The meeting of the Rockford Housing and Redevelopment Authority was called to order by Chair Beyer at 6:10 p.m. in the council chambers of city hall, 6031 Main Street, Rockford, MN.

Present were HRA members: Beyer, Altringer, Graner, Nichols and Seymour. Also in attendance were Joanne Foust of Municipal Group and Nancy Carswell City Administrator.

Approve Minutes of January 22, 2008

Motion was made by Seymour, seconded by Graner to approve the minutes of the January 22, 2008 meeting.

MOTION CARRIED-VOTING IN FAVOR: BEYER, ALTRINGER, GRANER, NICHOLS, AND SEYMOUR.

Redevelopment Sites

Joanne Foust of Municipal Group reviewed the purpose of the HRA and discussed proposed goals for 2008. The goals could be two fold, Redevelopment Projects/Sites and Housing Needs and Action Plan.

Joanne reviewed the three potential redevelopment sites for the HRA’s consideration. Two sites are currently in the C-0 Downtown District with non-conforming structures. The third is located in a PUD/Commercial Highway district.

Developer Greg Hayes of Greg Allen Companies was present and submitted a concept plan for a redevelopment site at 8090 County Road 50. Mr. Hayes explained that he plans to demolish the existing structure and plat the property as two separate lots. The site would then be developed in two phases, with Lot 1 being the first phase. Retail development with a drive through lane is shown on the plan for Lot 1. Phase two or lot 2 conceptually consists of a professional building.

Mr. Hayes stated that he plans on constructing attractive brick-type buildings. Chair Beyer asked about access to and from the site and Mr. Hayes stated that shouldn’t be a problem but noted that they will work with MNDOT. Mr. Hayes also explained that the trash receptacles will be enclosed.

Chair Beyer asked Mr. Hayes if he was seeking Tax Increment Finance assistance with this project and Mr. Hayes responded yes. All of the HRA members agreed that the plan and the proposed uses seem appropriate for the site. Staff will present the concept plan to the Planning Commission at their next meeting, May 8, 2008.

Ms. Foust showed the HRA pictures of two other possible redevelopment sites at 8340 Bridge Street and 6127 Mechanic Street. These sites are located in the downtown and include non-conforming blighted, hazardous residential structures.

Staff asked the HRA if they are interested in acquiring either of the sites. There was a lengthy discussion by the HRA regarding these two sites. Attorney Couri stated that the HRA may condemn the property if they are a public hazard, or use eminent domain. Eminent domain may be used if the property is going to be used for a public purpose. It was noted that the non-conforming structure cannot be used for residential since the use has ceased for more than one year. The group suggested that staff inform the property owners that the HRA is interested in removal of the blighted/ hazardous structures for commercial redevelopment.

Housing Needs and Action Plan

This item was tabled due to the time constraints.

Hennepin County CDBG Funds/Jim Ford

Mr. Ford representing Hennepin County housing, Community works and transit department spoke about the funding that is available for the City of Rockford. The options include CDBG grants, Home Investment Partnership, Affordable Housing program, lead-based paint grant, fair housing program, continued care for the homeless, transit oriented development TOD, supportive housing initiative SHIF and environmental response fund grants ERF.

MN Housing Financing Agency

Mr. Chuck Callendar representing the MN HFA spoke about the funding that is available for housing projects. Mr. Callendar stated that their projects are self supporting and not funded by tax dollars. They have a state agency, multi family and homes division. The HFA has many programs available and they accept applications monthly, not just once a year. They don’t actually lend the money but they set the criteria for the loans for programs such as: rehabilitation, fix-up fund, community fix up fund and down payment assistance for first time home buyers.

Adjourn

Motion was made by Seymour, seconded by Nichols to adjourn.

Chair Beyer adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.

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Michael Beyer, Chair

Attest:

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Nancy Carswell, Administrator