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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Meeting adjourned at 8:45 m.