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HRA Meeting Minutes – Tuesday, February 17, 2009 Page 3 1 2 10. Action Items 3 4 a. 2009 RHRA Work Plan 5 Chair Maschka noted that he had worked with staff to achieve this proposed work plan, and 6 sought input from individual Commissioners if it was inclusive, or if there were additional 7 items or opportunities. Chair Maschka noted the need to monitor and identify grant 8 opportunities that may become available with the signing of the Economic Stimulus Plan 9 approved earlier that day by the federal government. 10 11 Executive Director Patrick Trudgeon reviewed the list, noting that it was a dynamic document, 12 and had been divided quarterly for 2009. 13 14 Chair Maschka sought information from Councilmember Pust as to who, the City Council or 15 the RHRA, would develop guidelines for future use of HIA funding. 16 17 Councilmember Pust advised that there had been considerable discussion at the City Council 18 level related to criteria for considering this type of financing tool. Councilmember Pust noted 19 that, since this was the first application and since it had been proven controversial throughout 20 its development, she opined that it would be of great assistance to the City Council if the 21 RHRA could make guideline recommendations to the City Council as a starting point for their 22 discussion and deliberations. 23 24 Executive Director Trudgeon noted that, unless extended, current HIA legislation would sunset 25 in June of 2009; and suggested that, if it continued as a viable option, staff would then suggest 26 RHRA policy discussions for recommendation to the City Council. Mr. Trudgeon noted, 27 however, that there were other conduit housing issues and policies that staff would be asking 28 the City Council’s direction to the RHRA to develop recommendations for presentation to the 29 City Council. 30 31 Councilmember Pust suggested that conduit financing options, issues, and development of 32 policy criteria be added to the 2009 Work Plan. 33 34 Chair Maschka suggested including another item to receive feedback from the rental housing 35 registration program upon completion of the two (2) year data reporting phase, and linking that 36 data to further discussion and consideration of a rental licensing program. 37 38 Member Majerus opined that the housing issue itself was so massive, it was challenging to 39 staff, and suggested that the RHRA stay aware and take advantage of any applicable programs 40 and tools. 41 42 Housing Coordinator Jeanne Kelsey advised that the City of Roseville didn’t qualify for the 43 last stimulus package to the State of MN, as the programs were designed to assist those 44 communities hardest hit with housing foreclosures and impacts. Ms. Kelsey advised that staff 45 was continuing to monitor funding in cooperation with Ramsey County and other levels of 46 government, unless specifically directed to municipalities. Ms. Kelsey further advised that 47 staff continues to seek networking opportunities, and was actively involved in what had 48 originally been created as the I-35W Corridor Coalition, with that group, newly-designed, 49 continuing to meet monthly for the purpose of tracking such items of interest. Ms. Kelsey 50 advised that the group had recently received a grant to secure a facilitator to assist the group in 51 obtaining more precise information. 52 53 Councilmember Pust noted the positive progress made to-date on code enforcement issues; and 54 suggested consideration be given to further refining that program by providing additional 55 education to citizens. Councilmember Pust noted how well-received the program was being