7. HRSR 10-06-2008REQUEST FOR ACTION
To Item Number
Housin Redevelo ment Authori 7.
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
6 October 2008 Annie Deckert, Economic
Develo ment Assistant
Item Description Reviewed by
Consider Participation with MN Center for Energy & Catherine Mehelich, Director of
Environment to Market Elk River Housing Rehabilitation Economic Develo ment
Loan Programs Reviewed by
Action Requested
Approve partnering with the MN Center for Energy & Environment to Market Elk River Housing
Rehabilitation Loan Programs.
Background/Discussion
At the Apri17, 2008 joint meeting of the HRA and City Council, the HRA and Council indicated interest
in exploring several existing and potential housing partnership opportunities. At the July 7, 2008 staff
presented housing programs available to residents for rehabilitation. The HRA suggested staff market
existing programs in various forms (pamphlet creation, EDA newsletter, cable channel, etc.) and proceed
from there.
The MN Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is a nonprofit organization that promotes the
responsible use of natural and economic resources. They offer several programs through the MN Housing
Finance Agency (MHFA), who gives them permission to market the programs by using the city's name.
By partnering with the CEE, Elk River can promote available housing rehab programs to residents
through a marketing flyer (similar to the attached draft flyer). The CEE would be the primary contact, and
would send monthly reports to staff regarding how often and who had utilized the programs. Staff would
send afollow-up letter, including the City's marketing pamphlet to provide additional information and
programs we're currently marketing.
Financial Impact
The table below depicts the cost of the flyers based on the number of households (to be determined by the
mailhouse). The CEE picks up half the cost. The remaining half would be covered by the HRA's
advertising/marketing budget.
est. # of households 5,000 7,500 10,000
rintin $933 $1,158 $1,380
osta a $685 $1,028 $1,370
mailhouse $350 $425 $500
HRA Cost 50% $984 $1,305.50 $1,625
CEE Cost 50% $984 $1,305.50 $1,625
TOTAL $1,968 $2,611 $3,250
S:\EDA\HRA\HOUSING\Affordable Housing\Rehabilitation\10-G-08 CEE Parmership.DOC
Be Ready for Winter...
Energy Prices are on the Rise
Start saving now by following these top 10 ways to reduce your energy use...
1. Replace incandescents with compact flourescent lightbulbs.
2. Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use.
3. Take 5 minute showers.
4. Wash all clothing in cold water.
5. Turn your thermostat down 2 degrees.
6. Install low-flow showerheads.
7. Weatherstrip doors and windows to seal air leaks.
8. Seal wall outlets and switches on outer walls.
9. Insulate hot water heater and pipes.
10. Seal attic bypasses.
Expected yearly savings of $400.
In addition, the City of Elk River offers several programs to help you
make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
....
- ....
ELKRIVER Minnesota
EN-RGYCITY H ~
Center for Energy o u s ~ n
and Environemenf
The City of Elk River HRA
c/o Center for Energy and Environment
Elk 212 Third Ave N.
T~ _Ver Minneapolis, MN 55401
7N ~O
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L%,Wer ~ b1ttis
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PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
Minneapolis, MN
PERMIT 18304
Home Improvement Resources Available
The City of Elk River Housing Redevelopment Authority has partnered with the
Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) to deliver the Elk River Home
Improvement Program. CEE is an independent, non-profit
organization that has been administering home improvement loans
and services in the state of Minnesota for more than 25 years.
Elk River Home Energy Program
low interest fixed rate*
$10,000 maximum
Flexible Terms up to 5 years
No maximum income limit
Energy-related improvements are eligible
including windows, doors, insulation, furnace,
a/c, water heaters and more!
Elk River Fix-Up Fund Program
low interest fixed rate*
$35,000 maximum
Flexible Terms
Income Limits apply
Eligible improvements include roof, siding, win-
dows, kitchen, remodels and more!
*Call for current rate
City of
Elk -~..--1
River
For more information call 612-335-5884 or
visit www.mncee.org to download forms.
---____
Ek.16RIVER
EI~~RG'YCIT~`° ~
Center for Energy _
and Environment eouu Houswc
~~ ~ ~ OPPORTUNITY