12-04-2023 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing and Redevelopment Alinutes December 4, 2023 Page 2 Commissioner Larson -Vito asked to see what other cities are paying for this service, noting that CEE is also generating loans to residents outside of our program. Commissioner Ovall agreed with Commissioner Larson -Vito, and while he felt the increase was large, stated CEE has been doing a good job; bringing the loan processing in-house would cost more money. They tried raising the fee for 2023 and provided the city with a grace period to budget the increase in fees for 2024. He asked staff to analyze and compare this program by shopping the market to find another loan provider, service the program in-house, or recommend the HRA support the cost increase and agree to have CEE administer the loan program. Staff agreed and will provide information at the January meeting. Mr. Mollan indicated he received an inquiry from an applicant who was close to the boundaries of the Urban Service District. He asked if the HRA would consider opening the boundary. Commissioner Ovall stated he would not like to open beyond the Urban Service District and wanted to keep the current target area. He felt the HRA is meeting the needs of the district to allow for updates to energy efficiency, blight, and/or connecting water utilities. It was the consensus of the commission to keep the boundary in place. 6.2 Coachman II — Duffy Development Mr. O'Neil presented the staff report. John Duffy — Duffy Development- reiterated Duffy Development's attempt earlier this year for funding for the 55+ population. He did get a lot of encouragement on this application and stated he is meeting with Sherburne County and MN Housing on Friday to move this project forward. He reviewed with the Commission the areas of the state application and where they needed more points was in an area called Community Planning. He asked the city to consider working with him to provide a community plan that outlines options for affordable senior housing, and he could provide examples of what other cities use. Mr. Duffy also would like to see Elk River waive certain fees and waiving areas of a site plan such as parking reduction plan and waiving building standards. He would work with different agencies and the county for loans or grants as investors look at that to see if the city is on board with a project like this. Commissioner Wagner noted the project was great project and felt a reduction in parking requirements could be supported if there were parking spots nearby. She stated the HRA isn't prepared to do anything at this point. Commissioner Larson -Vito recommended meeting with the Planning Commission to receive feedback. Commissioner Ovall asked Mr. Duffy if a business funding a project in lieu of other public funding would count the same, and Mr. Duffy indicated it would. Commissioner Ovall understands the city's position on TIF, but to him maybe this project is more palatable for TIF with true public dollars from the state to help buy down the project debt and aiding the community with much needed housing. He P 0 1 1 R F I I NATURE