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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-13 HRA Minutes MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 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 Absent Present Staff Present: Tom Ekstrand. Citv Planner III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Ulrich moved to approve the agenda as presented. Commissioner Andreoli seconded. The motion passed. Ayes - all IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. April 8, 2009 Commissioner Richter moved to approve the minutes of April 8, 2009 as presented. Commissioner Pearson seconded Ayes - Pearson, Richter Abstentions - Andreoli, Ulrich The motion passed. V. COMMUNICATIONS a.Truth-in-Sale of Housing Process-Review and Discussion Michael Moser, of M. J. Moser Inspection and Consulting, gave a presentation explaining that he has been involved as a building contactor and in Truth-in-Housing inspections for 27 years. Mr. Moser explained the Truth-in Housing evaluation and process. Mr. Moser discussed the differences in enforcement and fees between metro cities. Commissioner Pearson asked if Mr. Moser feels that Sec. 12-466 of the ordinance relating to concealed items and limitations should be changed. Mr. Moser responded that he doesn't feel it is possible to change this, since if you cannot see an item you cannot do anything about it. Mr. Moser said that the guidelines are specific and the inspection report is a snapshot of the condition of the property at the time. Commissioner Pearson asked if the housing evaluators are required to be bonded. Mr. Moser responded that they are not bonded, but are required to be insured for a specific amount. Housing and Redevelopment Authority -2- Minutes of 05-13-09 Commissioner Richter asked if foreclosed or real-estate owned properties are required to have Truth-in- Housing evaluations. Mr. Moser responded that evaluations are required on the sale of any property, but in St. Paul a property is sometimes allowed to be sold to a family member without an evaluation. Commissioner Ulrich suggested that the city's insurance policy for liability coverage is probably outdated and should be reviewed and updated. Planner Ekstrand said he would notify the city attorney for review of this issue. Commissioner Richter mentioned Mr. Moser's comments regarding it being redundant for a seller to be required to complete the disclosure report form for both the state and Maplewood. Commissioner Pearson said the state would probably not require the specific information relating to Maplewood land issues, such as easements and wetlands, which are required on the city form. Planner Ekstrand said he feels the form is worthwhile and there are no added costs to the seller associated with completing the form. Mr. Ekstrand said he often receives phone calls from sellers about land issues when they are filling out the form. VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Commissioner Ulrich asked if staff has the updated report on foreclosed and vacant homes. Planner Ekstrand said he will check with staff to see if those numbers are available. VII. NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Andreoli mentioned neighbors in the Maryknoll area being concerned with an auto repair business going into a neighboring garage. It was suggested that one of the concerned neighbors should call the planning staff to discuss this. VIII. DATE OF NEXT MEETING June 10, 2009 IX. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.