2008-07-15_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Member Maschka questioned some of the affordable housing statistics included in the draft Housing Chapter. Mr. Trudgeon noted that staff would reexamine the affordability language in the draft chapter and work to clarify the strategy proposed to address affordability with respect to rental and senior housing. c.Discuss 2009 Budget Mr. Trudgeon reviewed the 2009 RHRA budget prepared by staff. Mr. Trudgeon noted that the maximum levy that the RHRA can impose in 2009 is $836,639.00. Staff is proposing to levy $393,000 in 2009 or less than 50% of the possible levy. Ms. Kelsey noted that staff has created a separate budget line item for abatement expenditures so those funds can be tracked and recaptured by the RHRA. The board agreed that before and after pictures of abatement cases should be included in the progress reports staff submits to the RHRA and City Council. Member Maschka expressed an interest in holding a meeting to explore the bonding authority of the RHRA. Member Pust suggested having a discussion about the seasonal code enforcement position. The board discussed the Housing Resource Center contract and directed staff to gather information on other organizations that provide similar services in the event that the RHRA puts the contract out to bid. The board had a brief discussion about the Housing Redesign program, which will end after 2008. Member Maschka suggested an award program for good design to encourage quality projects in the community, perhaps as a part of the Home and Garden Fair. Ms. Kelsey discussed the different ways the RHRA could structure a Multi-Family Loan program. Ms. Kelsey suggested that the RHRA consider working with the Police Department’s Multi-Family Crime Prevention program to incorporate crime reduction elements into the new Multi-Family Loan program. Ms. Kelsey discussed ways to provide first-time homebuyer assistance as a response to an earlier RHRA discussion of ways to encourage buyers of foreclosed properties. Member Tracy suggested structuring a program similar to the one in Ramsey County and, unlike Ramsey County, open the program up to residents that work outside of Ramsey County. The board discussed the merits of providing assistance to encourage residents to move into Roseville. Member Pust cautioned against creating a program without knowing that there is a pressing need for such program. The board agreed that it would like more detailed information on the new programs before staff brings the RHRA budget to City Council. Staff indicated that it would bring the budget back before the RHRA at its August meeting. d.Fall Weatherization Education Seminar Ms. Kelsey noted that the RHRA will hold an energy efficiency workshop on September 20 at Roseville City Hall. Ms. Kelsey suggested the RHRA give away up to 50 free energy audits (at a cost of $35 each) to encourage participation in the event. The board discussed the number of energy audits that should be given away at the workshop and agreed that five audits would be appropriate. authorize staff to organize a Motion: Member Pust moved, seconded by Member Maschka to fall 2008 Weatherization Education Seminar to be held at City Hall and to utilize the marketing/advertising funds to pay for 5 energy audits. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Motion carried. 9.Information Reports & Other Business (Verbal Reports by Staff and Board Members):