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01-05-2015 HRA MINEll E Members Present: Members Absent: Meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority Held at the Elk River City Hall Monday, January 5, 20 15 Chair Wilson, CornmIssioners Chuba, Kuester and'Foth 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,tn,, by Chair Wilson. The Pledge of .Allegiance was recited. Moved by Commissioner Toth and seconded by Commissioner Kuester to approve the January 5, 2015 agenda with the foRowing addition: 7.5 — Update on Economic Director position Motion carried 4-0, 4. Consent Agenda Moved by Commissioner Kuester and seconded by Commissioner Chuba to approve the following consent agenda: Motion carried 4-0. S. 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 Prograrn, and 2) the 2014-2016 FJOUSing Rehabilitation Program. C nirmssioner Kuester asked what time of inarketing is planned to pron-note the programs. Mr. Barnhart stated that fie does riot 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'l'oth 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 triany dollars, and they want the cities to use it for the intended purpose. Staff will continue to work on an aggressive marketing campaigi this spring to increase awareness in the community. Mr. Barnhart explained that staff assignments will be designated at the annual meeting. He asked the I-IRA 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 t Iexisting prograins or processes? * Is a particular geographic area in need of redevelopment assistance? * Is a common regulation or problem hampering private development efforts? Commissioner'l'oth stated that be agreed with Mr. Barnhart's recommendation. for the need to make people aware of the programs. fie stated that he felt people think there must be a "catch". Commissioner Chuba asked if monies can be used for teardown. Mr. Barnhart s tated yes. lie added that they have funds from different sources that can be put together for a program. llousi ig and Redevelopment Nfintites January 5, 2015 Page 3 Some discussion followed regarding the possibility of acquiring properties, tear thern down when.it is not cost-effective to rehab them, building new and selling. It was realized the FIRA would have sorne risk of getting their money back. Mr. Barnhart asked that the I IRA 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 HousingTIF policy, the only application received was for Blackhawk Woods, which was withdrawn by the applicant due to lack of support by the I-IRA and C'ouncil. 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].II policy, including the job creation requirement and whether or not this was a reasonable expectation. Mr. Barnhart noted that the.11R.A would not want to have a policy that is so "tight," that it cannot be used. ("hair Wilson noted that the HRA should be ready to discuss this issue at the February meeting for possible changes to the policy. "I", M111TIM"t, 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, Nlr. 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 ineeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority at 6:05 p.1n. M /r Housing and Redevelol-mient Minuies jmuary 5, 2015 TIM Allard, City Clerk '71 Stewart Wils( Chair f i ousing & Redevelopment A uth.o.rity , -'- . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. p I W f. R I 1 0 v NAWRE