2003-10-21_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Roseville - Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting Minutes for September ...Page 4 of 5 The Ramsey County HRA has approved a preliminary levy of $800,000, but no distribution plan has been discussed by the full HRA board at this time. Based upon Ramsey County HRA Chair Rettman’s proposal, Roseville may receive as much as $100,000. However, access to those funds is unclear. Mayor John Kysylyczyn who attended the Ramsey County HRA meeting when this was discussed explained that a pro-rata share outlined in Chair Rettman’s proposal is unclear. A second proposal discussed by other Ramsey County HRA members and Ramsey County staff includes a maximum levy estimated at $300,000 used to fund the services of Housing Resource Center County-wide. If this proposal was approved by Ramsey County HRA there would be a reduction in the Roseville HRA budget by approximately $35-$40,000. Motion: Member Kelsey moved, second by Member Marks to support the Ramsey County HRA levy only for the maximum amount necessary, estimated at $300,000, to fund the services of the Housing Resource Center County-wide and direct staff to prepare a letter to be sent to Ramsey County HRA indicating this position. Ayes: 7 Nays: 0 Motion carried Discussion/Reports and Non-Action Items 9. Discussion of 2004 Rambler Redesign program requests. a). Cathy Bennett provided made a presentation explaining the purpose and goals of the Rambler Redesign program and discussed the application and approval process. She explained that there are eight projects approved since 1999, with typical improvement costs of between $100,000 - $220,000. In addition there are currently three applications on the waiting list for approval in 2004. Mr. Doug LeMay, 2004 applicant, explained his request, expanding the family house, adding a new second story. The design assistance provided by the architect helps to make the addition fit in much better with the neighborhood and existing home style. Chair Majerus asked if Mr. LeMay would have used an architect without this program (no, a contractor). The original construction would have been $150,000, but now will cost $180,000. Member Kelsey asked if “this old home program” is still in effect (no). Chair Majerus asked how many homeowners search out architects vs. simply using contractors. Member Kelsey asked if the HRA program could be used for other styles of housing (yes). Member Scheunemann asked for percentages of architects, contractors and home designers. Member Kelsey explained her concern regarding the need for cost effective use of funds – how could the HRA target the need for use – more specific qualifications. Member Kelsey wished to more fully provide opportunity those who really can use the program, versus those who could afford architects. Member Kelsey said the HRA should define what the program hopes to achieve, through a revised application form and amended name of the program to more clearly identify that it can be used for other styles of homes. Mayor Kysylyczyn suggested that some eligibility criteria could be tied to those homes with existing values below a certain amount and require that the improvements will provide an increase in value by a certain percentage or more and review the establishment of a “this old house” type program in the City using a tax abatement on the improved value for a period of time. Member Kelsey asked for more detail and a proposal on these types of eligibility criteria for review at a future meeting. http://archive.ci.roseville.mn.us/council/hra/minutes/2003/hram031021.htm4/16/2010