HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes 04-21-2005MINUTES
PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
April 21, 2005
PRESENT: Commissioners Steve Ludovissie, Jenny Flansburg, and Jim Kovach
ABSENT: Chair Susan Henderson and Commissioner Tim Bildsoe
STAFF PRESENT: Housing Program Manager Jim Barnes and Office Support Representative
Barb Peterson.
OTHERS PRESENT: Grace Management Representative Jodi Boedigheimer
1. CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Ludovissie called the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting
to order April 21, 2005 at 7:03 PM.
Housing Manager Barnes noted there is an additional item to add to the agenda as 3E and a new
staff report to replace 2C.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of the March 17 and April 12, 2005 HRA Meeting Minutes.
B. Plymouth Towne Square — Accept monthly housing reports.
C. Approve Application for Shelter -Plus Care Vouchers.
MOTION by Commissioner Flansburg, seconded by Commissioner Kovach, approving the
consent agenda as amended.
Vote. 3 Ayes. Motion approved.
3. NEW BUSINESS
A. Adopt Responsible Bidder Policy
Housing Manager Barnes explained the public bidding laws which have been established by the
State to ensure an open and fair selection of a contractor for certain public projects. He said that
any bid exceeding $50,000 requires a public bidding process. The statute also requires that the
low bidder is selected. The City of Plymouth adopted a Responsible Bidder Policy in 2004 and
the HRA should adopt a similar policy to ensure the low bidder for the senior apartment building
is a "responsible" bidder
Commissioner Ludovissie asked if we are obligated to take the lowest bidder based on the
questions listed in the staff report. Housing Manager Barnes replied affirmatively.
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April 21, 2005
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Commissioner Kovach asked if the City takes into consideration safety issues based on OSHA
ratings when selecting a contractor. Housing Manager Barnes suggested having our attorney
look into the safety issue and add it to the questionnaire if so advised by our attorney. Housing
Manager Barnes added that safety issues could possibly be included in construction documents.
MOTION by Commissioner Flansburg, seconded by Commissioner Kovach., adopting the
Responsible Bidder Policy with the possible addition of an amendment regarding safety issues.
Vote. 3 Ayes. Motion approved.
B. New Senior Building — Discuss New Senior Building Admissions & Occupancy Policies.
Housing Manager Barnes said the Admission and Occupancy Handbook for Plymouth Towne
Square is included in the packet to serve should serve as a template for the Board.
The Board discussed the questions listed in the staff report. Commissioner Ludovissie suggested
being conservative writing the policy and leave room to make changes later.
Commissioner Ludovissie asked Grace Management Representative Boedigheimer how the pet
policy works at Plymouth Towne Square. She replied they have had very few complaints,
however, residents were only allowed pets upon move -in.
Smoking concerns were discussed and what areas in the building would be smoke-free.
Commissioner Flansburg asked about other policies that could be changed. Housing Manager
Barnes suggested that staff prepare a draft of the policy and bring to the Board for discussion.
The Board agreed. No further action was taken on this item.
C. Discuss Plymouth Towne Square Resident issue.
Housing Manager Barnes said they have received numerous complaints about a particular
apartment at Plymouth Towne Square regarding noise and clutter issues. Discussion was held
regarding the language used in the lease. Housing Manager Barnes suggested having our
attorney look over the existing lease and make any necessary amendments. The Board agreed
that the tenants in question should be given a month-to-month lease if this was acceptable to the
HRA's attorney.
D. Election of Officers
This item was tabled until the May meeting.
E. New Senior Project — Tax Increment Housing Assistance Program Pledge
Agreement
Housing Manager Barnes stated that in October of 2000, the City of Plymouth approved the
creation of Tax Increment Financing District 7-6 (Berkshire Project) to facilitate the
redevelopment of a commercial building. The TIF funds utilized leverage an additional $9.5
million in private funds.
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April 21, 2005
Page 3
Housing Manager Barnes said that in 2000, the City created the Tax Increment Housing
Assistance Program (TIHAP) which allows the City to utilize increment received for affordable
rental housing projects. The TIF Plan for District 7-6 provides for the pooling of a portion of the
increment ($525,000) received to be used for affordable rental housing. He said the City Council
approved the Pledge Agreement on April 12, 2005.
Housing Manager Barnes stated that Springsted is recommending the HRA utilize the available
funds generated from TIF District 7-6 to meet the 113% debt -coverage -ratio. He also said the
funds received will only be available if the increment received for any given year is sufficient to
cover all other required expenditures first. He stated that these funds have many restrictions and
can only be used for rental housing projects such as the new senior building.
MOTION by Commissioner Kovach, seconded by Commissioner Flansburg, approving
Resolution No. 2005-11 relating to Governmental Housing Project Bonds and authorizing
execution of a Pledge Agreement in connection therewith.
Vote: 3 Ayes. Motion approved.
F. Setting up special meetings.
Housing Manager Barnes said a special meeting will need to be scheduled to accept the bid for
the senior building on August 4th.
at 7:00 p.m.
Motion by Commissioner Flansburg, seconded by Commissioner Kovach, to set a special
meeting for the HRA on August 4, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
Vote: 3 Ayes. Motion approved.
4. OLD BUSINESS
A. Regulatory Policies and Housing Affordability. A study of the impact of regulatory
policies and their effects on housing affordability.
Housing Manager Barnes informed the Board that the City Council has made a decision to
initiate work on an update of the Comprehensive Plan in 2005. He said staff is recommending
that the HRA fold its comments on housing into the upcoming work on the plan update.
B. New Senior Project— Building name
This item was tabled until the May meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.
HRA/Minutes/4-21-05