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HRA Meeting Minutes – Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Page 7 1 Mr. Munson displayed some “before” and “after” pictures of property maintenance issues 2 addressed, and removal of outside storage violations, proving that a small investment greatly 3 improved property conditions and appearances citywide for the benefit of everyone. 4 5 Mr. Munson reviewed the process used in notifying property owners of the upcoming 6 inspections, asking them to walk through their property before the City’s inspection, and the 7 very good cooperation found by staff from the business community. Mr. Munson noted that 8 staff made every effort not to alienate the businesses community; and noted that some needed 9 to delay some work to work it into their next year’s budget cycle. However, Mr. Munson 10 advised that no abatements had been issued to-date; and overall the business owners expressed 11 their support in the program. 12 13 Mr. Munson reviewed some of the comments made by property owners, and the reassurance 14 expressed by the business community in the City taking pride in the community; with some 15 receiving needed impetus by the City to direct to their corporate and/or out-of-state decision- 16 makers to address local concerns. Mr. Munson advised that business property owners seemed 17 receptive to the City continuing inspections, as long as all properties were held to the same 18 standard. 19 20 Mr. Munson noted one problem found in the process was that sometimes the property 21 maintenance person had not seen the introductory letter and repair notice, creating an 22 unwelcome surprise from his supervisor, and causing a very few to therefore not be supportive 23 of the inspection program. 24 25 In the future, Mr. Munson reviewed the plan for the three-year inspection cycles, with 26 residential areas inspected in years 1 and 2, and commercial areas inspected in year 3, and then 27 repeating the cycle. Mr. Munson opined that any faster schedule would be less well-received 28 and in his opinion, less productive. 29 30 Member Masche thanked staff for their efforts, opining that they had added value to the 31 community from those efforts. 32 33 Mr. Munson again recognized the excellent code enforcement staff, and their expertise and 34 communication skills throughout the process in working with residents and business owners. 35 36 Ms. Kelsey noted that Mr. England had previously worked for the City as a temporary, 37 seasonal employee, but would now be working full-time implementing the City’s rental 38 licensing inspection program for the City, along with Jan Rosemeyer, in between his other 39 duties with the NEP. 40 41 7. Public Hearings 42 None. 43 44 Presentations 8. 45 (See above) 46 47 9. Action/Discussion Items 48 49 a.Sherman Associates Resolution of Support for HOME Application 50 Ms. Kelsey reviewed the request, as detailed in the staff report dated February 18, 2014; and 51 advised that representatives of Sherman Associates had a scheduling conflict and were unable 52 to attend tonight’s meeting. Ms. Kelsey reviewed the status and success or lack thereof of 53 previous grant applications, and past support by the HRA and City Council for those efforts. 54