04-08-09 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 8, 2009 HIA Blesener• noted that the City has been working for quite some time on DISCUSSION the implementation of Housing Improvement Areas for the Canabury Square Condominiums, Canabury Condominiums, and Fleur Royale to assist these properties with the financing of needed improvements. Blesener noted that while the H1A's were adopted, Canabury Square has vetoed the HIA fees. Therefore, their project will not move forward as it was proposed. Blesener commented on the amount of time that the City Administrator and other staff spent on this process, especially with Canabury Square. Blesener suggested that if Canabury Square comes in with an amended project, the City require a deposit toward its costs. He noted that this is similar to what is required of any other developer or property owner requesting a zoning action. Blesener also felt that Canabury Square should have a designated contact person from their ownership to answer questions, rather than expecting the City Administrator to serve as their point person. The Council discussed this in detail, and recognized the value in the HIA process in providing a financing vehicle to keep the City's multi-family housing stock in good condition. The Council agreed that if Canabury Square presents an amended project, an upfront fee should be collected. The Administrator also suggested that the City could require that an increased percentage of ownership sign the project petition. State Statute requires 25% of ownership, and the consensus was that the City should require 50% of ownership sign the project petition. The Administrator noted the snuggles that Canabury Square has had and continues to have with their project. He indicated that most of the ownership agrees that something needs to be done. The difficult part is gaining consensus on the various components of the project. McGraw noted that he is a property owner in Fleur Royale, therefore, is familiar with the HIA process from both sides. McGraw agreed that each of the condominium associations needs a contact person for basic HIA information, and that the City Administrator should not be that person. He also felt that the condominiums needed to manage and put together their own projects. McGraw agreed that the percentage of signatures on the initial HIA project petition should be increased and felt that requiring 50% of signatures would be sufficient. McGraw commended City staff for the assistance that they have provided to the condominiums, but agreed that it was too much. It was the consensus of the Council that the City Administrator draft an HIA Policy that outlines specific requirements with regard to escrow deposits, HIA petition signature percentages, etc.