2005-03-15_Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.Action Items: a.Neighborhood Enhancement Program: Review and Discuss Possible Tools and Implementation Partners and Adopt Public Neighborhood Meeting Schedule (HF0025) Executive Director Bennett indicated that the HRA was being asked to approve neighborhood meeting dates in March, April and May as part of the Neighborhood Enhancement Program. Ms Bennett reviewed the background and possible implementation tools such as a housing maintenance code and rental licensing program and issues relevant to each. She reviewed the role of a meeting facilitator. The HRA discussed the issues and implementation strategies and reviewed and discussed the proposed schedule including: 1)Level of housing maintenance and rental licensing as an enforcement tool. Many cities are using the “IPMC” – a property maintenance code. She explained the variation on these concepts. 2)Exterior maintenance regulation for owner occupied single family homes (getting to an issue before it gets too bad). 3)More neighborhood involvement in keeping neighborhoods safe and clean, perhaps similar to the block watch/block captain program. 4)Staff issues – who will implement these programs. Fees could be used for a portion of the cost, with credit for compliance. The Shoreview “Shine” program could be implemented without additional staff, but only after the ordinances are adopted. Member Kelsey suggested more input and feedback from neighborhood meetings before taking action and making recommendations to the City Council. Member Scheunemann explained that communities of 50 years in age start the truth in sale of housing program and inspection programs. He explained the need for maintenance records. Comments from Board members – reluctant to look at issues of Code compliance at this time. Chair Majerus suggested these issues be discussed by a facilitator at the meetings with the neighborhood. Member Bean discussed the format of facilitation – details are “less is more”. The neighborhood meetings should be listening opportunities. Member Scheunemann explained some of the lack of inspection response in St. Paul’s eastside. Executive Director Cathy Bennett explained the meeting schedule with five meetings based on community districts. A key component of the meetings will be coordination with Block Captains. She presented a chart illustrating meetings, dates and locations and HRA representatives. Cathy Bennett explained the Center for Policy (Barbara Raye). The proposal submitted by the Center estimated a cost of $7,000 for 55 hours of work. Member Kelsey asked for a service contract or agreement including a “not to exceed” clause. The consensus of the Board was that a facilitator is needed. 2