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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes 02-01-1994MINUTES PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FEBRUARY 1, 1994 A meeting of the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority was called to order by Chairman David Crain on February 1, 1994. PRESENT: Chairman David Crain Commissioners John Edson, and Pauline Milner ABSENT: Commissioner Brian Warhol STAFF PRESENT: Executive Director Anne Hurlburt, Housing Specialist Milt Dale, and Housing Secretary Denise Hutt SENIOR HOUSING RMREST QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS Housing Specialist Dale gave an overview of the January 26, 1994 memorandum outlining the remits of the Senior Housing Interest Questionnaire. He pointed out that 414 questionnaires were mailed out with 285 responding. Over 200 said they would either very likely or definitely want to move by the October opening date. More persons would like a two bedroom unit (54%). Mine percent indicated the need for a handicap accessible unit. Over 53 percent of the individuals are between the ages of 66 through 75, with the average length of city residency being over 18 years. A significant number of respondents do own rather than rent. Home owners pay considerably less for housing than renters according to the survey results. Currently, ten percent of respondents do receive rent assistance where they now live. A high percentage own cars (870/6) and most of those would pay a $25/month charge for a garage. The majority do not want pets in the building (M%); however, they did not fed particularly strong against pets. Chairman Crain commented the questionnaire results indicate a closer mix of unit sixes than the market study done. by Thibault Associates showing an 80/20 mix for two bedroom units at that time. Commissioner Edson questioned if all units were to have the capability to be converted to handicapped accessibility if needed. Housing Specialist Dale replied that four units are specifically designated for handicapped, but all units would have the capability of accessibility modification. O'1 Housing and Redevelopment Authority Feluuary 1, 1994 Page #2 RENT SUBSIDIES FOR PLYMOUI_'_H_ TOWNE SQUARE Director Hurlburt gave an overview of the January 26, 1994 memorandum outlining the rent subsidy polices for Plymouth Towne Square. Worksheet A showed that based on the anticipated 1994 rem levels, 33 of the units can be subsidized at the very low income level. That worksheet used the current income limits as they will be the income limits to be included in the draft Admission and Occupancy Policies. Worksheet B presented the same data, except that the income limits were increased by two percent to reflect the anticipated income ?n incomes as per federal standards prior to opening day. Worksheet C reflected what wouiJ happen when the "40 percent affordability rule" is applied to the very low income category. This policy would allow a household in this income category to rem a unit at the low income subsidy level, provided the household paid no more than 40% of their income, while waiting for a deeper subsidy to become available. Director Hurlburt stated the rem and subsidy level have been incorporated into the draft Admission and Occupancy Policies. A question was asked from the audience as to how persons will be chosen initially and what would happen if they owned a home they could not sell when. their name came up for an available unit. Chairman Crain responded that topic would be discussed later in the meeting. ADMISSION AND OCCUPANCY POLICIES/PLYMOUTH TOWNS SQUARE Donna Flaata of Walker Management presented the draft Admission and Occupancy Policies to Commissioners. Ms. Flaata indicated Dan Nelson, City Attorney, has reviewed each revision of the Admission and Occupancy Policies. Ms. Flaata outlined the following recommendation for preferences to be adopted: 1. Applicant is 62 years or older and a resident of Plymouth that meets income limits as Low or Very Low Income. 2. Immediate Family live in Plymouth and applicant. is 62 years or older and meets income limits as Low or Very Low Income. 3. Applicant is between 55 and 61 years old and a resident of Plymouth and meets income limits as Low or Very Low Income. Housing and Redevelopment Authority Febmary 1, 19% Page #3 4. Immediate Family live in Plymouth and applicant is between 55 and 61 years old and meets income limits as Low or Very Low Income. S. Ott - applicants. During initial lease up, eligible persons named on the Authority's interest list will be given an opportunity to apply prior to the opening of applications to others. For the purpose of this analysis, persons or Families who have lived in Plymouth for at least 12 months shall be deemed to be a Plymouth resident. The Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority, by written direction to the Housing Manager, may grant exceptions to these policies when justified by special circumstances. Ms. Flaata pointed out that priority would be given to those on the "Interest List" during initial lease up. Letters and applications would be mailed out April 1 st, giving a window of time to return the applications. Each application would be date and time stamped as they are received and will be separated into the preference categories. Director Huriburt stated that if a person lived in Plymouth now or previously, they would be considered? a Plymouth resident. The City Attorney did not want the preferences to distinguish between 12 mot.ths and longer. Chairman Crain voiced his disappointment that the preferences could not have a breakdown based on years lived in Plymouth longer than 12 months. He asked how n is any easier to establish residency for 12 months versus long time residency. Director Hurlburt responded it would be easier to verify 12 months residency than 20 years, as individuals could have an old lease agreement or utility bills for a shorter period Of time. Chairman Crain wondered if the preference should allow persons with immediate family who five in Plymouth where the applicant is 62 years or older and meets income limits as low or very low income, before an applicant that is between 55 and 61 years old and a resident of Plymouth and meets income limits as low or very low income Commissioner Edsor, wondered if a requirement should be that the age 55 to 61 category be very low income only. Ms. Flaata stated the applications would be separated between low and very low income in each preference category. 0 Housing and Redevelopment Authority Febnuuy 1, 1994 Pap 04 Commissioner Edson asked if very low income units are not filled, would they go to the next preference category. Director Hurlburt replied if the very low income units are not filled with the first preference category, they would then drop down to the next preference category, as priority should be to provide housing for the very low income persons. Ms. Flaata informed Commissioners if the units are not filled from the "Interest List", then notices would be mailed to Plymouth residents in the utility bills, then a notice in the City Newsletter. Chairman Crain pointed out when an applicant has refused the offer of a unit for whatever reason, and that reason would be documented in the file. At such time when three units have been refused, the applicant would be moved to the bottom of the waiting fist. Ms. Flaata reiterated that notices and applications will be sent by mid-April with a window of opportunity" time period to return applications. The applications will be date and time stamped and put in the proper preference category. By May 1st, meetings will begin with applicants and Walker will begin the verification process. Appiicants will have an understanding at that time if they qualify and by June they should know if they are accepted to rent a unit. Director Huriburt commented there will be some flexibility on the move in dates based on the applicant's schedule. Chairman Crain wondered .if management would be able to tell the applicant when their unit would be ready for occupancy. Ms. Flaata responded that by the end of August they should have a better handle on the occupancy schedule of the units. Ms. Flaata asked if the preference to homeowners would be incorporated into the Admission and Occupancy Policies. Director Hurlburt asked if the Commissioners would like to pursue this idea, and if so, do they want to limit the number of applicants allowed to receive a preference for signing a 60 day listing agreement for the City's First Time Homebuyer Program. Chairman Crain agreed that one of the biggest obstacles in the First Time Homebuyers Program is the availability of affordable houses on the market. He stated this concept could work, but the maximum of 30 applicants receiving a preference for this is too high. Housing and Redevelopment Authority February 1, 1994 Page #S Commissioner Edson was concerned that the applicants might assume the City would take the responsibility of getting their house sold for them. Commissioner Edson suggested applicants that own homes be given the option to provide information on their home to the on-site manager and in turn, this would be passed along to City staff for the First Time Homebuyers Program. Director Hurlburt thought a document could be drafted for applicants to sign that releases information to the First Time Homebuyers Program. Chairman Crain agreed it would be better for informational purposes only, as the listing agreement may tie up the selling of their home for 60 days and could possibly prohibit the applicant from getting into the unit when it is available. Commissioner Edson suggested the fonn also ask the name of the realtor. Ms. Flaata confirmed that Walker Management would create a form for Commissioners to review. Ms. Flaata stated a decision would need to be made on whether pets should be allowed. She explained it is common to place a weight restriction and obtain a security deposit for Pte• Director Huriburt commented aPet policyL could be drafted for Commissioners to review and incorporate into the Admission and Occupancy Policies as an amendment. Commissioner Edson said that he believes it is important for seniors to be able to have pets. Perhaps it would be appropriate to set a 20 pound size limit and only allow pets on the first level. It would also seem prudent to have a pet agreement and require a pet deposit. Chairman Crain questioned the first floor restriction. Director Hurlburt replied it would be quicker access to the outdoors from the first floor level. Ms. Flanta commented that pets on all floors have not posed problems in other Walker managed buildings. She asked for direction on the amount of deposit required for pets and amount for a security deposit. Director Hudburt suggested one month's rent up to a maximum of $300.00. Commissioner Edson suggested a $100 pet deposit and limited to one existing pet. Housing and Redevelopment Authority February 1, 1994 Pap 06 1 It was agreed by Commissioners that one month's rent up to a maximum of $300.00 would be charged for security deposit and the pet deposit would be $100.00. Chairman Crain cautioned that applications have to be complete and in order to be processed. Commissioner Edson would like to see volunteers available to assist applicants in filling out the application. He was concerned that persons that needed assistance would be at a disadvantage as to getting their application back quickly. Ms. Flaata stated that as an example, all letters and applications would be mailed out April Ist stating that. April 10th would be the first date of acceptance of applications. All applications received prior to April 10th would be considered as received April 10th. On April 10th, all applications received would be date and time stamped. Any application received after April 10th would be date and time stamped according to the day received. Director Hurlburt commented a house trailer may be placed on site to receive applications. Commissioner Edson suggested the use of Fire Station 3 or the public safety building. Ms. Flaata informed Commissioners the apartment manager's position will be posted soon. There are several Walker Management employees interested in the position. The new manager should be on staff by April 1st. A question was asked from the audience if they do not five in Plymouth currently, but did so previously, would they be considered a Plymouth resident. Chairman Crain assured them they would be considered a Plymouth resident if they have lived in Plymouth for at least 12 months, now or previously. A question was asked from the audience about the income limits. Chairman Crain gave the income limits as follows: very low income person for single resident is $17,350 and couple is $19,850; lower income person for single is $27,800 and couple is $31,750. A comment was made that length of residency should be considered. Residents that have resided in Plymouth longer should be given more priority. Chairman Crain agreed that preference should be given to residents who have lived in Plymouth longer, but Fair Housing laws will not permit this type of preference A comment was made from the audience that pets limited to one floor would be better, as some people might have allergies. Housing aid Redweloptrent Authority February 1, 1994 Page #7 Ms. Flaata commented that pets would not be allowed in the common areas. They are allowed in the hallways only during the time the pet is taken outdoors. Director Hurlburt stated the waiting fists would be updated annually. MOTION by Commissioner Edson, seconded by Commissioner Milner to approve the Admission and Occupancy Policies for Plymouth Towne Square. Vote. 3 Ayes. *LOTION carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Chairman Crain, seconded by Commissiraer Milner to recommend approval of the December 7, 1993 minutes. Roll Call Vote. 3 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously. ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG1 FUNDING ALLOCATION FOR FLSCAL YEAR 19% Housing Specialist Dale gave an overview of the January 24, 1994 memorandum stating Plymouth would be receiving an additional $25,000 in CDBG Sinding this year. He recommended 55,000 be added to the day care assistance program and. $20,000 be added to the First Time Homebuyers Program. Commissioner Edson commented he did not want the $25,000 pro -rated to the existing programs. Chairman Crain was concerned that the funds would not be expended rapidly in the First Time Homebuyers Program and asked what the current balance of funds is for that program. Housing Specialist Dale replied that the current balance is between $180,000 and 200,000. He stated this is a good opportunity for the program as homes would be made available by seniors moving into Plymouth Towne Square. If funds are not being expended rapidly enough, an alternative would be to reallocate funds later this year. Housing Specialist Dale commented that a second round would be offered in April for the First Time Homebuyers Program and possibly a third round in July. Commissioner Edson would like to know how other cities are using their CDBG funding allocations. Housing and Redevelopment Authority February 1, 1994 Par 08 Housing Specialist Dale will get a fist from Hennepin County showing how the allocations are spent by each city. MOTION by Commissioner Edson, seconded by Chairman Crain, recommending approval of the allocation of Fiscal Year 1994 Community Development Block Grant Funds. Roll Call Vote. 3 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chairman Crain suggested tabling this item to the February 15, 1994 meeting. Commissioner Milner commented she may not be able to attend the February 15 meeting, but if reappointed she would be willing to serve as Secretary/Treasurer again. MO PION by Commissioner Edson, seconded by Chairman Crain to table the nomination an,i election of officers to the February 15, 1994 meeting. Vote. 3 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously. YEAREND STATUS REPORTS Chairman Crain commented that it looks as though Section 8 portability is stabilizing. Meeting Adjourned at 8:40 p.m.