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EDC Minutes March 21,2008 Page 5 of 7 • there's no anchor or destination-type core to the City. That is why a lot of communities are building downtowns from scratch. Since Mounds View does not have a center or core, business recruitment and redevelopment may be more difficult. Chair Helgemoe asked if the City needs to change its focus regarding the types of businesses it tries to recruit. Ms. Steinmetz mentioned that the City Council will be holding a redevelopment roundtable on April 7th,which may help answer that question. Commissioner Belting mentioned the dynamics of County Road 10 have changed but the speed limit has not. Chair Helgemoe mentioned that he personally drives slower through Shoreview because he thinks it's visually appealing. He feels that the renovation of Mounds View Square may be the start of improving the aesthetics of Mounds View's main corridor. Chair Helgemoe asked staff to send an e-mail reminder about the redevelopment roundtable and wondered the other City Commissions should be invited. Commissioner Entsminger asked for clarification that Robert's is "off the table". Ms. Steinmetz confirmed. Commissioner Entsminger left the meeting for another appointment. C. Discuss Housing Replacement Program Ms. Steinmetz suggested postponing this item as well. She reminded the EDC that the Housing Replacement Program is a City program administered offsite through the Housing Resource Center. The program offers a forgivable loan to be paid back within 10 years. The purpose of the program is to assist people who want to replace blighted • homes. Staff would like the EDCs input regarding whether or not the City and the Housing Resource Center is meeting the needs of the community. This issue has come to light because of the foreclosure crisis. Chair Helgemoe asked how many foreclosures are in Mounds View and what percentage of Mounds View housing stock is in foreclosure. Ms. Steinmetz said there are about fifty foreclosures but she didn't know the percentage. Commissioner Belting asked if the City is getting reimbursed for the City services that result from the foreclosures. Ms. Steinmetz said that this is a discussion point among cities and each city is recouping the costs differently. He asked if the fees should be raised or if there should be a"foreclosure fee?" Ms. Steinmetz said there are two separate issues to discuss "Does the City want to expand its housing program?" and there is also the foreclosure issue. The foreclosure issue spawned from a more global issue of making sure Mounds View housing stock does not deteriorate. Commissioner Larson said that(as a resident)the City should get involved to make sure the housing stock doesn't deteriorate further. As far as foreclosures, he suggested that City officials approach residents who live next door to foreclosures because in most case, they'dbe willing to help because foreclosures affect property values. Chair Helgemoe agreed because it would protect the City's tax base and property values. Commissioner Belting left the meeting for another appointment.