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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan 27, 1976-36- Offi¢i.al Proceedings Special Meeting of the City Council January 27, 1976 Meeting was called to order at 7:]0 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki-present Heintz-absent Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to name Margo Emerson secretary for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki began the meeting by explaining what the purpose of the meeting was: the hold a hearing to consider possible items to be included in the grant application for Community Development funds for 1976. He further explained that the federal government has considered several grant type programs of the type of the Community Development program, but that 1975 was the first year for this particular grant program. He explained that this is to be a five year program. He also explained that communities of a population of less than 50,000 were considered for discretionary funds under this program, and cities with over this population are considered for formula funds. Columbia Heights did not receive funds in 1975 but the Council and staff hope that it wi]] receive funds for 1976. The information discussed at this hearing this evening would be considered by the staff of the City and applied at a second hearing on Monday, February 2 at 7:00 p.m. when the actual items for which funds will be requested are decided. INTRODUCTION TO THE BLOCK GRANT APPROACH FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Housing and Redevelopment Authority Director and City Planner, Dean Otterson, began the presentations with a brief outline explanation as to what Community Development actually is. He explained the background beginning with the Housing Act of ]974 which establishes a consolidated program of Community Development block grants. His explanation included a general overview of the Community Development program as a federal grant program, defining what it is and what the requirements of the program are. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ]976 Roger Jensen, intern with the Housing Authority, explained the reason why the City of Columbia Heights should make application for Community Development funds for 1976 including the fact that these funds are federal funds, which come from the taxpayers of the city. Also, he pointed out thai: the city lacks money needed for many community projects and Community Development funds would make certain of the projects possible. January 27, 1976 -37- THE APPLICATION PROCESS 1976 Scott Clark, intern with the Housing Authority, explained the difference between the 1975 formula used by the Housing and Urban Development Department for determining who would receive funds and the method to be used for 1976. He stressed the fact that the selection of the activities for funding are based on certain different criteria than the previous year. In the application review process the degree which the proposed activity directly addresses the criteria for selection, and the degree to which the proposed activity benefits low and moderate income citizens are the most important items which HUD reviews. ELIGIBLE AND INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES Bob Bentzen, Assistant Housing Authority Director, listed the activities which are eligible for funding under the Community Development program and those which are not eligible, and explained the background as to why this is so. He referred the Council and others present to read the yellow hand-out distributed at the beginning of the meeting which outlines the eligible and ineligible activities. Mayor Nawrocki left briefly at 7:53 to meet with members of the Fire Department and gave the gavel to Councilman Logacz to chair the meeting until the Mayor returned at 8:20. QUESTIONS AND ANSWER SESSION Following the various presentations Mr. Otterson asked the members of the audience for comments and questions, to be addressed to the City Council. He also encouraged those present to begin listing their ideas on what the Community Development application should include by way of suggested activities. Mr. Sherohman, Chairman of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, asked whether the Fifth Street Storm Sewer project was to be included as a part of the application. Mr. Otterson spent some time explaining other attempts to get federal funding for this project. He also stressed the fact that all items included on the application must be able to directly benefit low and moderate income individuals. Councilman Hentges asked whether or not sidewalk replacement could be included, particularly on 5th Street, 40th to 42nd. The Council members indicated that this should be a consideration throughout the city. Mr. Otterson replied that this was a good program to include in the application. -38- January 27, 1976 In regard to sidewalks, a lady in the audience asked if the sidewalk program includes any plans to put sidewalk in where it presently does not exist. Mr. Watson explained that new sidewalks are put in by petition from the neighboring residents, otherwise it is not proposed. One lady suggested that the Rehabilitation of Housing be included on the list. Councilman Norberg mentioned the possibility of the tree removal program being included. Agnes Riley, 3919 Ulysses, discussed her opinion that the redevelopment of Central Avenue should have top priority. She pointed out the changes which she finds disturbing in the Central Avenue business area, including the moving of both the bank and post office and now the leaving of Danielson Drugs from the corner of 40th and Central. Dean Otters.on reported a bit on how far along the redevelopment project is to date and what is anticipated for the future. Councilman Hentges mentioned that the Sullivan Lake area should be included, for park improvement, and commercial ]and improvement, as we]] as increasing storm water capacity. Ruth Welch asked that a solid waste disposal plan/recycling plan be included. Brief discussion on what determines whether a home is substandard. Mr. Otterson answered questions by Councilman Hentges on exactly what determines that a house is below standard by stating that the people should comply with the standard building code. Hr. Ot~:erson took time to explain that in writing the applications for HUD it must be assumed that HUD knows nothing about the City of Columbia Heights, which means a long narrative on each item included in the application. Tom Sherohman asked what items from the previous year's application would be inc'luded in the new application. Hr. Otterson exp]ained which items received high ranking at that time. These inc]uded the downtown development, remova] of architectural barriers (curb remova] for handicapped), housing rehabilitation and code enforcement, bus for the e]derly~ park improvements, and comprehensive planning. Some of these wou]d be inc]uded again. John Collopy, 4320 Tyler Street, spoke at length on his feelings that human needs must be met first, and that the City of Columbia Heights fails t:o do this. In particular he pointed out such items as care of children of the working mother, and services for young people--software social services. Hayor Nawrocki pointed out that the County provides for such services. Hr. Co]lopy stated that something should be provided January 27, 1976 -39- closer, within Columbia Heights itself. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that certain services of Anoka County have moved into the old Heights State Bank building. Dean Otterson explained that prior to the development of any social services, the development of a community building must be done. No social services are funded without a building unless it can be proven that the funds can not be secured by any other means. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that Mr. Collopy's proposal should be considered further, whether or not the funding is available from the Community Development grants. Discussion again held on what is to be considered substandard housing. Mrs. Riley asked whether or not a check list of some kind could be included in a city newsletter, to be mailed back. Dean Otterson elaborated on what determines substandard housing. Mrs. Welch asked how much money the City is looking at if the funds are received. Mr. Otterson answered that a maximum of $500,000 is possible in 1976. In 1975 it was $200,000. Nadine Chase, 3916 Main Street, asked whether the city has enough parks, pointing out that according to land area, the city should have more. She felt that park development should be included in the application. Mrs. Riley asked whether street construction could be included, questioning whether this could benefit low and moderate income families. It was decided that this is a possibility. At this point suggestions stopped and Dean Otterson stated that these suggestions as listed, and with the permission of the Council, some items which were included in the previous year's application, would be listed out for the next hearing, when the decision must be made as to what will actually be included in the preapplication. He stated that a total of three or four activities should be included in the request for funding. PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING FRAN BASSET DAY Mayor Nawrocki read the following proclamation, signed by all the members of the City Council: -40- January 27, ]976 WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has enjoyed the efficient service of Fran Bassett serving as a member of the volunteer fire department from ]932 to 1936 and from ]943 to ]957 and then assuming the responsibility of Fire Chief in which capacity he has served our city for the past nineteen years, and WHEREAS,Fran has shown the type of dedication to duty and concern about doing the best job possible for our City throughout this time, NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights do hereby proclaim Saturday, January 3]st, 1976 as ~Fran Bassett Day~ and recommend to all present and past municipal employees, officials, and friends of Mr. Bassett that they visit the Field House some time between ]:OO and 3:00 P.M. on that day to personally express their appreciation to Chief Bassett for the many years of service that he has given to the City of Columbia Heights. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to adjourn. Roll Cal[/./Al] Ayes Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Sec-re ta~y