07-07-2008 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing & Redevelopment authority July ~, Zoos Page 3 the agencies that offer these programs are non-profit, they don't have a lot of funds available to market the programs. She noted that the Tri-Cap funds primarily go to the St. Cloud area, since their offices are located in St. Cloud. Chair Wilson asked if information on these programs could be listed in the city newsletter. Ms. Deckert stated yes, and that perhaps a marketing flyer could be prepared and distributed as well. Commissioner Kuester asked how renters can voice their concerns. Ms. Deckert stated that concerns can be handled through buildings inspections and code enforcement, and that the city has contact information for rental property owners to see where their areas for assistance may be. She noted that the most common request regarding energy efficiency is help in paying bills, which is not allowed as a form of assistance. Commissioner Kuester stated that if there is a continuing concern in one building, the owner could be made aware of what was available for assistance. She felt the information would be valuable to the landlord in order to retain tenants. Ms. Deckert stated that information could be posted on community bulletin boards and the city's cable channel. Commissioner Kuester asked how targeted information could be distributed. Ms. Deckert stated that in her former position, the city partnered with a local mortgage company to make the information available to potential qualifying users. Commissioner Kuester asked about the Elk River Municipal Utilities making information available to customers. Ms. Deckert stated that they currently provide information on their programs in their billings and recently, on the cable channel. She noted that she will be working with the city's cable producer, Jake Pace, to discuss potential marketing plans to work in conjunction with energy efficiency and the promotion of existing home rehabilitation programs. Commissioner Toth asked if it would be possible for staff to approach property owners for possible interest in the programs. Ms. Mehelich explained that staff is requesting what role the HRA wishes to play in making the information available. Since most of the programs are non-profit and offered region-wide, they do not spend a lot of money on marketing. She noted that a certain neighborhood could be targeted for mailing information, such as the older neighborhoods around the downtown area. She suggested starting out communiry- wide marketing about the programs, as well as to some of the agencies, commercial businesses and services that work directly with the homeowners (bankers, mortgage companies, realtors). Ms. Mehelich stated that they could wait to see how the marketing goes, to see if homeowners take advantage of the programs, and if not, the city could consider making a grant application to provide its own program. She noted that that is a lot of work and the application is very competitive. Also, administration of a program could take a lot of time and resources. Ms. Mehelich stated that staff's intent is to provide and update of what programs are already available and how the city can fill in the gap in communicating the information to property owners. Commissioner Toth asked if the HRA's role is to go out and find problems and fix them. Commissioner Motin stated that he did not know if the HRA would want to take such a role, and personally would not want to approach someone and tell them their home is in disrepair. He supported general community marketing of the programs, and possibly directing a mailing to properties near the downtown area. Also, he stated that if the code enforcement officer sees a need through an ordinance violation, the information could be made available. He asked how funds are distributed. Ms. Deckert stated that the Tri-Cap application process is year-round and goes until their funds run out. Also, the Elk River Municipal Utilities limit to first-come first-served. She explained that some programs require the owner to match funds. She noted that it is often the case that money is available, but