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only has a few loans outstanding and therefore has a large amount of money that is not being used. In talking with HRC staff, they say the program is not utilized as much because of the restrictions. About half of the people are above the income level (and thus directed to RLP) and the others don't have a person under 16 (and also directed to RLP). Given these facts, there seems to be sound reasons to combine the programs. 3.8 In looking at the possibilities of combining the programs, staff has considered what criteria should used for the new program. It is staff's opinion that most of the guidelines from the RLP should be maintained in the program. Namely, the 4%, 10 year term, and $20,000 cap. Based on the strategic plan, criteria or incentives for green design and/or the use of energy star products should be included as part of the new program. 3.9 Staff does feel that there should be a income restriction put on the new program to ensure that we are helping Roseville residents that need the help. In reviewing County and State programs, staff found that most state programs serve people at 60% of AMI, while the Ramsey County programs range from serving people from 50-80% AMI. Therefore, our programs are not duplicative and serve a segment of the population that does not typically qualify for the existing housing programs. 3.10 If the programs are combined, there would immediately be a balance of $136,674.00. In addition, it appears that an additional $133,000 is available from the 2008 RHRA budget leaving a grand total of $269,674.00 for the new program. 3.11 Code Enforcement 3.12 There seems to be some confusion on what the role of the RHRA will have in regards to code enforcement. Staff has reviewed the minutes of previous meetings as well budget and strategic plan documents to ascertain the final disposition of the use of RHRA funds for code enforcement. The aforementioned documents discussed the use of RHRA funds for loan programs, to help the city with property abatements, promotion and creation of pro-active code enforcement activities and even assisting the city in funding seasonal staff. 3.13 While it is still not totally clear to current staff on the final RHRA intentions, staff would recommend that the RHRA fund an emergency loan program for code enforcement violators in the amount of $60,000. In addition, an additional $60,000 should be allocated to assist the City in performing abatements. Currently abatements are paid out of the Community Development Department Fund and eventually recaptured from the person whose property was abated. As there typically has not been a lot of abatements on an annual basis, this arrangement has not put a burden on the Community Development fund. However, as Roseville's code enforcement efforts step up, and additional funding source for abatements will be helpful. 4.0 Staff Recommendation 4.1 Staff recommends the following: RHRA Program Evaluation (03-18-08) -Page 3 of 4