Agenda - Council - 09/23/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I ! I I I I I I I I I I I I CASE # / ~L~ METROPOLITAN LIVABLE COMMUNITIES By: Ryan R. Schroeder, City Administrator Background: As Council is aware, legislation was passed in 1995 requiring the Metropolitan Council to initiate an effort called the Metropolitan Livable Communities. Since, October 24, 1995, the City of Ramsey has been a participant in this program. The goals of the program are to provide for the equal distribution of affordable and life-cycle housing throughout the Twin Cities. Each year at this time, the City is asked to pass a resolution agreeing to participate in the program for another year. The resolution which provides for 1998 participation is enclosed for your consideration. For 1997, and again for 1998, the City must agree to provide funding which assists in the development of affordable housing during the year of participation. For 1997, we were expected to allocate $9,732. For 1998, the demand increases to $22,400. In return, the City is eligible for various funding programs of the Metro Council and the State of Minnesota. A program example is the funding we just received from the Metro Council toward the Comprehensive Plan ($11,830). Another is the $20,000 in MNRRA funding we received toward the same project recently. Neither grant would have been available to us without participation in this program. For 1997 and 1998, the City allocated funding toward the development of the Sunfish Square Townhouse development. The funding came from a fee waiver which is supported by TIF funds generated by the development. It should also be noted that, a few years ago, the City allocated funds toward site clearance in order to facilitate this project. Further, it is expected that future revenues will be dedicated toward roadway improvements to the benefit of this development. Hence, it is not expected that, in the near term, the assistance allocation requirement will be an issue. The resolution is prepared such that it puts the Metro Council on notice of these programmed expenditures. Council, in the past, has expressed concerns about this program and its requirements. However, given the above, there is no downside to participation in 1998. The upside is possible receipt of additional funding now and in the future. Therefore, we are recommending your positive consideration of participation in the program for 1998. Motion to adopt Resolution - - agreeing to participate in the Metropolitan Livable Communities Program for 1998. Reviewed by: City Administrator Zoning Administrator