2008-06-17_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion: Member Elkins moved, seconded by Chair Majerus, to approve the Housing Redesign Program Application for owners at 2497 Brenner Street in Roseville per the program requirements. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstain: 1 Member Millasovich abstained from the vote on this item. Motion carried. 10.Information Reports & Other Business (Verbal Reports by Staff and Board Members): a.Board and Staff Reports Mr. Trudgeon provided a bench handout on LEED certification and noted that two of the twelve LEED- certified buildings in Minnesota are located in Roseville: the Karges-Falconbridge and Sebesta Blomberg buildings. Mr. Trudgeon noted that staff was in the process of arranging for a tour of the Karges- Falconbridge building for the City Council, Planning Commission and the HRA. Mr. Trudgeon provided an update on the Neighborhood Enhancement Program. Mr. Trudgeon indicated that he has received only positive feedback from the neighborhood. Mr. Trudgeon noted that the program is designed to educate and encourage residents to comply with city codes, primarily focusing on junk/debris, junked vehicles, property maintenance, commercial vehicles and equipment in residential zones, outside storage and grass over 8” high. Mr. Trudgeon noted that letters have been mailed to the first neighborhood in the program and inspections would start next week. Mr. Trudgeon indicated that staff will report on the program’s progress at the July HRA meeting. Member Pust encouraged staff to weigh in on the code enforcement discussions found on the Roseville Issues Forum to correct misconceptions or misstatements about the issue. Mr. Trudgeon reviewed some of the rules for common code enforcement issues and noted that these rules are posted on the city website as well as included in the educational materials that are sent to a neighborhood before inspections begin. Mr. Trudgeon reviewed expenditures to date ($1950) for accelerated abatements, noting that one of those involved cutting the grass at a foreclosed property. Mr. Trudgeon noted that every abatement goes before the City Council for approval. Mr. Trudgeon suggested that staff prepare a monthly report for the HRA on abatement expenditures. Mr. Trudgeon noted that the Housing Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed at the next meeting. Member Kelsey summarized the Green by Design seminar that she attended last month. Ms. Kelsey indicated that a presenter from that seminar will speak at the July HRA meeting about the Minnesota GreenStar Program. Ms. Kelsey explained that the GreenStar Program focuses on five elements of green design: energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, resource efficiency/durability and site and community impact. Ms. Kelsey noted that the HRA could most easily incorporate energy and water efficiency incentives into their loan programs. Member Pust suggested bringing those elements into the 2009 Home & Garden Fair. Ms. Kelsey noted that Home & Garden Fair planning will begin in July and the focus will be on green topics. Ms. Kelsey indicated that staff is in the process of arranging a fall educational event for residents about energy issues. Ms. Kelsey noted that Xcel Energy also offers rebates on energy improvements to multi-family properties. Ms. Kelsey noted that she’s been in contact with multi-family property owners to explore ways to encourage reinvestment in their properties. Ms. Kelsey provided the board with information on the Sustainable Home Ownership Program (SHOP). Mr. Trudgeon provided the board with the Residential Rental Registration Program pamphlet and noted that he has received positive feedback about the program.