2008-06-17_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.Public Hearing None. Sustainable Home Ownership Program (SHOP) 8.Speaker - Chuck Evans and Gary Beatty from the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC) made a presentation to the board about the Sustainable Home Ownership Program (SHOP). Mr. Evans and Mr. Beatty explained that SHOP is a non-profit mortgage broker providing services to families to support home ownership. Mr. Beatty explained that the program focuses on early foreclosure intervention, repopulation of depressed areas, and financial education leading to a home purchase. 9.Action/Discussion Items: a.Discuss 2009 Budget Mr. Trudgeon introduced a discussion of the 2009 budget, noting that staff will convene the HRA Finance Subcommittee, which consists of Members Masche, Maschka and Chair Majerus, so that the subcommittee can bring the preliminary HRA budget to the HRA meeting in July. Mr. Trudgeon explained that the City Council will begin budget discussions in August and will adopt a preliminary budget in September. Member Elkins expressed concern about the maintenance of vacant, foreclosed properties. Member Elkins suggested the HRA explore offering an incentive such as down payment assistance to buyers of foreclosed homes as a way to prevent those properties from sitting vacant. Ms. Kelsey wondered if a soft second mortgage would work in such cases, so that the HRA could recapture those funds for a revolving program. Ms. Elkins wondered if a forgivable grant would better serve the community in this instance. Member Tracy noted that, in his experience as a real estate agent, he hasn’t seen many foreclosed properties in disrepair or neglect, as banks are careful to winterize and secure such properties. Member Tracy wondered if buyers of foreclosed properties need an additional incentive to buy such properties as they are typically offered for sale at a large discount. Member Pust advanced her opinion that the City refrain from buying foreclosed homes, rehabilitating those homes and offering them for sale, in light of the current housing market. Member Pust reminded staff that the City Council will take a careful look at the HRA budget as the state legislature has capped local government levy increases at 3.9% b.Brenner Redesign Application Ms. Kelsey presented the application for the Housing Redesign Program at 2497 Brenner Ave. Ms. Kelsey noted that the Roseville Development Review Committee (DRC) reviewed the application, eligibility criteria checklist and renovation plan and concluded that the project prequalified for reimbursement of the design fees up to $3,000 for the renovation work. Member Pust pointed out that one of the applicants, Jen Jackson Millasovich, is a member of the Housing & Redevelopment Authority and as such, Member Millasovich would abstain from the vote on this item. Member Pust asked Mr. Trudgeon to address the issue of conflict of interest in this matter. Mr. Trudgeon indicated that the application was given a thorough review and the applicant was treated like any other applicant.