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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes 07-21-1999MINUTES Formatted PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY July 21, 1999 PRESENT: Chair David Crain, Commissioners Brad InBrown, and Judy Johnson. Commissioner Bildsoe arrived at 7:30 p.m. ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Executive Director Anne Hurlburt, HRA Supervisor Ed Goldsmith, Senior Clerk/Typist Barb Peterson, Housing Specialist Rebecca Stoen OTHERS PRESENT: Kim Lee with the consulting firm of SRF Consulting Group, Inc., Andrea Brennan with Interfaith Outreach, Jay Nelson with Plymouth Housing Alliance, 6 other members of the public attended. 1. CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority was called to order by Chair Crain on July 21, 1999 at 7:05 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to recommend approval of the June 14, 1999 minutes. Vote. 3 Ayes. Motion adopted unanimously. 3. DISCUSSION OF THE CITY'S HOUSING PLAN Eltiestioned . hieh diff tion the B, afd . uld like the dise,,.,sion., tak-o. Director Hurlburt said wesu ested-keuld focusing theour discussion on the most important items in the list and those things not covered which need to be included in the plan—_4Iousmg-Supervisor Goldsmith explained the plan was still in draft form keeause some items needed tecould be added. The concept of special needs housing was had fiethas been specifically included. Commissioner Brown wanted to know more about implementation strategy #3, the -Truth in Housing Program. Plymouth has not required this and discussion was held whether it would be feasible for them to do so. Commissioner Johnson said she is in favor of the City requiring this. Chair Crain was not sure he would support it. Housing Supervisor Goldsmith said these are suggestions to make to the City for further consideration. and- Commissioner Brown would like it eensidefea fufthef included in the recommendations. Commissioner Brown asked for further clarification regarding -of #10, expiration of Section 8 contracts in the City. We would try to encourage owners to maintain HUD subsidies. This could include providinggrve incentives to owner4 pAaif:....1.sid b T1T T Chair Crain felt that #9, Family Self-sufficiency is too specific. it .,hetild Piet spee:a,,,.11 say St r t should not have to be tied to the St. Louis Park Housing Authority. Commissioner Brown would like to see more study done on #14,fegafdifig land trusts and other innovative forms of ownership and property encumbrance. Chair Crain said it could also be tied to #26, acquiring land for development of long-term affordable housing -also. Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority SJuly 21, 1999 Page #2 }9 Chair Crain asked about #25, low interest rehab small loan fund- 4Ieas4gSupervisor Goldsmith explained that there is a need for small amounts of assistance but it doesn't make sense to spend administrative time and money for the filing of mortgages for such a—small amounts. Housing Supervisor Goldsmith explained that #29, Essential Function Bonds refers to tax exempt bonds that a city or HRA can issue for activities other thanup rely public facilities-. HRA would sell them to build a facility such as Plymouth Towne Square. Commissioner Johnson asked about the TIF penalty-xe— ^CTed. She suggested adding that we support legislation that minimizes penalties, etc. Commissioner Brown said that #30, subsidize water and sewer access fees #37, study City land use regulations to find ways to reduce impediments to affordable housing #40, reduce or waive approval or permit fee for affordable housing, and #42, establish architectural guidelines to require new housingtoo fit into existing neighborhoods, seem to make it easier for a builder to provide more affordable housing. Director Hurlburt asked if the Commissioners have any strategies that are favorites or some which would not work for Plymouth. Chair Crain is not inclined to eliminate any. Some can be grouped and others are closely related. Commissioner Brown said that #15, the relationship of affordable housing to jobs, is important to pursue. Chair Crain felt thatolp icies #la, production of a high quality diverse housingstocka &-and #lb, develop affordable housingthroughouthroughout the community for persons who live or work in Ply are also important Commissioner Bildsoe was asked if he had any suggestions. He made a suggestion that homes on the eastern side be able to make improvements without being penalized. Director Hurlburt said current regulations should be looked at to see that older homes on non -conforming lots are not at a disadvantage. Another concern is the assessments being placed on affordable housing for water & sewer. This should be examined. Supervisor Goldsmith advised the Board that a letter had been received from the Builders Association of the Twin Cities commenting on high land costs and municipal fees, development standards, and regulations impact on housing affordabilitv. A cony of the letter is attached. Chair Crain asked for comments from the audience Andrea Brennan representing Interfaith Outreach felt that the language in #6, work with local social service agency in developing a transitional or emergency shelter was extremely beneficial. She also felt that #36, amend the zoning ordinance to allow accessory apartments,- often overlooked and can encouragehnng creative housing solutions. Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority SJuly 21, 1999 Page #3 }9 Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority SJuly 21, 1999 Page #4 }9 The following three items were topics she wanted discussed: 1. Where does the implementation come into play? How does it impact the housing goals? Work wit developer to f* these strategies. Strategies become are the beginning of implementation. Commissioner Bildsoe said we would look at the plan and fit these choices to the plan. We should take a more proactive approach. Housing Supervisor Goldsmith said Shenandoah Woods is an example. They were at first a market rate and changed to subsidized. Director Hurlburt said #12, using subsidies to develop or renovate affordable housing could go either way. 2. Identifying incentives to encourage affordable housing is important. Incentives need to be enough to make it worth while. 3. Definition of affordable housing is 80% & 50% of median income for ownership and rental housing respectively. Language should specifically include n- jmt be that but ecould also b b housing affordable below these levels. Mixed --income housing should be encouraged. Jay Nelson from Plymouth Housing Alliance spoke about the transportation issue related to housing. He referred to an article in Newsweek. One goal should be an effort at the city level to relate to the metro level. He also asked that we continue supporting Plymouth Housing Alliance. Independence can be promoted for people with special needs. The multi family three sterythree-story building is still the most affordable to build. Director Hurlburt said the next challenge vAwould be to set priorities- 4Ieas4gSupervisor Goldsmith asked for efitefi f E)m the C4tyfeedback from the Commissioners so we know how willing they are to support these issues. Chair Crain said he is looking for areas that give us the greatest bang for the buck in terms of city time and staff dollars. Equal importance should be given to preserving older housing as well as creating new. Commissioner Brown talked about where the money will come from. Chair Crain said it should start with the Federal level and down to the HRA. Commissioner Brown felt that senior housing should be made more explicit. Director Hurlburt explained that life --cycle housing includes all ages and we can shift priorities to meet the needs at the time. 4. PLYMOUTH TOWNE SQUARE MONTHLY HOUSING REPORTS Manager Burnham was not present. Housing Supervisor Goldsmith asked for comments or questions on the written report. There were fie eexntsnone. 5. APPLICATION FOR MHFA CASA FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAM Housing Specialist Stoen explained that because of the shortage of affordable homes in Plymouth we utilized only one CASA loan in 1998. Staff has been looking at applying with another applicant to access a larger amount of funds. Bell Mortgage is interested in applying for CASA funds specifically for use at the Village at Bassett C feek ;A4 " ,h..., tild be for seven units. Commissioner Johnson asked if we would want to consider other mortgage companies as well. This has been tr-ie4-done in the past. Bell Mortgage is ipAefested thfe ig has worked with Rottlund Homes in the past and have experience with this type of loanfinancing. Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority SJuly 21, 1999 Page #5 }9 MOTION by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Bildsoe, recommending that the HRA Board approve the submittal of an application to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) for funding under the Community Activity Set Aside Fund program as outlined in this report. Vote. 4 ayes. Motion adopted unanimously. Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority SJuly 21, 1999 Page #6 }9 6. APPLICATION FOR MHFA COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION PROGRAM This application is for funds to assist low-income homeowners in the Tiburon subdivision with extraordinary structural problems. Housing Specialist Stoen said that the request for $100,000 was changedhas been reduced to $70,000. This amount will be combined with up to $15,000 per household in Plymouth CDBG rehab funds, for a total project cost of up to $145,000. -Community Action for Suburban Hennepin (CASH) is also a partner in the application. MOTION by Commissioner Bildsoe, Seconded by Commissioner Johnson, recommending that the HRA Board approve the submittalsubmission of the application to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency MIIFA) for funding under MHFA's Community Revitalization Fund program. The application is to request $70,000 in deferred loans to assist five homeowners in Tiburon. The MHFA funds will be combined with up to $15,000 per household in Plymouth CDBG rehab funds. Vote. 4 ayes. Motion adopted unanimously 7. PARTICIPATION IN HENNEPIN COUNTY FAIR HOUSING INITIATIVE Housing Supervisor Goldsmith explained that this is the same amount we have contributed since 1997. They would like a tue-yeartwo-year commitment this year. This is an effective way to meet obligations under the CDBG program and we do have the funds available. MOTION by Commissioner Bildsoe, seconded by Commissioner Brown, recommending that the HRA Board authorize the BRA's participation in the Hennepin County Fair Housing Initiative through December 31, 2001, including an expenditure of up to $1,700 annually from the Consultant Services Account of the HRA General Fund for Fair Housing Initiative activities during 2000 and 2001. Vote. 4 Ayes. Motion adopted unanimously. 8. HRA MEETING TO CONSIDER 2000 HRA BUDGET Housing Supervisor Goldsmith said that the second week of August would be a good time. Thursday, August 12, would be good for all Commissioners. MOTION by Commissioner Bildsoe, seconded by Commissioner Brown that the next meeting will be on August 12, 1999. 9. OTHER BUSINESS Housing Supervisor Goldsmith made a request for $100 to sponsor a reception at the MUIRA national NAHRO conference in Minneapolis. MOTION by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Bildsoe recommending that the Board approve the expenditure of $100 for co-sponsorship of the Minnesota NAHRO welcoming reception at the NAHRO National Summer Conference in Minneapolis, July 22-25. Vote. 4 Ayes. Motion approved unanimously. Commissioner Bildsoe requested a report mon CDBG expenditures. He isvmtild- lilw particularly interested in the status of sub --grantees' expenditures. Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority SJuly 21, 1999 Page #7 }9 Meeting adjourned at 8:45 m.