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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes 07-20-1993e-1 MffqrM PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY JULY 20,1993 A meeting of the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority was called to order by Chairman David Crain on July 20, 1993 at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: Chairman David Crain, Commissioners John Edson, Pauline Milner, Phil Blatt and Brian Warhol ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Acting Executive Director Dwight Johnson, Housing Sp&, -b t Milt Dale., and Housing Secretary Denise Hutt APPROVAES Motion by Commissioner Edsoj, seconded by Commissioner Warhol to recommend approval of the July 13, 1993 minutes. Vote. S Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously. 14 1; • I' I 1 :_: 1 y 1 --fly JI ,I 1 jllm Dan Nelp f of Best dt Flanagan informed Commissioners that the bonds would need to be authori',A 50 to 120 days after the public hearing. He stated that because there are no costs in hand for the construction bidding it would be . premature for the Commissioners to adopt the resolution. Construction contracts and approval of the bonds should take piece sometime in August. Chairman Crain opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to speak on the issue. MOTION by Chairman Crain, seconded by Commissioner Belson tabling any action on the rea6hotion for general obligation pledge for the senior housing project. Vote. S Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously. EKKIOR HOUSING UPDATE Mr. Nelwa addressed the issue of Rhe Shelter Rent cost listed in the financial pro - forma. State law provides all property of housing authorities are exempt from property taxes but, housing authority are required to pay five percent of shelter rent to the county assessor. These dollars go to school districts and the county in the same manner as do property taxes. The five percent of Shelter Rent is a statutory rate. Mr. Nelson reminded Commissioners that the $300,000 is an annual pledge and is available for as many applicants that need the rent subsidy. Whatever amount of the 300,000 that is not used in subsidy should be returned as revenue. Housing Specialist Dale stated that he has not yet received Walker's suggestions for a name. or the senior housing project. Chairman Crain commented that be liked the name Plymouth Village Square. Commissioner Edson suggested that it would be appropriate to decide on a project name shortly for publicity matters. Commissioner Milner stated that she is not enthusiastic about any suggestions that include 'Village' in the name, as she feels the City has spent considerable time trying to outgrow that name. Commissioner Edson commented that he liked both Plymouth Towne Square and Plymouth Village Square. f Commissioner Blott stated that he did like Plymouth Towne Square, but mggWxd that Commissioners hold off on deciding a name until we receive Walker's suggestions. Questions were asked by seniors in the audience if the units would have handrails; will there be more than one phone book -up; and, what utilities would be the responsibility Of the residents. Chairman Crain responded that the units would have handrails; tenants would be responsible for phone and electric; and, he was net sure if there would be more than one phone hook-up. Chairman Crain questioned if the 1993 budget figure on Attachment A was accurate. He stated be would like to see the 1992 budget figures and what is being projected for 1994 budget. Housing Specialist Dale replied that he was not sure where the 1993 budget figures came from, but he would check with the Finance Department to get the correct 1993 budget figures. MOTION by Chairman Crain, seconded by Commissioner Blatt to table approving the Management Services Agreemant until Commissioners could look at the requested budget figures. Vote. S Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously. EARLY C ElI X OD EDUCATION UPDATE Housing Specialist Dale gave an overview of the July 15, 1993 memorandum. Chairman Crain asked if the $8,000 would be easily expended in the Rehabilitation Gram/Imn Program since there is an increase in applications this year. Housing Specialist Dale responded that it could be expended in the Rehabilitation Grant/Loan Program, but it would be more quickly expended in the First Time Homebuyer Program. However, he noted interest in the First 13me Homebuyer Program has dropped this year from last year. Commissioner Edson asked for a Odemeriailon' of the typical Rehab applicant. Housing Specialist Dale replied that usually they are seniors. There are some couples, but the majority are widowed females. Commissioner Edson expressed an merest in researching organizations that help seniors stay in their lames by providing maintenance services. Aging Director Johnson suggested that staff could prepare a matrix of options for Commissioners to review. Commissioner Edson commented that the senior housing project will assist only a small portion of Plymouth seniors. He felt it world be worthy to explore some other options to help seniors. MOTION by Commissioner Blatt, seconded by Commissioner Edson recommending reallocatim of $8,000 for Fiscal Year 1993 Community Block Grant Funds (CDBG) from Early Childhood Education to Rehabilitation of Private Dwellings. Chairman Crain voiced his concern over amounts allocated for the administration of activities. He felt some were too high, as there is not that much staff time involved to justify some of the program administrative costs. Commissioner Edson stated that staff should adjust the appropriate administration fees to be reallocation from Early Childhood Education to Rehabilitation of Private Dwellings. Crain asked how many First lime Homebuyer applicants have been pre - Housing Specialist Dale stated he was not sure at this time. He stated that three or four applicants have dropped out since July 15, 1993. CONSIDERATION OF PURCHASE OF PORTER PROPERTY Housing Specialist Dale gave an overview of the July 15, 1993 memorandum. He informed Commissioners that Associate Planner Keho stated this property would need to be rezoned, and would be best suited for a duplex. Aging Director Johnson stated he was contacted by Mr. Porter who indicated he would be interested in selling his parcel to the housing authority. Chairman Crain commentee -he $55,000 purchase price was steep for the housing authority. MOTION by Commissioner Edson, seconded by Chairmae Crain to deny the purchase of the Porter property. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously. Housing Specialist Dale noted the July 5, 1993 letter from Paul Anderson volunteering his help with the Plymouth Housing Alliance. Chairman Crain directed Housing Specialist Dale to provide Commissioners with a copy of Steve lardovissie's memo on the senior housing financial proforma. Commissioner Edson commented that there were not any significant changes in the latest financial proforma. Chairman Crain asked if a response had been sent to Daniel Larson of HUD on the EPA Audit Report finding. Housing Specialist Dale informed Commissioners that the letter was in reference to HUD form 50058. The auditor stated the 50058 form were not in client files. The auditor was unaware that the 50058 form was computerized; therefore, she was unfamiliar with what to look for. The auditor later retracted their finding. Housing Specialist Dale has sent a letter to Daniel Larson to clear this finding. Dan Nelson cautioned the Commissioners that Paul Anderson should not serve on the Plymouth Housing Alliance board, as he is a contractor, and there may be a conflict of interest. Acting Director Johnson stated the City Council did give preliminary approval of to ten million dollar proposal from McNair Realty for city issued bonds to renovate Harbor Law Apartments. Acting Director Johnson also stated that he received a letter from HUD clearing all findings of the CDBG program. Acting Director Johnson stated that the City Council approved the open bidding for a general contactor on the senior housing project. Housing Specialist Dale informed Commissioners that the Engineering department would not pay the placing fees for the project on Fernbrook Lane and County Road 9. Housing Specialist Dale stated that he met with an applicant for the Rehabilitation Grant/Loan Program. She was under income in 1988 when she applied previously, and now over income in 1993. Commissioners expressed tbeir regrets, but could not change the income limits to assist one applicant. Mr. Nelson stated that once the drawings are done by BRW Inness Architects, the advertisement for bid for general contractor can be published. Commissioner Blatt commented that there is no need to wait on advertising until the drawings are completed. He asked if the Commission is allowed to negotiate with the contractor that is selected. Attorney Nelson replied that the Commission is not subject to public bidding laws after the general contractor is selected. The Commission can have the contractor look at the project specs to see when money could be saved. Commissioner Edson stated that there should be assurances that energy efficient appliances, windows, etc. are used for this project as residents are on a fixed income and can not afford high electric bills. Commissioner Bloc indicated he would like to see the drawings from BRW Elness Architects as soon as they are completed. Housing Specialist Dale stated that Jay Nelson informed him that the working drawings should be finished by August 6 or 7. Chairman Crain requested that a meeting be scheduled for August 10, 1993 at 7:00 p.m., and BRW Elness Architects should attend with their latest drawings and bring along the mechanical and electrical engineer. Attorney Nelson stated that someone from Walker should also be in attendance. Commissiornr Edson explained to Commissioners that at a previous City Council meeting he initiated a motion to recommend that the $16,500 allocation for the Head Stan Facility be reduced to $7,500. He stated that there is still an interest for a local Early Childhood Education.