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H2C& NLLnutes <br />July 29, 2002 <br /> <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />Housing Rehab/ikation Programs <br /> <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 Modn inquired of the <br />average net cost of running a program similar to Fridley's Housing Replacement Program, <br />and expressed concern that the HIC& might have problems funding a housing program at <br />d~is time. <br /> <br />Director of Planmng, Michele McPherson stated she ~vas employed for 12 years by the City <br />of Fddley. 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 inidadng a housing <br />program, rather look to other communities that have e,,dsting housing programs. <br /> <br />Joint Meeting with the City Council - Affordable Housing Update <br />Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich indicated that the developer xvho <br />had proposed the Jackson Ave. apartment project had withdrawn from the project. Ms. <br />Mehelich reported that staff met with the City's f'mancial 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 />f'mancing options for single-hmily affordable housing initiatives because of the comple>ddes <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 /> <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 /> <br />Mayor Ktinzing 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 e,,dstmg <br />housing stock. <br /> <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 H_RA. Mayor Iadinzing 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 /> <br />Downtown Revitalization Project <br /> <br />7.1 Consider Acceptance of Context Study <br /> <br />Building & Zoning Administrator Steve Rohlf indicated that staff is requesting the <br />H_tC~k and City Council consider acceptance of the study in accordance to revisions <br /> <br /> <br />