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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, Apri121, 2008 Page 10 1) the role of the HRA in proposed code enforcement implementation, indicated as a later topic for discussion on tonight's meeting agenda; and 2) the need for strategic planning by the City in the area ofmulti-family housing; with potential revenue bond issues; and what the Council considered as the political feel of the HRA starting to consider such options. Councilmember Pust noted that some HRA funds had been set aside for code en- forcement tools; and questioned if the HRA would consider using some of those monies for abatement, with later reimbursement through property assessments; or use of those funds to hire temporary staff for the summer months for a pilot pro- gram to assist with code enforcement, allowing staff to process citations during the winter months. Board Member Maschka opined that it was a good idea and that the abatement process should be tested; however, was not supportive of funding for administra- tive citations. Councilmember Pust opined that she was not supportive of administrative cita- tions at all; but supported being .upfront with residents by using the abatement process, accomplishing the code enforcement as indicated, and assessing property owners accordingly. Discussion included the type of abatement, with a majority being trash pick up and/or weeds; HRA monies set aside in the amount of $120,000; and where the most could be accomplished, through abatement of trash removal or problem houses. Board Member Maschka opined that there should be social service, and a finan- cial planning, components to code enforcement, particularly in homes where the elderly were unable to maintain their homes anymore, or didn't know where to start. Mr. Maschka opined that there should be a way to advise homeowners on whether it was more economically feasible for them to remain in their home, based on health and financial needs, or if it would be better to sell and move elsewhere. Mr. Maschka recognized that this was a grey area for government, but needed to be a component of code enforcement discussions. Councilmember Pust cautioned that reviews needed to be as broad as possible, without categorizing only elderly citizens in the context of code enforcement is- sues. However, Councilmember Pust concurred with Mr. Maschka that there needed to be more work done in standardizing social service resources for citi- zens, whether faith, government or community-based agencies. Councilmember Roe spoke in support of the HRA's role of educating the public and getting out information to those needing assistance, whether through design standard awareness or local loan programs for enhancement or code enforcement.