2019.10.22 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Dunsworth stated affordable housing was a larger issue than one that can quickly be fixed by this City Council. She recommended all sides to the issue be addressed for both the landlords and tenants. Mayor Johnson asked why this was a concerning issue to Councilmember Allen. Councilmember Allen indicated there was a human side to housing. He explained this topic would become an issue in New Brighton at some point in the future and he feared how residents would be impacted if rental rates were to spike and people were displaced. Councilmember Dunsworth stated she struggled with the City getting involved in this matter. She asked again if this was an issue that should be addressed by the City. Councilmember Allen stated he has heard from 300 families that this should be a concern for the City. He commented he would rather have the Council discussing this issue now versus in the future if an investor were to come in, purchase a large rental complex and 1,700 residents were displaced. Mayor Johnson stated she was struggling with the economic development portion of this issue. She commented on how the City has worked to improve its housing stock over the past 10 years. Councilmember Jacobsen indicated he would be able to better respond to this issue after he had more information on the topic. Councilmember Burg questioned if grant funding could be offered to assist landlords with improving their buildings in order to keep rental rates static. Councilmember Dunsworth stated this would be a great option, but feared landlords were not aware of grant opportunities. Lotter summarized the comments he received from the Council and stated he would be speaking with staff to learn more about the rental housing market in New Brighton and would report back to the Council at a future meeting. Worksession adjourned at 6:28 pm Respectfully submitted, Terri Spangrud City Clerk