2009-07-27_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

HRA Meeting Minutes – Monday, July 27, 2009 Page 4 Mr. Trudgeon recognized the annual challenges in presenting responsible budgets to provide services valued and requested by residents, and in light of ever-increasing employee health care and benefit costs. Chair Maschka noted various components of the strategic plan and their dollar figures (i.e., multi-family loan program; work force down payment assistance); and if these concepts were not immediately feasible, whether the City Council would consider allowing the HRA to utilize its bonding authority to fund such initiatives. Member Pust opined that this would be a valuable discussion, and that consideration needed to be given to other deflators (i.e., cost of government), as well as financial and political considerations. Mr. Trudgeon noted that the rationale for updating the strategic plan was that many of the older programs had been completed, or were no longer relevant, and it was evident that other segments of the community needed to be reached, but that such elements came with an additional cost. Mr. Trudgeon opined that the HRA could attempt to maintain the status quo, and not provide any additional innovations; however, staff did not think they would be adequately doing their jobs or sufficiently providing support to the HRA and needs of the community. Further discussion included whether budget reductions were preferable across the board or by deleting or deferring specific programs; determination of those programs having the most impact for the community, and having the highest priority versus those with more discretion; public support of the Neighborhood Enhancement Program, and progress to-date; and how to identify which tools to eliminate or reduce based on the issues currently before the HRA. Mr. Trudgeon noted those programs proposed that may reduce future costs and community impacts through their immediate implementation (i.e., multi-family program at $250,000); and potentially phasing for some new programs until they become self-sustaining as revolving loan programs. Additional discussion included clarifying current budget requests with those funds already established but not represented on line item annual budgets (i.e., revolving loan programs); how to ensure public transparency in the budget; clarifying budget line items versus fund balances based on annual budget requests as opposed to funds being continually replenished through the various revolving loan programs to keep them self-sustaining; and the need for the HRA to make a choice in how to provide resources for its program priorities. Discussion related to the Har Mar Apartment project and funding sources, including restricted funds from Ramsey County provided in the HRA quarterly finance update and setting-aside of those funds over the last three (3) years for use specific to this project and represented as part of the $367,000 carryover ($100,000 carryover for the last three years) for this project. Ms. Kelsey provided an example of the HRA levy funding single-family loans several years ago as the program became self-sustaining through funds generated from loan paybacks, with approximately $200,000 currently in that fund. Mr. Trudgeon asked for a formal vote, if indicated, for the strategic plan update; and requested any additional guidance from the HRA to staff on the preliminary budget before the HRA’s August 31, 2009 meeting and formal recommendation to the City Council. Motion: Member Majerus moved, seconded by Member Pust to approve the updated “Roseville HRA Strategic Plan 2008 – 2012” (Attachment A) as presented. Discussion ensued related to accepting the strategic plan update without accepting staff’s proposed budget, with Mr. Trudgeon advising that the strategic plan was a stand alone