8.0. HRSR 05-27-2003 Item # 8
City of
Elk
River
MEMORANDUM
TO: Housing & Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Heidi Hall, Economic Development Assistant MA'
DATE: May 27, 2003
SUBJECT: Housing Work Plan: Session II
City of Fridley Presentation
Attachments
• 2003 Housing Work Plan Schedule
• City of Fridley Housing Rehabilitation Programs, City of Fridley Web Site, May 20,
• 2003
• Preserving Housing: A Best Practices Review, Office of the Legislative Auditor State
of Minnesota Web Site,May 9, 2003
Background
The HRA accepted a Housing Work Plan at its March meeting (see attached). The purpose
of the work plan is to gather information and examples of housing programs and
partnership possibilities. The housing work plan corresponds with the completion of the
Comprehensive Plan and the Planning Department's housing stock inventory/analysis.
Both documents will be used to determine the housing needs of Elk River. The work plan
will culminate with staff recommendations for Elk River housing programs based on Elk
River's needs.
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) Presentation
David Schluchter and Kathy Aanerud of the MN Housing Finance Agency presented to the
HRA in April on the many housing programs and partnership opportunities available to the
city for multi-and single family housing. Mr. Schluchter and Ms.Aanerud recommended
that the HRA consider the following upon completion of the work plan:
• Identify the city's housing needs
• Develop a workable plan
• Develop partnerships prior to submitting an application for assistance from the
MHFA
•
• Issue
This month, Grant Fernelius,Assistant HRA Director for the City of Fridley,will provide
the HRA with a metro-area example of what other cities have done in the area of housing
(see attached description of Fridley Housing Rehabilitation Programs). Mr. Fernelius has
prepared a presentation for the HRA and will be available for any questions the HRA may
have.
Future work plan sessions include presentations from the City of St. Cloud, the Central MN
Housing Partnership,Tri-CAP and Habitat for Humanity.
Information
The attached report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor identifies strategies that cities
are using to preserve housing.
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Fridley Minnesota City Services Housing & Redevelopment Authority Page 1 of 3
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Fridley Housing & Redevelopment Authority
History
In 1947, the Minnesota Legislature created the Minnesota Housing and Redevelopment Authority Act, which
authorized cities to create Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (HRAs)charge with improving "substandard
conditions"characterized by"dilapidation, obsolescence, overcrowding and faulty arrangement or design of
buildings and improvements."
Fridley's HRA was established in 1965 but remained inactive from the late 1960's through the late 1970's.
Passage of the 1979 Tax Increment Financing Act created a new development tool that allowed HRAs to use tax
increment financing to establish and administer quality development programs. These projects are designed to
enlarge the tax base, create jobs, and create vital, attractive businesses in blighted or underdeveloped areas of
the City.
The authority is also empowered to carry out housing rehabilitation programs and redevelopment projects that
create new housing opportunities to meet local housing needs. The authority also makes use of State and Federal
programs to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to those that qualify. State programs include the First Time
Home Buyer Program, the Minnesota Fix-Up Fund, and the Home Energy Fund. The Federal programs include
the Community Development Block Grant Program and the HOME program. Both are intended for single-family
home rehabilitation.
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Who is the HRA?
• According to State law, the Mayor with the consent of the City Council, appoints the members of the Authority for
a five year term. The Authority is composed of five residents who volunteer their time. The members attend a
regular monthly meeting on the first Thursday of the month as well as other meetings as needed.
Chairperson: Lawrence Commers
Vice Chairperson: Virginia Schnabel
Member: John Meyer
Member: Jay Bajwa
Member: Pat Gabel
The following city staff members prepare the documentation and reports for HRA consideration:
Executive Director: William W. Burns
(also the City Manager)
Community Development Director: Scott Hickok
Asst. Exec. Dir. of the HRA: Grant Fernelius
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Housing Rehabilitation Programs
• The Fridley Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) provides a variety of housing rehabilitation programs to
help Fridley residents maintain and improve their homes and apartments. The following is a summary of the
programs available.All of the single and multiple family programs are administered under contract by the Center
for Energy and Environment(CEE), a non-profit agency based in Minneapolis.
http://www.ci.fridley.mn.us/serv/hra.html 5/20/2003
Fridley Minnesota City Services Housing &Redevelopment Authority Page 2 of 3
Single Family Housing Programs
• Revolving Loan Fund
This program offers loans up to $35,000 at 6%. Maximum repayment term is 20 years. The program is available
to any homeowner with an income up to $63,000 per year. Some credit restrictions also apply. Loans can be used
to improve owner-occupied properties with up to four units. Funded through the Fridley HRA. Other programs can
also be used in conjunction with this program.
Minnesota Fix-Up Fund
This program offers loans up to$25,000 at 7.5%. The maximum repayment term is 20 years. Income limit is
$75,000 per household. To learn more about this program,which is funded through the Minnesota Housing
Finance Agency, go to the MHFA web site.
.
Home Improvement Grants
For low-income homeowners who are unable to qualify for a regular home improvement loan, this program
provides up to$15,000 in assistance. The funds are provided in the form of a deferred-payment loan which is
reduced by 10 percent each year for 5 years. At the end of 5 years, the remaining balance must be repaid
whenever the home is sold. To qualify, applicants must meet certain income guidelines which are based on
household size and have less than $25,000 in assets. Funded through the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG)and HOME programs.
Matching Deferred Loans
This program is available only in the Hyde Park neighborhood and is intended to be an incentive for homeowners
and landlords to fix-up their properties. Up to$4,000 per unit is available and must be matched by the owner. The
owner may use their own funds, a bank, or any of the loans previously mentioned (except the last resort program)
for the required match. Homeowners with incomes up to $55,000 are eligible. Additional underwriting must be met
as well. Funded through the Fridley HRA.
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Rental Property Housing Rehabilitation
Rental Rehabilitation Loans
This program provides loans up to $10,000 per unit(max. $100,000 per structure)for improvements made to
rental property. A 6% interest rate is charged to owners and the maximum repayment term is 15 years. Applicants
must meet additional underwriting criteria. To learn more about this program, which is funded by the Minnesota
Housing Finance Agency, see the MHFA._web site.
.
Who To Contact
Program Administrator:
Community Revitalization Resources
211 N. 1st Street, Suite 455
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Main Line: 612-335-5880
• Fax Line: 612-335-2650
Director: Dave King, (612)335-5889
24 Hour Hotline: 612-335-2651
http://www.ci.fridley.mn.us/sery/hra.html 5/20/2003
Fridley Minnesota City Services Housing &Redevelopment Authority Page 3 of 3
Loan Officer: Jim Hasnik, (612)335-5885
Or, go to CRR web page.
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Housing Replacement Program
The Housing Replacement Program was established in 1995 for the purpose of revitalizing neighborhoods by
removing older, substandard housing stock and replacing it with new housing.
The substandard homes are acquired on a voluntary basis, torn down and the vacant lots are sold to home
builders. Since initial efforts began in 1993, a total of 27 properties have been acquired and 17 new homes have
been built or are underway. As a way of recouping some of the project costs, the Fridley Housing and
Redevelopment Authority(HRA)can collect the increased taxes generated by the new home for 15 years. From
time to time the HRA has lots available for sale; inquiries should be directed to the Housing Coordinator at(763)
572-3591.
Back to Housing and Building.
Fridley Home Remodeling Fair
In addition to the programs and services mentioned, the Fridley HRA sponsors an annual Home Remodeling Fair.
The fairs host displays by more than 60 contractors,workshops on various home improvement topics and
drawings for free door prizes. Watch this web site for more information on the 2002 Remodeling Fair which will be
0 held on Saturday, March 2 and is co-sponsored by the cities of Fridley, Blaine, New Brighton and Mounds View,
and Home Depot.
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Remodeling Advisor
This is a free service available to all Fridley homeowners. The program offers advice and other information on
various home improvement topics. In addition, the Home Remodeling Advisor can provide referrals to other
important resources such as home improvement financing, building code and zoning issues and methods of
selecting a contractor. Appointments are available both during the day and evening.
Also available at no charge to Fridley residents is the Remodeling Planbook! Need ideas and helpful hints for
remodeling your house? The Planbook contains suggested floor plans and much more. For more information,
contact Bob Rosenthal at the Center for Energy and Environment at 612-335-5874.
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http://www.ci.fridley.mn.us/serv/hra.html 5/20/2003