HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-15 HEDC Packet
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Thursday, October 15, 2020
6:00 P.M.
Held Remotely Via Conference Call
Dial 1-888-788-0099 or 1-312-626-6799
When Prompted Enter Meeting ID: 985 3073 2196 #
No Participant ID, Enter # When Prompted
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
3.Approval of Agenda
4.Approval of Minutes:
a.October 17, 2019
5.New Business:
a.Resolution of Appreciation for Brian Finley
b.2020 Business Engagement Program
6.Unfinished Business:
7.Visitor Presentations:
8.Commission Presentations:
9.Staff Presentations:
a.Rental Housing Licensing Program
b.Development Update
10.Adjourn
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MINUTES OF THE HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019
6:00 P.M.
1.CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Commission was held in the City Hall Council Chambers and was called to order
at 6:00 p.m. by Chairperson Jenkins.
2.ROLL CALL
Commissioners
Denis Dupee, Commissioner Absent
Brian Finley, CommissionerPresent
Darryl Henchen, CommissionerPresent
Mark Jenkins, ChairpersonPresent
Joy Tkachuck, Vice Chair Absent
Dennis Unger, CommissionerPresent
Staff
Jeff Thomson, Community Development Director
3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Finley moved to approve the agenda as submitted.
Seconded by Commissioner Henchen. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Finley moved to approve the minutes for July 18, 2019 as submitted.
Seconded by Commissioner Unger. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
5.NEW BUSINESS
a.International Property Maintenance Code
i.Community Development Director, Jeff Thomson gave the report on the International
Property Maintenance Code and answered questions of the commission.
Commissioner Finley moved to recommend that the city council amend the city’s property
maintenance regulations to adopt the International Property Maintenance Code.
Seconded by Commissioner Unger. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
October 17, 2019
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Housing and Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes
HEDC Packet Page Number1 of 14
b.Update on 2019 Business Engagement Program
i.Community Development Director, Jeff Thomson gave a brief update on the 2019
Business Engagement Program.
The city has met with 14 businesses so far and is working on completing the final business visits
in coordination with the Rice Larpenteur Alliance. Once the business visits are complete and the
results analyzed, the SPACC will give a full report and presentation to the city.
The commission wanted to continue engaging with the businesses but would also like to engage
with the new businesses in the city as well.
No action is required.
c.2020 Business Awards
i.Community Development Director, Jeff Thomson discussed the 2020 Business Awards.
The three award categories are:
1.Entrepreneurship/Innovative Growth Award
2.Environmental Sustainability Award
3.Community Contribution Award
Commissioner Joy Tkachuck is absent but had emailed staff that she would like to serve on the
subcommittee. Commissioner Henchen and Unger stated they would like to serve on the
subcommittee. Chairperson Jenkins said he could serve as well depending on his schedule.
d.Fall Community Engagement Event (No Report)
i.Community Development Director, Jeff Thomson discussed the Fall Community
Engagement Event.
Staff said the business engagement has been for breakfast but has decided to try a new direction
to have a gathering at the new Unison Event Center at 1800 White Bear Avenue. The date has
not been determined but it would be in the late afternoon for happy hour.
6.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
7.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
None.
8.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
a.Business Engagement on City Construction Projects
i.Community Development Director, Jeff Thomson discussed how construction projects in
the city work and notifying residents and businesses, the timelines, signage and the how
the process works.
No action was required.
October 17, 2019
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Housing and Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes
HEDC Packet Page Number2 of 14
9.STAFF PRESENTATIONS
a.Rental Housing Licensing Program
i.Community Development Director, Jeff Thomson gave an update on the Rental Housing
Licensing Program and answered questions of the commission.
No action is required.
b.EDA and HEDC Bus Tour – November 16, 2019 (No Report)
i.Community Development Director, Jeff Thomson gave a report on the EDA and HEDC
Bus Tour.
Staff stated that the bus tour is Saturday, November 16, 2019 meeting here at Maplewood City
Hall around 8:30 am until noon and then a lunch. The tour would be to the City of Richfield, City
of St. Louis Park and City of Robbinsdale, which all have very active Economic Development
Authorities.
Commissioner Finley moved to approve a special meeting for a bus tour of the HEDC Saturday,
November 16, 2019.
Seconded by Commissioner Henchen. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
Staff stated there will be a Joint meeting of the EDA and HEDC at the Maplewood City Hall
scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. until about 6:45 p.m. at city hall.
Commissioner Finley moved to approve a joint meeting with the HEDC and EDA at Maplewood
City Hall on Monday, November 25, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.
Seconded by Commissioner Unger. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
c.Development Summary (No Report)
1.The third phase of the Frost English Village, commercial retail building with Sherman
Associates, at 1905 English Street North.
2.The fire station at Londin Lane and Lower Afton Road has been for sale, there was an
exclusive rights agreement with the city but that agreement didn’t work out. However,
the city hopes to have an agreement with a developer for something new.
3.The north end vision plan was adopted and the City of Maplewood won an award for
land use and planning.
10.ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Jenkins adjourned the meeting at 7:28 p.m.
October 17, 2019
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Housing and Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes
HEDC Packet Page Number3 of 14
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HEDC Packet Page Number4 of 14
HOUSING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT
Meeting Date October 15, 2020
REPORT TO:
Housing and Economic Development Commission
REPORT FROM: Jeff Thomson, Community Development Director
PRESENTER:
Jeff Thomson, Community Development Director
AGENDA ITEM: Resolution of Appreciation for Brian Finley
Action Requested: MotionDiscussion Public Hearing
Form of Action: Resolution Ordinance Contract/Agreement Proclamation
Policy Issue:
When commissioners end their time and service on a board or commission, the city considers a
resolution of appreciation recognizing the individual for their service to the City of Maplewood.
Recommended Action:
Motion to adopt the Resolution of Appreciation for Brian Finely.
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact? No Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0.00
Financing source(s): Adopted Budget Budget Modification New Revenue Source
Use of Reserves Other: N/A
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Financial SustainabilityIntegrated CommunicationTargeted Redevelopment
Operational EffectivenessCommunity InclusivenessInfrastructure & Asset Mgmt.
Background
Brian Finley’s term on the Housing and Economic Development Commission ended on September
30, 2020, and Mr. Finley decided not to apply for reappointment to the commission. Mr. Finley served
on the commission since January 2016.
Upon adoption by HEDC, the resolution will be considered by the city council at its meeting on October
26, 2020.
Attachments
1.Resolution of Appreciation
HEDC Packet Page Number5 of 14
Attachment 1
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
WHEREAS, Brian Finely has been a member of the Maplewood Housing and Economic
Development Commission for 5 years, serving from January 2016 to September 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Housing and Economic Development Commission and the City Council
appreciate his experience, insights, and good judgment; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Finley has freely given of his time and energy, without compensation, for
the betterment of the City of Maplewood; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Finely has shown dedication to his duties and has consistently contributed
his leadership and efforts for the benefits of the City;
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED for and on behalf of the City of
Maplewood, Minnesota, and its citizens that Brian Finely is hereby extended our gratitude and
appreciation for his dedicated service
Adopted by the Maplewood City Council on October 26, 2020
________________________________
Marylee Abrams, Mayor
Attest:
________________________________
Andrea Sindt, City Clerk
HEDC Packet Page Number6 of 14
HOUSING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT
Meeting Date October 15, 2020
REPORT TO:
Housing and Economic Development Commission
REPORT FROM: Jeff Thomson, Community Development Director
PRESENTER:
Jeff Thomson, Community Development Director
AGENDA ITEM: 2020 Business Engagement Program
Action Requested: MotionDiscussion Public Hearing
Form of Action: Resolution Ordinance Contract/Agreement Proclamation
Policy Issue:
The city has signed an agreement with the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce to continue the
city’s business engagement and outreach program. This is an update on the current status of the
2020 program.
Recommended Action:
No action is required.
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact? No Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0.00
Financing source(s): Adopted Budget Budget Modification New Revenue Source
Use of Reserves Other: N/A
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Financial SustainabilityIntegrated CommunicationTargeted Redevelopment
Operational EffectivenessCommunity InclusivenessInfrastructure & Asset Mgmt.
Background
In 2020, the city is once again partnering with the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC)
to continue the city’s business engagement and outreach program. The Business Recruitment,
Expansion and Attraction (BRE&A) program will build on the past efforts that have been completed
since 2017. The program was developed using the following principles:
Demonstrate to businesses that the community appreciates their presence
Help existing businesses solve immediate problems
Understand the needs of the businesses in the community and share information on city and
other local and regional resources that are available
HEDC Packet Page Number7 of 14
Build community capacity to sustain growth and development over the long term and assist in
establishing a strategic plan for economic development
Increase businesses’ ability to compete in regional, national, and global markets
The SPACC has identified and targeted businesses that will be visited this year. These include legacy
businesses that are visited each year (St. John’s Hospital, Maplewood Mall, and school districts), as
well as businesses that we have not reached in previous years.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, the business meetings this year are being held remotely via Zoom and
began later in the year than in past years. So far the city has met with the legacy businesses, with
the other meetings continuing to be scheduled.
Business meetings consist of one representative from the City Council and one representative from
HEDC. We are keeping the attendance low, so as not to overwhelm the businesses. We will continue
to notify HEDC of the scheduled visits and assign meetings to individual members.
If you have any businesses that the city has not visited in the past and would benefit from a visit,
please pass those business names and contact information along to city staff. Once the business
visits are complete and the results are analyzed, SPACC will give a full report and presentation to the
city.
Attachments
None
HEDC Packet Page Number8 of 14
HOUSING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT
Meeting Date October 15, 2020
REPORT TO:
Housing and Economic Development Commission
REPORT FROM: Jeff Thomson, Community Development Director
PRESENTER:
Jeff Thomson, Community Development Director
AGENDA ITEM: Rental Housing Licensing Program
Action Requested: MotionDiscussion Public Hearing
Form of Action: Resolution Ordinance Contract/Agreement Proclamation
Policy Issue:
In 2020, the city launched its rental housing licensing program. The primary goals of the rental
housing licensing program are to (1) provide clean, secure, and well-maintained rental units; (2)
ensure safe and crime-free housing for renters, and (3) to enhance neighborhood stability in the
city. The purpose of this agenda item is to update HEDC on the implementation of the program.
Recommended Action:
None
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact? No Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0.00
Financing source(s): Adopted Budget Budget Modification New Revenue Source
Use of Reserves Other: N/A
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Financial SustainabilityIntegrated CommunicationTargeted Redevelopment
Operational EffectivenessCommunity InclusivenessInfrastructure & Asset Mgmt.
Background
On September 23, 2019, the city council adopted an ordinance establishing rental licensing
requirements for all rental dwellings in the city. The rental housing licensing program has been
launched, and the following is an update on the implementation of the program:
The city council amended the city code to adopt the International Property Maintenance Code
(IPMC) as the city’s housing code for both rental and owner-occupied properties.
HEDC Packet Page Number9 of 14
The city has hired two staff members in community development to administer the program.
Sam Drewry is the new Neighborhood Preservation Specialist for rental licensing inspections
and compliance, and Gina Kuchenmeister joined community development from the parks and
recreation department to administer the licensing process.
The city has started requiring rental licenses for all multi-family properties that have more than
four units. Single-family properties (with four or fewer units) will be required to be licensed in
late 2020 or early 2021.
The city has begun inspecting multi-family properties and the city will continue inspections
through 2020.
Ordinance Key Points
Key points of the rental licensing ordinance include:
All rental dwelling units will be required to have an annual license from the city. The only
exceptions are for units that are occupied by the owner or the owner’s qualifying relative,
units that are rented for less than 120 days when the owner resides in the unit the rest of the
year, and for other residential facilities that have another type of license. These include
group homes, nursing homes, and residential facilities in which the city has issued a license
for reasonable accommodation under the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act.
Rental properties must pass a property inspection and must be maintained in accordance
with city code requirements and property maintenance standards.
Owners or their property managers are required to attend crime-free housing training.
Owners or their property managers are required to screen all potential tenants by using a
written rental application and must conduct a criminal background check on all prospective
tenants. The ordinance does not require that an owner or property manager take any action
based on the results of the background check. The intent is that owners and property
managers are aware of the criminal history of potential tenants as they make decisions
regarding leasing.
Owners or their property managers must have a written lease for all people that live in the
rental unit. Leases must require tenants to sign a “Lease Addendum for Crime-Free/Drug-
Free Housing.”
Property owners must provide 24-hour contact information for a person who resides within
the Twin Cities metropolitan area who is responsible for code compliance of the rental
property. This person will be either the owner or agent of the property owner.
The city manager may deny or not renew a license and the city council may revoke or
suspend a rental license for failure to address any tenant or property issues, or for not
complying with any licensing requirements.
Inspections
All rental properties will be inspected regularly to ensure that they comply with building code, fire
code, and the city’s property maintenance code. The ordinance requires that the city establish an
inspection policy that determines the frequency of inspections from one to three years. The
HEDC Packet Page Number10 of 14
inspection frequency will be based on the age of the structure, inspection history, and compliance
record for the property.
Since it is not feasible for the city to inspect all rental dwellings in the first year, the city intends to
implement the initial inspections over three years under the following schedule:
2020 – All multi-family rental properties would be inspected
2021 – One-half of the single-family rental properties would be inspected (approximately
250 properties)
2022 – The other one-half of single-family rental properties would be inspected
(approximately 250 properties)
As each year of inspections are completed, each property would then be inspected according to the
city’s ongoing inspections policy.
Fees
The city has established fees for the annual license as $150 per complex plus $50 for each unit
within the complex. The fees are based on the city’s cost to operate the rental licensing program.
As proposed, the fees would cover the full cost of the licensing program staff and expenses so that
the property tax levy would not support the program costs.
Based on the fees, the following are examples of the annual cost for rental property owners:
Single-family home $200 per year
Duplex (both units) $250 per year
25-unit building$1,400 per year
50-unit building$2,650 per year
100-unit building$5,150 per year
150-unit building$7,650 per year
The fee schedule would include incentives for well-performing properties. The initial inspection and
first re-inspection would not incur an additional fee. However, if the city has to continually inspect a
rental property, the second re-inspection would incur an additional $250 fee, and any third or
subsequent re-inspection would incur an additional $500 fee per inspection.
Attachments
None
HEDC Packet Page Number11 of 14
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HEDC Packet Page Number12 of 14
HOUSING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT
Meeting Date October 15, 2020
REPORT TO:
Housing and Economic Development Commission
REPORT FROM: Jeff Thomson, Community Development Director
PRESENTER:
Jeff Thomson, Community Development Director
AGENDA ITEM: Development Update
Action Requested: MotionDiscussion Public Hearing
Form of Action: Resolution Ordinance Contract/Agreement Proclamation
Policy Issue:
City staff will provide an update on current economic development and housing projects.
Recommended Action:
None
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact? No Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0.00
Financing source(s): Adopted Budget Budget Modification New Revenue Source
Use of Reserves Other: N/A
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Financial SustainabilityIntegrated CommunicationTargeted Redevelopment
Operational EffectivenessCommunity InclusivenessInfrastructure & Asset Mgmt.
Background
City staff will provide an update at the meeting on the following 2020 economic development and
housing items:
City’s actions for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic
HyVee redevelopment at Maple Ridge Center
Menards redevelopment at 2280 Maplewood Drive
Woodspring Suites at 1744 County Rd D
Sale of city-owned properties
North End Vision Plan implementation
Ponds at Battle Creek
HEDC Packet Page Number13 of 14
Attachments
None
HEDC Packet Page Number14 of 14