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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan 17, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA JANUARY 17, 1977 The Meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--present Heintz--absent Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to name Karen DeBruin secretary for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF MEETING Mayor Nawrocki noted that this was a special meeting called for purposes of conducting a public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant Application. Mr. Roger Jensen, Assistant Director of the Columbia Heights Housing and Redevelopment Authority, proceeded to give a brief overview of the Community Development Block Grant program. He explained that the program was begun in 1974 to provide money to cities, counties, and other area governmental units for community development needs. Mr. Jensen presented a pie graph to show how the money is divided. It was noted that the purpose behind the Community Development Act is: 1. Promote the National Housing Goal 2. Encourage comprehensive Community Development Activities 3. Foster the Undertaking of Housing and Community Development Activities 4. Return major decision making on Housing and Community Development to Local Elected Officials April 29 July 28 Mr. Jensen then informed the Council of the deadline dates for the grant applications: February 18--preapplication to Metropolitan Council for review and comment --preapplication to H.U.D. (H.U.D. has thirty days to review and respond to the preapplication. Only upon invitation by H.U.D. can a full application be submitted.) --preapplication to the State Planning Agency for review and comment. --Full application to Metropolitan Council for review and comment. --Full application to H.U.D. (H.U.D. has seventy five days to inform us whether or not we will be funded.) ~qr. Sam VanTassel, Community Development Specialist, explained the grant rating Formu 1 a: Extent and Percentage of Poverty and Substandard Housing--20 pts., max. Benefit to Low or ~loderate Income Families--35 pts. max Expansion and Conservation of Low or Moderate Income Housing Stock--25 pts. max. Serious Threat to Health or Safety--lO pts. max. Other Resources (using requested funds on combination with funds from other Federal or State sources)--10 pts. max. January 17, 1977 Hr. VanTassel explained that each activity submitted for funding would be rated separately, and not in conjunction with other activities. He noted that last year, activities submitted by a particular unit of 9overnment were grouped together, and funding was given on an ~all or nothing~ basis. Mr. Phil Honsey, HRA Intern, gave examples of eligible activities under the program: ]) Rehabi]itation-Loan and Grant Program 2) Acquiring vacant residential units and putting them on vacant City lots 3) Aerial Surveying--using heat sensitive equipment to determine heat loss in buildings 4) Acquire substandard commercial and residentai] units in Central Business District 5) Provide barrier-free sidewalk and curb ramps for elderly and handicapped 6) Stoplight and sidewalk for proposed senior citizen housing project at 39th Avenue and Stinson Boulevard The Council was then asked for their suggestions. Councilman Norberg noted that there was badly deteriorated curb and sidewalk in the area of 5th Street from 39th Avenue to 43rd Avenue. 4th Street from 40th Avenue to 42nd Avenue and Madison Street from 40th Avenue to 42nd Avenue were also noted as areas with similar conditions. Housing rehabilitation in these general areas was also suggested. Councilman Hentges noted the possibility of a park, playground, or recreational facility in a low income area. Mr. Jensen noted that this did not apply to the substandard housing part of the rating formula. Another suggestion was an activity center for senior citizens. It was noted that the second of the Comm~Jnity Development Hearings would be held on Monday, January 24, 1977. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by All Ayes Norberg to adjourn ?t --8:~42 ~.m. Roll Br~'C-~-G. Nawrocki, Hayor Call: Secretary