HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Packet 05-26-2016DRAFT MINUTES
PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
February 25, 2016
PRESENT: Chairman Jeff Kulaszewicz, Commissioners Michelle Soderberg, Katie Black, and
Marty McCarthy
ABSENT: Commissioner Kira Vanderlan
STAFF PRESENT: HRA Manager Jim Barnes, Housing Specialist Spencer Agnew and Office
Support Representative Tina Beckfeld
OTHERS: Councilmember Judy Johnson
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Kulaszewicz called the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting to
order at 7:03 p.m.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve HRA Meeting Minutes for January 28, 2016.
B. Plymouth Towne Square. Accept Monthly Housing Report.
C. Vicksburg Crossing. Accept Monthly Housing Report.
MOTION by Commissioner Black, seconded by Commissioner Soderberg, to approve the
consent agenda. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION passed unanimously.
3. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Community Development Block Grant. Consider 2016 Action Plan.
Housing Specialist Agnew gave an overview of the staff report. He indicated that nine
applications were sent out to social service agencies and we received applications back from six
agencies, which staff is recommending funding for HRA administered programs.
Chairman Kulaszewicz opened the public hearing.
Six organizations were present: Hammer represented by Ellen Timmerman-Borer; People
Responding in Social Ministry (PRISM) represented by Kelley Skumautz; Tree House
represented by Christa Trap; HOME Line represented by Tracey Goodrich; Community Action
Partnership of Suburban Hennepin (CAPSH) represented by Carol Watson; and, Senior
Community Services (SCS) represented by Jon Burkhow, all of whom thanked the HRA for their
continued support. Each representative gave a presentation about their respective agency
Draft Minutes
Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
February 25, 2016
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summarizing their mission and gave specifics regarding their programs provided to Plymouth
residents.
Councilmember Johnson asked Ellen Timmerman-Borer from Hammer what percentage of
Hammer homes serve Plymouth residents.
Ms. Timmerman-Borer stated 17 of Hammer’s 37 homes are located in Plymouth.
Councilmember Johnson also asked if the requested funding would be used for the Plymouth
Hammer homes.
Ms. Timmerman-Borer replied affirmative.
Commissioner Soderberg asked how many Plymouth residents live in each Hammer residence.
Ms. Timmerman-Borer stated 4-6 people live in each of the 17 Plymouth Hammer residences.
Hammer also assists 12-14 residents in apartment communities in Plymouth.
Councilmember Johnson asked if there has been a policy discussion about waiving permit fees
and plan check fees for capital improvement projects funded through the HRA.
HRA Manager Barnes stated that several years ago there was a discussion about it. A decision
was made to review each permit on a case-by-case basis rather than create a policy to waive
permit fees across the board. More recently some nominal fees were waived for the new
construction of West View Estates and Plymouth City Flats funded through the HRA reserves as
an effort to help those projects with the state funding process.
Councilmember Johnson indicated she would like to have this idea discussed by the HRA and
Council.
Chairman Kulaszewicz asked Kelley Skumautz from PRISM if the requested funding would be
earmarked for housing.
Ms. Skumautz stated the funding would specifically be used for housing in Plymouth.
Commissioner Soderberg asked Tracey Goodrich from HOME Line if they are seeing less
demand for resources.
Ms. Goodrich said on the contrary, they are experiencing a statewide spike in calls.
Carol Watson from CAPSH added economic recovery is not reaching the poverty level creating
an increased demand for services. She said needs are shifting but not declining, and resources
are tightening.
Draft Minutes
Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
February 25, 2016
Page 3
Ms. Timmerman-Borer stated Hammer is grateful for a greater retention rate of donors who are
also increasing their donations.
Tree House representative Christa Trap stated that poverty is spreading throughout the metro
area including Plymouth.
Commissioner McCarthy asked Jon Burkhow from SCS if paid staff or volunteers provide their
services.
Mr. Burkhow stated volunteers are utilized for their group projects and account for
approximately one-third of the total hours of service. Paid staff typically provides on-going
services such as mowing, shoveling, and painting.
MOTION by Commissioner Soderberg, seconded by Commissioner Black, to adopt resolutions
2016-01 and 2016-02 providing a recommendation to the City Council for adoption of its 2016
CDBG program funding. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION passed unanimously.
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Election of Officers. Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary
Commissioner Soderberg nominated Chairman Kulaszewicz to continue as the HRA Chair,
seconded by Commissioner Black. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION passed unanimously.
Chairman Kulaszewicz nominated Commissioner Soderberg to continue as the HRA Vice-Chair,
seconded by Commissioner Black. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION passed unanimously.
Commissioner Soderberg nominated Commissioner Black to continue as the HRA Secretary,
seconded by Commissioner McCarthy. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION passed unanimously.
5. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Chairman Kulaszewicz, seconded by Commissioner Soderberg, to adjourn the
meeting at 8:08 p.m. Motion approved unanimously.