Title
Approval of the February 11, 2015 HRA Meeting Minutes.
Body
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Bostrom, Brendmoen, Stark, Thao, Thune, Tolbert
Absent: Commissioner Lantry
CONSENT
1. Approval of the January 28, 2015 HRA Meeting Minutes.
Commissioner Stark moved approval. The HRA meeting minutes were approved.
VOTE: Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
2. Resolution Approving the Forgiveness of Payments of Principal and Interest Due in 2015, 2016 and 2017 for an Interfund Loan with Public Works Department for the Parking Meter Replacement Project.
Commissioner Stark moved approval. Approved as set forth in RES 15-281.
VOTE: Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
3. Authorization to Approve Terms of Gap Financing in the Amount of $550,000 in HOME Funding and $550,000 in Spruce Tree Tax Increment Financing for The Prior Crossing Housing Development Located at 1949 University West, District 11, Ward 4.
Commissioner Stark moved approval. Approved as set forth in RES 15-293.
VOTE: Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
4. Resolution Approving the Budget Amendment to Remove $1,075,000 in CDBG Funds Previously Budgeted for Inspiring Communities and Transfer $1,075,000 from the Housing Trust Fund into the Inspiring Communities Disposition Strategy Budget.
Commissioner Stark moved approval. Approved as set forth in RES 15-294.
VOTE: Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
PUBLIC HEARINGS
5. Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Sale and Conveyance of Twenty-Seven Properties under the Inspiring Communities Program; Authorization to Waive the Maximum Per-Unit Subsidy for Seven Properties; Authorization to Enter into Development Agreements; and Authorization of Expenditures for Redevelopment under the Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority's Inspiring Communities Program.
Mr. Joe Musolf, PED Senior Project Manager, gave a detailed overview of the resolution.
Commissioner Thune asked if any of the properties will be handicap accessible, including ramps, wider doorways, lower countertops, and elevators. Mr. Musolf replied that the mandated standard for new construction under this program requires homes to have a visitibility standard which allows a person in a wheelchair to visit the home comfortably meaning at least one entry into the house, wide path throughout the main floor, and a wider doorway to the bathroom.
Commissioner Thao asked if there was outreach for non-English speaking persons and communities of color and if an audit is being done to ensure such outreach, including if there are any penalties for developers that don't meet those requirements. Mr. Musolf replied that the RFP's include a housing equity section which asks for specific detail on how developers will reach a diverse audience for end buyers.
Mr. Jonathan Sage-Martinson, HRA Executive Director, stated the outreach requirements are written into the contract and PED will follow up with the developers to ensure the requirements are being met.
Commissioner Thao asked if the data of the previous sale of homes can be made available. Mr. Sage-Martinson replied yes and it will show that buyers of color exceed the home ownership rate for buyers of color.
Commissioner Tolbert asked if there are any penalties for the developer for non-compliance. Mr. Musolf stated it would be breach of contract and PED would be able to terminate the contract.
Commissioner Stark stated he would like to see more reporting feedback on the success of the program.
Chair Brendmoen stated she would like to have an amendment to the Inspiring Communities resolution requiring a quarterly update on the program.
Chair Brendmoen announced the public hearing. Commissioner Thune moved approval. Approved as set forth in RES PH 15-48.
VOTE: Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Tolbert moved adjournment. The HRA meeting was adjourned.