HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/03/71CITY OF HASTINGS
Office of ENGINEER
MINUTES OF SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL-PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
HELD WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1971
The meeting was held at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
The Guest Speaker was Mr. Allen Anderson, Director of the Office of Local
and Urban Affairs. Mr. Anderson gave a detailed discussion of Housing and
the Workable Program, with particular emphasis on low income housing and
housing for the elderly.
Mr. Anderson stated that the Comprehensive Plan "701" Program was an
attempt to face the problems of the community. It not only pointed out the
assets, but pointed out the problems as well. He suggested that we work
on our weaknesses rather than on our strengths and in order to do this it
was necessary to have an electric code, plumbing code, fire code, building
code for new construction and a housing code as a maintenance ordinance
or renewal code. We should also take into account the relocation of highways,
involve more citizens in committees, have citizen advisory groups, and
an appointment of a housing authority. He stated that the Workable Program
was no longer necessary in order to secure Federal funds, however, it did
allow you to step back and take a look at yourselves, and the system of prior[ties
which prevaii in a community. This deals with housing, parking, etc.
Mr. Anderson then went into the construction of low and moderate income
housing. He stated that a typical family could pay up to $240 per month. This
would be considered a modest payment on today's market. He stated the City
could not code out low and moderate housing. He stated that in Hastings in 1960
we had 2,286 housing units, i50 of which were substandard in plumbing, 96
in a deteriorating state, and 74 completely deteriorated. This would be a total
of 320 sub-standard housing units in 1960. He stated that he expected that this
total number had not changed appreciably in the last ten years. He also noted
that in most instances the sub-standard housing was owned or lived in 60% by
elderly to 40% by low income or welfare recipients. He stated they have
established the economic level of the substandard, a person of 62 years or older
within an income of $Z800 per year or less, and with less than $10, 00 total assets.
To these people a rent supplement program is available whereby they can rent
for $40.00 per month or in subsidized housing from $95.00 to $105. 00 per month.
He stated before any housing project could be established therewould have to be
a public hearing with a definite boundary of the sub-standard area established by
the Government Unit, shortage of housing for service men, or a shortage of safe
and sanitary dwellings would have to be established.
Minutes of Special City Council-Planning Commission
Meeting held Wednesday, February 3, 1971
Page 2.
The City Council could pass a resolution stating that any of the three, or all
three of the above items were in existence and establish a housing authority
would consist of appointed persons other than elected or appointed officials
and that all housing units are on a 100% grant basis. He estimated the cost
to set up the Housing Authority for stationary, secretarial assistance and
etc. would amount to $200. The City does have the authority to levy up to
1 mil per year for this purpose. In Hastings this would amount to about
$6000 annually.
He stated the work that can be done can either be done by local citizen groups,
by consultant services or that the City of themselves can pick up vacant property
or delapidated buildings as they exist. He stated that under the present law
the only authority the City has to eliminate hazardous building would be under
the Hazardous Building Statutes whereby the Gity can demolish the property
and levy the cost of removal against the real estate.
Mr. Anderson then went into the method employed by the City of Hopkins whereby
they freeze the rem estate values at the time they picked up the delapidated
property, added the cost of demolition and interest and had a vacant lot worth
slightly more than a vacant lot in other locations in the City. They would then
reconstruct a house at a value of approximately $20, 000 on the property for
which a taxable income of $750 would be levied against the owner, however
since the original real estate tax was frozen,in 7- 1/2 years they could pay back
the original purchase price of the property. The difference between the original
$250 tax and the new tax of $750 being used for that purpose. After a question
and answer session, Mr. Anderson was commended for his excellent presentation.
We completed our meeting at approximately 9:30 P.M.
John Davidson, City Engineer