06-01-2015 HRA MINver
Meeting of the Elk River
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, June I, 2015
Members Present: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Burandt, Chuba, Kuester, and Toth
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Amanda Othoudt, Economic
Development Specialist Colleen Eddy, and Recording Secretary /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 611/20 15 Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Toth and seconded by Commissioner Kuester to approve
the June 1, 2015, agenda. Motion carried 5 -0.
4. Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Toth and seconded by Commissioner Kuester to approve
the following consent agenda:
4.1 May 4, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes
4.2 Check Register
4.3 Balance Sheet
4.4 Revenue /Expenditure Report
4.5 NSP Satisfaction of Mortgage Releases
with the following change — Move Item 4.6 - Maxfield Research Proposal to update
the 2012 Housing Study, to Item 7.5
Motion carried 5 -0.
S. Open Forum - No one appeared for Open Forum.
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June 1, 2015
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6.1 Public Hearings - None
7.1 Rehabilitation Loan Program Update
Colleen Eddy presented an update on the Rehabilitation Loan Program. She noted that the
CMHP monthly report has been revised to include the addresses of the properties.
7.2 Blighted Properties Forgivable Loan Program
Amanda Othoudt reviewed the staff report and draft blighted properties forgivable loan
policy guidelines and application.
Chair Wilson questioned why the EDA Finance Committee and City Council need to review
these applications. He stated he did not see a need for adding additional layers to the
process, as the process already takes 6 -8 weeks. Ms. Othoudt stated that she has a draft of
the policy guidelines which eliminates EDA and City Council involvement. She noted that
the city's financial advisor will thoroughly review the policy, and this program would fall
under the reporting requirements. Chair Wilson stated that he felt the HRA was looking
more toward residential for this program, and was not sure about giving equal priority to a
commercial program. Ms. Othoudt stated it was her intention to develop a residential
program as well, but that process is more involved and will take more time.
Commissioner Toth asked if there would be separate funds for commercial and residential
projects. Ms. Othoudt stated yes, that there is enough money to allocate funds for each.
Chair Wilson agreed that they should be kept separate, as he did not want to see the funds
used up for commercial and none left for residential. Commissioner Toth stated that the
HRA discussed purchasing blighted properties and asked if there would be enough funds to
do that, or if the funding would need to come from other sources. Ms. Othoudt explained
that the funding through the CMHP and Blighted Properties program is from the same pool
of funds.
Commissioner Chuba stated he agreed there should be two separate funds for
commercial /industrial and residential. He explained that there may be other ways a building
could qualify such as being unsafe or functionality issues such as being undersized, but that
was getting more into the scope of the EDA. Chair Wilson stated that blighted or unsafe
falls under the scope of redevelopment, which is the HRA's focus.
Chair Wilson stated that he felt the HRA's concern should be for what the city needs,
whether commercial or residential. She explained that in discussions with city Fire and
Building & Safety, several commercial properties were mentioned that could be considered
blighted, so she was proceeding with the commercial program first. Ms. Othoudt stated
that there is a need for both and it is her intention to do two separate programs. She stated
that the HRA could continue their review of this item to the July meeting.
Chair Wilson stated that he felt the residential program should be given priority and they
should dedicate their efforts to residential first.
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June 1, 2015
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Commissioner Toth stated that he would like to see a draft policy for residential next month.
Chair Wilson suggested they review both policies at the same time. Ms. Othoudt stated that
she will provide information on the residential program next month.
Motion by Commissioner Kuester and seconded by Commissioner Toth to table the
Commercial Blighted Properties Forgivable Loan Policy Guidelines and Policy to the
July 6, 2015, HRA meeting and to also consider a Residential Blighted Properties
Forgivable Loan Program. Motion carried 5 -0.
7.3 Propose date for the HRA Strategic Plan Workshop
7.4 Propose date for the HRA Budget Workshop
Ms. Othoudt proposed that the HRA Strategic Plan workshop be scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on
July 6`h, before the regular meeting, and the budget workshop be held after the regular
meeting. It was the consensus of the members that this schedule would work.
7.5 Maxfield Research Proposal to update the 2012 Housing Study
Ms. Othoudt explained that the HRA budgeted $12,000 to update the Housing Study in
2015. Maxfield Research would update the 2012 study for $12,500, with the additional $500
coming out of the professional services line item.
Commissioner Chuba questioned some of the detailed expenses in the proposal, such as
long distance calls. Ms. Othoudt stated that she will review the proposal in detail for any
costs /charges that might not apply.
Commissioner Toth asked that they review the 2012 study, along with the revised 2015
study, for comparison purposes. Ms. Othoudt stated she will provide a copy of the 2012
study to the commissioners.
Motion by Commissioner Chuba and seconded by Commissioner Burandt to
authorize staff to enter into an agreement with Maxfield Research to update the 2012
housing study. Motion carried 5 -0.
8. Announcements
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting. The meeting
adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Debbie Huebner.
Housing and Redevelopment Minutes
June 1, 2015 '0
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Tina Allard, City Clerk
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evArt Wilslon, hair
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
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