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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes 02-27-2006MINUTES PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY February 27, 2006 PRESENT: Chair Susan Henderson, Commissioners Tim Bildsoe, Steve Ludovissie, Jenny Flansburg and Jim Kovach. ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Executive Director Anne Hurlburt, Housing Program Manager Jim Barnes, Office Support Representative Barb Peterson. OTHERS PRESENT: Council member Ginny Black 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Henderson called the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting to order February 27, 2006 at 6:30 P.M. 2. CONSENT AGENDA 3. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion of HRA South Shore Drive Property. Commissioner Bildsoe stated that at the last meeting there was a lot of discussion about the property at 10801 South Shore Drive regarding what the best use for the property would be, the financial viability, and other alternatives for the site. He said they also talked about other organizations to partner with and the history of the site. He said one of his concerns is financial and whether this would be the best use for that spot given what's happened around it and the amount of money that was paid for the site. His larger concern, however, is whether we have looked into all of the possible partnerships for this project. Commissioner Bildsoe stated that since the last meeting he and staff have looked into other possible partners and have found that the partnership with Habitat would be our best opportunity for a successful project. Commissioner Bildsoe said he is very comfortable with the HRA doing a project on this site and feels that Habitat would be a great partner to work with. He said he did vote not to take any action at the last meeting but he is now willing to make a motion to move ahead with Habitat given the additional information. MOTION by Commissioner Bildsoe, seconded by Commissioner Flansburg, recommending that the HRA partner with Habitat for Humanity to develop the property at 10801 South Shore Drive. Commissioner Kovach asked about soil correction on the site. Housing Program Manager Barnes said they know soil corrections will be needed and the preliminary estimates Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority February 27, 2006 Page 2 indicate the cost will be around $100,000. He said Habitat is applying to Hennepin County for assistance to help with the project costs. Housing Manager Barnes reviewed the requested actions on this item from the HRA meeting on February 16th. He said tonight staff is asking that the HRA enter into negotiations to sell the lot to Habitat for $1 dollar to construct three to four housing units, of which, one will be fully accessible. Housing Program Manager Barnes said the second request from staff was to enter into discussions with the property owner at 10805 South Shore Drive regarding the potential purchase of his existing home. Chair Henderson asked if the two lots would need to be coupled together. Housing Program Manager Barnes replied they do not. Housing Program Manager Barnes gave a description of the two properties. Chair Henderson asked if this item could be discussed at a later point. Housing Program Manager Barnes said that would depend on whether it would be two separate projects or one project. Commissioner Ludovissie stated that he will not participate in any further discussion and will abstain from voting on this issue because of his business relationship with Quest Development. Housing Program Manager Barnes said if we decide to sell the property or partner with Habitat then Commissioner Ludovissie could start participating again. Housing Program Manager Barnes gave the Board a letter from the HRA's Attorney relating to conflict of interest. Commissioner Flansburg asked if this is related to the disclosure she received from the City. Director Hurlburt said it was related. Commissioner Flansburg reiterated the comments she made at the last meeting that she feels this is a unique opportunity and is in favor of moving forward with Habitat for Humanity. She also is in favor of pursuing the second lot and would like more discussion about that. She said the recommendation from the previous meeting asked for three recommendations and she is inquiring if we need to discuss all three. Chair Henderson said she is pleased that the Board is in favor of Habitat for Humanity. Vote. 4 ayes. Commissioner Ludovissie abstained. Motion approved. Housing Program Manager Barnes asked if the Board wanted to act on the original staff report asking them to submit a letter of support to Hennepin County on behalf of Habitat for Humanity. MOTION by Commissioner Bildsoe, seconded by Commissioner Kovach, recommending that the HRA submit a letter of support to Hennepin County on behalf of Habitat for Humanity. Vote. 4 Ayes. Commissioner Ludovissie abstained. Motion approved. Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority February 27, 2006 Page 3 Commissioner Bildsoe asked if it would help to call our commissioners. Housing Program Manager Barnes said it would. Commissioner Bildsoe asked to have the names and numbers to call forwarded to the HRA Commissioners. The HRA Board recommended putting on hold the issue of entering into negotiations with the property owner at 10805 South Shore Drive. 4. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM. HRA/Minutes 2/27/06