12-03-2001 HR MIN (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 2 December 3,2001 COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4. Worksession—Discussion of Housing Study—Presented by Central MN Housing Partnership Lisa Graphenteen and Shari Harris of the Central Minnesota Housing Partnership reviewed the findings of the housing study.The findings of the study are presented in the 2001-2005 City of Elk River Housing Plan. Ms. Graphenteen indicated that one finding was that there is a lack of available rental housing units in the city. She also indicated that according to the study, the cost of homes in Elk River is generally higher than people living in the city can afford. Shari Harris discussed programs available to the city to deal with the existing affordable housing situations. Mayor Klinzing indicated that the city could deal with the issue on a community level. Councilmember Dietz indicated that the city has made a conscious effort to be careful with rezonings for new apartments. He noted that if the City is now considering increasing the number of apartments, some changes must be made. Discussion took place about local housing values and how the market has changed in Elk River over the last ten years. Mayor Klinzing suggested that the HRA consider ways to address the affordable housing situation. HRA Chair Toth stated that the HRA needs to have some idea of the Council's thoughts prior to addressing the issue. Councilmember Tveite suggested that affordable housing be considered during the review of the comprehensive plan as the issue relates to land use, density, and urban services. He further stated that the City Council should set the direction for the HRA. Councilmember Motin concurred. Councilmember Kuester indicated that there currently is no provision of affordable housing for the ages and stages (elderly and youth). The City Administrator indicated that staff would work with housing organizations to see what types of options and programs are available to the City and present this information to the HRA. The Council recessed at 7:50 and reconvened at 8:00 p.m. 5. Open Mike No one appeared for open mike. 6. Other Business Catherine Mehelich recommended that the Council hire Heidi Hall as Economic Development Assistant. COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO HIRE HEIDI HALL AS THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT AT A STARTING WAGE OF $30,000 WITH A 10%INCREASE UPON COMPLETION OF THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE • PROGRAM. COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.