Agenda Packets - 1999/07/06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Report — Housing Program and Policy Discussion July 1, 1999 Page 2 2) Should a "request for proposal" be sent to potential developers to facilitate the redevelopment of the city's lot? 2091 Hillview Road - The EDA recently approved the purchase of the four-plex located at 2091 Hillview Road from HUD for redevelopment purposes. Staff is in the process of arranging for the purchase of the property. The direction from the EDA was to sell the property to a private developer for rehabilitation as defined by the city. Staff is in the process of drafting a "request for proposal" for distribution to potential developers. The RFP outline will be brought to the EDA for review prior to distribution. Home Improvement Loan Program - Community Fix -up Fund In June of 1998, the city received approval for participation in the Community Fix -up fund home improvement loan program offered through the MHFA. Low interest home improvement loans are available to households with incomes less than $73,000 a year for homes built prior to 1965. The city has pursued a low interest loan program, which would be accessible to all homeowners within the city. In February, application was made to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for an interest subsidy to the Community Fix -up Fund. The city was denied the request, although the MHFA is in the process of creating an opportunity for communities to match interest subsidies for the Community Fix -up fund (TIF is ineligible to fund interest subsidies). Staff is continuing to pursue funding options for a proposed program. Limited funds are currently available to finance a loan program. The city may wish to pursue other funding sources to provide a low interest loan program such as bonding or tax levies. Multi -Family Rental License Program The city requires all residential rental properties with 2 or more units to obtain a rental license. The city inspects each property annually for compliance with the City Code. The current city policy is to inspect 25% of units at each property every year. A property must pass the inspection to obtain a rental license. Mounds View / New Brighton Property Manager's Coalition Mounds View and New Brighton jointly coordinate a coalition for property owners and managers. The group meets monthly to discuss multi -family housing issues, codes and laws. Speakers are provided monthly on a variety of topics. In addition, both cities recently received a grant from Ramsey County for a program which promotes multi -family properties and mobile home parks to obtain Crime Free Multi - Housing certification. North Metro Home and Garden Fair Last year, the city combined efforts with the cities of Fridley, Blaine and New Brighton to coordinate the first annual North Metro Home and Garden Fair. The event was very successful, largely due to the many volunteers who helped plan and conduct the event. Each participating city contributed $2,000 as seed money to fund the Fair. After last year's Fair, a surplus of $8,500 is available to hold a Fair in the year 2000 (see attached budget report). A survey of vendors and attendees of the Fair overwhelmingly indicate that next year's Fair should be held at the Mounds View Community Center because of the location and building layout. The Fair is booked as a community event, therefore only a $500 charge for the 1 Y2 -day rental of the facility was paid in 1999. This rate would otherwise have been approximately $2,500. The Fair committee is again requesting the use of the Community Center for the end of February next year at the $500 rate. Planning for the Fair will begin in September and the Fair committee should have a confirmation on the use of the Community Center soon. 3) Does the council support a 2"d annual Home and Garden Fair with participating cities to be held at the Mounds View Community Center with a 1 2 day rental rate of $5001