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<br />something the other communities haven;t and asked why Anoka and other cities have decided <br />against it. <br /> <br />HRA Executive Director Frolik stated that she thinks Anoka HRA saw a ho~e buyer's assistance <br />program, almost like some of the same funding options that got the residents into the <br />predicament that they are in today, for example, using funding to upgrade to a home that they <br />really couldn't afford. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gamec stated that one of the situations he heard about at a recent County meeting <br />is that the older communities had a bigger problem with keeping up the housing, than getting <br />people into homes. <br /> <br />HRA Executive Director Frolik stated that this is the opposite for Ramsey, which has newer <br />housing sitting empty. <br /> <br />Chair Olson stated that the money goes further if you do rehab programs, but questioned whether <br />that is what Ramsey needs. She stated that there has been discussion, if the City did a home <br />purchase program, who would be eligible, for example, home owner occupied or also for <br />investors. She ~tated that she feels the investor piece is a large piece of what will get us out of <br />this and it is very difficult for investors to get money. <br /> <br />Commissioner Look stated that there were foreclosure numbers for the City at the last meeting. <br />He asked how the City is staying on top of the foreclosure numbers, if the bank has negotiated <br />terms with the property owner, or if the numbers have gotten worse than what was originally <br />. presented. <br /> <br />HRA Executive Director Frolik stated that the number is currently 243 for 2008. She stated that <br />there isn't a way of determining if there has been short sale right now, without comparing the <br />databases. . <br /> <br />Commissioner Look stated that there is foreclosure but also a redemption period, so, his interest <br />is in finding out how many foreclosures there are that are unresolved after the six month period <br />and actually become vacant. He stated that there was a property in Northfork listed as a <br />foreclosure and when he asked about it, it was already off the market. He asked how the City <br />could track those and keep our eye on the ball. He stated that he went hunting with a former <br />state legislator that is now a realtor and they had a discussion about loans. He. stated that a <br />struggle he was finding is homes that don't qualify for FHA funds. He suggested that is <br />something that the City can take a look at. <br /> <br />Chair Olson asked if he was proposing that the City put money towards whatever it is that makes <br />the homes npt up to FHA standards. <br /> <br />Commissioner Look stated that if it was a small change, for example, a $10,000 fix, then perhaps <br />this is something that the City can do to make it FHA ready. <br /> <br />Housing and Redevelopment Authority / December 1, 2008 <br />Page 3 of9 <br /> <br />3 <br />