2008-01-15_Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Member Pust asked for clarification of the HRA role in the HIA process. Member Elkins noted that the HRA would need to support the creation of the HIA so that it could be funded. Member Maschka indicated that private financing is in place. Member Kelsey indicated that the HRA would be recommending the creation of the HIA to the City CounciL Member Maschka opined that the HIA follows the goals of the HRA. Member Pust commended Bremer Bank for providing the financing for this project, noting that the City Council preferred that the private market do this. Member Elkins noted that Bremer Bank has a sizeable nonprofit area and that Westwood Village I banks at Bremer. Member Maschka opined that this project is really a public/private partnership in that the city provides collateral on the loan, which Westwood Village I was not able to do. Member Pust noted that the city is not taking on risk as it can assess this on taxes. Chair Majerus recommended making a motion to support the creation of an HIA. Motion: Member Maschka moved, seconded by Member Kelsey, to support the creation of the Housing Improvement Area for Westwood Village I once their private funding is in place. Ayes: 6 Nays: 0 Abstain: 1 Member Elkins abstained from voting on the motion. . Motion carried. c. Update on 2008 Roseville Home & Garden Fair Mr. Darrow indicated that various seminars on topics pertaining to green design have been booked for the 2008 Roseville Home & Garden Fair. Mr. Darrow noted that the fair currently has two corporate sponsors and he challenged the HRA board to increase corporate sponsorship of the fair by providing the Home & Garden Coordinating Committee with names of potential sponsors. Mr. Darrow indicated that he would like to secure 8-10 sponsors for the 2008 fair. Member Kelsey directed staff to follow up with board members to solicit potential sponsor contacts. d. Board & Staff Reports Mr. Darrow explained that his tenure as Interim Community Development Director ended on November 19. Mr. Darrow noted that Patrick Trudgeon will take over as the new Community Development Director on November 26. Mr. Darrow indicated his willingness to continue working with the HRA during this transition period, noting the items that remain before the HRA; such as the Strategic Plan, the Housing Improvement Area for Westwood Village I, the 2008 Home & Garden Fair, and rental registration. Mr. Darrow indicated that he would be willing to assist the HRA until March. Chair Majerus suggested that the HRA continue to utilize Mr. Darrow's services until some of the aforementioned HRA items had been resolved and then explore the possibility of hiring a Housing Coordinator. Member Pust wondered how many hours Mr. Darrow would propose to continue working with the HRA on these issues. Mr. Darrow indicated that, as his work on the Strategic Plan had already been contracted, the work that he would perform on other HRA items would be performed on an as- needed basis. For example, Mr. Darrow estimated that he typically would bill approximately 3-4 hours for work done on an issue such as the Housing Improvement Area. Member Kelsey inquired as to Mr. Darrow's hourly rate. Mr. Darrow indicated that the City is receiving a reduced rate of $60 per hour which is approximately half of his normal rate. Mr. Darrow indicated that thus far, he has spent around 8- 10 hours per week on HRA items, outside of work done on the Strategic Plan.