01-26-2009 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Housing & Redevelopment Authority Page 3 January 26, 2009 ----------------------------- stated that although the HRA has not had much involvement in rehab in the past, she encouraged the HRA to take on this major role. Mayor Klinzing stated that all city departments will work together to track abandoned homes. She stated there needs to be a coordinated process to have water shut off and winterization completed to prevent damage and vandalism from occurring. She thanked the HRA for their work on this project. Al Sakry, Mortgages Unlimited, 231 Main Street — suggested having a committee to monitor homes for possible abandonment. He stated that there have already been instances of broken water pipes, and extensive damage may make financing impossible. He noted that his business has worked with MN Housing Cost Initiative, a low interesting financing program. He explained that they mainly service ethnic markets, but are looking for low income head of household families. Chair Wilson asked if the funding could be used to cover preventative costs such as turning off the water, if the city were allowed into the homes. Ms. Peper stated that only rehab is eligible in the application. He stated that a neighborhood advisory committee or watch group could help identify homes to address prevention. Mr. Gongoll stated that once the city began focusing on the NSP application, they found more issues were out there. She stated that the police and building inspectors are identifying and reporting properties that may be empty or abandoned. Mr. Gongoll stated that disconnections have been stopped for non -payments on homes that are possibly vacant. He stated that they are also working with CenterPoint Energy and Connexus for a list of "non-payment" homes. Ms. Mehelich stated that staff is collecting information from the sheriff's sales monthly, as well as suspected homes as identified by building inspectors. Commissioner Toth stated that he felt the city should be able to take action to prevent damage from occurring. Mark Urista stated that there is a major problem getting into foreclosed homes. He stated that banks are trying to use local agents to see if homes are occupied. He explained that after the sheriff's sale on foreclosures, the homeowner has six months to apply for redemption. He stated one of the challenges is that local agents' requests for water shut off are often denied by utility companies as it needs to come from the property owner. He suggested finding a way for the city and utilities to work with local agents to take care of winterizing up front, by working with the city to get the water shut off when a property is known to be vacant. He stated that whenever possible, they do go into the property, complete the winterization, get the keys changed, and switch the billing of utilities. Mayor Klinzing stated she would support putting together a process to prevent future problems. She stated that the HRA could be the advisory resource. Ms. Mehelich stated that other cities such as Brooklyn Park and Isand are establishing monitoring programs for this purpose. She indicated staff will research the issue and advise the Council and HRA as soon as possible.