01-06-2020 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 3 January 6, 2020 7.3 Main and Gates Update Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report. Commissioner Ovall stated he had concerns presented to him by some constituents regarding the burning and fumes from the proposed controlled burns and stated they will be relieved to hear there will no longer be controlled burns of these homes. Ms. Othoudt indicated the marketing pieces are being put together and she's received a lot of interest in the area. Vice -Chair Chuba asked about salvaging any parts of the homes for Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Othoudt stated she hadn't looked into that yet and noted the demolition bids may require those items remain in the home. She stated there were no updates on the other two properties in the area. 7.2 Louise Kuester Recognition Vice -chair Chuba introduced the newest commissioner, Jayme Swenson, who stated she was thankful for the opportunity to serve the community and very eager to learn. She is open to direction and guidance and wishes to do the best she can. Vice -Chair Chuba presented an award to recognize the years of service of Louise Kuester. Ms. Kuester was thankful for her family, who were also city servants, and she enjoyed the good company serving alongside other commissioners. Chair Toth arrived (5:55 p.m.). HRA recessed at 5:58 p.m. in order to go in to work session. The meeting reconvened at 6:04 p.m. 8.1 Blighted Properties Residential Forgivable Loan Program Discussion Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report. The HRA reviewed the attorney -suggested changes made to the city's current Blighted Properties policy: Pae 3: QuP-roiect — 4. StructuraUN- Substandard The Commission discussed the structurally substandard definition, which was directly taken from state statute. Commissioner Ovall asked if the city's building inspectors could inspect and certify the substandard condition and for what cost. Ms. Othoudt stated early discussions indicated staffing concerns with the building inspectors unable to fulfill this request. She didn't know any costs associated with such an inspection. Commission Eder stated the inspection cost is important because it will have to be decided who will pay for it. Commissioner Chuba stated he didn't anticipate there were be many properties to inspect so he doesn't see why staff couldn't inspect them if they are qualified to do so. Commissioner Ovall stated the building department staff could charge a fee. Ms. Othoudt stated she will revisit the structure inspection process to consider having the city staff perform the inspection and at what cost.