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HRA 02/05/2004 - 29527_� , ��, �� �. CITY OF FRIDLEY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING FEBRUARY 5, 2004 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Commers c.alled the February 5, 2004, Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Larry Commers, Virginia Schnabel, Pat Gabel, Bill Holm, and John Meyer Members Absent: None Others Present: Grant Fernelius, Assistant HRA Director Scott Hickok, Community Development Director Paul Eisenmenger, HRA Accountant Rick Pribyl, Finance Director David King Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE) APPROVAL THE DECEMBER 4. 2003. HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES: MOTION by Ms. Gabel, seconded by Mr. Meyer, to approve the December 4, 2003, HRA minutes. UPOId A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON COMMERS DECLARED THE MOTIOId CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE MINUTES APPROVED AS AMENDED. CONSENT ITEMS: 1. COIdSIDER 2°10 COLA for HRA EMPLOYEES (RESOLUTION HRA -20041 Z. CONSIDER PAYMENT OF EXPENSES RELATED TO FRED OREEL CONDEMNATION fFORMER HARDEE'S SITE) Ms. Gabel requested that item #1 be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Chair Commers requested that item #2 be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. MOTION by Ms. Gabel, seconded by Ms. Schnabel, to remove Consent Agenda, items #1 and #2 and to place them on the agenda under action items. UPOM A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON COMMERS DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ACTION ITEMS: 3. CONSIDER EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITH CEE FOR ADMINISTRATION OF LOAN PROGRAM: R HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING, FEBRUARY 5, 2004 PAGE 2 Mr. Femelius stated that the Center for Energy and the Environment is a non-profit agency based in Minneapolis. CEE has administered housing rehab loan programs in Fridley since 1995. The previous administrative agreement ran through the end of2003. The action this evening is to consider renewing the agreement for 3 more years. Mr. Femelius stated the proposed agreement would run from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2007. The agreement covers administration of the home improvement and rental housing rehab programs. The agreement also covers the remodeling advisor service. Mr. Femelius stated that compensation is based on a fee schedule that includes: Loan origination fee $550/loan; Post Installation Inspection $70/inspection; Remodeling Advisor visit $130/visit. Mr. Femelius stated that the agreement includes the following components: program marketing, application intake and processing, loan undennrriting, and loan closing, managing escrow accounts for each borrower and paying the contractors as work is completed, and they verify that all permits have been obtained and work compfeted in a satisfactory manner. Mr. Femelius stated that the program included changes including the following: Addition of two MHFA loan programs; lower interest rates on HRA loans; and raising maximum income limit. Mr. Femelius indicated that the CEE Loan Pragram Contract included: The new MHFA programs like the Community Fix-Up Fund (CFUF) and the Discount Laan Program. The CFUF allows loans to families w+ith incomes up to 115% of the median income ($87,000). The Discount Loan Pragram allows the HRA to leverage outside dollars by wrriting down the interest rate on loans made by MHFA. Mr. Femefius indicated that there are interest rate changes suggested. These rates included a � 4% rate, rather than 6% on HRA funded loans. The HRA would also w►rite down the interest rate on MHFA loans from 5'/Z % to 4%. The goal is to have a uniform interest rate of 4% on all loans administered through the HRA. This interest rate would be consistent with programs in Blaine, Columbia Heights, and Coon Rapids. Mr. Femelius indicated the program contract would increase the current income limit from $63,000 to $87,000. There are many two-income families and the current limit excludes many families. The recommended change would be consistent with MHFA Guidelines and similar programs in Coon Rapids and Columbia Heights. Mr. Femelius indicated that Staff recommends that the HRA approve the Loan Origination Agreement with the Center for Energy and the Environment for the 2004-2007 term. Ms. Gabel asked if there is a drastic change in the economy do we have provisions to change the interest rate? Mr. King indicated that the wray that CEE recommends making the modification is the manner in which they administer the other programs where CEE is involved. This would allow the interest rate to be adjusted consistent with the rates of MHFA programs. Mr. King indicated that CEE monitors the rates and would adjust incrementally on a quarterly basis. Mr. Commers asked if we could do a sliding interest rate wrn a point or a point and %2. Dave King responded that a sliding rate could be accomplished and the adjustments would be made based on rates posted by the FED. �•FiOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORfTY MEETING, FEBRUARY 5, 2004 PAGE 3 Mr. Meyer asked what is the standard in commercial institutional lending. Isn't the purpose of our program to make money avaifable for those who need it at a below market Rate? Mr. Femelius confirmed that that is the concept of the loan program. Mr. Holm indicated he would like to see a 1'/< - 1%2 % discount from the Fed and wondered if the Commission should be reviewing this matter at their regular meetings. Ms. Schnabel indicated that she felt is appropriate to keep the rates attractive so that the programs can do as they were intended to help those who need the assistance at an affordable rate. Mr. Meyer indicated that he was amazed at the high level of income that would still qualify for one of the loan programs. Ms. Gabel asked if staff has the Fridley or Anoka County Median Income. Mr. Hickok indicated that that information is available, however he did not have the number with him at the meeting. Mr. Commers asked about dog the interest rate adjustments in steps and adjust to be within 1'/ - 1%2 °!o of market with a sliding or adjusted rate tied to MHFA adjust the interest rates. Ms. Schnabel indicated that she thought that was reasonable and that she would be in favor of that approach. Mr. Holm asked if this adjustable rate would assume a 4% floor? Mr. King responded that it could. Interest Rate MOTION by Mr. Holm moved that the Commission approve 4% interest rate floor with a sliding or adjustabls rate 1'/<% below standard as tied to MHFA Rates. Motion 2"d by Ms. Schnabel. Ms. Schnabel to voiced concem over the absence of data indicating that 115% of inedian income based on the region may not truly reflect the situation in Fridley. An amount of $87,000 may be too high in Fridley. Income MOTION by Ms Schnabel to base the income cap on 115% of the HUD figures for the metropolitan area. Motion seconded by Pat Gabel. Mr. Holm made a suggested amendment to Ms. Schnabel's earlier motion of a sliding scale with a 4% floor and an income cap of $80,000 (for a four person household}. Ms. Schnabel accepted the amendment to her motion. MOTION Mr. Meyer made a motion to defer the decision until a determination is made of the median income for Anoka County and the City of Fridley if available. Motion seconded by Mr. Holm UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON COMMERS DECLARED THE MOTION TO DEFER ACTION FAILED. (1 AYE (Meyer), 4 NAY] HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING, FEBRUARY 5, 2004 PAGE 4 UPON A VOICE VOTE FOR THEON OMMERSTDECNLAR DOTHE MOTIO CARR ED 4'O1 S� ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERS (Meyer NAI� . 4. CONSIDER EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITH CEE FOR ADMINISTRATION OF LOAN PROGRAM Mr. Femelius indicated that the next item dealt with the CEE Operation Insulation Program Contract. Operation insulation (OI) is a specialized program administered by CEE. CEE has operated the program in Fridley since 2001. The program offers a comprehensive inspection and analysis of insulation levels, wreather-stripping, appliance venting, and indoor air quality. The audits are done by CEE building technicians. Mr. Femalius indicated that the purpose of the program is to provide information on reducing heating/cooling casts and improving indoor air quality. The HRA's role has been to help undenamte the cost of audits for Fridley residents. The HRA has paid for'/z the cost of the audit, which is $62.50. Further, if the improvements are made, the HRA pays for 100% of the audit cost, or $125. Mr. Fernelius indicated that the program began in 2001. Since that time, CEE has completed 97 audits. The total cost of the program to date is $8,688. The HRA pledged $25,000 to start the program in 2001. That administrative contract ran through the end of 2003. Mr. Femelius indicated that the program seems to have been well received. Staff anticipates continued demand for the service in the future. Staff recommends a 3-year extension to the contract through 2007, or until the remaining $25,000 is spent. Mr. Femelius suggested revisiting future funding needs as the program continues. MOTION by �rginia Schabel to approve the Operation Insulation Program as recommended by staff. Motion seconded by Bill Holm. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON COMMERS DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 5. CONSIDER BLIGHT RESOLUTION FOR GATEWAY WEST Mr. Commers asked for a motion to remove item from table from October 2003. MOTION by Pat Gable, seconded by Bill Holm to remove the item from the table. Mr. Femelius revisited the history of the Gateway West blight discussion and recommendation from the October meeting. At the time there were concems about the term substandard and a request made that staff come back with additional data about howr blight is determined. Mr. Femelius indicated that Short Elliot Hendrickson (SEH) had been hired as the HRA's consultant to assist in the evaluation of whether blight existed based on the standards of law. Mr. Meyer indicated that he had been one who expressed concem and determined after reading the SEH report that the term substandard and structural references are adequately contained in the consideration of blight. . � ��10USING 8� REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING, FEBRUARY 5, 2004 PAGE 5 Mr. Commers indicated that now with each member being given an opportunity to review the findings and understand their determination of substandard that they make a decision based on the findings of the report. MOTION by John Meyer to approve the attached resolution and findings determining that certain parcels are occupied by structurally substandard buildings and are to be included in a tax increment-financing district. Pat Gabel seconded motion UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON COMMERS DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6. CONSIDER 2% COLA FOR HRA EMPLOYEES Ms. Gabel asked if the 2% increase is prorated or retroactive. Mr. Eisenmenger explained that the 2% matches the 2% given by the City and covers the term January 1, through December 31, 2004. MOTION by Pat Gable to approve a 2% C.O.L A. increase for HRA employees for the Term January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004. Motion seconded by Ms. Schnabel UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON COMMERS DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7. CONSIDER PAYMENT OF EXPENSES RELATED TO FRED OREEL CONDEMNATION (FORMER HARDEE'S SITE) Mr. Commers indicated that he had asked for this item to be removed from the agenda to express concem about the information contained in the staff report regarding pending payment to Fred Oreel as part of the condemnation settlement. Mr. Commers requested a written opinion from the City attomey regarding the disposition of final payment to Fred Oreel in the Hardee's condemnation. Mr. Hickok indicated he would request the City Attomey's written opinion MOTION by John Meyer to authorize payment of $5,192.50 to Lake State Realty Services for appraisal and testimony expenses in Hardee's condemnation. Seconded by Mr. Holm. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON COMMERS DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 8. CHECK REGISTER FOR DECEMBER 2003 The HRA reviswed the check register as distributed for December 2003. MOTION by Ms. Schnabel, to approve December 2003 Check Register. Ms Gabel seconded the motion. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON COIUIMERS DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. � HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING, FEBRUARY 5, 2004 PAGE 6 INFORMATION ITEMS g, UPDATE ON UNIVERSITY AVENUE SERVICE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Femelius provided an update on the reconstruction of the University Avenue Service Drive. The public hearing for this project was heid on January 26, 2004. Council and the property owners appear to favor the project as it continues to move forward. Staff will be recommending final approval of the final plans and going out for bids at the next Council meeting. Mr. Femelius indicated that the roadway will be removed and new base and concrete curb and gutter will be installed. Along with the new roadway the City has had an omamental fence designed to replace the existing MnDOT chain link fence along University Avenus, between Mississippi Street and 61� Avenue. Mr. Commers and Ms. Schnabel stated their approval of the plans. Mr. Commers questioned the mowing and upkeep along the corridor. Mr. Hickok indicated that $20,000 of corridor maintenance funds had been removed from the 2004 budget. Mr. Commers indicated that he was very concemed about the image that the lack of maintenance suggests and asked staff to look for creative maintenance solutions between now and Spring, so that the corridors c�n be groomed. 10. UPDATE ON SALE OF TAX INCREMENT REFUDING BONDS Mr. Pribyl state that the City of Fridley is in the process of issuing debt for some capital imp�overx�ents necessary for the Water Utility. As part of our debt management we reviewed existing debt to see if it makes sense to refinance and take advantage of the current interest rate environment As a benchmark if the net estimated savings excseds 3% we generally proceed with refinancing. Mr. Pribyl indicated that our consultants at Ehlers and Associates reviewed all of the existing tax increment related debt and found that one of the TlF items could provide a savings through a reissuance. At this time staff has calculated that by reissuing this debt a savings of $176,393.03 can be realized. At their second meeting in January Council passed a resolution approving Ehlers and Associates, Inc. to act as the Fiscal Agent for the City and to proceed with the necessary actions. Also Council approved a resolution authorizing Ehlers to conduct the same process to refinance the Tax Increment Bonds, Series 1998B. 11. UPDATE ON 2004 CDBG APPLICATION Mr. Femelius indicated that in December of last year, staff provided an update to the HRA on potential projects that staff evaluated for an application for funds through the 2004 CDBG program. From those studies staff determined that there were two potential projects that really deserved additional consideration. These projects are Charles Street apartment area streetscape and a long-range planning effort for the United Defense Site. A determination was made that though both projects are meritorious, neither were advanced to the point of making a CDBG application. ' , ' HOUSING 8 REDEVELOPMENT AUTHOR(TY MEETING, FEBRUARY 5, 2004 PAGE 7 Mr. Femelius indicated that the City was able to take advantage of $200,000 of CDBG monies in 2003 that were redistributed due to being unused funds frorn other projects elsewhere in the County. Those funds would be applied toward the Gateway West project. Mr. Femefius stated that while it is not our practice to submit applications prior to Council discussion, in this case a short time window left us no choics. Council did authorize submission of the CDBG application after-the-act. The application that was submitted was for $15,000 planning grant to help fund a series of vuorkshops on housing. The workshop concept needs further refinement, but the primary goal is to initiate a twaway exchange or dialog with interested residents. Equally as important is that it is an opportunii}r for the public to leam more about this topic, for city officials to hear the public's concems, and ultimately for all to find common ground. 12. UPDATE ON ANOKA COUNTY REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY LEGISLATION Mr. Femelius provided background as well as the current status of the Anoka County plans to expand the powers of the Regional Rail Authority. Mr. Femelius indicated he has spoken to a number of Anoka County communities and has determined that in the cities he has contacted the Council's have not discussed the matter formally, but in most cases it appears there is some support, at least at the staff level. Mr. Femelius indicated that the pfan appears to be straightForward and well reasoned. Mr. Femelius indicated that there are still unanswered questions relative to the proposal. These questions include, the current plan is to use the rail authority levy only. What guarantees can be provided that the levy would not be raised in the future? The ACRRA and Anoka County HRA would both possess HRA powers. How would the finro agencies work together? Finally, how will the money be spent? The County will have roughly 3.OM in resources. We would like to better understand the County's willingness to share those resources with local unit� of govemment. 13. UPDATE ON 2004 NORTH METRO HOME � GARDEN FAIR Mr. Femelius stated that the 6�' Annual North Metro Home and Garden Fair has been scheduled for Saturday, March 6"', 2004, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:OOp.m, at the Mounds View Community Center. 5394 Edgewood Drive, Mounds �ew. Mr. Femelius indicated that there have been 50 booths reserved from a variety of vendors. Workshops are planned throughout the day as well as having door prize drawings. Mr. Femelius stated that Clear Channel Communications has agreed to advertise the event on several billboards in the area. Mr. Femelius state that everyone is invited to attend. 14. MONTHLY HOUSING REPORT Mr. Femelius prepared a brief summary of the Housing Program Summary provided for the HRA members to review. Mr. Femelius indicated that there were 2 loan originations in January. The loans total value is $30,665. The improvements included heating system improvements and also window and door improvements. Mr. Femelius stated that in the Monthiy Senricing Report there was $9,208.62 received from principal and interest payments in the various loan pools. Mr. Femelius discussed the delinquency report. Mr. Femelius also indicated that the remodeling Advisor had one visit in January and the Operation Insulation Auditor had two visits in January. ADJOURPIMENT: MOTiON made by Mr. Meyer, seconded by Ms. Schnabel, to adjoum the meeting. UPON A VOICE VD �D THE FEBRUARY 5, 2004PHOUS NG 8� RE EVE OPMENT THE MOTION CARRIE �►UTHORITY MEETIIdG ADJOURNED AT 9:25 P.M. RespectFully submitted�� � � � Scott Hickok Commun'rly Development Director Acting Recording Secretary i� CITY OF FRIDLEY SIGN-IN SHEET HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING �����c�i/1 ° �, �D��l Name and Address ��,� r.C. (L- i .�o�- G , �`�"1 g � '^ l�l �/1'� Agenda Item of Interest i�� ���--__-