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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes 04-19-2001MINUTES PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY APRIL 19, 2001 PRESENT: HRA Chair Susan Henderson, Commissioners Tim Bildsoe, Leon Michlitsch, Sandy Hewitt, and Steve Ludovissie, and Planning Liaison Kapila Bobra ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Executive Director Anne Hurlburt, HRA Specialist Melissa Carnicelli, and Office Support Representative Barb Peterson 1. CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority was called to order by Chair Susan Henderson on April 19, 2001, at 7:03 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Bildsoe, seconded by Commissioner Michlitsch, to approve the March 15, 2001, meeting minutes. Motion passed, 5-0. 3. REVIEW OF CITY’S GOALS AND PRIORITIES, CITY’S HOUSING PLAN IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES, AND HRA STRATEGIC PLAN Chair Henderson stated it is important that the HRA’s Strategic Plan be consistent with the City’s Housing Plan. Chair Henderson stated that there are still some parts of the HRA Strategic Plan that need to be refined. Although the Commissioners are aware of many of the actions taken, it was decided to go through the list of Action Plan strategies, review progress, and determine where changes need to be made. Director Hurlburt gave a brief overview of the goals adopted by the City Council and how they relate to affordable and life cycle housing opportunities. She explained that the City staff is in the process of developing a Major Goals Work Plan which will relate directly to issues identified in the HRA’s Strategic Plan. Commissioner Hewitt asked when this plan will be done. Director Hurlburt responded that it will be within the next month. Director Hurlburt discussed each strategy, its progress to date and the priority given by staff. Strategy 1.A defines the core activities of the HRA. These are on-going activities to which staff gives its highest priority. With regard to strategy 1.B, HRA staff is coordinating with the Planning staff to design written information for housing developers. This information will include the housing goals and density and design requirements. Director Hurlburt stated this information piece is in progress and should be completed shortly. Discussion was held regarding Strategy 1.C which refers to acquiring or facilitating the private acquisition of sites for affordable housing. The HRA has looked at acquisitions but the private market outbids the HRA even for a dilapidated house. Strategy 1.D states that the HRA can develop, own, and manage needed types of affordable housing if necessary. This opportunity is very limited because of the lack of funds available. Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority April 19, 2001 Page 19 Discussion was held regarding the area of redevelopment as there has not been a lot of progress in this area. The Elmhurst and Elmhurst Gateway areas are being studied and the City does have an industrial area where a TIF project was approved and is still ongoing. Result Area 2 is still in its infancy in Plymouth. There are not many redevelopment areas in Plymouth. Strategy 2.C refers to tax increment funding but the City Council has stated that this use of tax money alone is not reasonable, and will probably not be enough to make new housing affordable. Director Hurlburt explained that a minimal amount of progress has occurred related to Result Area 3, Economic Development/Business Climate. Chair Henderson explained that some members of the HRA went out into the community and met with some of the larger companies last year. This was the first contact with the City for some of these businesses. HRA Specialist Carnicelli added that the T.R.A.I.L.’s program received a donation from Carlson Marketing as a result of those visits. Director Hurlburt emphasized that Plymouth has a great location and how fortunate we are that the business community is so great. Chair Henderson asked how we could make use of the Plymouth Economic Development Fund. Director Hurlburt said that a marketing plan for the program needs to be put together but would not be given top priority at this time. She explained that the policies for the use of the Fund were developed when the State contacted the City about this opportunity. The Fund would be used for small business loans. Commissioner Ludovissie inquired about the amount of funds available. Director Hurlburt responded the amount is $100,000 plus interest. She explained that this money came from the State of Minnesota as a result of a job creation investment at Value RX. Similar to the CDBG program, this funding belongs to the City but the Council designated the HRA to operate the Fund. Result Area #4 was discussed. The City Council decided not to use the HRA to alleviate its social services spending. CDBG funds are one of the HRA’s basic functions and should be used as much as possible to financially support social service needs. The CDBG program is administered by the HRA but the City Council has authority over the funds. Director Hurlburt announced that Commissioner Hewitt will be the City’s new representative on the Northwest Human Services Council. Chair Henderson asked if anyone sees a particular issue to focus on this year. She spoke about her visits with the companies in Plymouth. Commissioner Bildsoe inquired about the area around Medicine Lake and zoning changes. Director Hurlburt said staff are still looking at that area and are planning to take a look at shoreland regulations which have gotten very complicated. Residential projects are going strong right now. Commissioner Bildsoe suggested that Plymouth Towne Square will take more time this year. 4a. PLYMOUTH TOWNE SQUARE MONTHLY HOUSING REPORT It was pointed out the year to date budget is in the negative. Director Hurlburt will look into the matter. Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority April 19, 2001 Page 20 4b. PLYMOUTH TOWNE SQUARE REVISED WAITING LIST POLICY Director Hurlburt explained the waiting list cycle. Many names on the waiting list have been called three times and then their name was placed at the bottom of the list. It has been suggested that after three attempts their name would be excluded from the list. Discussion followed and it was decided to approve the changes as revised. MOTION by Commissioner Bildsoe, seconded by Commissioner Michlitsch, that the HRA Board adopt the attached revised Waiting List section of the Admissions and Occupancy Handbook for Plymouth Towne Square. Vote. 5 Ayes. Motion adopted unanimously. 4c. PLYMOUTH TOWNE SQUARE VERBAL REPORT ON MANAGEMENT CONTRACT Director Hurlburt spoke about the possible termination by Walker Management of our contract with them for Plymouth Towne Square. Director Hurlburt explained the development of this situation. Walker has verbally agreed to withdraw their notice of termination but the HRA has not received it in writing. Director Hurlburt explained that the City has taken control of Plymouth Towne Square’s checking account. All expenses will be approved through the City. Commissioner Ludovissie felt that this situation should be closely monitored. 5. OTHER BUSINESS HRA Specialist Carnicelli updated the Board on the sale of the townhome at the Village of Bassett Creek. The closing went as planned without any extensions needed. The ice damage is being handled by the homeowners’ association. The CASA application for mortgage assistance to employees in the City of Plymouth, which the Board approved to support last month, was approved by MHFA. Stone Creek Village, the Dominium apartment project, received Hennepin County staff recommendation for $400,000 in HOME funds. An invitation will be extended to Assessor Nancy Bye to speak at the next HRA meeting about home and land values in Plymouth. Commissioner Michlitsch reported on his attendance at Twin West Chamber meetings. 4. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Commissioner Michlitsch, seconded by Commissioner Bildsoe to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.