CCP 06-11-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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r ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— MAY 14, 2001 ;it T 6 D. N. M. I-35 W Corridor Coalition,Coalition Housing Resource Center Creation Mr. Lynch stated the city is being asked to contribute to a resource for existing or potential residents. He noted it would be a one-stop shop for information on the construction, financing, and permitting process. He added the City of Roseville has such a resource and finds it successful. He stated it helps residents find out how to do improvements and raise financing. He noted the City of Blaine has opted out of this because it has already contracted to provide similar functions. Mayor Probst stated Blaine is under contract for another two years. He noted Coon Rapids has asked to participate and will provide $50,000 this year. He noted Roseville has a successful program. He added the total annual budget is $600,000 and the remaining money would come from grants. He stated he speaks strongly in favor of this program. He noted it is a non- budgeted item. He noted it is a one stop shop for housing issues whether a person is looking to add on or if building to suit. He added they assist in finding funding and contractors, etc. He stated all communities that are participating have found this to be very successful. He noted he feels it is an asset for our residents. Councilmember Aplikowski asked if it was a qualified program. Mayor Probst responded there are no qualifications for receiving help. Councilmember Aplikowski asked about promotion. Mayor Probst responded there has not been a lot of discussion on how it would be promoted. He stated he presumes they could do it with the newsletter. He noted he was not sure about a mass mailing. He added the City of Roseville has done some promotion through other means. He stated he has seen handouts. Councilmember Larson stated he thought one of the items to come out of their participation in the coalition was they would have a housing code to use. Ms. Chaput stated this standard is being worked on. Councilmember Larson asked how much use they would get out of this service in the absence of a housing code. Mayor Probst responded there were recently two instances where citizens with problems concerning their homes used a lot of staff time. He stated staff spent time working with the individuals trying to help them solve their problems. He noted this resource center could have handled those issues. He added they do have some areas in the community ripe for modifications. He stated rather than have them struggle through process they could go here and get ideas on how to solve those problems. Councilmember Grant stated the letter references a number of handouts, but does not say what the organization is going to do, what its mission is, and why it was created. He noted while it is good to hear from the coalition that he would like to see documents on the purpose of the resource center. He asked about assistance for those in violation. Mayor Probst responded in City of Roseville when violation letters are sent they send the telephone number of the center where people are sent to get help to solve their problems.