Jenell Brooks

The meeting commenced with the approval of minutes from the January 22nd and February 18th, 2014 regular HRA meetings, followed by approval of the current agenda. A public hearing was held regarding a resolution to authorize the sale of properties at 7312 and 7316 Clinton Avenue to the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC) for the construction of two single-family homes. The presentation detailed that one home would be fully accessible to persons with physical disabilities, and the other would be for a first-time home-buying family, with both targeting incomes no greater than 80 percent of the area median income. The sale price was established at $10,000 per lot, constituting a significant subsidy from the HRA to ensure affordability, leveraging Federal Community Development Block Grant funds. Discussions included provisions for future resale, confirming that affordability requirements extend in perpetuity via a soft second mortgage mechanism. The HRA also reviewed and approved claims and payroll. A member expressed appreciation for a recent study session on senior housing and requested similar analysis for market housing.

Key discussions during the meeting included matters related to the upcoming Fourth of July celebration, specifically addressing concerns stemming from a City Manager's memo and ensuring continued funding for the Fourth of July committee, regardless of the status of the carnival contract. Council members also provided extensive feedback regarding the newly constructed skate park, noting issues with users violating posted rules concerning the use of bicycles and the mandatory wearing of safety equipment such as helmets and pads. Furthermore, the City Manager reported on fiscal matters, including the audit finding regarding statutory authority for donations to social service agencies, ongoing review of service agreements, and the dissolution of the Hennepin Self-Service Collaborative planning component, which will result in the city pursuing residual cash assets. The consent calendar involved resolutions for accepting a Community Forest bonding reimbursement grant for boulevard trees, entering into a Trailway Cooperative agreement, certifying delinquent utility accounts, and appointing election judges. Finally, the council reconsidered and acted on an ordinance amendment concerning the placement of waste containers, aiming to clarify wording previously found ambiguous by the court and resume enforcement after June 2013. Attendees also praised the recent Penn Fest event for its success, noting the strong community engagement and the exciting BMX racer performances.

The regular Richfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) meeting included a roll call and approval of the agenda, following the approval of the January 22, 2014 work session minutes. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the yearend review highlighting various HRA programs for 2013. Key program discussions included the Richfield Rediscovered program, which facilitates new single-family housing construction, showing 115 homes built since inception. The New Home Program, established in 1974, and the status of land bank lots were also reviewed. Furthermore, details were provided on the Transformation Home Loan program for large-scale remodeling projects, the significant decrease in foreclosures in 2013 compared to 2012, and the discontinued Foreclosure Purchase Incentive Program. Updates were given on the Community Fix Up Fund Loan program, the Deferred Housing Rehab Loan program funded through Community Development Block Grant funds, and services provided by partners like HOME and CAPSH. Commercial development highlights included the completion of the new two-story building at the former Lindale Station (Kmart property) and updates on the Lindale Gardens project, which involves a grocery store and residential units. Additionally, the establishment of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District on the former City Garage site was noted. Finally, the progress on the Housing Visioning Statement and Housing Policy Recommendations developed by a task force was mentioned, alongside updates on the Kids at Home program and Section 8 rental assistance caseloads.

Key discussions included a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for Mother Duck Learning Center to expand a legally non-conforming accessory structure at 6341 Penn Avenue to add classroom space, where staff recommended approval with conditions related to landscaping replacement. The commission also addressed a zoning ordinance amendment to update daycare regulations in residential districts to align with state regulations, involving removing the definition of Group Family Daycare and clarifying capacity numbers to allow State licensed facilities serving 14 or fewer children, including an allowance for one non-resident employee. Additionally, updates were provided on the Community Services Commission's progress on Monroe Park improvements, including drainage, safety enhancements, solar LED lighting, and developing a soccer field area. Discussions on trash collection involved a wait-and-see approach pending updates from Bloomington. Other reports noted new member swearing-in for the School Board, sidewalk discussions for the Transportation Commission, and an upcoming study session for the Cedar Corridor Master Plan update.

The meeting began with the swearing-in of a new HRA committee member. Key discussion items included the approval of the agenda and minutes from previous meetings in October 2018. A significant portion of the meeting centered on the consideration of adopting a resolution to purchase real property at 6701 17th Avenue South. The proposed purchase aims to vacate and remove the associated section of 67th Street to eliminate ongoing maintenance costs, improve access for emergency services, and create space for additional landscaping, potentially buffering the adjacent Chamberlain apartments from single-family homes, aligning with the Comprehensive Plan's long-term vision. Discussions involved the proposed purchase price, relocation costs, and the timeline for owner occupancy. Subsequently, the body discussed and voted on adopting a local Fair Housing Policy. This policy commits the HRA to several internal and external practices, including processing housing complaints, making information available in native languages, staff training, and considering fair housing issues during development reviews, especially in light of potential Livable Communities Demonstration Act funds.