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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 08, 2008 Page 21 Councilmember Roe clarified that this was his suggestion that staff gather that in- formation. Councilmember Ihlan concurred with the suggestion; however, opined that the City needed to be kept fully informed. McGillis and Norm Jones Mr. McGillis advised Councilmembers that the letters referenced by Mr. Cann had been responded to; and offered the City Council the information they had re- quested. Mr. McGillis reviewed the residents eligible for Section 8 housing when they took over the facility and the present percentage; reviewed the amount of money spent to-date in rehabilitating the facility at well over $2 million, with more anticipated, without collection of any fees; and appointment of a trustee (Wells Fargo) to monitor compliance. Mr. McGillis opined that the City's legal bond counsel, had drafted the agree- ment, similar to what was done with other cities. Mr. McGillis agreed that it had been their initial hope that no tenants would have to be evicted or asked to vacate; however, Mr. McGillis noted that under this program, he didn't make the rules and the owners had delayed for a year, hoping for normal turnover to get them to the point of 75% affordable units. Mr. McGillis advised that unfortunately, it had been necessary to send a notice to vacate to 22 residents, all on one side of the street, with some sharing information on their qualifications, at which point va- cate notices were reduced to 19 units. Mr. McGillis advise that the two tenants represented by Mr. Cann were not qualified; and assured Councilmembers that the developer was not in violation of regulations; that they'd provided twice the amount of time required by state law; and had provided a 60-day, rather than 30- day notice for those receiving notices to vacate. Mr. McGillis opined that it was the owner's intent that they apply the rules and regulations as consistently as pos- sible; and expressed concern that their name was being dragged through the mud; and welcomed any investigation, and volunteered to provide any information re- quested. Mayor Klausing opened the meeting for public comment at this time. Unidentified female resident of Centennial Gardens Apartments The speaker expressed her frustration in their former community and the state of the rental at this time, noting the increased crime; vacant units when residents are being evicted; lack of availability and length of the waiting list for Section 8 hous- ing vouchers; loss of homes for long-term renters and residents of Roseville; rent increases of between $75 - $150; and neighbors no longer knowing each other. The speaker opined that those who gave the owner the money to do this have to stand up and ask for some compliance; and alleged that the MHFA representative