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City of Roseville - HRA Minutes for February 21, 2006Page 2 of 6 Motion carried: 6-0 7.Public Hearing None 8.Action Items Consider Housing Redesign Application -- 3103 Asbury St (HF0042) a. Executive Director Bennett provided a summary regarding the request by the Roseville resident for design assistance under the Housing Redesign program. The owners of 3103 Asbury, Scott & Carrie Lindgren, submitted an application for the program in late December for review. As part of the program review process an eligibility criteria checklist was prepared. On January 31, 2006, the Roseville Development Review Committee reviewed the application, eligibility criteria checklist and renovation plan and concluded that the project prequalified for reimbursement of ½ of the design fees up to $6,000 for the renovation work which is an eligible expense under the program guidelines. However, the DRC suggested that the homeowners have the architect complete the sketch plans for the phase II plan that would include the addition of a mudroom to connect the garage to the house, a master bedroom addition and a front entry as part of this redesign application. Scott Lindgren was in attendance to show existing pictures of the home as well as the future plans for an attached garage, mud room, master suite and front entry. Member Kelsey noted that the total assessed value was above the required amount in eligibility criteria 1 and requested an explanation regarding this. Director Bennett noted that because the building value was so low ($45,000) and that this program is to address homes in need of renovation, she made an exception to that criteria. Bennett noted that the lot was large which brought the total value of the property above the minimum amount noted in criteria 1. Member Kelsey noted that this changes the program criteria and that the HRA must abide by its own program rules or others will expect waivers to this criteria as well. Director Bennett explained that the program goals are to help create affordable housing for mid income families, which in this case it meets that goal. Member Elkins asked if the sales appraisal from 2004 was reviewed by staff to determine why the house value was so low. (No it was not requested or reviewed). Member Bean suggested that if this house was on a smaller (more typical) lot it would likely meet the value criteria but that since the Lindgren’s have a large lot with a small, lower value home, they should not be disqualified from being in the program. Member Bean supports an exception in this case. Member Kelsey suggested taking another look at the program criteria first before approving this project. Chair Majerus suggested changing the criteria to account for this anomaly. Director Bennett explained that the Lindgren’s understood the program limitations in advance but staff (Bennett) suggested that they move forward do to this particular situation. Mr. Lindgren explained the need for an architect after they spent many months with a design/build firm and were not happy with the results. Instead of settling on a design that was not satisfactory, they took the risk and spent more money on an architect with the hopes that they could supplement that cost through this program. However, they understood that it was not a guarantee and were never lead to believe that it was. They want to stay in Roseville and are committed to the neighborhood. Chair Majerus suggested looking at an adjustment to the program in the future. Member Kelsey noted that this program was set up for the households that could not afford an architect. http://archive.ci.roseville.mn.us/council/hra/minutes/2006/hram060221.htm3/10/2008