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City of Roseville - Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting Minutes for July 20, 20...Page 5 of 7 Member Kelsey commented that the marketing budget may help support policy #4. Member Bean noted that there should be annual focus on actions supported by budget funds and where possible to team up with other Commissions and housing groups. Chair Majerus noted that the HRA should coordinate and collaborate with others wherever possible. Member Kelsey also commented that the HRA should review the budget and policy to see that they are coordinated. Member Bean asked that staff see that invitations to other commissions and agencies particularly the school districts be sent for comment on the study prior to adoption. b) Consideration of Endorsement for Ramsey County Endowment Fund . Executive Director Bennett discussed the request for consideration of endorsement for the Ramsey County Endowment Fund and indicated the program dollars were directed specifically for the construction of new rental housing for the benefit of those at the lowest incomes – 30%- 50% of median income. The endowment has provided over $6m since 2000 for affordable new rental housing. Member Kelsey explained the MICAH’s request for endorsement of the Endowment came to her and she asked that is be put on the agenda for consideration. Member Hermes expressed support and felt positive that outside agencies are recognizing the HRA and asking for their endorsement. Motion: Member Hermes moved, seconded by Member Millasovich, to authorize the HRA staff to send a letter to the Ramsey County HRA Board encouraging them to designate funding for the Ramsey County Housing Endowment Fund. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Motion carried c) Consideration of Application for use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Restricted Funds. (HF0023). Executive Director Bennett introduced two possible new programs, application guidelines and procedures for the HRA’s consideration and use of the CDBG dollars which are restricted for use for housing projects where there will be a direct benefit to those with incomes at or below 80% of median incomes. She indicated that discussions had taken place preferring a focus around the use of the funds for rental rehabilitation. Bennett introduced the two specific programs: 1) Rental Rehabilitation Program, and 2) Access Improvement Program. 1) Rental Rehabilitation Program – The goal of the rental rehab program is to assist landlords who rent to low to moderate income tenants to make necessary improvements to their properties without increasing the rents which tend to displace residents. The program would provide up to 50% of the cost of needed repairs in the form of a grant not to exceed $10,000. For request over $10,000, the first $10,000 would be a grant and amounts over $10,000 would be structured as a loan. The structure of the program would be to require that over 50% of the tenants meet the income criteria and that the rents can not exceed the annual Fair Market Rent Limits. For the grant funds a match is required (but does not require the filing of a lien on the mortgage unlike a loan). The grant is paid after the improvements have been completed and signed lien waivers have been collected (much like a rebate). The property owner would be required to sign an annual (for 5 years) affidavit certifying that at least 50% of the rents are below the Fair Market Rent limit. If within the first five years the rents increase above that limit, the grant will be required to be paid back. (Staff is still researching with the HRC, County and HRA attorney what appropriate document would be used to mandate this). A program summary and application was prepared for HRA review. 2) Access Improvement Program – Bennett mentioned that over the years, staff has experienced increased calls regarding handicap accessibility improvements in both rental and single family properties. This is naturally a result of the aging population in Roseville and their desire to stay http://archive.ci.roseville.mn.us/council/hra/minutes/2004/hram040921.htm4/16/2010