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HRA Meeting Minutes – Tuesday, February 17, 2009 Page 6 1 foreclosed homes in Roseville, and what role the HRA would or could play in that related to 2 reinvestment in those properties and based on income-limited qualification criteria similar to 3 the current loan program, or whether the City needed to target those between low and higher 4 income levels; basing assistance on credit scores in addition to those not having down payment 5 monies; and how renters are impacted by homeowners not making payments. 6 7 Ms. Kelsey advised that staff was not recommending any HRA participation this year; 8 however, opened this up for discussion and consideration for possible 2010 programming, if 9 trends continued to indicate homes were staying vacant longer, creating other safety and code 10 enforcement issues in the City. 11 12 Member Elkins reviewed current loan qualifications, and upcoming grant programs becoming 13 available soon and criteria for those grant programs. Member Elkins further noted the current 14 lottery system used for member banks in receiving grant funds. 15 16 Further discussion included how to define the most appropriate role for the HRA; Ramsey 17 County participation and distribution of grant funding, and current information received 18 through the County; assisting those missing the 80/20 sectors; lack of incentives in the private 19 sector, creating a niche for communities to provide assistance; and reduced market values for 20 real estate and their potential for further decline. 21 22 Member Pust noted the need for caution in adhering to the need to ensure housing to families 23 to come into the community, and not facilitating speculative buying. 24 25 Ms. Kelsey noted that this was the rationale in preliminary discussions to consider shared 26 equity situations for owner-occupied homes. 27 28 Further discussion included market-driven real estate pricing; assessment values and caps in 29 the area; use of grant monies, but not borrowed monies for down payments; how and when 30 local government should intervene; rights of renters in foreclosed properties; lack of language 31 in rental leases related to foreclosures; and pending rule changes in foreclosure legislation. 32 33 Member Pust noted the need to determine, in reviewing data on rentals for four-plexes for 34 potential licensing discussions, if it was time for an ordinance in Roseville that included 35 language for landlord penalties if tenant weren’t informed of potential eviction situations 36 and/or foreclosures, as a way to provide incentive for open communication between parties and 37 protecting rights. 38 39 By consensus, it was determined that the City would continue to monitor and research ways to 40 be a resource, and how those resources were brought to the awareness of those needing them; 41 with no formal presentations of additional programs until legislation is firmed up. 42 43 b. Home and Garden Fair 44 Housing Coordinator Jeanne Kelsey distributed information on the Fair, and asked members 45 for their attendance. New signage was displayed for location at fourteen (14) different corners 46 in the community to provide directional assistance; biodegradable balloons and biodegradable 47 for the Fair; and positive comments received to-date on Roseville’s lead in focusing on living 48 smarter and sustainable living. 49 50 Discussion included sign permits for the temporary signs; gaps in staffing the HRA booth; City 51 Councilmember participation in handing out recycling bins; and Member Fuhrman’s schedule 52 conflict for the day. 53 54 55