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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes 03-16-2000MINUTES PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY March 16, 2000 PRESENT: Chair Brad Brown, Commissioners Susan Henderson, Leon Michlitsch, Dick Abel ABSENT: Tim Bildsoe STAFF PRESENT: HRA Supervisor Ed Goldsmith, Housing Specialist Rebecca Stoen, Housing Technician Melissa Carnicelli and Senior Clerk/Typist Barb Peterson OTHERS PRESENT: Planning Commission Liaison Sarah Reinhardt, 1. CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority was called to order by Chair Brown on March 16, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Henderson, seconded by Commissioner Michlitsch, to recommend approval of the February 17, 2000 minutes. Vote. 5 Ayes. Motion adopted unanimously. 3. ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN FOR THE SECTION 8 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Housing Technician Carnicelli provided background information regarding the Section 8 Program for the benefit of the new commissioners. She explained that the US Congress and HUD made extensive changes to the Section 8 regulations that directly affect the policies in our Section 8 Administrative Plan. Because the changes were so extensive we purchased a model administrative plan template and did a completely new plan. She explained that certificates have now become vouchers and she went over the mandatory changes briefly. Chair Brown asked about income targeting. Housing Technician Carnicelli stated that seventy-five percent of new selections in a fiscal year must be targeted to extremely -low income applicants. There are also new limits on portability. A participant cannot use their voucher outside of Plymouth if they moved out of the current unit in violation of their lease. Commissioner Abel asked what happens when they move out. Housing Technician Carnicelli said that the tenant is held responsible for any damage or unpaid rent that exceeds their security deposit and we no longer pay for the unit. A participant can use their voucher nationwide but only in a jurisdiction with a housing agency operating a Section 8 program. If one moves to a jurisdiction without a program, the voucher has to be returned to the issuing agency. The Section 8 program has grown 33 % in the past year. Housing Technician Carnicelli stated that the HRA now has the option to screen for tenant behavior. She is requesting permission to perform criminal background checks for drug related and/or violent criminal activity. Housing Technician Carnicelli explained that the new Plan would no longer allow an initial participant to use a Plymouth voucher outside of the City until they had lived in the City for one year. MOTION by Commissioner Abel, seconded by Commissioner Michlitsch, recommending that the HRA Board of Commissioners adopt the attached resolution revising the local policies of the Plymouth Section 8 Administrative Plan, in accordance with applicable HUD regulations. Roll Call Vote. 4 Ayes. Motion adopted unanimously. 4. REVISIONS TO HOUSING REHABILITATION DEFERRED LOAN PROGRAM AND INCREASE IN THE REPAYMENT TERM OF FUTURE FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER LOANS. Specialist Stoen introduced Ron Block representing Senior Community Services. Specialist Stoen is recommending changes to the Rehab Program that would include the creation of a small repair grant fund Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority March 16, 2000 Page 9 of $15,000. This would provide grants of up to $2,500 for small and emergency rehab needs for qualified homeowners. Applications could be made by the homeowner or by various agencies (such as Senior Community Services, IOCP, PRISM, CASH) on behalf of the homeowner. Mr. Block said that they already provide a variety of services to seniors through Sara Middlestadt, Senior Coordinator, who coordinates programs for them in Plymouth. They pay 25 — 30% of what it costs. He named several other cities they work with. They provide homemaking and also minor repairs. They mainly serve people 60 or older unless they are disabled. He is willing to work with us and tailor a program to fit our needs. Chair Brown asked if the $2,500 was per year. Housing Specialist Stoen said that it was the maximum for a lifetime. Commissioner Michlitsch asked about insurance. They do have coverage. Commissioner Henderson asked about the $15,000 and how that figure came up. It is actually just a number to start with and will come from the rehab program budget. This would be a streamlined system would not require full verification of income and only basic information would be asked. Supervisor Goldsmith asked what the service area is. Mr. Block said they serve all of Hennepin County. Commissioner Abel asked if we would foresee any abuse of the program. Housing Supervisor Goldsmith said it would be the similar to the qualifying requirements for CASH, and other nonprofits. Specialist Stoen recommended decreasing the loan term for the Rehabilitation Deferred Loan Program from 30 years to 20 years with the principal balance reduced 10% per year starting after the tenth year. The term of the First Time Homebuyer Loan Program would increase from 20 years to 30 years with the principal balance reduced 10% per year starting after the twentieth year. Commissioners agreed that this made sense since the value of the home improvements depreciate over time, while home values generally appreciate over time. There were no questions regarding this recommendation. Specialist Stoen recommended streamlining paper requirements for the Housing Rehabilitation Deferred Loan Program by not requiring work contracts and lien waivers on work under $1,000 and allowing verbal quotes on rehab work as permitted by applicable state and federal regulations. There were no questions regarding this recommendation. Specialist Stoen recommended stronger requirements for participation in social services and budgeting programs as needed as a condition of rehab financing. This would include additional language in the procedural guide to require participation in appropriate counseling programs when necessary, as a condition of obtaining a rehab loan. MOTION by Commissioner Abel, seconded by Commissioner Henderson, directing staff to make the necessary modifications to the Housing Rehabilitation and First Time Homebuyer Programs Procedural Guides as indicated in the staff report and implement the identified program changes. Vote: 4 ayes. Motion adopted unanimously 5. STATUS OF ACQUISITION OF OUTLOT D, BASS LAKE HEIGHTS ADDITION Arrangements have been made for the March 28 neighborhood meeting at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. Supervisor Goldsmith had talked to Ginny Black and she will be there on the 28th. MHFA was very reluctant to consider a long-term ground lease because of difficulties they had with the use of ground leases in Maple Grove. Supervisor Goldsmith indicated that he would investigate with the City Attorney deed restrictions as an alternate long-term control. Staff will make the presentation, then the Board will take over and can ask questions or make comments. Questions from the audience will be directed to the Board. Commissioner Henderson questioned the formality of the program. Chair Brown said this format helps the meeting flow well. Commissioner Henderson suggested changing the order of the objectives to d, c, a, b. Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority March 16, 2000 Page 10 Notices for the meeting will be mailed out on March 17 and will consist of approximately 180. Set-up for the room was also discussed. Chair Brown asked the Board to come up with potential questions that we may possibly be asked by the neighbors at the meeting. Many different scenarios were discussed. 6. HRA STRATEGIC PLAN Housing Supervisor Goldsmith stated that he wasn't sure that the word priority is the right one to use for the result areas. Following much discussion it was decided that the Result Area Priorities would be rewritten and discussed at the next meeting. 7. STATUS OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE — verbal report The Comprehensive Plan is in the process of being made available to the public at open houses at City Hall. The first open house was held March 15 and 37 people were in attendance. The next open house will be Saturday, March 18. It will go before the Planning Commission on March 29tH 8. PLYMOUTH TOWNE SQUARE MONTHLY REPORT The end of the year financial statement is in the packet. Everything looks extremely good and came in well within budget. 9. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Brad opened for nominations: The Board voted unanimously to keep the existing slate of officers. They are as follows: Brad Brown — Chair Susan Henderson — Vice Chair Dick Abel - Secretary 10. RESCHEDULING OF APRIL HRA MEETING The next HRA meeting will be held on April 13tH 11. OTHER BUSINESS Housing Supervisor Goldsmith passed out a listing of the current State and Federal legislative issues. It was suggested that the HRA support the issues before final action is taken at the Congress and legislature. MOTION by Commissioner Henderson, seconded by Commissioner Abel, recommending that the Board authorize the Chair and the Executive Director to take the appropriate action to indicate the HRA's support for the legislation indicated in the staff report. 12. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.