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<br />Case #2: <br /> <br />Proposed Amendment to By-Laws Regarding HRA Membership <br /> <br />Community Development Director Miller stated that they are considering changing the HRA <br />bylaws similar to the EDA. . She stated that they are proposing that the HRA would transition <br />from Councilmembers to residents; however, there could some Councilmembers appointed to the <br />HRA. She reviewed some of the other amendments to the by-laws. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig asked if it is staffs recommendation to move to citizens at-large. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Miller stated that it would be a seven member board, with 2 <br />Councilmembers, similar to the EDA. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that he is nervous about going to that step just because of how new <br />the HRA is and not totally understanding it himself. He stated that there are County issues that <br />he would like to have the full strength of the Council behind. He reiterated that he would be <br />nervous about making this change when it is so young. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Miller stated that the problem is having the opportunity to <br />meet, similar to the problems tonight. She stated that the other alternative may be to meet on <br />another night. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that is a good point and could make it a truly effective board. <br /> <br />Chair Olson stated that the HRA meetings never get the attention they deserve and is always <br />short changed. She stated that since there has been an HRA there has only been one somewhat <br />lengthy meeting. She stated that the meetings are usually sandwiched between others meetings <br />and have to be rushed. She stated that cases are pushed back time and time again and. there <br />hasn't been time to devote to cases that deserve it. She stated that she understands no one wants <br />to go to another night, but feels something needs to be done. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look stated that he has never been an advocate of un-elected positions because, <br />as he sees this, it is an opportunity for this board to levy against people, increase taxes and make <br />decisions on how to spend those dollars and there would be no repercussions by the community <br />to the board members because they can't be voted off. He stated that he sees another level of <br />bureaucracy occurring out of the reach of the voter. He stated that ifit is a matter of priority, he <br />feels it could be made a matter of priority and work session items could be pushed back. He <br />stated that he wouldn't have any problem restructuring a work session night and making this first <br />out of the gate. <br /> <br />Chair Olson stated that regardless of how it is handled, the HRA needs more attention. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Miller stated that it would mean taking up a work session <br />every month and-there have been some very full work sessions lately. <br /> <br />Chair Olson asked ifHRA boards are elected in other communities. <br /> <br />Housing and Redevelopment Authority I October 21, 2008 <br />Page 2 of5 <br />