04-24-2023 City Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 5 184 8. Housing Maintenance Assistance Program - Community Development Director Grochala 185 gave a summary of the written Staff report noting in 2004 the City received $225,000 from the 186 Metropolitan Council Local Housing Incentives Account (LHIA) to assist with development of 187 work force housing in the Legacy at Woods Edge development. The funding was provided to the 188 developer in the form of a no-interest loan for construction of the Lakewood Apartment building. 189 It was intended to be forgiven but part of their financing required it be paid back; when the 190 facility was sold in 2022 the loan was repaid in full so the City received $225,000 back. Under 191 the terms of the LHIA agreement, the City can return the money to Metropolitan Council, or use 192 the grant funds on a “revolving” basis to implement projects that would help the City meet its 193 affordable and life-cycle housing goals, which is what Staff is recommending. He stated the 194 proposal is similar to Blaine’s Front Door program that aims to enhance curb appeal of a home, 195 and would be a low interest loan with funding up to 85% of project cost to a maximum of 196 $10,000. The revolving loan would continue to benefit the community. 197 198 Councilmember Lyden thinks it is a fabulous idea and asks that the interest rate is as low as 199 possible. 200 201 Councilmember Stoesz asked if it would simplify things to pick one product, such as a driveway, 202 to be an incentive. Mr. Grochala thinks a driveway is part of curb appeal and is important. He 203 noted it could be an option but does not know whether the City should only focus on one option. 204 He shared about criteria for the loan including assessed value of the home and homes that are 205 over 30 years old. 206 207 Councilmember Ruhland has 20 years of experience in working with down payment assistance 208 programs and would love to consult on this in the future. He asked if the program is only for 209 owner-occupied homes? Director Grochala replied the Economic Development Advisory 210 Committee (EDAC) was specific about owner-occupied, single-family homes. 211 212 The Council discussed EDAC’s role and Councilmember Ruhland working with them on the 213 matter. 214 215 9. 2024-2028 Street Reconstruction Plan Process - Community Development Director 216 Grochala gave a summary of the written Staff Report, reviewing the City’s pavement 217 management plan and noted every three years the City tries to do a street reconstruction project. 218 In order to do street reconstruction bonds the City must put a five-year plan together, hold a 219 public hearing, and it is subject to a reverse referendum project. He reviewed streets included in 220 the 2024 plan as well as the 2027 plan, 221 222 Councilmember Stoesz asked about Anoka County’s plan to improve the intersection by North 223 Road and Sunset with the high school congestion. Director Grochala noted Anoka County is 224 currently doing a corridor management study and once they get those results they will probably 225 start programming for improvements along the corridor. 226 227 Mayor Rafferty noted Lakeview is problematic and noted Public Works is doing a lot to meet the 228 needs of the public over there. He appreciates Staff’s efforts. 229