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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 10, 2007 Page 21 Ms. Bennett noted that the HRA was hoping for a stabilized staffing component to provide administration of strategic and financial planning. Ms. Bennett noted the need for the HRA to have available funds in place to provide a comfort level for developers to pro- ceed with a project, rather than risking the need to seek funding each time for a specific project, and would allow for the HRA to negotiate specific improvements. Mayor Klausing recognized HRA rationale and expressed his trust in their judgment; however, opined that it was his fiduci- ary responsibility to pursue specific areas where requested mon- ies were to be used, rather than blanket approval. Councilmember Roe shared Mayor Klausing's concerns; how- ever, opined that he was gaining an understanding that the HRA was different than the general City budget; with their function being more of a financing organization to leverage other funds, and provide resolving loan funds, and making investments to accomplish housing objectives. Councilmember Roe spoke in support of providing funding to allow the HRA to take advan- tage of opportunities; however, was not supportive of their maximum levy request. Councilmember Pust reviewed various options considered by the HRA and reviewed those scenarios from previous HRA dis- cussions; and requested that the City Council , at a minimum, move the HRA to a middle-tier level at $504,550 and levy amount of $255,750. Additional discussion included funding of the Har Mar Apart- ment project, and a return on that investment, with financial package structuring still pending, but not provided as a subsidy. Councilmember Pust clarified that the HRA was not giving money to favored developers; but was attempting to increase the availability of safe, affordable, and needed housing, and to keep multi-family housing maintained to provide a strong tier