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8-2-93 agendaCITY OF RICHFIELD MONDAY, AUGUST 2, 1993 CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS AGENDA CALL TO ORDER I. 7:00-7:15 P.M. DISCUSSION WITH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REGARDING CONCURRENT USE OF SOUTH PART OF CLOVERLEAF SITE FOR CONCRETE BATCH PLANT AND ROAD MATERIAL STORAGE AND RECYCLING AREA FOR THE 77TH STREET PROJECT STUDY SESSION LETTER NO. 19 II. 7:15-7:30 P.M. DISCUSSION OF ALLOCATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS RECEIVED BY THE CITY FOR HOUSING PROGRAMS III. 7:30-8:00 P.M. IV. 8:00-8:30 P.M. V. 8:30-9:00 P.M. VI. 9:00-9:15 P.M. STUDY SESSION LETTER NO. 20 PRELIMINARY BUDGET DISCUSSION FOR 1994 FISCAL YEAR STUDY SESSION LETTER N0. 21 DISCUSSION OF POLICY AND STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AIRPORT RELATED ISSUES STUDY SESSION LETTER N0. 22 DISCUSSION OF I-35W TRAFFIC CORRIDOR STUDY AND RELATED ITEMS STUDY SESSION LETTER NO. 23 DISCUSSION OF SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL AND MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES STUDY SESSION LETTER NO. 24 9:15 P.M. ADJOURNMENT AUXILIARY AIDS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. REQUESTS MUST BE MADE AT LEAST 96 HOURS IN ADVANCE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR AT 861-9702. CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA Study Session Letter No. 24 Agenda August 2, 1993 Issue Statement: Discussion of sidewalk snow removal and maintenance responsibilities. Background: The City owns about 49 miles of sidewalk, 31 miles of which are curbside sidewalk on our main streets and about 18 miles of which are non-curbside sidewalk on more residential type streets. The Community Services Commission has recently been discussing financial, legal and other implications of sidewalk snow removal and maintenance. The Commission originally discussed this item at the November 10, 1992 meeting. At that time Commission members began to consider: a) sidewalks where there are no longer schools or sidewalks that "lead to nowhere in particular becoming the responsibility of the adjacent homeowner in terms of„snow removal or the sidewalks could be removed, b) the City and schools working together to clear school sidewalks based on schedules and timing. To remove 3-5 inches of snow will, on the average, take 8-12 hours. Because of the "shoe" on the equipment typically used, snow removal operations do not get to bare pavement. Atypical sidewalk plow, which may do double duty depending on the specific equipment, will cost about $150,000. Community Services Director Don Fondrick and members of the Community Services Advisory Commission will be available to discuss this item with the City Council. Recommended Motion: None required as this is a discussion item. Basis of Recommendation: 1. The City Council is updated periodically on items of interest and concern. 2. The Community Services Commission has requested the opportunity to discuss this item with the City Council. Alternative Recommendation: None. Discussion/Decision Mode: The City Council will meet Monday, August 2, 1993. fully submitted, Ja D. Prosser Ci Manager JDP:ds CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA Study Session Letter No. 23 Agenda August 2, 1993 Issue Statement: Discussion of the I-35W traffic corridor study and related items. Background• I-35W has a number of traffic/transportation issues, interests and concerns. Don Fondrick, Community Services Director, will be available to go into more detail on the various studies and aspects of the project including, among other things, the proposed interim third lane and possible alternatives for the I- 35W/TH62 Commons area. Recommended Motion: None required as this is a discussion item. Basis of Recommendation: The City Council is updated periodically on items of interest and concern. Alternative Recommendation: None. Discussion/Decision Mode: The City Council will meet Monday, August 2, 1993. tf~y submitted, James Prosser City ger JDP:cak CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA Study Session Letter No. 22 Agenda August 2, 1993 Issue Statement: Policy and strategy recommendations for airport related issues. Background: Recent developments. regarding the airport include the following: • New Ford Town-Rich Acres Acquisition The FAA approved the environmental assessment for buyout of the New Ford Town-Rich Acres neighborhoods. This approval means that the preparation of a more detailed environmental impact statement is not necessary and the preapplication paperwork has been sent on for approval by-the regional and national FAA offices. Richfield's congressional representatives and state legislators support the buyout project and have voiced their commitment to identifying federal funding sources. The local FAA office has also given support to the buyout and will try to identify funding sources to begin the project in 1993. City officials and members of the New Ford Town-Rich Acres Neighbors Advisory Committee will continue to meet with FAA officials, MAC staff and Congressional representatives to keep the buyout process moving forward. e MAC Part 150 Acquisition/Relocation Program The Richfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) submitted a proposal to the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) to provide acquisition and relocation services for the Part 150 Acquisition/Relocation Program. The program includes management of all acquisition and relocation projects in the cities of Richfield, Bloomington and Mendota Heights. On July 26, Nigel Finney, MAC Deputy Executive Director, contacted staff concerning the City's proposal to provide acquisition and relocation services for the program. Mr. Finney asked the City to withdraw its proposal because the MAC was concerned that the proposal would preclude the Commission from requiring the successful contractor, if other than Richfield, from cooperating and coordinating their acquisition efforts in Richfield with the City. In response, the City sent a letter to Nigel Finney on July 28 stating that it will not withdraw its proposal. Attached is a copy of the letter stating the City's commitment to the project and the reasons for not withdrawing the proposal. On July 28, the City received a letter from the MAC stating that the Richfield HRA was not selected to be interviewed by the Commission's Planning and Environment Committee for the project. The three firms selected to be interviewed by MAC Committee on August 3 include: W.D. Schock Company; O.R. Colan Associates; and, Moreland, Altobelli Associates. A copy of the letter is attached. • MAC Part 150 Residential Sound Insulation Program, 1993 The first phase of the 1993 residential sound insulation program was completed at the end of July with 28 Richfield homes soundproofed. The City's Planning Division staff kept in regular contact with the program participants with surveys to evaluate the success of the soundproofing program and to suggest program implementation changes to the Center for Energy and the Urban Environment. The returned surveys indicate that most of the residents are pleased with the quality of work and project results. This fall, 27 Richfield single-family homes and duplexes are scheduled for soundproofing projects. Most of the properties being insulated during this second phase of the 1993 sound insulation program are located along 17th and 18th Avenues, with a few on Bloomington and 16th Avenues. Workshops for homeowners participating in the second phase of the 1993 project have been held at the MAC's Sound Insulation Demonstration House located in Richfield. The two-hour workshops describe the program and allow residents to view typical soundproofing modifications. • MAC Part 150 Residential Sound Insulation Program, 1994 In June, the MAC approved a funding allocation plan for the 1994 Part 150 Residential Sound Insulation Program based on a revised noise contour map. The revised noise contour map does not include the proposed Runway 4-22 extension project. Listed below are the components of the new Part 150 Program funding allocation plan. 1) Each eligible city will receive a base allocation of five percent plus funding based on the following population percentages:. Minneapolis 71.9% Richfield 20.2% Bloomington 3.1% Eagan 2.1% Mendota Heights 2.7% While the new funding plan does not decrease Richfield's allocation of funds for home insulation projects in 1994, it does reduce the City's population eligible for sound insulation funding from 5,955 to 4,496. 2) Sound insulation of homes in southeast Richfield and northeast Bloomington impacted by the Runway 4-22 extension project will be included in the runway project .costs as a mitigative measure instead of the Part 150 program. This measure will provide assurances to Bloomington and Richfield that their impacted homes will be insulated if Runway 4-22 is extended. The runway extension project will impact approximately 1~1 homes in southeast Richfield and 1,174 homes in northeast B oomington. The Runway 4-22 extension project noise mitigation package is expected to cost about $22.5 million and would receive 75 percent federal funding. • MAC Representation During the 1993 Legislative session, a new law passed which redraws the MAC's eight metropolitan districts and opens all eight board seats. The new MAC districts are combinations of 16 Met Council districts. Richfield now lies in District C which includes Richfield, Bloomington Savage, Shakopee, Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, Fort Snelling and a portion of Minneapolis.. All the current MAC Commissioners have reapplied for appointment to their positions by the Governor. Because of the changes in the district boundaries, Commissioners John Himle and Jack Mogelson are now in contention for the District C board position. George Karnas, Richfield's MASAC representative, applied to represent District C. The Governor is expected to make MAC appointments in August. • Governor's Task Force on Dual Track Planning Process Governor Arne Carlson created a special task force to review the dual track airport planning process. The task force has met eight times since May 26 and is examining three issues: • Whether the process could be shortened so that a final report would be given to the Legislature by January 1, 1994 or January 1, 1995, instead of July 1, 1996. • If the process was shortened, whether it would still result in a technically sound report. • Whether forecasts of future air traffic properly incorporate the effects of changes in the airline industry and at Northwest Airlines. The task force meetings have included presentations on the forecasts and airport capacity by the MAC, testimony on the state environmental process by the Environmental Quality Board, testimony by Northwest Airlines and public testimony. The City of Richfield submitted comments supporting the current timeframe of the dual track process and calling for greater emphasis on addressing creative and aggressive mitigation measures. Richfield recommended a clearer framework in future dual track studies to include economic benefits and costs; delay, demand and capacity; noise impacts, and financial impacts. The task force submitted a preliminary report to the Governor on July 1 stating that the dual track planning process. cannot be shortened to January 1, 1994, but it has not yet determined whether the process could be completed by January 1, 1995, instead of July 1, 1996. At a task force meeting held on July 15, Nigel Finney, MAC Deputy Executive Director of Planning and Environment, discussed the implications of completing the dual track process by January 1995 instead of July 1, 1996. He concluded by stating that the process could be shortened to meet the January 1995 completion date, however, he did not recommend it. The MAC has serious concerns that the environmental documentation completed at this earlier .date will not be adequate and legally defensible. The eight-member task force chaired by Richard Braun, Director of the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota, is expected to submit a final report to the Governor by the end of August. The final report will include a list of issues that must be considered in future analyses compiled from public testimony, letters submitted to the task force and concerns of~task force members. • NOISE Conference The National Organization to Insure a Sound-controlled Environment (NOISE) held its annual conference July 14-17 in Dallas, Texas. NOISE is a national association consisting largely of local government elected officials whose communities are affected by noise. The group also includes airport operators, airline officials and citizens. The group is committed to noise abatement advocacy that seeks collaborative solutions involving airport operators and airlines as well as local interests. Council Member Mike Sandahl attended the conference on behalf of the. City and will provide a summary report at the Council Study Session scheduled on August 2. Recommended Motion: With this background information, the following recommendations are provided to address these issues: • New Ford Town/Rich Acres Acquisition Staff will keep the Council updated on the status of the buyout project . • MAC Part 150 Acquisition/Relocation Program The MAC is expected to select a consulting firm to manage the Part 150 Acquisition/Relocation Program. on August 16. Staff will inform the Council of the MAC's decision. • MAC Part 150 Residential Sound Insulation Program, 1993 & 1994 Staff will continue to update the Council on the status of the Sound Insulation Program. Alternative Recommendation: A variety of alternative recommendations may be discussed at the August 2, 1993 Study Session. Discussion/Decision Mode: These matters will be discussed at the August 2, 1993 Study Session, Respec ally submitted, Jame Prosser City nager JDP:cak J 6700 Portland Avenue • Richfield, Minnesota 55423-2599 City Manager Mayor Council James D. Prosser ~ .Martin Kirsch Don Priebe Michael Sandahl Susan Rosenberg Russ Susag July 28, 1993 Mr. Nigel Finney Deputy Executive Director-Planning and Environmental Metropolitan Airports Commission 6040-28th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55450 Dear Nigel: This letter is in response to our telephone conversation of yesterday. At that time you asked that the City of Richfield to consider withdrawing its proposal to provide acquisition and relocation services for the Metropolitan Airports Commission. The acquisition and relocation was for approximately 400 properties in Richfield, 6 in Bloomington and 1 in Mendota Heights. As I understand, your basic concern-was that having the proposal on the table with MAC would preclude the Metropolitan Airports Commission from requiring the successful contractor, if other than Richfield, from cooperating and coordinating-their acquisition efforts in Richfield~with the City. As you know, Nigel, the City of Richfield values our close working relationship with the Metropolitan Airports Commission. In fact, one of the primary reasons we submitted a proposal to provide these services was our belief that we were uniquely qualified to provide the care and attention necessary to our residents as well as to continue our cooperative working relationship with the MAC. It is our firm belief that no for-profit private contractor can bring to this process the special qualifications and community support which the City has to offer. For example, Richfield is uniquely qualified to provide acquisition and relocation services. Our extensive experience in acquiring property as part of the 77th Street Project, Richfield Rediscovered, new home programs, LHN, redevelopment and park acquisitions have clearly demonstrated our ability to comply with federal acquisition guidelines and address the needs of our residents. • The acquisition and relocation team that was assembled includes individuals with extensive experience with FAA acquisition guidelines. • We have been advised that FAA guidelines provide that airport authorities can permit cities to provide these services. In fact, it is our understanding airport authorities are not required to accept proposals from private contractors if local governments are willing to provide acquisition services. The Urban Hometown Telephone (612) 861-9700 Fax 861-9749 An Equal Opportunity Employer Mr. Nigel Finney July 28, 1993. • Page 2 • The New Ford Town and Rich Acres residents have communicated a clear desire that Richfield be responsible for providing the acquisition and relocation services. • It is unclear how withdrawing our proposal at this time would change our ability or willingness to work cooperatively with MAC and. its contractors in the acquisition and relocation process. We are certain that MAC recognizes the special and indeed unique assets which Richfield brings to this process. We appreciate your concern that private contractors might feel threatened by having to bid against the City. As you are aware, the City is not submitting a bid as part of a for profit business; but is instead motivated solely by the interests of completing as smoothly as possible this cooperative venture between MAC and the City. Following our discussion, this matter was raised with the City Council at its meeting last evening. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to a strong working relationship with MAC. It also expressed the belief that the selection of Richfield as the contractor in this acquisition process would be consistent with this goal. Still, to address the concerns which private contractors. may have, the Council directed me to assure you, so that you can carry that message to any concerned bidders that Richfield intends to be fully cooperative with all parties in this process. We also trust that the bidding parties have sufficient experience and professionalism not to worry unjustifiably about the City's attitude. Based upon this assurance, the City believes that withdrawal of our proposal is unnecessary. Also the Council is concerned that the appearance of private for-profit contractors forcing a public body to withdraw from a matter in which it has a real, publicly supported interest would send a very disturbing message. Nigel, thank you for bringing this matter to my .attention. I would like. to sit down with you and discuss the City's proposal and any questions you might have at your earliest convenience. Jar}'ies D. Prosser ~fy Manager JDP:ds ~~~Ira~~~ JUL ~ 8 i993 '?~" _.. METROPOLITAN AIRPORTS COMMISSION July 26, 1993 Minneapolis.-Saint Paul International Airport 6040 - 28th Avenue South • Minneapolis, MN 55450-L799 Phone (612) 726-8700 Fax (61'L) 726-5'L96 Mr. James Prosser City of Richfield HRA 6700 Portland Avenue Richfield, MN 55423-2599. Dear Mr. Prosser; We regret to inform you that your firm has not been selected for an interview with the Metropolitan Airports Commission's Planning & Environment Committee. Eight responses were received and reviewed by a committee composed of Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) staff )Part 150, environment, planning and affirmative action departments) and a representative from MnDOT Acquisition/Relocation Department. This committee reviewed each RFQ submittal and focused on such issues as: General appearance/presentation of RFQ Familiarity with MAC Part 150 Program Experience with Part 150 at other U.S. airports Relevant acquisition/relocation experience Knowledge of Federal, State and FAA guidelines Strengths of proposed consultant team Experience with multiple jurisdictions DBE participation plan The three firms that were ludeect~ Do Schock Companye 0 RmColan Assoc ates a d Environment Committee me Moreland, Altobelli Associates. Although your firm was not selected, the MAC appreciates the time and effort you made preparing the submittal. Sincere) , Steve Vecchi Manager Part 150 Programs SJV/jd The Metropolitan Airports Commission is an a1'firmatiee action emplo~~cr. Reliever Airports: AIRLAKE • ANOKA COl1N'I'1'/}3LAINL • CRYS'1'Al; • FLYING CLOt ~ll • LAKI: I;1.M0 • SAIN'P PAUL DO\VNTOWN CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA Study Session Letter No. 21 Agenda August 2, 1993 Issue Statement: Preliminary budget discussion for 1994 fiscal year. Background: City staff is preparing the 1994 budget. The preparations are primarily based upon direction provided to City staff from Council goal setting, periodic feedback throughout the year and prior years' budget discussions and initiatives indicated by the City Council. It is also helpful for staff to hear from the Council any special issues which should be addressed during the budget preparation. This Study Session provides an opportunity. for that discussion. Recommended Motion: Conduct a general budget discussion regarding the 1994 fiscal year budget. Basis of Recommendation: 1. This discussion is helpful in staff preparation of a budget for Council consideration. Alternative Recommendation: 1. The Council may decide to defer this matter to a later date. Discussion/Decision Mode: This item is scheduled for discussion on August 2, 1993. Respectfully submitted, Jame's Prosser City` anager JDP:cak CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA Study Session Letter No. 2G Agenda August 2, 1993 Issue Statement: Discussion of the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds received by the City of Richfield for housing programs. Background• Annually, the federal government through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) distributes funds to qualifying jurisdictions throughout the nation. The funds are distributed by a formula based on the census which gives recognition to total population, number of people living in poverty and number of over crowded housing units.. This program distribution was first initiated in 1975 as a result of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. HUD distributes the bulk of the funds to cities and urban counties. States and other political entities such as Native American organizations receive the balance. Overall program objectives established in the Housing and Community Act of 1974 include: _ A, Develop and maintain viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities, principally for low and moderate income persons. (Household incomes may not exceed 80~ of the median income for the area.) B. Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight. C. Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency affecting public health and safety. While the objectives for Urban Hennepin County are the same as those for the nation, the County has narrowed the focus by providing the following objectives: A. No more than three projects should be funded during a year but programs may be grouped into a single project. B. The minimum project budget should be $7,500. C. No more than 15$ of the funds may be used to support social services (public services). To satisfy these objectives, the Urban Hennepin County CDBG Program is directed toward the use of funds for housing rehabilitation, public facilities, neighborhood revitalization, assisted housing, removal of architectural barriers, and public services. For Year XIX which began July 1, 1993, HUD distributed $3 billion. Urban Hennepin County received approximately $3.3 million and distributed approximately $3 million to 43 cities and approximately 140 programs. (The County utilizes 10$ for administration.) Richfield's allocation was about $240,000. It was based on a population of 35,710; 1,969 persons living in poverty; and, 255 over crowded housing units. In comparing these factors with the County as a whole, Richfield had 6.74% of the population; 8.52 of the persons in poverty; and 8.93 of the over crowding. Since its inception, Richfield through Year XVIII/1992 has received $4,300,000 (see attached chart). For the Year XVII (1991) through XIX (1993) the allocation of Richfield funds has been as follows: Year-XVII Year XVIII Year XIX Funded Funded Funded Activity Amount Amount Amount G.M.D.C.A. - Child Day Care S 20,110 $ 7,269 S 9,377 H.O.M.E. $ 14,622 S 15,000 $ 19,350 Skills 2000 0 $ 6,000 $ 7,740 Housing Rehab S 75,865 S 86,620 S 86,424 Scattered Site- Housing S 72,210 S 72,210 $118,455 Total $182,807 $187,099 $241,346 The public service projects have included daycare, H.O.M.E. and Skills 2000. Housing Rehabilitation and Assisted Housing (New Home) both administered by the HRA have utilized the remaining funds. Rehabilitation Loans Only owner-occupants are eligible recipients. The maximum loan is $10,000 for code related work. Most of the loans are near or at the maximum. While the HUD/County objectives call for qualifying home owners to have an income not to exceed 80$ of median income for a family of four, the HRA has set the maximum income at 50~ of median income. (The median income for a family of four is 549,600. Thus at the 50$ level, the maximum income for a single person is $17,350 and for a family of four is 524,800). The majority of users are widows and single head of households. No advertising has been done for about 1~ years. Through word of mouth, the waiting list is usually about 12 households. (Note the attached rationale for funding the rehabilitation loan program.) Scattered Site This program funds the New Home Program. It provides a moderate cost housing opportunity for first time homebuyers and has been the only dependable revenue source which can provide moderate cost affordable housing to young families. (Note the attached rationale for funding the scattered site program.) HRA Position At their July meeting, the HRA discussed the importance of the application of CDBG funds to eliminating substandard housing conditions and providing affordable housing opportunities to first time buyers with income in the $30,000 to $40,000 range. Lower income households will also be able to find housing opportunities with some of the new initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity. (The letter which served as a basis for that discussion is attached.) The HRA discussion indicated that CDBG should continue to be split between rehabilitation and elimination of substandard hou-sing conditions. Rehabilitation provides for the restoration and renewal of the housing stock. New construction, in addition to providing a housing opportunity for low and moderate income families, also has a leveraging effect on the neighborhood. The visual impact of anew house results in adjoining property owners investing in improvements to their property. The impact is much greater than that of a rehabilitation loan. The HRA has been invited to the Council Study Session to participate in the discussion of this item. Recommended Motion: Discuss this report with the HRA Commissioners. Basis of Recommendation: 1. It is appropriate to discuss the allocation of CDBG funds for housing programs. 2. It is appropriate to work with the HRA to establish funding priorities. 3. The Year XIX program has been approved and is being implemented. The Year XX program will be initiated in February 1994 and go through the public hearing process for the program year that starts July 1, 1994. Alternative Recommendation: 1. The City Council may defer this item to another time. 2. The City Council may request more information. Discussion/Decision Mode: The City Council requested this as a discussion item at a previous meeting. Respectf lly submitted, Jame Prosser City ager JDP:ds COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PARTNERSHIP SUMMARY: Hennepin County -Richfield 1975 ~ $ 98,855 1980 $ 374,405. 1985 $ 206,839 1990 $ 162,829 1976 206,1'14 1981 354,950 1.986 174,300 1991 182,807 1977 338,842. 1982 299,323 1987 174,894 1992 187,099 1978 328,076 .1983 288,001 1988 165,274 1979 352,174 1984 209,450 1989 171,909 Total: $ 4,276,141 Housing Rehabilit 36.9°k Planning/Admini 3.9% .d Housing 4.9% Handicap Access 2.2% Neighborhood Revitalization 1.6%n Facilities L.6% Funded Activities: • Housing rehabilitation for low-income homeowners. ~ Public Service provides social service support to eligible persons. . • Public Facilities improvements. • Neighborhood Revitalization includes infrastructure improvements and assistance in redevelopment areas. • Handicap Accessibility to remove barriers at public facilities and private housing.. • Assisted housing by removing substandard housing and build new housing affordable to low-income families. Public Service 7.0% New housing opportunities ere provided for low end moderate income first time homebuying families, while RR homes have above average values end will be sold at market rates. - CDHG funds enable the HR1~- to provide a housing program continuum that meets modest cost houainp needs ai M~11 as housing needs for middle income peroons. - CDBG funds provide a mechanism to ensure a Continued affordable housing construction relationship with Vo-Tech. RR~would use private developers, not Vo-Tech. - The CDBG funds, es a write down subsidy that does not require repayment, allow the HRA to also work with non profits such es Habitat for Humanity. <Scattered/NewHome> ~tATIONALE FOR FUNDING REHABILITATION DEFERRED LOATi PROJECT Richfield's Rehabilitation Deferred Loen Program provides a means .for low income homeowners to make needed repairs to maintain their homes, end improves the general condition of Richfield's housing stock.. Improvements include code compliance, general improvements, accessibility for the handicapped, and weatherization. In 1993: - 586,424 in CDBG Year XIV assistance is requested. - 14 households have already applied for assistance.. - The high demand months, the spring/summer/fall construction season when new requests for assistance most often xcur, are •approaching. - The deferred loan program is the only rehabilitation program which serves the low income homeowner clientele. - There ere insufficient funds in this request to oast waiting applicants end anticipated demand. The 1993 HRA, and Housing Division goals are t0 assist AOOeowners in caking repairs and s~aintaining the ssisting housing stock. In 1992, 18 low income Richfield homeowners were assisted with approximately 5129,000 in deferred loans. The higher loan total reflects activity from two years to deferred loan funding which overlap during every calendar year. Sis of these were emergency loans which financed furnace replacement and plumbing repairs where failure occurred. Emergency funds also help low income. homeowners to resolve other seemingly impossible situations: leaking roofs, unexpected electrical problems, and storm flooding not covered by insurance programs. The continued demand for deferred loans reflects the increasing financial commitment required for households to maintain a home. 1ssistance to elderly homeowners allows them to continue to live independently in the community. assistance to families, often single parent households, provides a measure of household stability. RATIONALE~FOR FUNDING 6CATTERED SITE PROJECT The New Home Scattered Site program provides the HRA the opportunity to expand affordable housing opportunities and maintain the existing housing stock for lower income persons. The project makes long term improvements when: ~~ - substandard housing is cleared •. - vacant lend suitable for development is acquired - buildings are acquired and Tehabilitated to create additional housing - new housing is developed that increases the affordable housing stock. The New Home Program is the most active scattered site acquisition end clearance program occurring in Richfield. During the last 10 years, on many occasions, the Richfield HRA produced the only new affordable housing .opportunities for young families in the city. Funding this project:. 1. allows further ras,oval of approsisiately 200 ,substandard bosses that currently exist. Those properties are difficult to sell in the market place. The HRA continually receives offers throughout the year from owners interested in selling. During 1992, 46 property owners indicated interest in selling in 1992. y~ 2. ]111oWS blighted housing conditions or abandoned housing problems to be resolved. Foreclosures are occurring more often. Housing conditions ere such that HRA involvement through acquisition and rehabilitation is appropriate. The housing stock, particularly the garage homes end older cottages, 45 to 50 years old, are approaching replacement age. 3. Ensures reutilisation_ of Richfield house structures within the City. The HRA has reused seven .Richfield house structures by relocating and remodeling them on scattered sites throughout the city. Structures were acquired from properties purchased for park expansion and commercial and residential developments.. 4. Provides affordable first tine home buying opportunities. Larger family households with the Richfield average income of 530,000 have difficulty finding 3 and 4~bedroom homes in . good repair which sell for the Richfield average sale price of 583,000. With cost reductions by Vo-Tech, MHFA mortgages. , sand HRA second mortgages, purchasing families range in size from 3 to 6 members with incomes between 529,000 end 535,000. The New Home program has provided a stable tenancy. Since the Vo-Tech program started in 1978, the fourteen properties developed, have continued with the original owner. . 5. Continues a cost'effeetive construction relationship with the Vo-Tech 6chool. Working with the Vo-Tech School, cost of approximately 565,000 t sell for 583,000 on the average. construction by, contractors has new homes can be built at n 0 575,000 while existing homes Recent private new cost in excess of 5100,000. 6. Increase property tax revenue. The increase in tax revenues from properties redeveloped by the HRA approximates 51,000 per property annually. 7. Continues housing distribution on scattared sites. Hlighted~ housing conditions and HRA solutions occur on scattered sites throughout the city~as properties become available. This achieves uniform upgrading of neighborhoods throughout the city without concentrating assistance in one location. 8. provides housing stability in neighborhoods where blight has continued for~~lengthy periods of tiee. Most acquisitions are encouraged by surrounding neighbors who-seek a solution to a substandard house, which ezperiences frequent changes in ownership and progressive deterioration.. 9. Continues a process where one scattered site purchase each year ensures that Vo-Tech will exclusively provide.aew homes in a timely s+anner for sale to low and sioderate first tine buyers. CDBG funds expended in 1993, p=ovide a completed home in at 6634 Fourth Ave. So. CDBG funds in 1993 also provide the opportunity for completed homes in 1994 on sites to be determined . Approximately two homes are built each year if yearly CDBG allocations continue. 10. Complements new program~iaitiatives by enabling the ~R71 to address a variety of housing needs. Staff utilizes the Richfield Rediscovered (RR) Program to increase the rate at which substandard structures are removed end new single family homes ere built. Given this new program, a question might be raised es to the continued role of CDBG funds for acquisition of one or two properties each year. CDBG funds are important in enabling the HRA to meet specific needs:. HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HRA Letter No. 29 Agenda July 19, 1993 Issue Statemen ~. Review of HRA/Vo-Tech New Home Program partnership. Back round: The HRA last discussed and continued the ongoing working relationship with Vo-Tech in May 1992. Since that time, staff has initiated four projects .and completed three projects. Vo-Tech projects achieve the following objectives: • Voluntarily remove substandard/blighted/economically obsolete housing with CDBG funds. • Provide well constructed, new, three and four bedroom single family homes at a more modest cost than private builders. • Sell these homes to first time buyers with incomes at 60 to 80 percent of the Metropolitan Area median income, thereby fulfilling CDBG requirements to benefit lower income persons. Two recent projects were unique and did not utilize CDBG funds. Vo-Tech rehabilitated 6318 Nicollet to resolve the problem of a deteriorating house and transient occupancy. A market rate home will soon be finished by Vo-Tech on a Richfield Rediscovered vacant lot at 6538 Bloomington Avenue which was not actively sought by builders/buyers. HUD regulations now dictate that the City purchase the project sites that are CDBG funded and sell them to the HRA for development. As each project has been considered and approved by the HRA and City Council in the last year, members of both policy boards have discussed the merits of the HRA/Vo-Tech partnership. On an ongoing basis, staff has been developing programs that complement and may modify this 15 year partnership the HRA_has with Vo-Tech. Attached is a staff housing program planning document entitled "Housing Program Continuum." This spreadsheet summarizes housing program responses at various house values. The objective is to design programs which provide a diverse housing stock in good repair. Vo-Tech has traditionally filled a market niche of removing substandard housing and providing modest cost, three to four bedroom homes valued in the $70,000 to 5100,000 range. New construction has been the primary emphasis in recent years. The HRA's new construction partnership with Vo-Tech has provided the program foundation for the successful Richfield Rediscovered program, Habitat (6225-14th Avenue, 6310-15th Avenue) and nonprofit (Affordable Suburban Housing, 7021~Nicollet Avenue) projects being developed. It is likely that Vo-Tech's new construction initiative may diminish over time as these other new construction initiatives successfully proceed.. A greater community need is apparent to make value added investments and "transform" some of~the approximately 2,000-one, two, and three bedroom existing single family homes valued at 560,.000 to 580,000. QSA is developing a transformation concept at 6500 James Avenue. However, it appears QSA will want to limit their services. to specific neighborhoods and properties that support a completion value in excess of $140,000. As demonstrated by the recently completed 6318 Nicollet Avenue renovation, Vo-Tech has the potential for providing a unique service: modest cost transformation. Homes valued at 560,000 could become larger 585,000 to 590,000 homes, complement the neighborhood, and continue to be affordable to moderate income first time home buying families. This concept will be refined through the remainder of 1993 by staff and Vo-Tech. As always, Vo-Tech would also be available to respond to a unique rehabilitation or new construction project of the HRA as the need arises. It is envisioned that Vo-Tech transformations would be used on an ongoing basis as examples to homeowners of good design., value added investments, and construction/remodeling technique. Recommended Motion: Authorize staff to continue development of a continuum of housing programs that promote a diverse housing stock and utilize Vo-Tech in programmatic ways which meet HRA identified housing needs. Basis of Recommendation: 1. Many of the 23 Vo-Tech projects completed or underway have solved unique housing problems for the community; removed substandard homes and developed larger family housing, relocated and rehabilitated homes from property acquired for park land purposes, built new homes that the market place determined were located on less desirable sites near commercial areas and busy streets, and rehabilitated troublesome and abandoned homes. 2. Projects developed by Vo-Tech are cost effective and provide a high 12ve1 of quality. 3. With projects underway and planned, additional Vo-Tech services are not needed until 1994 when new HRA programs presently being developed will have become further refined. 4. An evaluation of community needs would suggest a greater emphasis being placed in housing rehabilitation, remodeling, and transformation. The Vo-Tech role in new construction. would diminish as present projects are completed. 5. The HRA has developed at least three (Richfield Rediscovered, Habitat, non profit) new construction program alternatives so that the HRA's role with Vo-Tech can be adjusted to meet these other community needs. 6. Vo-Tech provides an exclusive construction service to Richfield that is admired and sought by other Communities. A quality, cost saving partnership with a vocational school is a respected program initiative. Vo-Tech's availability remains a program asset to the HRA: Alternative Recommendation: Notify Vo-Tech that the partnership with the HRA will cease after the completion of the new construction pto~ect at 7112 First Avenue. Discussion/Decision Mode: Further discussion by the City Council is anticipated at a City Council meeting scheduled for July 26~, 1993. Resp ully submitted, Ja 'D. Prosser, Ex utive Director JDP:ds ~ T o~ p - - - « ~ cE g ~ ~+ o ol ~ m . Q ` ~ Y I a H '~ q l a d V f /I Q 0 .. p .N. 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O N LL i R a ¢Q °' o --- - ---- --- --- .N a ., E ~ 0 ~ ° N O N ° ~ 2 ~ O L ~ {j, W J A L E i n O H ~ ~ Q O t' ~ g o C - - - - c ~ E ., i ~ ~ OI~'I N J M ~ i ~ i {T` Qlm ~' ~I ~ o al L > : _ v > s L ~ ~i ~~ a LI O j ~ u ' p ~ ~ O j ~ O - --- p -- - --- --- - --- --- O Q M V C O ~ w E v O Y 9 ~ p V m W y ~ ~ ~ ~ O m ~ E 0 U, w a Y u V ~ O ~ Y D w w r > w c ~ N ~u v e c ~ ~ C ~- E c ~ ? ~ S ° ~ w ~ ~ 7 a N s c v v = ~ ~ r O i u ~ O ec 2 D S oc of a ~ ~ E ~ i v d A ~ z ~ ~ ? ~ rn A o ~ a` CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA Study Session Letter No. 19 Agenda August 2, 1993 Issue Statement: Discussion with the Housing and Redevelopment Authority regarding concurrent use of south part of Cloverleaf site for concrete batch plant and road material storage and recycling area for 77th Street Project. Background: On April 19, the HRA and City Council met concurrently. After discussion, the HRA approved the use of the Cloverleaf site by the 77th Street contractor for a concrete batch plant. Shafer Contracting Co., Inc. has been selected as the 77th Street contractor. The attached letter from Shafer relates a method of operation which would stockpile concrete and asphalt to be ground up for recycling as the new road base. In similar fashion, top soil would be stockpiled for later utilization along 77th Street. Based on the discussions at the April 19 meeting, the major points of an agreement with Shafer are: • permission to utilize the site for a batch plant and if acceptable to the HRA the recycling of top soil asphalt and concrete only as it relates to the 77th Street Project; • before the batch plant may become operational, a portion of the screenwall adjacent to the apartments on Emerson Avenue must be constructed; • if the batch plant won't be used for any 15 day consecutive period, it must be removed; • all operations on the Cloverleaf site must conform with the noise ordinance; • site taken "as is"; • HRA held harmless if there is a discharge of any hazardous waste and contractor must remove; • site to be restored to prior condition, $50,000 performance bond to be provided; • insurance in the minimum amount of $1 million for public liability and a like amount for property damage; • HRA indemnified and held harmless from any claims resulting from use of site; • operation must be conducted safely, liens against property not permitted; s agreement is for-one year and may be extended, in writing, for additional period and it may also be terminated immediately for any significant breach of the agreement or by 90 day written notice for any. other reason. Recommended Motion: None required as this is for discussion only. Basis of Recommendation: 1. Recycling helps to minimize costs. 2. The temporary storage of recyclable material can help to reduce noise transmitted to adjoining property. 3. Storage at other locations would be more disruptive to the neighbors and benefits of noise reduction lost. Alternative Recommendation: 1. Do not approve use of site for recycling. 2. Delay action. Discussion/Decision Mode: A very early activity will be the removal of asphalt and concrete. A site must be identified now as construction will begin in days. ly submitted, Jame Prosser City anager JDP:ds s - ~. , ~~. ~~~ SHAPER, MINNESOTA 55074 July 23, 1993 Mr. Gary Orlich BRW, Inc. 700 Third Street South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415 Re: S.P. 157-108-10 City of Richfield - 77th Street Dear Mr. Orlich: We are set to begin construction on this project. Among the first operations will be salvaging topsoil for reuse in the final construction stages and the removal of existing curb, gutter, sidewalk and pavement which we will salvage and recycle for use as aggregate base. We need to stockpile these materials, and we have several choices. One would be to utilize the project right-of-way. The disadvantages of this are that it will, to some extent, be in the way for construction, and also it will be in close proximity to businesses and houses, and the recycling would affect the residents more than the use of a more remote location. I would propose that a better site for this stockpiling/recycling would be the HRA property known as the Cloverleaf site. It is more removed from City residents, and the closest property is the apartment complex which is some distance away. We would arrange the stockpiles such that they would form a noise mound barrier which will further minimize the effect of this construc- tion activity. The cement batch plant would also be located on the property during the fall concrete paving. During the concrete work, we would also use material stockpiling to act as noise mounds. Our operations will be in accordance with all City codes and regulations, as well as the guidelines of the various State and Federal agencies on noise and pollution. We will control dust by the use of water trucks. We will leave the site in as good or better condition than exists today. This includes respreading of top= soil, seeding and mulching. We would propose to furnish a surety bond in the amount of $50,000 to guarantee our restoration, of the site. Mr. Gary Orlich Page .2 July 23, 1993 The use of the Cloverleaf property will allow this needed construction to proceed with minimal inconvenience to the residents and businesses along the 77th Street Corridor. It's the best choice for a recycling site, and I would appreciate an early consideration of this proposal so that construction may proceed. Yours very truly, SHAFER CONTRACTING CO., INC. By : .., . George W. Mattson GWM:so