2007-06-19_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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9.Information Reports & Other Business (Verbal Reports by Staff and Board Members): a.Discuss HRA Loan Program Eligibility Summary. Ms. Bennett presented an updated summary of Housing Programs. Member Kelsey wondered if any of the loan programs could be combined. Ms Bennett replied that the Housing Resource Center doesn’t present the programs that way; however she was unaware of a clause that explicitly prevented the combination of loan programs. Member Kelsey wondered if any of the HRA loan programs could overlap with county and state loan programs. Ms. Bennett suggested contacting the Housing Resource Center to determine if residents are being apprised of multiple programs that would apply to their situation. Ms Bennett noted that the state fix-up loan interest rate fluctuates and suggested that the HRA consider tying their loan program interest rates to the prime rate (or a couple of points below prime). Ms. Bennett also noted that there are currently no assessed value or income limitations for the Owner Occupied Loan program. Ms. Bennett referred to the discussion at the previous HRA meeting about the creation of income and/or assessed value limitations for the Owner Occupied Loan program. To assist the HRA in this decision, Ms. Bennett provided a handout showing the number of homes that could be captured at various assessed value limitations. Member Kelsey asked for clarification of the current housing programs (HRA, county and state) that impose an assessed value limitation (HRA Family Affordable Loan, Ramsey County Rehab Loan and Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Fix-up Loan). Ms. Bennett encouraged board members to contact her before the next meeting if they desired additional information about current housing programs. Chair Majerus directed Ms. Bennett to examine the housing goals stated in the Imagine Roseville 2025 document to determine how they align with current HRA housing programs and bring recommendations to the next HRA meeting on July 17, 2007. Chair Majerus indicated that a study session to further discuss programming and related budget issues would be scheduled at the July 17 meeting. b.Discuss Chapter 407.08 of City Code Member Maschka explained that the issue of code enforcement came up at the June 18 City Council meeting. Member Maschka opined that the current code enforcement process may not follow the provisions of the ordinance. Chair Majerus wondered if the HRA should have a role in code enforcement. Member Maschka expressed his opinion that the HRA should have a role in code enforcement, comparing it to the relationship between the Planning Commission and City Council. Community Development Director Stark noted that the code is written in such a way that leaves it open to interpretation. Mr. Stark noted that staff would like to discuss the interpretation with the City Council at a study session to seek Council’s direction regarding enforcement of the code. Mr. Stark also referred to a discussion with the city attorney concerning a code enforcement process flowchart, submitted to the HRA by Roseville resident John Kysylyczyn. Mr. Stark indicated that the city attorney came to the conclusion that the HRA, as a legal entity separate from the City of Roseville, currently has no role in enforcing city codes unless delegated that role by the City Council. Ms. Bennett explained that this issue came about as a part of recommendations made by the Citizen’s Advisory Group on Rental Housing. John Kysylyczyn of 3083 Victoria Street expressed his concerns about staff interpretation of the code.