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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-12 HRA Minutes MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2009 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Pearson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Chairperson Gary Pearson Commissioner Josh Richter Commissioner Joy Tkachuck Vice-Chairperson Beth Ulrich Present Present Present Present Staff Present: David Fisher. Buildinq Official III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Ulrich moved approval of the agenda as presented. Commissioner Richter seconded Ayes - all IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. July 8, 2009 Commissioner Ulrich moved to approve the minutes of July 8, 2009 as presented. Commissioner Richter seconded Ayes - Pearson, Richter, Ulrich Abstention - Tkachuck The motion passed. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a.Response to HRA Question: Contacting Owners of Foreclosed and Vacant Homes on Code Enforcement Matters Building official David Fisher explained there are approximately 175 foreclosed homes in Maplewood, but there is no real way to know for sure if a house is vacant or foreclosed on. Mr. Fisher said overgrown grass is the biggest sign, but sometimes a neighbor will go ahead and cut the grass. Mr. Fisher said when a vacant home is found with overgrown grass, the house is posted to be cut within seven days. If this is not done, the city's maintenance staff will cut the grass and the house is assessed the cost. b. Response to HRA Question about Quarterly Code Enforcement Report Commissioner Richter asked for clarification on the total number of complaint cases versus the total number of complaint cases pending. Building official Fisher explained that a large number of lower priority complaints were entered into the system, but have not yet been resolved due to a lack of staff time. Mr. Fisher explained that code enforcement complaint numbers are up this year. VI. NEW BUSINESS Housing and Redevelopment Authority -2- Minutes of 08-12-09 aVacant Building Registration Report Building official Fisher said this item was considered by the city council who thought it was a good idea. Mr. Fisher said the mayor asked for the statistics for the last two years for the abatement process for this ordinance so they can stay informed. Mr. Fisher said council members suggested that the 30- day vacancy time period is not long enough and could be extended, maintenance of the heating system, staff should get realtors and mortgage people involved, and have an emergency contact phone number available. Mr. Fisher reported on other cities' vacant building ordinances. Commissioner Pearson asked how lenders could be motivated to come forward and report foreclosures. Mr. Fisher said with this ordinance, lenders would be assessed the violation fees through taxes and also, an additional fee if they do not report it. Mr. Fisher suggested that there are incentives that could be made part of the ordinance to encourage lenders to report the property. Commissioner Pearson asked if abatement doesn't already give the city the right to assess fees and penalties. Mr. Fisher responded affirmatively. Commissioner Pearson said he would be interested in seeing some of these case histories. Commissioner Tkachuck asked if this ordinance will help getting upkeep done on the homes. Mr. Fisher replied affirmatively saying if the homes are registered listing a contact name and phone number when vacant, there would be someone responsible to contact when work needs to be done. Mr. Fisher said the city is not charging enough to cover the cost of making the repairs. Commissioner Pearson said there is too much over restriction in the entire ordinance document and that everything comes back to the satisfaction of the compliance official. Mr. Pearson said that is a lot of authority. Mr. Pearson suggested staff develop a list of exemptions that were not meant to be caught in this document. Commissioner Ulrich suggested separating the vacant building registration document from the assessment and code enforcement. Ms. Ulrich said she likes the idea of separation of vacant buildings from foreclosures. Mr. Fisher responded that the city has code enforcement which can deal with noncompliant properties. b. Economic Development Authority Ordinance Commissioner Tkachuck said this ordinance simply gives the city council more authority. The HRA questioned the city's creation of a new committee for economic development, the concept of bonding for economic development, and how it would differ from T.I.F. funding. Mr. Fisher responded that the city is getting older and needs to start looking at redevelopment and having money to entice developers to come into the city. Commissioners suggested that the HRA could be expanded to include business, rather than to create an entirely new economic development commission. Mr. Fisher suggested the commissioners list their questions on this ordinance for the city council's consideration. Commissioner Tkachuck asked if a knowledgeable staff member could brief the H RA and answer questions about this ordinance and its terms, particularly if the H RA expands its role to be part of the EDA commission. Mr. Fisher said this seems like a reasonable request and said he will speak with the finance director and city attorney. Commissioner Tkachuck moved to recommend to the city council that the HRA commission's authority be expanded to include and combine the proposed Maplewood business and economic development commission. Housing and Redevelopment Authority -3- Minutes of 08-12-09 Commissioner Ulrich seconded Ayes - all The motion passed. VII. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS The resident at 2393 Hazelwood Street asked if utility companies are required to notify cities when utilities are shut off. Mr. Fisher responded that they are not required to notify the city, but they will notify the city if they are requested. IX. STAFF PRESENTATIONS None IX. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.