Agenda - Council - 09/22/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I Ms. Wright pointed out that using five of the 13 homes - two would be family transition housing and three would be large family affordable housing. She explained that large family means five or more members and transitional means a family could live in the house up to two years, however, it is possible to extend that time period. The family has to be going through something that's making it impossible for a family to be in a house permanently. Affordable housing means 30% of their income. Ms. Wright explained they would look for supportive funding from HUD, a County bonding issue or the Federal Home Loan Bank. She talked about having to be creative with funding. She presented statistics showing domestic violence in the City of Ramsey and in Anoka County. These are the people this type of housing could serve. She also presented the statistic that 76% of the people they serve are in permanent housing within 12 months. Councilmember Haas Steffen noted that Ramsey has a transportation problem. Ms. Wright agreed but added that the Traveler is an option and also with the small shopping center on T.H. #47, there is something within walking distance. She continued that the housing would be owned and managed by ACCAP. ACCAP would also maintain the property. If there are complaints, ACCAP responds to them. Councilmember Haas Steffen felt this would be an excellent use for these homes. She realized the City would have to put something into this project. She would agree to give a variance on the setback from the road. We would have to make a decision on sewer and water - that could be a contribution that the City could do. She feels this project would be a benefit to Ramsey and she hoped the rest of the City Council would agree with that. Motion by Councilmember Haas Steffen and seconded by Councilmember Zimmerman to recommend that City Council approve of the housing to be acquired for the T.H. #47 project be considered for re-utilization for affordable/transitional community housing and to work on that with ACCAP. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Haas Steffen and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Case #2: Discuss Communication Antenna Proposal City Engineer Jankowski reported that Ramsey has been approached by a wireless communication company to utilize the City's water tower as an antenna site. He included a proposal from PageMart Wireless for a five-year lease of the water tower site. There is no rent amount shown in the proposed agreement, however a verbal proposal from PageMart to City Administrator Norman suggested $400. Mr. Jankowski stated that staff had checked with other cities and they are receiving anywhere from $870 to $1,400 a month for leasing similar space. Mr. Norman inquired of PageMart why the disparate rate proposed and their response was that those leases involved different types of equipment. Road and Bridge Committee/July 21, 1998 Page 3 of 8