Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Packet 03-20-1997PLYMOUTH LIRA STAFF REPORTS MARCH, 1997 AGENDA PLYMOUTH HOUSINGAND REDEVELOPMENTAUTXORITY Mardi 20, I9ff7AT 7:00 P.M. Medkdire Lake Chorencae Room, ftawadh CIV Hag 1. Call to Order 2.. Approval of February 20,1997 Minutes 3. Resolution Honoring Former HRA Commissioner Madie McFarland 4. Plymouth Towne Square Monthly Housing Reports 5. Request from the Plymouth Housing Alliance for Funding to Purchase a Single Family Lot for Affordable Handicapped Housing 6. Request from Hennepin County to Participate in the 1997.98 Suburban Hennepin Fair Housing Initiative. 7.. State Legislative Proposals S. Nomination and Election of Officers 9. HRA 19% Annual Report 10. TRAILS Monthly Report 11. Supplemental Information from Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association (GMDCA) and Westonks Community Action Network (WeCan) 12. Other Business 13. Adjournment Prior to the meeting, at 6:00pm the HRA Commissioners have basis Invited by Hammer Residences to a bur of the War House, 2611 Black Oaks Lane North whish was recently renovated with the assistance of Community Development Block Grant funds provided by J the City and HRA. 44 0 MINUTES PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FEBRUARY 20,1997 A meeting of the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority was culled to order by Chair David Crain at 7:03 pm. on Thursday, February 20,1997. PRESENT: Chair David Crain, Commissioner Brian Hehnken, Commissioner Pat Pelstring, and Commissioner Brad Brown ABSENT: Commissioner John Edson STAFF PRESENT: Executive Director Anne Hurlburt, HRA Supervisor Ed Goldsmith, Housing Specialist Milt Dale, Senior Clerk/Typist Michelle Rompf OTHERS PRESENT: Council Member Ginny Black, Melody Bumham, PTS Manager INTRODUCTION OF NEW HRA COMMISSIONER Chair Crai.t introduced Brad Brown, the newest HRA Commissioner appointed by the City Council. He has replaced Ma4ie McFarland who resigned in December. APPROVAL OF M1riI1TE MOTION by Chair Crain, seconded by Commissioner Pelstring to recommend approval of the November 21,1996 Minutes. Vote 4 Ayes. MOTION unanimously carried. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE COMMUNITY DEVELOP NT BLOCK GRANT flMMI PROGRAM FOR 1997 AND RE50LUTION rt[`naRaUi MNG A 1997 CDBG PROGRAM TO THE CITY COUNCIL., 97-01 Chair Crain opened the Public Hearing and invited comments from the public on the proposed 1997 CDBG Program. Jon Thompson, Executive Director of Hammer Residences addressed the Board. He thanked the Board for the HRA's previous assistance to Hammer Residences. He outlined the work that would be done to the property at Black Oaks Lane to improve handicapped accessibility with the 26,000 proposed for 1997. Grace Norris, Executive Director of the Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association (GMDCA) thanked the 9 -.rd for its previous support. She described the assistance that GMDCA has Provided to S Plymouth families during 1996. She explained that the Plymouth funding is usedJtoprovidesubsidiestofamiliesduringthe18monthsthattheymustwaitbeforetheycanreceive Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority February 20, 1997 Page 2 day care assistance from Hennepin County. Commissioners voiced concems regarding the lack of residents currently receiving assistance. Ms. Norris advised the Board that she woald provide the HRA with additional information regarding current demand for assistance from Plymouth families. [information has been provided showing that there are 88 Plymouth clients on the Hennepin County waiting Wt. One Plymouth client is currently being served. Additiomal applicants will be contacted by GMDCA. A copy of Ms. Norris' response is included In the March 20m Board Agemda.1 HRA Supervisor Goldsmith commented on the assistance that GMDC would be providing at the Plymouth Commute West Job Fair on March 13'. Sharon Johnson, Executive Director of Community Action for Suburban Hennepin (CASH) thanked the Board for its previous support. She described how their Home Line programs served 300 Plymouth residents during 1996, assisted 85 with foreclosure prevention servicr provided renter education to 1,000 high school students, and pre -purchase counseling to first time home buyers. CASH has also taken over the energy assistance program formerly run by Suburban Alliance. Chair Crain commended CASH for do! contributions that it has made to the community. Kiki Sonnen, Executive Director of Westonka Community Action Network (WeCAN) thanked the Board for its previous support. She described WeCAN's employment program and its work with Plymouth residents. Their job .etention rates have been 71% after 3 months and 50% after _ 6 months. The average hourly wage rate has been SI0.22 per hour. Commissioners questioned WeCAN's extension of its services into Plymouth and asked for information on Plymouth businesses where WeCAN had placed clients. (Information on placements with Plymouth businesses has been provided and is Included in the March 20' Board Ageada.1 Ms. Somnen presented a draft of an agreement with Interfaith Outreach 8i: Community Partners TOCP) and Employment Action Centers (EAC) regarding the coordination of employment services in Plymouth. Stab's recommendation requires that WeCAN coordinate its employment services with those provided by TOCP and EAC. Rhonda Ferran, Acting Executive Director of Community Builders, thanked the Board for its previous support. She described their program to buy and renovate hones to be sold to low income first time homebuyers. Commissioners stated that they would like to see the CDBG funds seamed by a soft second mortgage on the property. Mary Bisek, Recreation Supervisor for the Plymouth Park and Recreation Department, thanked the Board for its previous s4 -port and described the recreation scholarships provided to residents. During 1996, 66 children from 40 households received scholarships averaging S32 per person. HRA Supervisor Goldsmith indicated that because of the increased demand for public service funds and the relatively lower CDBG ranking for this service, this would probably be the last year of CDBG flmding for this activity. He indicated that the success of this program warranted additional funding from the City or another source. At this point Chair Crain closed the Public Hearing. .J Plymouth Housing sud Redevelopment Authority February 20, 1997 Page 3 MOTION by Commissioner Pelstring to adopt the proposed HRA Resolution 97-01, adding theconditionsthatWeCANeaterintothememorandumofagreementwithTOCPandEACandthat Community Builders explore the inclusion of a soft second mortgage to secure the CDBG Zds contributed to their project. Commissioner Helmken seconded the motion. The mW,,n wasopenedtodiscussion. HRA Supervisor Goldsmith commented that since the HRA is the administering ag..ney for theCity's CDBG program, it was not necessary to include the additional items in the Resolution. He suggested that these items be considered in a. separate motion from the Resolution. Commissioners Pelstring and Hehnken agreed to a division of the question. Chair Crain calledforavoteonthemotiontoadoptHRAResolution97-01, Recommending the Application For and Allocation of Fiscal Year 1997 Community Development Block Grant Funds. Vote 4 Ayes by roll call. RESOLUTION 97-01, unanimously adopted. Chair Crain requested that GMDCA provide clarification of the apparent lack of current applicants for the Plymouth funding before funds from the 1997 allocation are released. Commissioners Pelstring and Hehnken agreed to this addition to their motion. MOTION to require that WeCAN enter into the memorandum of agreement with IOCP andEAC, that Community Builders explore the inclusion of a soft second mortgage to secure theCDBGfundscontributedtotheirproject, and that GMDCA provide clarification of the apparentlackofcurrentapplicantsfo; the Plymouth funding before funds fiom the 1997 allocation arereleasedforeachoftheseactivities. MOTION unanimously passed. Chair Crain thanked all of the groups present for their efforts PLYMOUTH TOWN>E SQUARE MONTHLY HOUSING Rgrm Melody Burnham, PTS Housing Manager presented her report. The end of year financial reporthasnotyetbeenreleased. It will be presented at the March HRA meeting. There have been problems with ice dams and condensation in the attic. It is suspected that this may be due to a lack of ventilation in the attic. This is related to the City not allowing soffitventstobeinstalledduetotheCityinspectors' interpretation of the fire codes. $3,000 has been spent to remove the ice dams, snow, and ice on the roof. INSPECT, Inc., a consulting firmspecializinginroofproblemshasbeenhiredtoinvestigatethisandmakearecommendation. As part of this investigation, Mimtegasco will be doing a free energy audit of the building. ChairJ Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority February 20, 1997 Page 4 Crain indicated concern that the HRA was required to do work at PTS that went well beyond thefirecodeandthattheCityshouldberesponsibleforthecorrections. RFLOLUTIONS Irnsnrlr = THE HENNEPIN CO tN7'V HOUSING ANDREDEVELOP _ .NT AUTHORITY TO INCLrmt+' TEE CITY OF PLMOi:TH IAPP 'CATIONS FOR THE uMI ELMA HO tMNG EMUKE AGENCY'S CIPATION PROGRAM—AND HO MPOVFMENTwAlYFROGAML97.02 &97.03 HRA Supervisor Goldsmith explained that state statute requires that for the Hennepin CountyHousingandRedevelopmuentAuthority (HCHRA) to provide programs in Plymouth, thePlymouthHRAmustrequestthattheHCHRAdoso. The HCHRA "as proposed to make application to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) to provide the Minnesota CityParticipationProgrambelowmarketratefirsttimehomebuyer Low and the MHFA Home Improvement LoPrograms to communities in suburban Hennepin County. Requesting theHCHRAtoProvidetheseprogramsinPlymouthwouldmakeadditionalresourcesavailabletoPlymouthresidentswithoutaffectingprogramsprovidedbythePlymouthHRA. MOTION by Commissioner Pelstring, seconded by Commissioner Hehnken to adopt HRA Resolution 97-02 and HRA Resolution 97-03, requesting the HCHRA to include the City ofPlymouthinapplicationsfortheMHFA's Minnesota City Participation Program and HomeImprovementLouPrograms, respectively. Vote 4 Ayes by roll can. HRA RESOLUTIONS 97-02 and 97-03 unanimously adopted. STATUS REPORT ON FRANSEN AND t> OTF trateW- MENT PRA OS i S HRA Supervisor Goldsmith presented a report on the status of these two proposed developments. Both of these proposals. will be seeking financial assistance Som a number of sources and various approvals from the Plymouth. Planning Commission and City Council. A draft letter ofsupportwasdistributed, discussed and revised. MOTION made by Chair Crain, seconded by Commissioner Pelftft authorizing the Chair oftheHRABoardtorepresenttheHRA's support for these proposals before the PlymouthPlanningCommissionandCityCouncilandauthorizinglettersofsupporttopotentialfindingsourcesfortheseproposals. Vote 4 Ayes. Motion unanimously carried. Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment AuthorityFebruary20, 1997 Page 5 I F T10N 8 aNNUar. H!'RIBUTIONI CONTRACM HRA RESO "''ION 97-04HERBUSINESS Chair Crain asked if this was anything more than a housekeeping item, that was needed to keeptheSection8Programrunning. HRA Supervisor Goldsmith replied that was correct. MOTION was made and seconded to adopt HRA RESOLUTION -04, authorizing executionofaSection8AnnualContributionsContractwiththeUnitedStatesofAmerica I LS MONTHLY REPORT The TRAILS report was presented indicating that the program continues to operate successfully. MER BUSINESS No Other Business was presented. The meeting was adjourned by Chair Crain at 9:50 pm. CNYY y J 3. DATE: March 12,1997 for Houssiing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting of March 20,1997 TO: Acne W. Hurlbut i.—I" Director FROM: Edward J. Goldsmith, HRA Supervisor f ` SUBJECT: Resolution Honoring Former HRA Commi`Vssi_oner Medic McFarland Medic McFarland served as an HRA Commissioner from January, 1994 until her resignation in December, 19%. During her tenure on the Board she participated in the development of Plymouth Towne Square, the City's first housing exclusively for senior residents. She also served as Board Secretary during 19%. The attached resolution has been drafted to honor Medic McFarland for bar service on the Board. I recommend that the Board adopt the attached resolution honoring Merjie McFarland for her service on the HRA Board of Commissioner. yl— HRA. HRA RESOLUTION 9745 HONORING MARRE MCFARLAND FOR HER SERVICE AS A PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY COMMISSIONER WHEREAS, Commissioner Marjle McFarland has served since January, 19% as a Commissioner for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority In and for the City of Plymouth, Minnesota; and WHEREAS, Commissioner McFarland has lent her time and talents to the work of the Board of Commissioners of the Authority; and, WHEREAS, during Commissioner McFarland's tenure on the Authority's Board of Commissioners, Plymouth's first housing hr low income senior eiticauh Plymouth Towne Square, was developed; and, WHEREAS, Commissioner McFarland has served as Secretary of the Board of Commissioners; and, WHEREAS, Commissioner McFarland has demonstrated her sensitivity and concern for the citizens of Plymouth while serving on the Board of Commissioners; and, WHEREAS, Commissioner McFarland ended her term a a Commissioner in December, 19%; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IN AND FOR THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH that it wishes to thank and recognize Commissioner McFarland for her contributions as a member of the Board that have increased the quality of We for residents of the City of Plymouth; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Authority atend its beat wishes to Commissioner McFarland for her future endeavors. Adopted by the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority on March 20,1997. MEMO I CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 DATE: March 14,1997 for Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting of March 20,1997 TO: Anne Hudsil Eicecutive Director FROM: Milt Dale, ousing Specialist through Edward Goldsmi&A Supervisor SUBJECT: Request from the Plymouth Housing Alliance for Funding to Purchase a Single Family Lot for Affordable Handicapped Housing Recently we received a request for funding from the Plymouth Housing Alliance (PHA) to assist in the purchase of a vacant lot for construction of a handicapped accessible home. Founded in 1993 by former Plymouth mayor Kim Bergman, the PHA is a non-profit community-based housing det,eloper. The funding proposal is outlined in a letter from Jay Nelson, president of the PHA. Initial estimates are that the cost of the lot would be $55,000, with the HRA contributing 50% and the other two partners 25% each. The cost of construction is estimated to be $93,000 which is the anticipated sale price of the house. The proposal is summarized as follows: The PHA would form a partnership with Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP) and the HRA to assume ownership of the property on which the house will be built. The HRA would own h interest in the property while TOCP and the PHA will each own'/. shares. of the land at time of resale based on their ownership percentage. Each partner would receive the appreciated value The specific lot in question is currently zoned Future Restricted Development (FRD) and guided for townhouse density. Rezoning to single family use would be required for this property. Planning Department staff would not recommend this rezoning based on the current land use guiding. Made aware of this prospect, PHA President Jay Nelson would like the request for fuming not to be site specific as he believes an alterative lot can be found in the next several months. Should the HRA elect to assist with the project for this specific individual, the assistance will have to come from local funds. The proposed home buyer does not qualify for assistance under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program because his income is over the annual income limits set by HUD, and only $80 over 80% of the metropolitan annual median income for a single person. The proposed buyer is a quadriplegic who has lived in Plymouth for over ten years and is a former recipient of rent assistance through the HRA's Section 8 program. His situation is J quite similar to that of the Peniata family, who were assisted by both the HRA and the PHA three years ago, in the sense that the usual avenues of assistance do not provide an opportunity for him to reach his goal of home ownership. His current income, the MHFA maximum sales price limitation of $95,000, and the fact that handicap accessible housing is more expensive to construct than traditional housing, hamper his ability to qualify 'for many homeownership programs that would enable him to purchase a home in Plymouth. n One of the PHA board members. Dale Hallen, secured a commitment from Tony Eiden Homes to construct a handicapped accessible house just prior to Dale's unfortunate death last month. Tony Eiden will be requesting his subaxmtnathms to provide reduced labor or material costs in the construction of the home in order to keep the cost of the home affordable. One of Dale's last volunteer efforts was to assist someone he felt would benefit by becoming a Plymouth homeowner. I wish to add that Dale was a major contributor in providing a house for the 12 member Peniata family. In considering this request, staff wishes to address the following issues: The PHA's interest in forming a partnership for ownership of property needs further clarification as to how such a partnership would operate. To simplify the ownership, it may be preferable to have one of the three organizations own the property with an agreement with the other two in the form of an equity participation mortgage. Presently, the HRA has established a maximum of $20,000 of financial assistance per eligible recipient for its First Time Home Buyer Program while this request is for $27,500. Since the HRA does provide additional funding for handicap improvements for its housing rehabilitation clients, I believe an additional $5,000 over the $20,000 maximum is justifiable. The proposal, as submitted, would maintain the atTordability of the property until such time as the proposed buyer would sell his residence. However, there is a benefit in maintaining the property as affordable indefinitely rather than having each partner recapturing its assistance at the time of sale. I believe this request has mer'.t as the PHA is exploring a unique method of providing affordable housing by retaining ownership of the land to facilitate long term affordability. The HRA has funding available in its Fox Forest affordable housing fund. Last year $10,000 of the $30,000 available was allocated to the Hammer Residences to make improvements on one of their group homes. Currently there is $10,000 available from last year with another $30,000 to be paid to the HRA in 1997. I recommend that discussions be entered into with the PHA and IOCP to investigate the use of mechanisms such as community land trusts and subsidy re -capture mortgages to promote long-term housing affordability. Such mechanisms could be used to ensure that future lower income handicapped first time home buyers would have the opportunity provided to this prospective homebuyer. Provision could be made to require any future owner of the residence to be an income eligible handicapped homebuyer. I therefore recommend that the HRA llaard approve the use of up to $25,000 from the Fox Forest affordable housing funds' account to assist the Plymouth Housing Alliance (PHA) and Interfaitlt Outreach fib Community Partners (IOCT) in the purchase of property for a single family+ lot in a location to be determined within the liettt al: months, subject to Board approval of the specific development. Further, that dipasOoes be hold with the PHA and IOCP to determine the appropriate ownership and mark le beebata%v for this type of development to assure the long term affordability of the housing. Mr. Ed Goldsmith HILA Supervisor City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN. 55447-1482 Dear Mr. Goldsmith; The Plymouth Housing Alliance, teamed with Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, Is starting so affordable home for an individual with a disability who lives in Plymouth. We are writing to ask the Plymouth HRA for help with funding so we car move forward with this project. Mr. Bill Hitz is a long time Plymouth resident who has a disability that confines him to a wheelchair. He moves to and from his job at NSP by a specially adapted van. He is a productively employed resident and contributes to our community through his active participation as a board member of Community Byilders. Bill is unable to afford a home that meets hl' special needs. His income is slightly over the annual income limits act by HUD to assist a single person household. The MHFA funded programs place a maximum sakes price on a house that is unrealistically low In the current Plymouth housing market. Mr. Hitz's special Maeda for accessibility adds to his basic home cost. The Plymouth Housing Alliance is planning to change this situation. We have planned a house for him on a lot near Rockford Road and County Road 9.1 have alladwd a biography of Mr. Hitz, the realty listing, proposed house puns, our proposed financing plan, and a construction cost breakdown prepared by Hallen Homes. Mr. Hitz can afford a house, but no, the land to build it on. I am writing to propose that the Plymouth HRA team with the PHA and Interfaith Outreach to purchase that lot. We expect a lot cost of S35,000.00 maximum. TY.e budgeted home cost is 593,000.00. Construction money is available through Norwest Banka Bill has qualified for a 597,000.00 home loan from Norwest Banks. An investment from the HRA of 527,500.00 with 513,750.00 from both the PHA and interfaith Outreach can purchase the land. We propose that these three entities own the lot as a partnership. This partnership will give Mr. Hkz a no interest mortgage on the lot for the time he owns the property. Our agreement will require reimbursement of the lend owning partnership for the appraised value of the land at the time of the sale. In this way none of the partners will lose the value of their investment dollars. During and after the project we will use all the extra money we can raise to buy out the Interfaith outreach share in the project. Interfaith wishes to have the money back as soon as possible so they can invest in other projects. With your help, this project is clearly feasible. We would like to thank the HRA for its assistance to our last project, a home the Peniata family. That partnership proved that together we can make an investment in our community by extending an affordable home ownership opportunity to a valued resident of the City of Plymouth. l am available at 373-4626w. nr 478-2325 h. for questions, suggestions, or comments. incerelyi 0 4--. Telson, President of the Plymouth Housing Alliance i DATE: March 12. 1997 for Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting of March 20, 1997,- TO: Ase W. Hurlburt, Executive Director FROM: Edward). Goldsmith. HRA Supervisor SUBJECT: Request From Hennepin County To Participate In Funding For the 1997-98 Suburban Hennepin Fair Housing Initiative As stated in the attached letter from Mark Hendrickson of Hennepin County's Office of Planning and Development, the County is preparing to solicit proposals to continue the suburban fair housing initiative begun last year through December 31. 1998. 'T"- would continue the initiative activities of education, outreach, enforcement and other fair housi.. rices. As members of the Hennepin Housing Consortium, Plymouth and the City of Bloomington allocated $1.700 and 2.700, respectively, for this activity for 1997. The County has requested that the same amounts be allocated for 1998 to extend the initiative through December 31, 1998. Thur Plymouth and Bloomington allocations for 199748 would be combined with $80.000 from Hennepin County for the 1997-98 initiative. The annual funds allocated by the HRA will not be expended until after all County funds allocated for that year have been expended. Under the terms of the Consolidated Plan submitted to HUD, and requirements of the CDBG program. the City has an obligation to work with the County in promoting fair housing activities. The alternative would be for the City and HRA to undertake our own fair housing activities. Through December 31. 1996 the suburban Hennepin fair hosing initiative recruited and trained 37 new housing discrimination testers; conducted 80 hosing discrimination tests; served 90 low income persons with complaint intake/referral, investigation, and advocacy; established a fair housing information clearinghouse, and initiated a number of fair hosing educational programs. Reports describing specific program activities are available upon request. While Hennepin County and Bloomington have elected to use CDBG foods for these activities. Plymouth has no uncommitted CDBG funds available. However, as was done in the two previous years, funds would be available from the consultant services account in the HRA's General Fund Budget. I recommend that the Board of Commissioners audmise the HRA's participadw in the Hennepin County Fair Hosing bdtWve through December 31, 1998, including nonuai expenditures of up to $1,700 frau the Consultant Services Account of the HRA General Fund J for Fair Housing Iol"we activities. Attachment: Letter from Mark Hendrickson, Hennepin County Hennepin County February 18, 1997 Ed Goldsmith Plymouth HRA 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 66447 RE: Fair Housing Funding Dear Ed: I ._ 1 u )y9•r' III By As we recently discussed, Hennepin County will be combining 1996 & 1997 fair housing funding into a single Request for Proposal. We acknowledge the 01,700 your city contributed last Fall and are now requesting a similar contribution for 1997. Plymouth's contribution would be included in grants to be awarded under this RFP for services from 7-1-97 to 12-31-98. Proposals will be solicited to continue Initiative activities Including education and outreach, enforcement, and fair housing services. Use of previously awarded funds was last reported through June 30, 1998. During the last half of 1996 the remaining tester recruitment and training was accomplished, twenty-five additional tests of housing discrimination were conducted and thirty-three low income persons were served through complaint intake/referral; Investigation; and advocacy. The Minnesota Fair Housing Center developed a catalog of clearinghouse materials and publicised its availability In their newsletter. Next month Hennepin County will be requesting the funds contributed by your city for these grants. Plymouth's continued participation In this initiative will help assure fair housing services are available to all residents of suburban Hennepin. Please let me know at your earliest convenience if your city will be making a contribution. If you have any questions, please call me at 641.7084. Sincerely, Xftll Mark Hendrickson Senior Planner Office Of Planning & Development Development Planning Unit 10709 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 260 Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305 612) 541.7080 FAX (612) 541.7090 MEMO /. CiITY OF PLYMOVfH 3400 PLY90UTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 DATE: March 12, 1997 for Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting of March 20, 1997 ,,,, TO: Anne W. ti1 r1bureExecutive Director FROM: Edward J. Goldsmith, HRA Supervisor 'I SUBJECT: Proposed State Legislative Actions VUU _ The Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials NAHRO) recently urga! local housing agencies in Minnesota, to join other organizations in the state in opposing the Froposal, as part of welfare reform. at the legislature to reduce by 100 per month public assi:rance payments to families receiving subsidized housing assists=. A copy of NAHRO's notice to member agencies is attached. I Because federal housing assistance is based upon each participant contributing 30% of their income toward their rent, the net effect of this proposal would reduce each participant's rear payment by $30, effectively decreasing their monthly income by $70. To offset this decrease in rent, the housing subsidy programs would have to increase their payments by $30 per month. This would effectively reduce the number of how income families who can be assisted by thane programs and potentially result in decreased maintenance of subsidized housing in the SM. Currently '21 clients on the MRA's Section 8 Housing Assistance program wand be affected by this proposal. This additional cost world require that the HRA reduce its program by 2 clients and lox $1.187 in annual administrative funds from HUD. For Minnesota as a whole, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that this propoad will cost the assisted arousing programs approximately $8.9 million in increased subsidies. Another proposal recently introduced at the legislature would eliminate the HRA's discretion in adopting subsidy standards. Ibis proposal would require loc9l housing agencies to provide housing and housing subsidies on the basis of separate bedrooms for siblings of the opposite sex for all but "very young" children. The HRA's current subsidy standards specifically attempts to maximize housing utilization and subsidy finds by giving the family the option of having siblings share bedrooms, regardless of gender, or use the living room as a sleeping room or have a child share a bedroom with a parent. Passage of this legislation would void J the MRA's subsidy standard and preclude it from implementing an alternative standard. The proposal would also have the effect of increasing the cost of providing housing assistance, reducing the number of families that can be assisted, and nuking it more difficult for Families, especially larger families to obtain affordable housing. NAHRO has been researching the State Human Rights Department's determination that a bowing preference for persons working iq:! community (such as has been.adoptod by the HRA) is a violation of die State human Rights statute that prohibits discrimination against persons receiving public assistance. As the result of such research NAHRO may support legislation to permit local housing agencies to implement such preferences for persons working, in a community. I recommend that the HRA authorise the Chair and Executive Director of the HRA to take such reacenable steps that they deem necessary to advise the 1997 State Legislators of the MA's opposition to the proposed $100 reduction In crib payments to families re dit p d& sslatance, its uppoddon to proposed legddation to restrict Meal bowing anenclesdiscretion In adoptingbowing subsidy oc arpnocy standards and its support.d legislation that wouhl permit local housing a to implement housing prderenoes for iPp' m a commumily. J HROMinnesotaANationsil Association of Housing and Redevelopment Official 2496 145th Street West, Rosemount, MN 55068 • Telephone: (611) 4234145 Toll Fla: (800) 142.6804 Fax: (612) 42381E E C E I V E N 1 o OrrMemorandum CIEY Ot FlYY0111N I MMMIINITY EYEIOP.";.rli nE!"SfllfN' Date: March 6. 1997 To: Agency Members From: Patricia Gustafson, Executive Director Re: Urgent Request Welfare Reform Legislative Sign -0n Letter Attached please find a SIGN -0N LETTER, TO BE DISTMUTED TO KEY MEMBERS OF THE hi1NNESOTA HOUSE AND SENATE. As many of you keww, dw'SI00 Provision' is still in the bill and alive and going Strong in Welfiue Rdorm discussions at the State laud. Critical decisions will be made within the next two weeks. This Letter is.pre eBort.to peaaprt a unused 6rora on the iawe, to h:t legidatom know how MOW organimk um aro opposed to the provision. Please let Kirttea Bassen know a: aeon U poSMe 16%u Can sign oeeto the letter. She can be readied at MN HousingPartttersNp, 61V 874-0112, extemion 108. A first dmR will be ddivaW to the CA;" later this week. We will go be attempting to have an amendment introduced to eliimbste the'5100 Pnm a " langu qA however, your voice is hnportam Any questions phase fed ft to Contact nue at 800-242.6804 or 612.4234145. Servir w9:s;-p', Housft and Community Development Needs Letter to Legislators: Welfare Reform Must Not Reduce Housing Opportunities for Low -Income Minnesotans We die under signed organizations and individuals urge the Minnesota Legislature to fully consider the impact of welfare reforms on housing opportunities for low - e households. Housing is a f nidmnental element of family and community stability. As such, On state should construct a family support system which fully funds housing opportunities for lowest-incame Minnesotans. State welfare reform efforts must not adversely affect either to housing prospects of recipients or the state's overall stock of affordable lousing. We oppose any effort to count a portion of a household's housing subsidy against its cash grant. Such a proposal is a short-sighted attempt to save money, at a direct and long-term cost to welfare recipients as well as housing authorities. Recipients whow cash grants are cut by $100 will realize a net loss of $70 in cash each month. Although this sum might seem negligible, it amounts to a significant percentage of the total monthly grant. As these families return to work, they will realize increased transportation, child care, clothing. and other costa. A loss of disposable income will be a loss of "start-up" costs in each family's effort to successfully begin work. The "5100 provision" will adversely impact the agencies which administer federally -subsidized housing, as well. The federal regulations which govern die Section 8 and Public Housing programs require that tenants pay 300,6 of gross adjusted mondhhy income toward housing costs. When these incomes drop $100 each monk die housing authorities will be required to refigure the subsid:• shat each family receives. Subsidies will increase as family incomes decrease. HUD's latest estimate is that in Minnesota 58.9 million in increased subsidies will be required annually. Federal housing assistance is not an entitlement—operation and preservation of federally -assisted properties are subject to Federal appropriations. Over the past two years, federal housing appropriations have been cut by over 25%. Minnesota has no guarantee that Congress will make up any of the $8.9 million deficiency. The long tern costs of this proposal are too great to justify the immediate savings. Deferred maintenance on assisted units will decrease property values in surrounding communities. Income. mixing in units (which will become necessary if marry housing projects are to remain viable) will mean that fewer low-income families with be served. Many families receiving public assistance will be forced to use up more of their five-year lifetime limit as they try to move to work with decreased resources. For all of these reasons, we oppose the "5100 provisiod". Minnesota must not overlook housing as a fimdamemal component of its family support system, and it must not ask a portion of welfare recipients to fmance its welfare reform efforts. MEMO V i CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH. MN 55"7 DATE: March 12, 1997 for Housing and Redevelopment Authority Mating of March 20, 1997 TO: Anne W. Hurlbut, Executive Director FROM;. Edward J. Goldsmith, HRA Supervisor ( , SUBJECT: NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS According to the HRA bylaws, the election of officers is to take place at the time of the annual mating in March of each year. Currently. the ofiaers for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority are held by the following: Chair David Crain Vke•Chair John Edson Secretary Vacant I recommend that the Board nomloate and elect new officers. r N DATE: March 12, 1997 for Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting of March 20, 1997 TO: Anne Hurlburt, Community Development Director FROM: Edward Goldsmith, HRA Supervisor Oe SUBJECT: 1996 Annual Report of Housing and Redevelopment Authority Activities The following is the report of 1996 activities undertaken by the Plymouth Housing and, Redevelopment Authority: SECTION 8 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM During the cause of 1996, there has been a number of exciting and challenging changes in the administration of the Section 8 Housing Assistance program by the Plymouth HRA. At the Federal level, HUD developed a variety of changes to the Section 6 prop,.. -Pm regulations which affected the administration of Section 8 in Plymouth. Stats has incorly -, !-4 these regulation changes into its Section 8 Administrative Plan (only two other metre housing agencies have accomplished this). Staff spoke at a Plymouth Apartment Ma:,b. Association meeting and a Minnesota CrunL-Free Multi -Housing Association training explain and discuss how the Federal changes affect their tenants. Material explaining the nrw changes was developed and sent to all landlords participating in the Section 8 program in the City. The Plymouth HRA took over the administration of 29 Section 8 Vouchers being used in Plymouth which were formerly administered through the Metropolitan HRA. As of December, 1996 the number of voucher holders in Plymouth increased to 34 clients. Administering vouchers has both increased the client load and increased the number of eligible landlords (as some unit rents are ineligible for the certificate program but, eligible for the voucher program). Staff also saw a slight increase in the 1 Porting to other jurisdictions of from nine in 1995 to four in 1996. This has caused a slight urease in the number of certificates Plymouth HRA is actually administering. This significant increase in workload was absorbed by existing HRA staff with minimal additional administrative cost. As the number of portable clients residing in Plymouth has creased and the cumber of Plymouth Mems residing elsewhere has decreased, the number of administrative foes paid to the Plymouth HRA has increased. In 1996. Plymouth was paid $45,693.13 for portable clients administered by Plymouth and Plymouth paid $3,127.08 to other housing agencies for administering our portable clients. Compared to 1995, in which $29.629.46 was received by Plymouth and $7,412.60 was paid out. The combination of the HUD regulation changes that have made it easier for laodlorda to discontinue their participation in the Section 8 program while rental vacancies have decreased and rents have creased has made it .more difficult for staff and clients to find affordable housing in Plymouth. In order to maintain the number of units eligible for the program, staff made an application for exceptions to the Section 8 certificate program's Fair Market Rent (FMR) limits for Plymouth. HUD can approve such requests up to 20% over the FMR. HUD approved that request in November 1996. The current rent limits are: Unfit Size HUD Metro FMR Exception Rem Percent over FMR 1 Bedroom 486 575 18% 2 Bedroom 621 745 20% 3 Bedroom 841 984 17% 4 Bedroom 932 096 Too few qualhft tour bedroom uft exit in Plymaah toiutdy neo exception ram. HUD will eomider iedividud exeepdam on a cue by ase basis up m 20% over the Ftd9t. As of December 1, 1996, there were 18 apartment complexes and 7 single property owners with active Section 8 tenants. In December 1, 1993 there were 13 apartment complexes and 7 single Property owners Participating. Only three of the single property owners were participants in both 1995 and 1996. The increase in the number of complexes that are current participants is due to our assumption of the administration of the Metropolitan HRA's Section 8 vouchers; however, only 8 complexes are currently accepting new Section 8 tenants. Two of the participating complexes have limited their participation to no more than 25% of their units being leased to Section 8 tenants. It is anticipated that more complexes will choose to limit the muriber or percent of units under rem to Section 8 clients. Our average rent subsidy has creased for each bedroom size. Housing Assistance Payments HAP) for December 1996 averaged $481 while the average HAP in December 1995 was $445. This is consistent with the average gross rent of the assisted units which creased from $657 in December of 1995 to $684 in December of 1996. The average Total Tenant Payment (TTP) towards rem and utilities remained constant with a slight drop from $205 in December, 1995 to 199 in December, 1996. 2 Average Rent 19921998 5• roe eW • 200 AAI 0, TTP During 1996, Plymouth HRA did not accept any new applications for the Section 8 program. Stats made selections for the program from the waiting list of 179 households that was established in September, 1993. As of December 31, 1996 the waiting list for assistance contains 75 households. The decrease in W-.icants is due to selections made from the waiting list and households removed from the waiting list because they were no longer interested or in need of rental assistance. During 1996, 27 certificates were turned over to new clients as other clients "a the program. In July, 1995, Plymouth HRA in Cooperation with the St. Louis Park 1999 TRAILS Padkipaut Aadvlttee Housing Authority and tie Employment nsaaem M Action Center established a family self- 13% sufficiency program for housing rau seam assistance recipients of the two housing 7S% Jj t q"W agencies. The program is entitled voeasaw m% i TRAZW (Training and Resources to Tmkft tat% Attain Individual Long-term Success). Employment ACtton Center rs provudmg case management for the TRAITS clients, the two agencies renewed the contract with Employment Action Center for case managementservices in July, 1996. There are currently 23 clients participating from the Plymouth Section 8 program. The goal is to keep 24 Plymouth clients engaged in the program. Once there are 24 active clients, a waiting list will be formed. The TRAELS program provides a financial incentive to participants to obtain living wage employment. The incentive is that as clients' incomes increase and their housing assistance decrease, the HRA will contribute funds to an escrow account. Once the client has completed their family self-sufficiency contract.• the escrow account may be released to them. The program has shown to be very successful. One Plymouth client has already completed the Contract of Participation after accumulating $918.00 in their escrow account. As of December 31. 1996, eleven clients were contributing to an escrow account with monthly contributions between $14.00 and $361.00. 3 Average ttlonmry Eeerow conteibudoaa IM 8 eo.ao , 8,40.00 8,20.00 00.00 MAD 40.00 loan s• Section 8 Program Goals for 1997 Continue to operate the program within budget. Comply with all applicable federal rules and regulations. Maintain a 10096 certificate utilization rate. Develop activities to encourage more Plymouth landlords to participate in the program. PMIINT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAMS The Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) is responsible for administering the Federal Government's Community Block Gram Program for the City of Plymouth. Each year. the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides financial assistance to the City of Plymouth in the form of an annual federal grant. The grant amount varies from year to year. depending on both the formula established by HUD as well as the amount of flmding approved by Congress and the President. In 1996 the City of Plymouth was awarded a total of 323,000, which was equal to the amount awarded in 1993. In 1996, the Plymouth City Council approved a funding schedule proposed by the HRA, rccommendiog the following prograi.: appropriations: 1. Housing Rehabilitation Program 103.000 2. Affordable Housing Assists= 73.300 3. Hammer Residences 30,000 4. Greater Minneapolis Day Can Association (GMDCA) 23.500 3. West Tonka Community Action Network (WeCAN) 7.500 6. Community Action for Suburban Hennepin (CASH) 7,300 7. City of Plymouth Park and Recreation Scholarships 5.000 B. TRAILS 2.000 9. Administration 52.000 The City Council approved this funding schedule prior to HUD's determination of the final award amount. The total amount of CDBG program funds was estimated at $304.000, including an anticipated $4,000 in program income. The Council approval provided that 85 percent of all E CDBG funds in excess of $300,WD would be allocated to the Affordable Housing Assistance 4 program and 15 percent would be allocated to the TRAILS program. Funding to these two programs was thus increased by $19.550 and $3,450 respectively. The tems-•ider of this report briefly summarizes the functions and accomplishments of the eight activities listed above. In 1975 the City of Plymouth issued a grant to an elderly couple living in a converted cabin within 30 feet of Medicine Lake. Their well had gore dry and the City grant helped to pay for the cost of book -up to City water. This assistance marked the emergence of the Hone Rehabilitation Program and it has run contimrously ever since. Approximately 175 homes have been improved since that first grant was awarded. Demsod for assistance has varied from year to year with 1996 having the largest number of applicants processed for assistance. This was due to an excess demand for assistance that started in the summer of 1995. Applications received in 1995 were held over for nearly a year until the next year's funding became available in early 1996. A total of 29 applications have been received since February 1995 and many of these applicants have now been approved for assistance. Work is being completed on seven homes where repairs were started in late 1994 and early 1995 but were delayed due to the excess demand. Applications for emergency repairs are given a first priority with other applications approved based upon date of application. During 1996 eleven homeowner received funding for a variety of bome improvements. A total of 52,841 was expended through the end of 1996. With a balance of $61,094 available. the City has adequate funding available through June 30, 1997, the end of the .1996 finding year. Program income received in 1996 was $11.865. Considerable effort was put into revising the Housing Rehabilitation Guide in 1996. This revised guide was approved by the HRA on November 19. 1996. One of the major features of the revised guide is its emphasis on encouraging homeowner applicants to utilize other funding sources where available and appropriate before the City's fulls. This will allow the HRA and City to assist more residents. Affordable HmIsill Amistartee This activity is also referred to as the Plymouth First Time Homebuyer Program and has provided financial assistance to first time homebuyers since 1990. For the last two years the HRA has made an effort to combine this assistance with programs sponsored by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency MWA). In 1995 the City of Plymoutht< participated in the MHFA Minnesota City Participation Program (MCPP) and in 1996 we began participating in the MHFA Community Activity Set -Aside (CASA) Program. Under the CASA program a total of one million dollars in mortgage financing at 6.8% interest has been set-aside by MHFA for first time homebuyers in the City of Plymouth. Five area lenders have been approved by MHFA to qualify buyers under this program. The lenders are Residential Mortgage Group of St. Louis Park, Family Mortgage of Plymouth, Inland Mortgage of St. Louis Park, Bell Mortgage of St. Louis Park and Norwest Mortgage of Maple Grove. A total of seven homebuyers have closed on Plymouth residences in 1996 utilizing $563,467 in MHFA mortgage money. There is a total of $436,533 remaining to be utilized by April 26, 1997. Two of the homebuyers wbo received CASA mortgage money have also received City First Time Homebuyer Program assistance, while another homebuyer needed only City assistance. As of year end. a total of $30,849 of CDBG funding has been expended on this activity. The program generated $9,000 in income in 1996. ending the year with a balance of $72,037 available to provide additional assistance. One of the most challenging aspects of making this program worm in Plymouth is the high cost of housing in the City. The MHFA programs limit the purchase price of a horse to under $95.000. Every year housing under this amount in Plymouth becomes less and less available. Rarely will a first time homebuyer find a single family detached home selling for under $95,000. We have encouraged MHFA officials to raise the maximum sale price but they have responded that state- wide the limit is reasonable and their funding is fully expended each year. The CDBG program heads do not have this price limitation but potential Plymouth itonebuyers still face the very serious shortage of hones priced at an affordable level. This non-profit corporation nerves developmentally disabled and other special needs persons by providing group horsing accommodations in the communities of Plymouth, Wayzata and Minnetonka. Hammer Residences have provided this service for over 70 years. Currently. 13 of time group hones are located in Plymouth. In 1995. the City allocated $30.000 toward handicapped accessibility improvements at the Tyler Residence to provide for a wheelchair lift to a physical therapy area in the basement. This work has been completed and residents are now able to enjoy access to a large open ares for physical therapy. Greg Minneapolis Daffy Care Association (GMDCA) The GMDCA provides financial assistance to qualifying families to cover the cost of day care for their children. Subsidy payments are based on family income. This activity has been funded with City CDBG funds for the last 13 years. During the last ten years the HRA has provided from 20,000 to $25,000 annually. In 1996 this activity received $23,500. As of the end of December, 12,164 has been expended leaving a balance of $11,338. By December 31, a total of 8 households with 13 children receiving child care services have been assisted with sliding scale assistance payments to their day care providers. West Tonics Community Action Network (WeCAN) This year was the first time the HRA provided a grant award to WeCAN, a non-profit agency serving thirteen western Hennepin County suburbs. A total of $7,500 was allocated to this agency to assist unemployed and under -employed Plymouth residents to find jobs or to receive job training. WeCAN has served 26 residents in 1996 and 13 residents were placed in jobs or career training programs. The average wage at placement for the 10 persons placed in jobs was $9.95 per hour. WeCAN used its funding allocation from tie HRA for job counseling, outreach and job development along with the cost of printing. mailing and supplies for the Plymouth component of the Jobs Program Job Link computer services. 1 6 Commuoky Adion for Suburban Hennepin (CASH) The HRA has provided funding for this non-profit agency in the past and reallocated funds for 1996. In 1996 die HRA awarded $7,300 to CASH to fund two of its programs offered through its HOME Line program: tenant counseling services and mortgage foreclosure prevention counseling. As yet a final request for rem has not been made by CASH but an earlier release showed that the Tenant Hotline bad taken 181 unduplicated calls and die Homeowner Counseling service had conducted 13 unduplicated counseling sessions during the first six months of 1996. We anticipate this fulling will be fully expended within the next two months. City of Plymouth Parc and Retireetlon Scholarships 1996 marks the third year the HRA has provided funding to this City sponsored program. This prograut is designed to enable youngsters from lower income families to enjoy Park and Recreation Department programs at a reduced cost. A total of $3,000 was made available for scholarships for the 1996 program year. As of December 31, 1996, $3,039.93 had been expended to provide assistance to 66 individuals from 40 households to attend 96 activities. Traidug and Resources to Attain Individual Long-term Success (TRAILS) A report on this activity is part of the 1996 Annual Report on the Section 8 Housing Assistance Program. bddally $2,000 in 1996 CDBG assistance was allocated for this activity but an additional $3,430 was made available when die final 1996 gram award was dere mined by HUD, bringing the total allocation amount to $3,430. These funds are being applied toward the cost of administering the program in Plymouth. See the preceding report on die 'ERA's Section 8 Program for additional information. Total Number of Plymouth How Served Through CDBG Programs Administered TWouab the Plymouth HRA. Prole Number of Number of Households Served Individuals Served Housing Rehabilitation Program I 1 households Affordable Housing Assistance 8 households Hammer ResidencesMler Residence Greater Minneapolis Day Can Association (GMDCA) West Tonka Community Action Network WeCAN) Community Action for Suburban Hennepin (CASH) City of Plymouth Park'and Recreation Scholarships 6 individuals 8 households 13 children 26 individuals 214 individuals 66 individuals TRAILS 27 individuals Total Number of households served 27 households Total Number of h0viduals served 392 Individuals Pn nrodoo of Fair Homing Activities Under the CDBO regulations the HRA is required to promote fair housing activities to address issues of housing discrimination. To this end the HRA elected to continue its participation in the Suburban Hennepin County Fair Housing Initiative. The initiative provides funding to promote fair homing choice, testing, enforcement, information -annd referral in suburban Hennepin County. The $1,300 allocated from the HRA General Fund for 1996. was matched with $2,000 from the City of Bloomington, and $33.000 from the Hennepin County CDBG program. Services for the Fair Homing Initiative are provided by The Suburban Hennepin Anti -Racism Coalition, the Minnesota Fair Homing Center, and the Housing Discrimination Law Project of the Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis under contract to Hennepin County. CDBG Program Goals for 1997 Operate the Program within budget. Comply with all applicable federal rules and regulations. Develop revised guidelines for the First Time Homebuyer Program. Have 80% of 1996 fading spent or committed by the rad of 1997. During 1996 Plymouth Towne Square (FTS) completed its second year of occupancy. The year began with all 99 units tally occupied. Walker Management contin rd as manager of the property under a management contract with the HRA. The HRA conducted a review of Walker's management of the property and compared it to management available from a number of other private management frons. The conclusion of the review was that Walker Management was providing an exceptionally high level of management services to the MRA and the Plymouth Towne Square residents at the most reasonable cost. As a result the management agreement with Walker was extended for an additional year. A prune focus of operations at Plymouth Towne Square during the year las been the continuing development of a spirit of community among the residents and providing residents with opportu- nities to be involved in activities that encourage both emotional and physical health. Activities at Towne Square during the year have included building celebrations for St. Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Older Americans Month (May). National Night Out. FTS's second anniversary October). Halloween. Thanksgiving, and Christmas. There were monthly pancake breakfasts open to all residents, their families and friends; monthly resident get-&Wthas; monthly celebrations of residents' birthdays, movies on Saturday nights; and weekly toffee hours, one for all residents and one for men only. Money and labor were contributed by the residents to construct garden plots that were used by I 1 residents. An .outdoor gas barbecue grill and picnic table were installed for the use of the residents. Money was raised by the residents to purchase a pool table for the activities room. In spite of some initial concerns, the pool table has become quite an attraction for residents. A munber of women residents have taken up the sport for the first time. Monthly wellness clinics that include blood pressure checks by a Walker nurse and wellness seminars with speakers on health topics have been available at the building. The Greater Lake Country Food Bank provides donated foods to help residents to stretch their budgets. Congressman Ranatad and County Commissioner Penny Steele each paid visits to the building sponsored by the Food Banc. Congressman Ramstad donated a United States flag for the building. 8 The flag had been flown above the Capital building in Washington. DC before it was presented to Towne Square. r-1 The year ended with a number of construction issues being resolved. A solution was found for the fasciathat had blown off of the building and it was replaced by the contractor. The cause for water seepage near the electrical panel in the basement was identified and corrected. The settlement cracks in the abeetrock were patched. All of this work was done at no cost to the HRA by the building contractor. Some additional work was paid for by the HRA. Roof gutters were added in a munber of areas with poor drainage to eliminate water seepage into the basement. Snow/ice diverters were installed over the entranceway to reduce the possibility of falling ice at the drive-up and entrance to the building. It was determined that winter ceiling leaks could be related to the attic ventilation. These will be further investigated in 1997 and a solution proposed. The year ended with one vacancy at the building. Occupancy at the end of the year included: Average Total 1 Person 2 Person Average Average MonthlyHouseholdsHouseholdsHouseholdsWomenMenAgeIncomeSubsidy 96 71 25 90 29 75 years $13,311 $206 64 tenant households received low income subsidies averaging $131 per month. 33 tenant homeholds received very low income subsidies averaging $352 per month. 27 very low income tenant housebolds, receiving low income subsidies, were on a waiting list for very low income subsidies at the end of the year. 279 eligible senior households were on a waiting list for apartments at PTS at the end of the year. Of three households 166 were low income ($17,351 for a single person / $19,831for a couple to 27,80 / $31,750) and 113 were very low income (less than $17,350 / $19,850). Plymouth Townie Square Program Coals for 1997 Operate the facility within budget. Continue to monitor Walker Management's operation of the facility.. Resolve remaining construction issues HOUSING REVENUE BONDS During 1996 HRA staff continued to use the City's authority to issue tax-exempthousing revenue bonds to leverage additional resources for affordable housing in Plymouth. Parkside Apartments at Medicine Labe completed occupancy of the 21 fruits that were required to be set-aside at affordable rents at 60% of metropolitan area medium income as a condition of the City's issuance of tax- exempt housing revenue refunding bonds in 1995. Sixteen (76%) of these units were occupied by persons with incomes below 50% of metropolitan area medium income, the remaining five units 24%) are occupied by persons between 50% and 60% of area medium income. One of these units houses a participant in the ERA's Section 8 rent assistance program. Tax-exempt refunding bonds totaling $11,500,000 were issued for Fox Forest Apartments during 1996. Staff attempted to negotiate rents for a small portion of these units that would be affordable to low income persons. However, during these negotiations it became apparent that it would be economically infeasible to provide affordable rem because of the existing rent structure. As an alternative, an annual bond fee of $30,000 to be paid to the HRA to support affordable housing in 9 Plymouth was agreed upon with the owners. The fee is to be paid send-atmually, for the term of the bonds. The bond tenn is a minimum of ten to a maximum of twenty years. Tax exempt bonds totaling $7,685,000 were also issued for the purchase and rehabilitation of the At the Lake Apartments. Federal statutes and regulations require that 20% of the units at this property must be occupied by Persons with household Pncomes no higher than 50% of the metropolitan area median income, but with no rental or affordability restrictions. As a condition of the issuance of these bonds, HRA staff required that an additional 20 (10%) of the units in At the Lake Apartments must be affordabb to and occupied by persons with incomes no higher than 50% of the area median. At the aid of 1996, At the Lake was in the process of renting -up these affordable units. Rewsme Bond Program Goals for 1997 Continue to utilize City's ability to issue revenue bonds for private development to encourage and support affordable housing. Develop City revenue bond policies that will support affordable housing. UAPLEMENTA77ON OF THE METROPOLITAN LIVABLE COM MUNITITS ACT During 1996, HRA staff took the lead in developing the City's response to die requirements of the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act (MLCA). Development of the near Housing Plan and Housing Implementation Program that was adopted by the City Council as the City's MLCA Housing Action Plan was primarily accomplished by HRA staff. The Plan was fust presented to the HRA for review and then the Planting Commission before its submission to the City Councilforadoption. The Plan was subsequently given favorable reviews by the Metropolitan Council staff and housing advocacy groups in the metropolitan area. HRA staff have- talon the initiative in implementation of the City's Housing Plan. This has Included working with private developers, City staff, local organizations and other government agencies to promote development that supports the City's housing goals. The twenty units of affordable housing that was included as part of the At The Lake Apartments revenue bond issue were part of this initiative. Discussions with The Roulund Company, Inc., ComnmonBond Communities, and Ftansen Real Estate regarding their housing development proposals in Plymouth have focused on meeting the City's Livable Communities housing goals. At the end of 1996, HRA staff presented a recommendation that the City continue its participation in the MLCA for 1997. This recommendation was presented to the HRA and Planning Commission for their support before it was presented to .the City Council for adoption.. On November 6, 1996, the Council elected to continue participation in the MLCA for 1997. Metropol tan Livable Canmtioifhe Program Goals for 1997 Continue impkmemation of the City's Housing Plan. Encourage private developers to include affordable and lifecycle housing development that meets the City's Housing Goals. Work with the Rottlund Company and Finasen Real Estate on development of their proposals to encourage quality development that will be well managed and contribute to meeting the City's Housing Gosh. As appropriate utilize available resources including opportunities to apply for Minnesota Housing Fins uoe Agency (MHFA). Metropolitan Council, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other funding sources to support development that mats the City's Housing Goals. 10 Respond appropriately to other opportunities for affordable and lifecycle housing as they occur. Work with individuals and groups within the City to develop support within the community for implementation of the City's Housing Goals. HOUSING DeROVE302U AREA On August 1, 1996. new state legislation went into effect that authorizes cities to create Housing Improvement Areas (HIA) for the purpose of making improvements to private residential property in a specific arra and charging the costs to the affected properties. The statute requires that a minimum of 25% of the owners of the property in the area must petition the City to create the HIA. Objections from either 3396 of the residents or residential property owners in the arra can pervert establishment of the HIA. Establishment of the HIA is solely at the discretion of the City subject to the preceding actions. Representatives of two homeowner associations contacted HRA staff during 1996 regarding City assistance in financing improvements to their townbomes. They were made aware of the new, Housing Improvement Area legislation. On December 18, 1996, petitions were received from homeowners in the Shenandoah Townhomes to establish a HIA for the purpose of installing new siding on their building. Houslmg Impirovennul; Area Program Goals for 1997 Work with Shenandoah Townhomes to process their petition and perform any necessary follow- up. Respond to inquiries regarding use of the Housing wnprovement Area legislation HRA REPRESENTATION IN LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING DISCUSSIONS HRA staff have been active in representing the HRA and the City in a number of local, state-wide and regional initiatives for affordable housing. As members of the National Association of Housing and Pedevelopmett Officials (NAHRO) and the Minnesota Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies the HRA staff is kept up to Gxc on activities at the state and federal levels. In addition staff have participated in meetings with County. Metro, State. and Federal officials and elected representatives to discuss programs and legislation that affect local activities related to housing development. HRA staff have also been active in a number of metropolitan initiatives to improve the administration of affordable housing programs in the region. Staff meets quarterly with officials front the local office of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and staff from other housing agencies in the metropolitan area to discuss administration of the Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Staff are participating in meetings Meld by HUD to discuss and resolve issues that have been raised by local housing officials in the administration of the Public Housing units that are to be disbursed among suburban communities as part of the settlement of the Holhman vs. Cisneros at al lawsuit brought against HUD, the City of Minneapolis. Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, Minneapolis Community Development Agency, and the Metropolitan Council by Minompolis Legal Aid and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People NAACP). Staff is participating in an initiative of the Minneapolis -St. Paul Family Housing FundJandtheMcKnightFoundationtodevelopmechanismsthatsupportthedevelopmemofwell designed and managed affordable housing in suburban communities. Staff is also actively involved 11 in the development of "The HousingLink, a metropolitan affordable housing clearinghouse 'and information center that is being established to work with affordable housing providers, social service agencies, low and moderate income renters, and other government agencies to improve the system of linking those in need of affordable housing to available resources. HRA Rep on at Affordable Housing Discussions Goals for 1997 Contimte to participate as appnortiate in local meetings on affordable housing. to represent the City's interests and to maintain recognition of Plymouth as a connmumity concerned about meeting demonstrated needs for affordable and life -cycle housing. Continm. to maintain knowledge about affordable and life -cycle housing including local, regional, state, and federal resources and programs. Keep the appropriate City officials advised about any policies. programs, legislation. or other activities that would affect the City. PLYMOUTH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND In 1996. the HRA was designnpted by the City Council to administer the Plymouth Economic Development Fund (PERF). During the year the HRA participated in the development of the guidelines for the Fund. The Fund will be capitalized from the first $1110.000 in principal plus interest tubba paid by Value R. in repayment of a loan from the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development's (DIED) Economic Recovery Program (ERP). Over a two year period, beginning in 1997. approximately $125,000 in repayments are expected to be deposited into the PEDF. The ERP loan to Value R. was approved by DTED in December. 1996. The PEDF is intended to provide loans at favorable terms for business activities in Plymouth that would make feasible projects, which create new jobs, increase the tax base. or leverage other needed economic development funds. Once the fund has been capitalized. the HRA will be able to publicize the availability of funding. Plymouth Eeonomk Development Funtd Program Goals for 1997 Develop administrative procedures for operation of the Fund. Develop a publicity strategy for the Fund. HOME REMODELING FAIRS For the forst time, the HRA participated in two area home remodeling fairs as a means of encouraging Plymouth homeowners to improve and upgrade their homes. The City of Plymouth staved as a sponsor of the Northwest Suburban Remodeling Fair, along with the cities of Robbitnadale, Crystal, New Hope, Brooklyn Center, and Brooklyn Park. CO-OP Northwest and the Northwest Hennepin Human .Services Council. HRA staff was actively involved in the planning. promotion. and operation of rhe Fair. The Fair was held on Saturday, March 16,1996, at the Park Center High SchoA. The HRA also promoted the Hots Remodeling Fair sponsored by the cities of St. Louis Put, Golden Valley, Hopkins and Minnetonka at the Eisenhower Community Center held on Sunday February 25, 1996. Heme Remodeling Fairs ProWam Goals for 1997 Participate with other cities in remodeling fairs for 1997. Increase proaotional.efform to encourage Plymouth bomeowners to attend these fairs. 12 MVAI 0Kel" ,14;kNA4i[•];cN4;rd4 w mwe were. March 12, 1997 FAST IWK Mmmm Fanny Im aW Regon . MAP Fah-o1 11A.R s. . Mr. Edward J. Goldsmith vim$ Wag a Amaro Now Supervisor ftwvlknrimmb en Housing and Redevelopment Authorityei. M paw Meq.were City of Plymouth cep« 3400 Plymouth Blvd. aroom.a waw: mgbn, Moyle ww*« pmr" Plymouth, Mn. 55447 SOM 2M Subr,ban Ab" PA wti, cAN Job ecu Dear Ed: re1M ee... Hw1i'm Wiga hawF.ndosed is the monthly outcome report for the T.R.A.I.L.S. Program for February. No. chwm SAurbon VOA PA As the report shows, Tracy has 65 participants wrreruly enrolled, and we will be continuing our rwuitment efforts in Plymouth both to fill current slots and to replace participants that successfully complete the program or leave for other reasons. Next months quarterly report will provide more detailed information on."'the progress of participants in the T.R.A.I.L.S. program. Than you and please contact rum at 9241272 if you have any questions or concerns. T. Meehan Program Director J6715 Minnetonka Boulevard, Suite 212 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55426 612) "S-9195 FAX 924.1295 TDD 924.1297 An EqW OwwWwyrAlrwWwe Acton wAOow T.R.A.I.L.S. FSBRyARY,1997 Outcome Report Py 096 ( July 1,1996 - June 30, 1997) current Cummulative Month P!! 1996 t1lO1RAGINLIA Plymouth 0 St..Louis Park Q ZOtal 0 Employed Vocational Training English as a Second Language Job Search Assessment M" W Elm A= 18-24 1 0 25-30 10 15 31-40 10 19 41-50 1 5 50+ 2 2 Ram 24 Al 65 PY96 Man B m z= 35 13 22 12 5 7 1 0 1 11 4 7 A a 4 65 24 41 African Americanlx8 X19 European Americanl6 22 Z@ZMLOdtidna,l (Cumulative) Hot Self -Sufficiency Goals i Withdrawal by Participant 3 Administrative termination 4 Sec.S portability transfer i Eli® A= 13 13 Elm SLE 1 2 1 3 1 i 24 60 am Female E23® A35 hale 1 6 e GMDCA.. F=3 l GREATER MINNEAPOLIS DAY CARE ASSOCIATION 1628 Elliot Avenue South Child Care Leadership and Services Tel. (612) 41-1177 04-1657 En (612)341.4356 February 24,1997. Vo w'TDD (612) 341-2066 David Crane,Chair of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Members of the Housing Authority City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Piymouth,MN 55447 Dear Mr. Crane and Housing Authority Members, Thank you for all the time you gave me to explain the GMDCA child care sliding fee program Thursday night. I apologize that I was not better informed. Today I met with Laurie Poesin, director of the subsidy program here at GMDCA. First of all Laurie reminded me that your funding cycle changed last year,so that GMDCA was trying to spread last year's allotment over 18 montha,not 12 months. Then she stated that late last November Hennepin County took 500 families off the waiting list on to the subsidy program. This meant that all the Plymouth families were moved on to county funding. So applications were sent out to the topsixPlymouthfamiliesonthewaitinglist. None of these families responded. So another ten applications were sent out to the next Plymouth families on the waiting list. There is now one Plymouth family being served with your money. Laurie said that her staff will immediately send out more applications to Plymouth families on the waiting list. As you pointed out,and Laurie concurred,vith 88 Plymouth families on the waiting list,there are surely other families that should be served. I asked Laurie about statistics on how many PlymouthfamiliesalsoworkinPlymouth. That information is not on the computer,but they could get it from the information forms. Laurie said that about 5% of all those families on the subsidy program drop off because they lose/leave their jobs. I am enclosing the evaluation of the subsidy programs that GMDCA did last summer,to give you more information abouttheprogram. Thank you again for your past support of the program. I hope this letter answers your questions. If not -please call and I will get more information for you. Sincerely, Warrts Community Lia igp PUBLIC EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY Kf:FtRRALS • CAREGIVER TRAINING • FEE SUBSIDIES Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association - 1996 Subsidy Program Summary /,% Total Number of children served = 1607 Total Number families served = 994 Total Dollars spent on direct service = $3,505,808 Total Number of families placed on the waiting list = 1436 Minneapolis Emergenry Fund served 138 children from 83 families. $51,816 wan spent oa services thisEmerlyMethodistHospitalFoundation), to be able to serve families in the western suburbs. This year weed11childrenfrom17familieswithemergencychildcarefromthisfund. American Indian Scholarship Fund served 22 children from 20 families. Fundutg for this program isprovidedbytheO.P. and W. E. Edwards Foundation, with $44,926 spent in FY 19%. Increased [unding became available for the State Sliding Fee Program because the State Legislaturesupportedincreasesfortheprogrambothin1996andintheupcoming1997FiscalYear.In partnership withHennepinCounty, an additional 500 families will be served because of the new finds available. GMDCAservedatotalof1064childrenfrom636families, spending $2,920,760 on the State A(Basic) Sliding FeeProgram. i Suburban Parent's Assistance Funds helped 121 families and 172 children during Fiscal Year 1996. Wedisbursed $179,244 in assistance to child cage providers on behalf of parents living in communities wheretheaelectedofficialswantedtoassistparentswhowereonthecounty -wide waiting list. This moneyslwrtensthewaitingperiodbyatleasttwomonthsforfamiliesinthosecontmumties. The participating citieswere; Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Edina, Eden Prairie, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, New Hope, Plymouth, Richfield, Robbiesdale and St. Louis Park. Minneapolis Parent's Assistance Fund'served 89 families and 143 children with $199,623 spent on childcareassistance. In addition, there were 34 families and 51 children served by Minnapoii—Employment andTrainingagreements, totalling $104,532 for services. Subsidy Program Clients were surveyed by mail in June, 19% to assess the satisfaction level o[ theirexperienceswhilegettingassistancefromouragency. 95 % of parents rated our services as very effectiveandtheyfeelweareheretoservetheminthemostusefulwaypossible. Their concerns were the longwaitinglistandtherepetitivepaperworktheyhavetodotokeepre -applying for services. When asked how this program helps them, they gave the following responses: Able to fund good quality, safe child care (24%) Allows for meeting basic costs of living (19%) Kept a 'ob (1796) Kept o of welfare (1396) Improved rurality of life for family (9%) Ratstd paractpant'a self-esteem (7%) Relieved signtfrcant emotional stress due to debt (7%) Found abetter job (6%) Started or able to stay in school (6%) Able to afford better housing (495) Kept family from being split a art (3%) Able to purchase or fix car (3' ) Finished school and found job (3 95) Got off public assistance or unemployment (3 ;''o) Kept children from being left .alone (2'%) Covers what child support does not (2 %) r% Dip FEB 7 V99-1 wrstonka lulllmty Action Netwo& Eswpmy Assidanco • Meals on Wheels • Human Semim • job Dealopawnt & PlwmuM ad M=ouna, MN SX 612) 02 -OM 612) 6728389 (EA>n Now W" SL IRWIN NOPM lwaM mmom w. m aWs a orue ar Ater oar aW' rr m., ft-r.weua bra"""' 0010m aGll+nre-/. gia ammmo r ARPOW wraO WR WCO .. rrr. a:r i0 w waw war wrrArwrrwara s+w Amm aw`"6nss ~ w o. % pWW ai..ry rrsr rrr ww Nuorrr owa.wn. AW. s.... ATM imoiikmp A.n°Arww A m m imm p.r.r February 25,1997 Mr. Ed GW mkh Plymouth HRA City of PWnouthRand P"wul . MN 55447 Dear Mr. Goldsmith. At the HRA meeting lad week. the Co nmissloners warted to know about lob a80gmw t° at Plymouth budnesses. E d Is a Rd Of 00 Jobs15W*mses In Plymoulh that hired participants You may also be interested to know that CWwO I our Job LinkcomputersystemisNsong95jobordersonfileBrombusinesses In Plymouth, 83 of #me are tar full time posiham These job orders represent 348 open poeili m. Please share this mtonnmm with the CommmeWisrs when you get a diance. Thsnksl Sincerely, LIM mm Sonnen WeCAN Executive Director PLYMOUTH JOB PLACEMENTS EMPLOYER POSITION FILLED PLACEMENT DATE IWAGE PER HOUR Anssfdate Ino. Collections spedelid AmMi 10 Carlson Comporw Customer Service OC1451 SS Cookies by DoWy Cookie Decorator Oeml is EnWtakrment Publications 011ioa AdmkdsbM r Dec -061 10 Everween Lawns S7 Olden StdWw Qenerd OF= Ju185 71 MeaSB 11.50 Mot oorn Solea Mares 17 Mimrtedr P r6s 6.50 Peterson Hama Care Hama Hes*i Aide JurnS6 SS Polaris kduwies Wad Processor 10.50 Radisson lHowdumong 1 56.25 SWonwWW-homo=wsVon jHWw IOd-S:i S7 Wayzift High SdrodLead fo-d—ndsn I Odm 11.50 Water Tech Corporabon IAsssmWJul-9.'i 57.50 Pape 1