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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-14 HRA Minutes MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2009 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Pearson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Commissioner Rita Andreoli Commissioner Josh Richter Chairperson Gary Pearson Commissioner Joy Tkachuck Vice-Chairperson Beth Ulrich Present Present Present Present Present Staff Present: Tom Ekstrand, City Planner DuWayne Konewko, Community Development and Parks Director III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Andreoli moved to approve the agenda as presented. Commissioner Ulrich seconded. The motion passed. Ayes - all IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. June 25, 2008 Commissioner Tkachuck moved approval of the June 25, 2008 minutes as presented. Commissioner Andreoli seconded The motion passed. Ayes - Andreoli, Richter, Pearson, Tkachuck, Ulrich V. COMMUNICATIONS a.Update on Code Enforcement Officer City planner Ekstrand reported that after reorganization within the community development department, building inspector Jason Brash is now doing the code enforcement work. Mr. Ekstrand said that code enforcement is on track and still managed by the community development department. Planner Ekstrand introduced community development and parks director DuWayne Konewko. Director Konewko said that he will be formally reporting to the HRA commission at its next meeting, but he assured members that a full-time code enforcement officer is currently working and that updated statistics will be provided to the commission as in the past. Housing and Redevelopment Authority -2- Minutes of 01-14-09 VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Comprehensive Plan Update-Review of Housing Chapter Final Draft Jennifer Haskamp of Pulse Land Group explained that she has been working on this plan update for the past year and the HRA last reviewed the housing chapter in the fall of 2008. Ms. Haskamp discussed the process for review and adoption of the comprehensive plan update. Ms. Haskamp said that the planning commission reviewed the updated plan and held a public hearing on it. Ms. Haskamp said there has been little comment in discussions regarding modifying the housing chapter. Ms. Haskamp asked for any questions or comments from the commission. Ms. Haskamp suggested the commission may want to add something into the housing chapter on small business owners whose businesses may be affected by new development. Ms. Haskamp suggested that small business owners might be included in the item of Goal 1. Commissioner Andreoli agreed that language could be incorporated within an objective or added through language in the introduction. Commissioner Tkachuck said she was part of the Gladstone task force which planned a walkable and livable community with small businesses planned on the ground floor. Commissioner Pearson suggested dropping the word "accomplish" in Goal 3. Ms. Haskamp suggested adding "the" to Goal 3 to read: Accomplish the adopted Livable Communities Goals for Affordable Housing, since the livable communities goals have already been adopted but need to be accomplished. VII. NEW BUSINESS a. Metrostudy Report "Twin Cities 2008 Report and 2009 Housing Outlook" Planner Ekstrand said this informational document has been provided to commissioners from Shann Finwall, who received it at a Sensible Land Use Coalition meeting. b. Discussion: What would the HRA Wish to Explore in 2009? Commissioner Ulrich said she is interested in Maplewood's and surrounding cities' foreclosure rates and said she previously sent a copy of a foreclosure registration ordinance to Dave Fisher and asked whether it had been reviewed. Planner Ekstrand said rates will be provided to the commission. Director Konewko said he will check with the building official on the foreclosure registration ordinance and report to the commission in February. The commission discussed the possible results of foreclosed houses such as sidewalks not being shoveled, overgrown yards and utilities being shut off. Commissioner Richter said he wants to reiterate Commissioner Tkachuck's request earlier in the meeting that the commission review code enforcement data during the meetings. Commissioner Pearson said he wants to revisit and review the Livable Communities Act regarding what requirements the city might have in affordable housing above the 333 units by 2030 in the comprehensive plan. Mr. Pearson also asked how many affordable housing units are available in Maplewood, especially to the section eight program. Commissioner Pearson said he wants to review Housing and Redevelopment Authority -3- Minutes of 01-14-09 the truth in housing program and suggested that commissioners attend open houses and look at the truth in housing inspection report for each house before the next meeting. Commissioner Ulrich suggested the review of the building code that was started in 2008 should be completed. Commissioner Pearson asked about review of sprinklers. Director Konewko said he would check with the building official on these items and report back. c. Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2009 Commissioner Tkachuck nominated Mr. Pearson as chair and Ms. Ulrich as vice-chair. Commissioner Andreoli seconded; the commission voted: ayes - all The motion passed. It was agreed by consensus that Ms. Ulrich would continue in the position of secretary also. VIII. VISITORS PRESENTATION Gene Tschida, 1721 White Bear Avenue, said he was attending the meeting to see what the housing and redevelopment authority was all about. Mr. Tschida said he owns properties and is familiar with section eight housing and agreed with Commissioner Tkachuck's earlier comments that things can get pretty bad in foreclosed houses. Mr. Tschida asked whether the code enforcement officer is experienced. Director Konewko responded the officer was previously a building inspector so he is familiar with city codes and is gaining code enforcement experience now. Mr. Tschida asked if the city does any lending for housing. Chairperson Pearson said the city does not directly lend funds, but participates in some state lending programs. VIX. DATE OF NEXT MEETING February 11, 2009 IX. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 p.m.