Laserfiche WebLink
<br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 <br /> <br />6 <br /> <br />CounciImember Holden questioned whether it is a fallacy that a home over 20 years old could <br />not be moved. Mr. Helveg replied it is up to the individual mobile home park whether or not it <br />would accept an older home. <br /> <br /> <br />CounciImember McClung asked if, to his knowledge, there was a state statute that indicated a <br />mobile/manufactured home over 12 years could not be moved. Mr. Helveg replied he would not <br />be able to quote state statute. He mentioned that he has worked with a number of parks and finds <br />that homes are generally acquired. <br /> <br />Mr. Helveg commented there are no hard and fast rules; however, generally speaking, homes are <br />acquired. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead restated the homeowner has a significant say in the decision. Mr. Helveg <br />replied the process includes meeting with the homeowners and helping them determine the best <br />decision. <br /> <br />CounciImember Holden questioned what "other reasonable expenses" included; for example, <br />would it include a hotel and a meal. Mr. Helveg replied that whatever is reasonable and <br />necessary to move the homeowner is covered. He stated the program is broad. <br /> <br />CounciImember Grant asked how the number of rooms were determined. Mr. Helveg replied <br />rooms are tallied and are situationally determined. <br /> <br />CounciImember Grant inquired as to the percentage of individuals choosing each option. Mr. <br />Helveg replied it boils down to what burden the homeowner is willing to take on themselves. <br /> <br />CounciImember Holmes questioned what was meant by location. Mr. Helveg replied it is a site <br />geographically located close to where they are moving from. <br /> <br />CounciImember Grant asked how improvements made to the mobile home that added value are <br />taken into account. Mr. Helveg replied this is determined through discussions with the <br />homeowner. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead questioned whether a cap on payment limits existed. Mr. Helveg replied <br />there was not a cap. <br /> <br />CounciImember Grant questioned if the real estate commission is a reimbursable fee. Mr. <br />Helveg replied no out of pocket expenses would be incurred by the homeowner. <br /> <br />Mr. Helveg stated that comparable housing is the most difficult concept to understand. He <br />explained the goal is to find a home that is most representative of the current home and is safe, <br />decent, and affordable. <br />