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HRA Minutes Page 2 <br /> July 29,2002 <br /> i <br /> 5. Housing Rehabilitation Programs <br /> Economic Development Assistant Heidi Hall reported on research completed by staff <br /> regarding other communities'housing rehabilitation programs. Chair Toth expressed interest <br /> in how other communities initiated their programs. Commissioner Motin inquired of the <br /> average net cost of running a program similar to Fridley's Housing Replacement Program, <br /> and expressed concern that the HRA might have problems funding a housing program at <br /> this time. <br /> Director of Planning,Michele McPherson stated she was employed for 12 years by the City <br /> of Fridley. Ms. McPherson explained that a basic analysis of Fridley's housing stock led city <br /> leaders to believe that Fridley was in need of a housing rehabilitation program. Chair Toth <br /> stated that the City of Elk River should not"reinvent the wheel"when initiating a housing <br /> program,rather look to other communities that have existing housing programs. <br /> 6. Joint Meeting with the City Council-Affordable Housing Update <br /> Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich indicated that the developer who <br /> had proposed the Jackson Ave. apartment project had withdrawn from the project. Ms. <br /> Mehelich reported that staff met with the City's financial advisors,Ehlers and Associates, <br /> regarding potential financing mechanisms for affordable housing projects. Ms. Mehelich <br /> indicated that Ehlers suggested that it might be more workable for the city to consider <br /> • financing options for single-family affordable housing initiatives because of the complexities <br /> and staff time required for multi-family projects. Ehlers also suggested that the City <br /> consider developing a program that would remove substandard homes to be replaced by <br /> new homes. <br /> Ms.Mehelich indicated that staff would be working with the Planning Department to <br /> conduct a detailed analysis of the city's housing stock after the GIS system is up and <br /> running. <br /> • Mayor Klinzing indicated that the housing stock in Elk River appears to be aging and that <br /> some homes appear to be slightly blighted. Mayor Klinzing agreed that the first step in <br /> initiating a housing program is for staff to complete an inventory of Elk River's existing <br /> housing stock. <br /> Ms. Mehelich stated that following the inventory staff will consider specific programs that <br /> may be initiated in the City of Elk River and attach some dollar amounts to those programs <br /> for further discussion by the HRA. Mayor Klinzing mentioned that there are housing <br /> programs that can be utilized by communities without the local government's involvement. <br /> Ms. Mehelich agreed and added that the City of Elk River could be a resource in those <br /> instances. <br /> 7. Downtown Revitalization Project <br /> 7.1 Consider Acceptance of Context Study <br /> • Building& Zoning Administrator Steve Rohlf indicated that staff is requesting the <br /> HRA and City Council consider acceptance of the study in accordance to revisions <br />