11-01-2010 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing & Redevelopment authority November 1, 2010 4. Open Mike -Jeff Engle, Keller Williams Realty Mr. Engle explained that a free community foreclosure forum will be held on Saturday, November 20~ from gam to 11am. He noted that Ms. Deckert has been invited to speak at the forum to discuss the city's foreclosure initiatives and strategies. Mr. Engle stated that he handles vacant homes for bankers. He indicated that he has approximately 150 homes that axe not listed that he is currently "babysitting". Mr. Engle stated that nationally, there are approximately 1 in 7 mortgages in distress. He noted that these numbers vary in the polls from 1 in 4, to 1 in 10. Mr. Engle explained that he is a Certified Distressed Property Management (CDPM) agent He reviewed topics to be discussed at the forum. Mr. Engle also reviewed issues associated with foreclosures and how a successful short sale will impact a homeowner's financial future. Mr. Engle stated that an informative video is available on the Internet at foreclosureinfomn.com. Discussion followed regarding advertising for the forum. Commissioner Lieser suggested that flyers could be inserted in bags at local grocery stores. Mr. Engle stated he doesn't have funds for a lot of printing, so he would appreciate any assistance they may be willing to provide. Discuss City_Vision and Goals Ms. Johnson reviewed her memo regarding the Elk River Vision and Goals developed by the staff management team. She noted that the City Council adopted the vision and goals at their October 18, 2010 meeting with minor revisions to three of the four goals. Ms. Johnson reviewed the vision statement and each of the four goals supporting the vision. She explained that staff will begin to formulate action steps to achieve the goals. Ms. Mehelich stated that the HRA is asked to review and discuss ways to assist in facilitating the goals, such as housing and redevelopment. She added that the HRA is not expected to come up with a plan tonight, but rather, to offer ideas. Ms. Johnson noted that the goals will be on-going and will continue to change and be realigned as necessary. Commissioner Kuester asked if any action steps have been established yet. Ms. Johnson stated not yet, but that ideas have been suggested for youth activities and establishing a "community" day. Commissioner Motin stated that he would like to include streetscapes, redevelopment possibilities, and entrances to the city. Commissioner Lieser suggested that the Community Development goal could include opportunities to get tenants in the Bluffs and Jackson Square commercial spaces, such as rent subsidies. Commissioner Toth stated he did not feel there was much that could be done regarding the "historic river" due to the way it was developed. Commissioner Moon stated that he would like to see something done on the river, and a riverwalk is being looked at. He stated that unfortunately the existing buildings are not conducive to the type of riverwalk found in other cities, such as Stillwater. Commissioner Toth stated that he had concerns about allowing uses not compatible with certain businesses, such as the proposed Spectrum School site in Elk River Business Park. Page 2 s •