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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />MAY 11, 2004 <br />HOME The Council reviewed the draft action plan for the 2004 goal of creating <br />REPLACEMENT a home replacement/improvement program as prepared by the City <br />IMPROVEMENT Administrator along with the information provided on the North Metro <br />PROGRAM Housing Resource Center. <br />Fahey asked whether staff feels there are a sufficient number of distressed <br />homes in the City that would make the creation of the home <br />replacement improvement program worthwhile. The City Administrator <br />indicated that the City gets a limited number of inquiries on this subject, <br />and such inquiries are referred to existing programs that are in place. <br />Existing programs are also promoted in the City's newsletter. The <br />Administrator further noted that given the low interest rates, property <br />owners have been able to make home improvements at affordable rates. <br />However, interest rates are currently increasing. <br />The City Administrator reported that the City of Shoreview utilizes the <br />Housing Resource Center and refers any inquiries on home <br />replacement/improvement programs to them. The Housing Resource <br />Center serves as a cleaainghouse ou home improvement questions. Falcon <br />Heights also utilizes the HRC. The Administrator suggested that if the <br />Council so desires, he could obtain more information from the HRC or <br />could schedule them to make a presentation to the Council. <br />Fahey questioned whether there was a need for the City to create a home <br />replacement/improvement program, and asked about nwnbers of inquiries <br />for assistance. The City Administrator reported that the City gets <br />occasional inquiries. He noted that the preservation of housing stock is a <br />big issue for some cities. However, it appears that Little Canada's housing <br />stock is well maintained for the most part. The Administrator noted that <br />many cities are taking a proactive approach on this issue to ensure that <br />housing stock stays in good condition. <br />LaValle estimated the cost of utilizing the HRC at $7,000 to $8,000 for <br />Little Canada, and he did not feel the need was such to warrant spending <br />this kind of money. <br />Montow questioned the need to create a home replacement/improvement <br />program when it appears there a~~e already these services available fran <br />other sources. Fahey suggested that the Council obtain more information <br />on the services provided by the HRC. The rest of the Council agreed, and <br />suggested that the Administrator schedule this discussion at an upcoming <br />Council meeting. <br />CLEAN UP The Council reviewed and discussed the Public Waks Director's <br />DAY recommendations relative to an increased subsidy for the collection of <br />trash and tires at the City's annual clean up day. It was noted that <br />