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<br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 14,2001 <br /> <br />6 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />D. <br /> <br />N. M. 1-35 W Corridor Coalition, Coalition Housing Resource Center Creation <br /> <br />Mr. Lynch stated the city is being asked to contribute to a resource for existing or potential <br />residents. He noted it would be a one-stop shop for information on the construction, financing, <br />and permitting process. He added the City of Roseville has such a resource and finds it <br />successful. He stated it helps residents find out how to do improvements and raise financing. <br />He noted the City of Blaine has opted out of this because it has already contracted to provide <br />similar functions. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst stated Blaine is under contract for another two years. He noted Coon Rapids has <br />asked to participate and will provide $50,000 this year. He noted Roseville has a successful <br />program. He added the total annual budget is $600,000 and the remaining money would come <br />from grants. He stated he speaks strongly in favor of this program. He noted it is a non- <br />budgeted item. He noted it is a one stop shop for housing issues whether a person is looking to <br />add on or if building to suit. He added they assist in finding funding and contractors, etc. He <br />stated all communities that are participating have found this to be very successful. He noted he <br />feels it is an asset for our residents. <br /> <br />Councilmember Aplikowski asked if it was a qualified program. Mayor Probst responded there <br />are no qualifications for receiving help. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Councilmember Aplikowski asked about promotion. Mayor Probst responded there has not been <br />a lot of discussion on how it would be promoted. He stated he presumes they could do it with the <br />newsletter. He noted he was not sure about a mass mailing. He added the City of Roseville has <br />done some promotion through other means. He stated he has seen handouts. <br /> <br />Councilmember Larson stated he thought one of the items to come out of their participation in <br />the coalition was they would have a housing code to use. <br /> <br />Ms. Chaput stated this standard is being worked on. <br /> <br />Councilmember Larson asked how much use they would get out of this service in the absence of <br />a housing code. Mayor Probst responded there were recently two instances where citizens with <br />problems concerning their homes used a lot of staff time. He stated staff spent time working <br />with the individuals trying to help them solve their problems. He noted this resource center <br />could have handled those issues. He added they do have some areas in the community ripe for <br />modifications. He stated rather than have them struggle through process they could go here and <br />get ideas on how to solve those problems. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant stated the letter references a number of handouts, but does not say what <br />the organization is going to do, what its mission is, and why it was created. He noted while it is <br />good to hear from the coalition that he would like to see documents on the purpose of the <br />resource center. He asked about assistance for those in violation. Mayor Probst responded in <br />City of Roseville when violation letters are sent they send the telephone number of the center <br />where people are sent to get help to solve their problems. <br />