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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-28 HRA regular minutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MAY 28, 2020 7:30 A.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. and noted the meeting was being held virtually to comply with the Governor's Stay at Home Order due to the COVID-19 pandemic then explained the processes created for public comment. 11. ROLLCALL Answering rollcall were Members Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, and Chair Hovland. 111. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED — AS PRESENTED Motion by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Fischer, approving the meeting agenda as presented. Roll call: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, and Hovland Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT No one appeared. VI. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA — AS PRESENTED VI.A. Approve minutes of April 16, 2020, Regular meeting VI.B. Approve Village Homes of Centennial Lakes — Amendment to the Declaration and Bylaws VI.C. Approve Payment of Claims for HRA Check Register April I 0-May 20, 2020, totaling $133,560.50 Motion by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Brindle, approving the consent agenda as presented: Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, and Hovland Motion carried. V►1. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS VII.A. SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM —REPORT RECEIVED Economic Development Manager Neuendorf stated the item pertained to the Emergency Assistance Program established in April to support local small businesses who were struggling due to pandemic -related business closures. He outlined program goals that focused on gaps in US and MN economic recovery programs and helped viable businesses that targeted small viable businesses. Staff presented a summary of the program recipients and reviewed criteria in detail and shared that of the 41 applications received 33 were eligible and loans were awarded to I I small businesses totaling $9,000 forgivable loans. Mr. Neuendorf said the majority of loans were issued to retail shops, beauty/fitness and two local restaurants and all agreements were signed and executed and funds disbursed for loans to close July 31, 2022. The Commission asked how applications were compared and different criteria and about those who did not qualify and minority -owned businesses. Mr. Neuendorf responded of the 41 applications received eight were rejected due to being submitted twice, not located in Edina or in a commercial or industrial zone, and brand new to Edina then spoke about the subjectivity involved and how staff relied on expertise of Open to Business to help determine eligibility. He spoke about viability of all businesses and cautioned on use of Page 1 Minutes/HRA/May 28, 2020 funds for those not possibly viable then spoke about their review of decisions and why a panel was important for full perspective. He shared minority was not a criterion used but how there was strong turnout of both minority- and women -owned businesses and while not a goal was part of the outcome. The Commission complimented staff on the speed of program creation for businesses to use and how use of the funds for loan purposes versus grants could result in recovery through the CARES act that could total $2.4 million for Edina and would be used to further support small business. Executive Director Neal shared distribution formulas that varied in the House and Senate bills that ranged from $2.5-$4.5 million and said the definition of expenses had begun to expand to include programs such as small business emergency assistance programs and that staff would continue to monitor legislation. V►1.B. EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE — REPORT RECEIVED Housing Manager Hawkinson shared on April 7, 2020 the City Council approved a $100,000 grant to VEAP to provide Emergency Rental Assistance to Edina residents. She shared as of May 21 $79,660 in emergency rental assistance with 60 unduplicated Edina households had received aid for an average request of $1,395 and median request of $1,135 and that approximately 40% recipients in May were non-English speaking then noted the need was expected to increase in the summer. She shared prioritizing assistance for households with no known resolvability and said people who utilized the program tended to work in the restaurant or salon industries and were employees that did not qualify for federal relief or unemployment then shared a note of thanks from one Edina resident. The Commission commented about being close to all funds expended and how rental assistance would not be eligible for CARES funding. Ms. Hawkinson said Hennepin County had given some aid but was limited to $1,500 per family over the course of three months. Mr. Neal agreed the funding was not being considered as an allowable CARES expense because was in grant form instead of a loan and was being advocated for and monitored. The Commission spoke about the anticipated pandemic peak and if there were any plans to repeat one or both of those programs. Mr. Neal said staff had not brought anything forward yet to the Commission but agreed there could be the need for these programs again and would be able to act quickly then added the City had received the affordability housing fee from the Tom Lund project which was good. The Commission asked for timing for receipt of CARES funding. Mr. Neal spoke about two proposed bills that included dates of June 12 and hoped to get allocations by then with a possible special session mid -June. He said staff would likely come back to Council or the Commission by June 16 due to the gap in the Council meeting calendar. The Commission asked for an update about the use of COVID-related funds as a replacement of lost revenue. Mr. Neal shared a recent interview spoke about inclusion of lost revenue in the federal House bill but not yet on the Senate side and that a compromise was likely being discussed and that staff would continue to monitor the bill. Vlll. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS VI►I.A. CORRESPONDENCE Mayor Hovland acknowledged the Council's receipt of various correspondence. IX. HRA COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS — Received X. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS — Received Xl. ADJOURNMENT Page 2 Minutes/HRA/May 28, 2020 Motion made by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Brindle, to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 a.m. Roll call: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, and Hovlai Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Page 3