after adoption of the Housing TIF policy, the only application received was for Blackhawk Woods, which was withdrawn by the applicant due to lack of support by the HRA and Council. Mr. Barnhart recommended that the HRA's policies should be reviewed annually to ensure that they meet the HRA's goals. Discussion followed regarding the Housing TIF policy, including the job creation requirement and whether or not this was a reasonable expectation. Mr. Barnhart noted that the HRA would not want to have a policy that is so "tight" that it cannot be used. Chair Wilson noted that the HRA should be ready to discuss this issue at the February meeting for possible changes to the policy. 7.4 Discussion of Bylaws and Suggested Amendments Mr. Barnhart suggested that the bylaws be amended to change the annual HRA meeting to February, to allow the new Council member to be seated to vote on the annual meeting items. He also suggested that 2.5 and 2.6 of the bylaws be amended to strike the requirement to call a public hearing with a quorum of the Council is present at a meeting. Mr. Barnhart noted that the bylaws require that notices must be sent to the HRA, advising them of proposed amendments to the bylaws. Chair Wilson stated that he was in agreement with staff s recommendations. 7.S Economic Development Director Position Mr. Barnhart noted that Miles accepted the position with the City of Elk River, but received an offer he could not refuse from a former employer. Mr. Barnhart stated that it is not known at this time whether or not the next applicant in line will be offered the position or if the position will be re- advertised. The City Council is expected to discuss later tonight. 8. Adjournment There being no further business, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority at 6:05 p.m. PBVIRE1 8R NATURE Housing and Redevelopment Minutes January 5, 2015 Tina Allard, City Clerk Stewart Wilson, Chair Housing & Redevelopment Authority 10WERE1 R1 NATURE Page 4