Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes 11-21-2019APPROVED MINUTES PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY November 21, 2019 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Michelle Soderberg, Commissioners Matthew Plec, Jeff Kulaszewicz, and Robert Huddleston STAFF PRESENT: HRA Manager Jim Barnes, Community Development Coordinator Matt Lupini, and Office Support Representative Tina Beckfeld OTHERS PRESENT: Council Member Jim Davis, and Grace Management Representative Jody Boedigheimer 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Soderberg called the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. PUBLIC FORUM Chair Soderberg opened and closed the Public Forum, as there was no one present to speak. 3. APPROVE AGENDA MOTION by Commissioner Kulaszewicz, seconded by Commissioner Plec, to approve the Agenda. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION passed unanimously. 4. CONSENT AGENDA 4A. Approve proposed September 26, 2019 minutes. 4B. Plymouth Towne Square. Accept monthly housing reports. 4C. Vicksburg Crossing. Accept monthly housing Reports. 4D. Senior Building Resident Survey Recap. MOTION by Commissioner Kulaszewicz, seconded by Commissioner Plec, to approve the Consent Agenda. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION passed unanimously. 5. NEW BUSINESS 5A. First Time Homebuyer and Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Programs. Consider Changes to the subordination policy. Community Development Coordinator Matt Lupini gave an overview of the staff report. Approved Minutes Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority November 21, 2019 Page 2 Commissioner Kulaszewicz asked for the origin of the income limit of 125 percent current CDBG maximum income. HRA Manager Barnes stated the clause has been in place since at least 2000 when he started working for the city. Various federal program have such limits, but he was unable to substantiate how the 125 percent limit came to be. Commissioner Huddleston said it makes sense to limit the income with an initial cap. HRA Manager Barnes stated when applicants first apply for the programs they must be at or below 80 percent of area median income. Commissioner Plec added they can’t take cash out and there already is a loan to value ratio in place. Chair Soderberg inquired about recent denials. Community Developments Coordinator Matt Lupini answered two subordination requests were denied on the basis of 125 percent but the board was not made aware of these requests because the borrowers did not appeal. Commissioner Kulaszewicz stated he had no objection deleting the requirement. Chair Soderberg said she felt more comfortable with granting the change now because staff was able to evaluate and research other comparable programs. Council Member Davis asked if the change would help previously denied borrowers. HRA Manager Barnes replied yes. MOTION by Commissioner Huddleston, seconded by Commissioner Plec to approve the proposed changes to the FTHB and Home Rehabilitation loan subordination policies. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION passed unanimously. 5B. Senior Building Budgets. Review and approve the 2020 budget. HRA Manager Barnes gave an overview of the staff report. Commissioner Kulaszewicz noted the 1% increase in rents was across the board and asked if the increase was consistent with surrounding communities. Approved Minutes Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority November 21, 2019 Page 3 HRA Manager Barnes stated staff uses the rent survey to evaluate any increase. They also review what other housing authorities or proposing for rent increases. Plymouth may not be the lowest but is in line with the surrounding communities. Chair Soderberg asked if a part time custodian shared by both Vicksburg Crossing and Plymouth Towne square would be hired. HRA Manager Barnes state the new custodian is doing a good job and no new hires would be needed at this time. Staff will continue to evaluate staffing needs throughout the year. Commissioner Kulaszewicz asked if the old furniture being replace could be donated. HRA Manager Barnes answered no. Regulations dictate it must be sold or thrown away. Commissioner Kulaszewicz asked if the rental guest rooms at the senior buildings are utilized and worth the cost. Ms. Boedigheimer said use varies but feels it is a nice amenity for the senior buildings and a good selling point. Chair Soderberg asked if the window project for Vicksburg Crossing is being approved tonight or just the authorization to prepare plans and bid documents. HRA Manager Barnes the authorization tonight is to prepare the bid documents. Staff will bring these documents back to the Board prior to going out for bid. MOTION by Commissioner Huddleston, seconded by Commissioner Plec, to adopt HRA Resolutions 2019-5 and 2019-6 approving the 2020 Plymouth Towne Square and Vicksburg Crossing Operating Budgets. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. 6. UPDATES HRA Manager Barnes provided an update to the Board on the following items. • Vacant HRA board seat • Beacon and Sand Companies projects • Four Seasons Mall 7. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Chair Soderberg, with no objection, to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m.