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July 16, 2010 EDC Meeting <br />Item 6A — Housing Programs <br />Page 2 of 5 <br />Mounds View and what percentage of Mounds View housing stock is in foreclosure. Ms. <br />Steinmetz said there are about fifty foreclosures but she didn't know the percentage. <br />Commissioner Belting asked if the City is getting reimbursed forthe City services that result <br />from the foreclosures. Ms. Steinmetz said that this is a discussion point among cities and <br />each city is recouping the costs differently. He asked if the fees should be raised or if there <br />should be a "foreclosure fee?" <br />Ms. Steinmetz said there are two separate issues to discuss "Does the City want to expand <br />its housing program?" and there is also the foreclosure issue. The foreclosure issue <br />spawned from a more global issue of making sure Mounds View housing stock does not <br />deteriorate. <br />Commissioner Larson said that (as a resident) the City should get involved to make sure <br />the housing stock doesn't deteriorate further. As far as foreclosures, he suggested that <br />City officials approach residents who live next door to foreclosures because in most case, <br />they'd be willing to help because foreclosures affect property values. Chair Helgemoe <br />agreed because it would protect the City's tax base and property values. <br />April 18 2008 EDC Meeting Minutes Excerpt <br />The EDC that the City's Housing Replacement Program provides demolition assistance <br />paid for through Tax Increment Financing. The program offers a 10 -year <br />forgivable/deferred loan, which is administered through the Housing Resource Center. <br />The program is the only housing related program that the City itself offers to Mounds View <br />residents; however residents can access other Housing Resource Center programs, such <br />as low-interest loans to conduct home improvement projects. <br />She summarized last month's EDC discussion regarding the housing market, foreclosures <br />and how important it is to maintain property values. <br />Ms. Steinmetz asked the EDC if the City should expand its housing services or continue to <br />refer people to the Housing Resource Center. <br />Chair Helgemoe asked if the City is charged a fee for the Housing Resource Center's <br />administrative services. Ms. Steinmetz said she'll check on that for the next meeting. <br />Commissioner Johnson mentioned that since there are income limits to utilize home <br />improvement programs, perhaps the programs are a self-fulfilling prophecy. <br />Commissioner Entsminger stated that she doesn't think the City should get involved with <br />providing additional home improvement loans for a variety of reasons such as "What if the <br />homeowner goes into default?" because the City would be taking a risk, etc. <br />The consensus of the Commission was for staff to discuss this issue with housing <br />organizations that offer these programs in order to make sure the City is reaching the <br />population that may be underserved by typical housing programs. <br />