03-12-19 Council/Manager Agenda Packet
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Pages
1. Discuss 2019 CenterPoint Energy Belt Line Gas Project 2
2. HRA Levy and Affordable Housing Policy Update 3‐27
3. Small Wireless Facilities and Small Wireless Aesthetic Standards Discussion 28‐37
4. Flood Mitigation Cost Share Reimbursement Policy 38‐48
5. Council Review of Future Draft Agendas: City Council March 19, City Council April 2 and
Council/Manager April 9, 2019
49‐52
Council/Manager meetings have an informal, discussion‐style format and are designed for the
Council to obtain background information, consider policy alternatives, and provide general
directions to staff. No formal actions are taken at these meetings. The public is invited to attend
Council/Manager meetings and listen to the discussion; public participation is allowed by
invitation of the City Council.
Mar 12, 2019 – 6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
Executive Summary
Golden Valley Council/Manager Meeting
March 12, 2019
Agenda Item
1. Discuss 2019 CenterPoint Energy Belt Line Gas Project
Prepared By
Jeff Oliver, PE City Engineer
Summary
Representatives from CenterPoint Energy will be on hand to discuss their 2019 Belt Line Gas
Project.
Executive Summary
Golden Valley Council/Manager Meeting
March 12, 2019
Agenda Item
2. HRA Levy and Affordable Housing Policy Update
Prepared By
Emily Goellner, Senior Planner/Grant Writer
Summary
The role that the City and HRA play in local housing policy and programming has expanded rapidly
since 2017. Based on feedback from the past five discussions with Council in 2017 and 2018, staff has
further developed the affordable housing work plan for 2019, which is attached to this
memorandum. This memo also summarizes new policy options to consider, including:
1. 4D tax incentive
2. Development of publicly owned vacant parcels for affordable housing
3. Adoption of an HRA levy to fund programs and projects identified in the 2040 Comp Plan
4. Strategic planning and policymaking
1. 4D Tax Incentive Analysis
Minnesota Statute 273.128 allows qualifying low-income rental properties to be eligible for a class
rate reduction in property taxes from the 1.25% classification rate to the .75% Class 4D rate. There
are 418 units in seven buildings that currently have 4D status. The statute specifies the type of
properties that are eligible, which includes buildings in which 20% of the units have rent and income
restrictions at or below 60% Area Median Income (AMI) placed on units by state, federal, or local unit
of government as evidenced by a document recorded against the property. If the City or HRA
provides financial assistance, staff’s preliminary analysis shows that it is possible for an additional
553 NOAH units in 10 apartment complexes to qualify. The program requires affordable rents with a
covenant on the deed of the property. Providing a tax break will have an impact on the City’s tax
base distribution. An analysis of this tax impact for each building is attached.
Key points:
• Several NOAH properties could feasibly restrict rents at 60% AMI in order to qualify for the
tax rate reduction since rents are already equal to about 60% AMI.
• The collective tax impact of this type of program could potentially be absorbed by the rest of
the tax base in a way that results in little impact to an individual property owner.
• Edina, St. Paul, and Minneapolis have launched programs in the last year that utilize this
incentive. All of the programs include energy efficiency incentives as well.
• If the City/HRA is interested in launching a program, the program would be designed in 2019
and the first deadline to apply would occur in early 2020.
2. Publicly Owned Vacant Parcels
Given the City’s desirable location, the cost of land is a major factor for affordability in Golden Valley.
Staff has identified eight publically owned vacant parcels that are currently underutilized and may be
appropriate for the development of affordable single-family homes or townhomes. An attached
summary provides general information about each parcel. All of the parcels on the list besides 300
Turners Crossroad were guided for residential use in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. They will be
zoned for residential use later in 2019 as part of a larger rezoning process for many parcels in the
city.
In recent years, MnDOT has turned back several parcels to the City. These parcels could be
developed for affordable housing; however, because of their unusual ownership history, it is likely
there will be title issues to clear before the parcels can be utilized. A modest financial investment in
title review is necessary to better understand the potential title issues. Staff suggests that this
investigation occur in 2019 along with the adoption of a policy that clarifies when, why, and how the
City/HRA will buy, prepare, transfer, or sell land. In some cities/HRAs, this is called a Public Land
Disposition Policy. It often includes a set of procedures. Staff suggests that this policy be written by
staff and critiqued by an experienced consultant. This policy could be adopted in 2020.
3. HRA Levy
The most common way to administer housing programs in Minnesota is through local or regional
Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (HRAs), which are held accountable to the city or regional
government with jurisdiction. HRAs have the authority through State Statute to levy a tax to give,
sell, buy, transfer, or convey property as necessary to remove blight and promote affordable, safe,
and decent housing. HRAs may also issue bonds, grants, and loans; administer programs, support
development projects, study housing and redevelopment needs, and hire financial and legal advisers
as necessary. A levy has never been adopted by the Golden Valley HRA. A levy could build a financial
foundation to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing within the community.
History
The Golden Valley HRA was established in 1978 to expand its role and influence on redeveloping
areas where there was deterioration and a possible loss of tax base, including downtown Golden
Valley and other areas of the city. In its history, the HRA has utilized Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to
acquire parcels, conducted site clean-up, and build infrastructure to support subsidized affordable
housing (Cornerstone Creek, Medley Park, and Valley Square Commons). The HRA has also provided
land for 13 Habitat for Humanity homes, added 3 homes to the West Hennepin Affordable Housing
Land Trust (WHAHLT), and supported several “scattered site” duplexes and townhomes.
2030 & 2040 Comp Plans
The potential for a future levy was acknowledged in the 2030 Golden Valley Comprehensive Plan:
“Establishing an HRA Levy to Fund Programs and Projects: The most direct method
for ensuring that property owners are offered adequate financial tools to maintain
the housing stock according to City’s standards is for the City to fund loans and
grants for program and projects that create new housing units, maintain existing
housing units, or demolish housing units that are no longer viable. A consistent
funding source from a tax levy by the HRA would allow for new program and
projects as opportunities arise.
While it would not be practical or economically feasible for the City to provide
funding with a tax levy to the extent necessary to meet all actions established in the
policy plan, the City could identify the most important areas or specific properties,
prioritize them as most likely candidates, and work with consenting landowners and
developers on funding arrangements.”
- Golden Valley 2030 Comprehensive Plan, adopted 2008
The potential for an HRA levy was included in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan as well, which is
currently under review by the Metropolitan Council. The plan calls for further research to occur
between 2023 and 2028, but the City Council requested that this investigation occur sooner.
Peer Cities
Staff interviewed management staff at several nearby HRAs to learn about the use of each levy, staff
structure, activities, and budget. The attached table provides the results of this investigation.
Key points:
• Most HRAs administer a housing rehab program for single-family homes
• Many HRAs have homeownership programs
• A few suburban HRAs own and operate housing and receive significant federal funding
• Very few housing programs are focused specifically on senior housing
• Edina is the most recent HRA to start a levy. It started with a levy under $200,000 and it may
grow incrementally over time as needed.
• A few HRAs levy the maximum amount, but many levy in the 30% to 75% range. In 2018, the
highest HRA levy was $2.2 million (Bloomington) and the lowest was $125,000 (Edina).
• Many HRAs are discussing ways to support NOAH and few formal programs exist
• The cities with the lowest levies are using the funds for administrative costs. Most cities use
at least a portion of a levy for administrative costs.
• Eight of the cities studied operate an EDA in addition to or in place of an HRA. In 2019, the
highest EDA levy was $1.25 million (Brooklyn Park – in addition to a $782,000 HRA levy).
Levy Amount
State Statute allows an HRA to levy up to 0.0185% of the estimated market value, which would be
equivalent to $726,990.58 per year in Golden Valley. This is a separate levy from the City tax levy.
Some HRAs levy only a portion of the maximum allowable amount. The following table summarizes
five different levy scenarios.
Portion of Maximum HRA Levy Total HRA Tax Levy Tax Impact to Median Home
10% $ 72,699.06 $ 5.17
25% $181,747.65 $13.00
50% $363,495.29 $26.03
75% $545,242.94 $39.13
100% $726,990.58 $52.13
In 2020, the City General Fund budget is currently estimated to increase by $714,120 or $51.27 for
the median home. The debt levy will increase by $300,000 or $21.54. Therefore, the total estimated
increase for the city portion of the property tax is $72.81 for the median home. Last year, due to
additional needs, the 2019 General Fund Budget increased by an additional $441,610 over 2019
concept. That added an additional $31.74 per median household. All of these numbers are estimates
due to preliminary estimated market values have not been given along with the budget process has
not begun.
Use of Funds
The attached list of HRA program options sorts the ideas by the five Comp Plan goals:
1. Quality
2. Variety
3. Affordability
4. Sustainability
5. Equity
NOAH Preservation Fund
Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) represents 56% of the apartments in Golden Valley.
Most units are in 10 different NOAH properties located throughout the City. Most were built in the
1950s-1970s. Given low vacancy rates and projected population growth, along with other market
factors, it is likely that most of them will see increased rents that are no longer affordable at 60%
AMI. Several reports predict that this is likely to occur within the next 5 years. The preservation of
existing affordable housing is much less expensive than new construction, so levy dollars could lock
units at affordable rates with a smaller subsidy if focused on rehabilitation. The 2019 Affordable
Housing Work Plan (attached) emphasizes the need for a concentrated effort to connect with NOAH
owners and managers to explain the City’s long-term goals, understand their needs, and find ways to
work together toward shared goals. Levy dollars from a NOAH Preservation Fund could be packaged
with the 4D Tax Incentive Program. Incentives for energy efficiency could also be included since that
can lower utility bills and meet the City’s sustainability goals. It could also be packaged with
rehabilitation loans for health, safety, crime reduction, and livability. Since health and safety are
central to the City’s housing interests, any new policies or programs should not unintentionally
discourage property improvements, rehabilitation, and code compliance.
Senior Housing Needs
There are several ways to invest levy dollars in senior housing that is safe, efficient, and affordable.
The 2016 Housing Needs Assessment showed a high demand for senior housing in a variety of
arrangements, level of service, and price points.
Key points:
• There is significant growth in the Golden Valley senior population and demand for alternative
maintenance-free housing products affordable for seniors will continue to rise.
• High homeownership rates among seniors and feedback received during the Comp Plan
process indicate that many seniors prefer to live in their home and age in place.
• Demand for home health care services and home remodeling programs to assist seniors with
retrofitting their existing homes will increase.
• Compared to other municipalities in the Twin Cities Metro Area, Golden Valley has few
housing programs that promote or preserve the existing housing stock in the community and
promote lifecycle housing programs.
• The City has a history of anticipating this issue - examples include Dover Hills and Calvary
Apartments.
• This could be a good time to be proactive and lead in this area. Funds from a levy would
leverage other funds from the County, Met Council, and State that require a local match.
Other Related Financial Resources
HRA Housing Fund
The HRA currently has a balance of approximately $104,252.43 in the HRA Housing Fund, which was
created in 1999 to provide financial support to single-family affordable homes made affordable
through the West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust (WHAHLT) and Habitat for Humanity. The
funds were transferred from an expired TIF district.
Trust Fund
The City or HRA may establish a Housing Trust Fund, which is a dedicated fund for the production
and preservation of homes for lower income households. It may be administered by the HRA or a
non-profit organization. St. Louis Park established a Trust Fund last year, but no funds are dedicated
to it yet. Minneapolis established the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in 2003 that offers funds
through an annual RFP process. The fund provides gap financing to projects that assist in the
development of affordable housing for virtually all population needs: senior, homeless, AIDS,
families, workforce, veterans, artists and other special needs. Since inception, over 6,100 affordable
units have been renovated or built. Another benefit of a Trust Fund would be its leverage for
matching funds from the State of Minnesota. The Governor's budget proposal provides $2 million of
state matching funds, anticipated to help seven to 13 communities through a one-time
appropriation.
EDA Levy
Several cities conduct affordable housing work as an Economic Development Authority (EDA). Since
EDAs can do affordable housing work, information about EDA levies is included in this analysis.
A document with more details about this option is attached.
Administration
Depending on the nature and scale of the initiatives selected by City Council or HRA, the impact on
staff capacity must be analyzed. It may be determined that efficiencies can be made or that
additional human resources are necessary. This would ideally be assessed during a strategic planning
process for the HRA.
4. Strategic Planning and Policymaking
There are several policies that could be drafted and adopted over the next year to better prepare
Council Members and staff for decision-making.
Potential Policy Work Description
5-year Housing and
Economic Development
Strategic Plan
Include a list of programs or projects with a budget for expenditures,
funding source(s), priority level, timeline, and measurable outcomes.
Work plans based on direction from the 2040 Comp Plan, Council’s
strategic goals, and the Urban Land Institute’s Redevelopment Ready
Guide (https://minnesota.uli.org/advisory-services/redevelopment-
ready-guide/).
Public Assistance Policy Link HRA and City investments to projects that exceed minimum
development standards. Establish investment priorities for HRA funds,
such as removing blight, leveraging other funding, and increasing the
tax base. Establish required conditions for eligible projects, such as an
enhanced community engagement strategy and enhanced energy
efficiency standards.
City Owned Surplus
Land Policy
Establishes criteria for the purchase, sale, or transfer of vacant land.
Prioritizes projects or transactions that meet multiple goals in the 2040
Comprehensive Plan, particularly affordable housing.
Mixed-Income Housing
Policy
Update policy to clarify applicability to senior housing, clarify the use of
incentives, enhance the fee-in-lieu clause, reconsider the inclusion of
for-sale housing in the policy.
TIF Policy and
Application
Update policy to include TIF pooling and possibly a priority for
affordable senior housing, update the public purpose section of the
application, consider other revisions after a more thorough analysis
Fair Housing Policy Several nearby City governments have adopted a Fair Housing Policy. It
can clarify the City’s commitment to abide by Fair Housing Acts and
Laws, establishes a referral process for complaints by residents, and
improve the City’s position when competing for Met Council funding.
Business Subsidy Policy This is not related to affordable housing, but it is related to HRA or EDA
activities in general. Prior to awarding a subsidy of over $150,000 to any
business (for non-redevelopment, non-land clean up, or non-housing
purposes), the City or HRA must adopt criteria for awarding business
subsidies. It must include the wages to be paid for any jobs created.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City and HRA’s role in programming, policymaking, and financial
assistance for affordable housing grow in an incremental and sustainable way. This can be done by
moving forward with the 2019 Affordable Housing Work Plan, designing a 4D incentive program that
can begin in 2020, continuing the pursuit of developing publicly owned land, utilizing the existing
HRA Housing Fund, making plans to eventually establish a modest HRA levy for future initiatives, and
establishing a set of policies and strategic plans to guide financial decision-making. This work can be
accomplished at existing staffing levels through the remainder of 2019, but as the workload grows
incrementally, the need for additional human resources will arise.
Decisions about how to spend potential levy dollars must be thoughtful, fiscally responsible, and
effective at accomplishing outcomes that are impactful and realistic. Therefore, if the Council is
interested in this option, staff recommends developing a communication plan and strategic plan for
the HRA. The HRA Housing Fund has a balance of $104,252.43. Staff recommends that an additional
discussion with the HRA take place about how this funding should be utilized over the next year to
meet Council/HRA goals.
Discussion
It is important to acknowledge that the housing market is big and complex. It doesn’t function
perfectly and governments have been brought into the discussion because there are clearly market
forces at work that are making it harder for community members, particularly of low and moderate
incomes, to find and stay in safe, healthy, housing that they can afford. At this meeting, staff would
like feedback on the following questions:
1. Is this the right time to take action and make strategic investments in the local housing
market?
2. If so, do the tools listed here (4D tax incentive, vacant land, and HRA levy) seem like the right
types of tools to utilize?
3. If these are not the right tools, are there other regulatory or financial tools that can be
utilized to implement the 2040 Comp Plan?
4. If the tools listed here seem like the right ones to move forward with, what are your
priorities? Where would you like to make the most impact? What are the needs in the
community that this funding should work toward?
Attachments
• 2019 Affordable Housing Work Plan (2 pages)
• 4D Tax Incentive Analysis (2 pages)
• Analysis of Publicly Owned Vacant Parcels for Affordable Housing (1 page)
• Summary of Local HRAs and EDAs (7 pages)
• Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Program Options (3 pages)
• 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Housing Implementation Actions List (2 pages)
• Economic Development Authority (EDA) Options (1 page)
Golden Valley Affordable Housing Work Plan - 2019
Last updated March 7, 2019
Prepared By
Emily Goellner, Senior Planner/Grant Writer
Summary
Based on direction from the Council and Manager, staff has developed a work plan on affordable
housing strategies and policies.
Key Points
• The role that the City plays in local housing policy and programming has expanded rapidly
since 2017.
• Staff will continue focusing on building relationships with NOAH property owners, landlords,
and property managers in 2019.
• Since health and safety are central to the City’s housing interests, any new policies or
programs should not unintentionally discourage property improvements, rehabilitation, and
code compliance.
• The 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies many goals and action steps for the City to take.
They are categorized into five goals: quality, variety, affordability, sustainability, and equity.
Staff will work with existing human and financial resources to implement the plan.
• Staffing and budgeting impacts associated with policy and program options must continue to
be examined to ensure that administration, enforcement, and education can be completed
properly.
• Some policies and program ideas will be most impactful if enacted on a regional or state level.
• The Housing Preservation Tools Workgroup meetings are attended by staff at Golden Valley
and ten other city governments (Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Louis Park, Edina, Eden Prairie,
Bloomington, Richfield, Hopkins, Brooklyn Center, and Brooklyn Park), Hennepin County,
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Metro HRA, Urban Land Institute, and Family Housing
Fund. The meetings are held to inform policy recommendations, share knowledge, and bring
important stakeholders to the conversations. This group will continue to meet regularly.
Staff has accomplished the following actions:
1. Adopted a Tenant Protection Ordinance (applicable to owners upon sale of NOAH property)
and notified property owners
2. Adopted the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which includes an extensive list of actions to be taken
to meet affordable housing goals
3. Hosted a training on Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers by the Metro HRA at the February
STAR Program meeting for property managers
4. Received CDBG funding for a land trust home for West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land
Trust (WHAHLT) (dba Homes Within Reach)
5. Applied for CDBG, AHIF, and HOME funding for an additional land trust home with West
Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust (WHAHLT) (dba Homes Within Reach)
6. Researched opportunities for an HRA levy
a. Bonds or loans to rehabilitation or acquisition/resale of affordable properties
b. Establish a loan program for maintenance of NOAH and/or single-family homes
c. Other programs that further the Housing Policy Plan in the 2040 Comp Plan
7. Expanded the City’s legislative priority on affordable housing
8. Adopted changes to the Mixed Income Housing Policy to increase the number of housing
projects required to comply
9. Provided input at the regional housing forum hosted by Governor Dayton’s Task Force on
Affordable Housing
10. Planning, Fire, and Police department staff met to monitor condition of housing stock
Staff is taking continuing action on the following strategies:
11. Host additional discussions with NOAH property owners/manager and staff from the
Minnesota Multi-Family Housing Association (MHA)
12. Create plan and timeline for selling and developing publicly owned vacant land for affordable
housing
13. Update the Housing page on the City website to include more home remodeling information
14. Continue monitoring condition of housing stock and rental rates
a. Request rental rate information with rental licensing program applications
b. Perform update to housing inventory every 5 years
c. Continue monitoring housing stock conditions with inspections
15. Actively follow the work of Prosperity’s Front Door, which is the next step after the Governor
Dayton’s Task Force on Affordable Housing
16. Perform an evaluation of the STAR program for rental properties and recommend
enhancements that help the City meet a variety of housing goals
17. Contact property owners to promote NOAH loan program with Greater MN Housing Fund
(GMHC), which provides equity for property improvements in exchange for maintained rents
Staff is continuing research in partnership with other suburban cities on the following strategies:
18. Research 4D property tax program for NOAH properties (similar to MPLS, St. Paul, and Edina)
19. Research ordinance prohibiting landlords from excluding Section 8 voucher holders from a
building’s rental application process (pending MPLS lawsuit)
20. Continue monitoring lawsuit involving the City of Minneapolis policy that prohibits landlords
from excluding Section 8 voucher holders from a building’s rental application process (at least
4 cities are interested in adopting a policy if lawsuit decides in favor of City of Minneapolis)
21. Research the benefits and process for the adoption of a local Fair Housing Policy, which the
Metropolitan Council requires for participation in their grant programs for housing projects
4D PROPERTY TAX RATE ANALYSIS
FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Report to the Golden Valley City Council and City Manager
March 12, 2019
Properties with 4D Tax Rate, 2018
PID Property Name Address Total
Units
Qualifying
Percent of Units ID
3011821220064
Medley Park Homes 2345 Mendelssohn Ln 30 100% 500731
3211821230054
Calvary Center
Apartments 7650 Golden Valley Rd 80 100% 500766
3111821140047
Valley Square Commons 749 Winnetka Avenue
N 25 100% 500830
0702924230071,
2811821230055
Golden Valley
Townhouses
3354 and 3360 Lilac
Drive N, 2100, 2102,
2104, 2106, 2120, and
2122 Douglas Drive N
8 100% 500961
2911821220006
Dover Hill Apartments
2418 Rhode Island
Avenue (listed as 2400
Rhode Island in City
records)
234 98% 501302
3111821320074
Cornerstone Creek
Apartments
9280 Golden Valley
Road 45 100% 502604
NOAH Properties with Potential to Qualify for 4D Tax Rate
PID Property Name Address Total
Units
Rent Levels,
2016
Estimated City
Tax Impact if
100% of units
classified as
4(D)
0411721210004 Crosswoods
Apartments 5601 Glenwood Ave 35 50% AMI $6,624
2811821310012 Copacabana
Apartments 1725 Lilac Dr N 49 50% AMI $11,130
0411721210008,
0411721210006 Colonial Apartments 5743 and 5747
Glenwood Ave 36 50-60% AMI $6,792
3311821220010 Golden Valley Road
Apartments 6200 Golden Valley Rd 21
Unknown,
likely 60%
AMI
$4,511
3111821320006 Trentwood Apartments 9110 Golden Valley Rd 54 50% AMI $11,758
3311821340010 West End Apartments 259 Yosemite Circle 79 60% AMI $18,297
PID Property Name Address Total
Units
Rent Levels,
2016
Estimated City
Tax Impact if
100% of units
classified as
4(D)
2811821330013,
2811821330015,
2811821330012,
2811821330014
West End Trails
Apartments
1400, 1500, 1600, 1450
Douglas Dr N 58
Unknown,
likely 80%
AMI
$11,469
1902924230024 Valley Village
Apartments
600 Lilac Dr N 112 60% AMI $21,214
3211821110002 Valley View
Apartments
6533 Golden Valley Rd 72 60-80% AMI $19,744
2811821330011 Valley Creek West
Apartments
1370 Douglas Dr N 37 60-80% AMI $12,153
ANALYSIS OF PUBLICLY OWNED VACANT PARCELS
FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Report to the Golden Valley City Council and City Manager
March 12, 2019
Ownership
Status Proposed Address Recommended
Zoning
Size & Potential for
Subdivision Notes
City-Owned
5255 33rd Avenue
North R-1 Single-Family
32,852 SF
No potential without
adjacent property
While large, it lacks adequate street access to subdivide into more than
1 lot without acquiring adjacent property.
2415 Douglas Drive R-2 Moderate
Density
22,656 SF
Potential for 2 lots
Currently zoned R-1. Utilities were removed during Douglas Drive
reconstruction because it was previously planned as a surface parking
lot for Sandburg. Potential for 2 lots zoned R-2.
Conveyed by
MnDOT to
City for
Highway
Purposes
1211 Lilac Drive
North R-1 Single-Family 29,489 SF
Potential for 2 lots
2 single-family homes previously located here before expansion of Hwy
100. Large enough for 2 lots, but formal subdivision required.
1131 Lilac Drive
North R-1 Single-Family 11,216 SF
No potential for split
1 single-family home previously located here before expansion of Hwy
100.
504 Lilac Drive North R-1 Single-Family 21,612 SF
No potential for split
While large, its unique shape does not allow it to be split into 2 lots.
May require setback variance to be buildable due to unique shape.
300 Turners
Crossroad North
R-1 Single-
Family,
R-2 Moderate
Density, or
R-3 Medium
Density
110,247 SF
Potential for variety
of scenarios
Former Blazer Park. Potential for future park land. Potential for several
residential lots based on zoning designation. Large enough to be
configured as a PUD. MCES forcemain located on this property.
4707 Circle Down R-1 Single-Family 23,853 SF
No potential for split While large, its unique shape does not allow it to be split into 2 lots.
City-Owned
through Tax
Forfeiture
208 Meander Road R-1 Single-Family 13,593 SF
No potential for split
Currently zoned I-4. Was Hennepin County Tax-Forfeited Land but has
reverted to City. Variance to front and/or rear yard setback
requirements required to be buildable.
SUMMARY OF LOCAL HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES (HRAS)
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES (EDA S)
Report to the Golden Valley City Council and City Manager
March 12, 2019
City Current Priorities and Projects HRA/EDA Levy
Amount
HRA/EDA or City Budget for
Affordable Housing-related
Programs
Staffing Future Plans and Projects
Golden Valley HRA
The HRA administers 4 active TIF Districts. No housing programs
are administered by the City or HRA. Section 8 is administered by
Metro HRA.
No levy
HRA Housing Fund is a Special
Revenue Fund established in 1999
for single-family homeownership
opportunities. Current balance is
approximately $100,000.
The City receives CDBG funding in
a consolidated pool of cities,
which requires a competitive
process for project selection.
No FTEs are funded by HRA
levy. Approximately 6 staff
members contribute to HRA
work on a regular basis (City
Manager, Finance Director,
City Attorney, City Clerk,
Physical Development
Director, Planning Manager).
Senior Planner has
conducted Affordable
Housing Policy work for City.
Utilize HRA authority to carry out City
Council organization priorities:
• Community Affairs: considering
policies that benefit society at large
• Strategic Development and
Redevelopment: focus on four
planning districts identified in the
2040 Comprehensive Plan
• Infrastructure Maintenance and
Enhancement: prioritizing areas of
need and planning for future growth
• Implementation of the 2040
Comprehensive Plan.
Brooklyn Center HRA
and EDA
The HRA utilizes its taxing authority to fund the operations of the
EDA, which is focused on:
• Strategic acquisition of underutilized/vacant property for
redevelopment
• neighborhood stabilization program; acquiring,
demolishing poor quality single family homes for resale for
reconstruction as new for sale homes.
• Fix-Up Fund (home rehab up to 110% AMI) (administered
by Center for Energy & Environment – CEE)
• Remodeling Advisor (home rehab, no income restrictions)
(administered by Center for Energy & Environment – CEE)
• Down Payment Assistance (New program in 2019 – funded
with CDBG)
• Housing Rehab Program (Administered by Hennepin
County – funded with CDBG)
• NOAH multi-family preservation – 4D property tax status
• Home Energy Squad (administered by CEE) to install
energy-efficiency products and conduct energy audits
• Revolving Loan Fund for business attraction and expansion
activities
$345,978 (2018 HRA levy),
which is the maximum
allowable levy
HRA levy transferred to EDA. EDA
revenue includes HRA levy,
interest earnings, and grants.
Majority of EDA expenses are staff
time and professional services.
Housing programs and property
acquisition funded by TIF
revenues. Planning studies for
redevelopment funded by TIF
pooling.
Brooklyn Center receives CDBG
funding directly from HUD via
Hennepin County; approximately
$370,000/year.
The City generates approximately
$450,000 annually in TIF revenue
which must be spent on
affordable housing activities.
2.5 FTEs funded by HRA
Levy: Community
Development Director (.75),
Deputy Director (.25),
Business and Workforce
Development Specialist
(.75), Administrative
Assistants (1.5 FTE)
• Create a Business Expansion and
Retention Program including a
business database, business packets,
and site visits.
• Develop economic plan and master
development plan for 3 targeted
areas
• Identify economic assistance
programs that promote private
investment in
development/redevelopment projects
which generate employment
opportunities
• Identification of redevelopment
opportunities and planning activities
and preparation of a planning and
activities map for targeted
redevelopment
City Current Priorities and Projects HRA/EDA Levy
Amount
HRA/EDA or City Budget for
Affordable Housing-related
Programs
Staffing Future Plans and Projects
HRA/EDA Administrative Role:
• TIF district management
• Buy, own, market, promote, and sell land for housing and
economic development purposes
• Section 8 is administered by Metro HRA.
HRA/EDA 2019 Priorities and Initiatives:
• Resident Empowerment Collaborative (training for
underserved residents)
• Entrepreneur Support (support existing and start-up local
businesses by identifying service gaps, identify resources,
reduce barriers particularly for underserved
entrepreneurs)
• Business Expansion and Retention Program (develop
relationships, Revolving Loan Program)
• Policies, ordinances and partnerships to increase resident
wealth creation and financial literacy, provide tenant
protections, preserve affordable housing, create new
affordable units
Brooklyn Park HRA
and EDA
EDA: create and keep jobs, grow City’s tax base and lead
development activities within the City
Section 8 is administered by Metro HRA.
Budget funds: EDA staff, training, and supplies; development
related costs including financial and legal services; neighborhood
and housing preservation (home improvement loan, townhome
load fund, home rehabilitation program); direct development
costs such as infrastructure; reserves to cover unanticipated
project costs or to take advantage of development opportunities
The HRA administers 10 active TIF Districts.
$781,593 (2019 HRA levy),
which is 61% allowable
levy
$1,253,949 (2019 EDA
levy), which is maximum
allowable levy
Brooklyn Park receives CDBG
funding directly from HUD via
Hennepin County
Economic Development and
Housing Director,
Development Project
Coordinator, Project
Facilitator, Senior Project
Manager, interns
New initiatives for 2019:
• Edinburgh USA Clubhouse
renovations
• Overhead utility burial on Brooklyn
Blvd to support LRT
• Hwy 252 and Hwy 169/101st Ave
projects
• Business Retention and Expansion
Tool-kit
Bloomington HRA
The HRA provides affordable housing opportunities for those who
are not adequately served by the marketplace, coordinates the
City’s efforts to preserve existing neighborhoods and promotes
development and redevelopment. Programs include:
• Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program – up to $35,000 in a
below market-rate loan to maintain condition of housing
and neighborhoods
• Rental Home for Future Homebuyers – helps families save
money for a down payment while renting a single-family
home in Bloomington
• Administration of the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program
with funding from HUD.
$2,234,825 (2018 levy)
Bloomington receives CDBG
funding directly from HUD via
Hennepin County.
City Current Priorities and Projects HRA/EDA Levy
Amount
HRA/EDA or City Budget for
Affordable Housing-related
Programs
Staffing Future Plans and Projects
• Bloomington Home Improvement Fair – free event with
vendors and seminars
Redevelopment activities include:
• Provide land for the private development of affordable
housing (rental and homeownership) – Gideon Pond, Knox
Landing, Crossings, Southview Estates, Ridgeview Terrace,
and Bloomington Family Townhomes
• Purchase substandard residential properties, demolish, and
resell lots to builders for the construction of new homes –
improves neighborhoods by eliminating blight and
increasing tax base.
• Acquire parcels, select developers, facilitate infrastructure
improvements in several commercial districts to ensure
that commercial areas remain vital as the community ages
Crystal HRA and EDA
Demolition and lot resales, home improvement rebates, deferred
home improvement loans, CPRR Train Horn Quiet Zone,
Community Branding and Image Enhancement, blight removal.
Section 8 is administered by Metro HRA.
• Scattered site demolition and lot sales for new home
construction (depends on market conditions, right now
there aren’t any blighted homes to acquire)
• Home improvement grants for 20% of eligible project
costs, max HH income 110% AMI (administered by CEE)
• Interest rate buy-down for Community Fix-Up Fund home
improvement loans, max. HH income 110% AMI
(administered by CEE)
• Housing Rehab Program (administered by Hennepin
County and funded with CDBG from the Consolidated Pool)
• Open to Business - advisory and financing services for small
businesses and sole proprietors (city pays half, Henn Co
pays half)
HRA/EDA Administrative Role:
• TIF district management
• Promote the city for business and residential development
• Provide technical assistance for potential development or
redevelopment (info gathering, regulatory steps, etc.
regarding potential uses/properties/sites)
• Community branding and beautification
Crystal’s HRA/EDA does not own or operate any housing.
Section 8 is administered by Metro HRA.
$277,200 (2018 levy),
which is about 75%
allowable levy
Crystal receives CDBG funding in a
consolidated pool of cities that
include Golden Valley, which
requires a competitive process for
project selection.
Community Development
Director; City Planner
City Current Priorities and Projects HRA/EDA Levy
Amount
HRA/EDA or City Budget for
Affordable Housing-related
Programs
Staffing Future Plans and Projects
Eden Prairie HRA
The City has a robust set of projects and initiatives in Housing and
Economic Development. They are funded primarily by the City’s
Economic Development Fund, TIF, Pooled TIF, and grants. The HRA
levy funds staff to support this work. Programs include:
• NOAH Preservation Initiative
• Incentives to create new affordable housing
• First Time Homebuyer Program
• Housing Rehabilitation Loan and Grant Programs
• Housing Improvement Areas (HIA)
• Eden Gardens Green Neighborhood Project
• On-Track Housing Concept for transitional housing
• Quality of Life Investments focused on multifamily
buildings
• Light Rail Station Area Improvements
• Business Retention and Expansion
• Open to Business
• City Entry Monument Signage Program
• Various Streetscape Projects
• Co-working/Collaborative Business Center and Business
Incubator
• Business Façade Program
• Section 8 is administered by Metro HRA.
$200,000 (2018 levy)
Most activities funded by City
General Fund, Economic
Development Fund, TIF, Pooled
TIF, and grants. The Levy funds
staff.
Eden Prairie receives CDBG
funding directly from HUD via
Hennepin County
1 FTE funded with levy:
Housing and Community
Services Manager
Edina HRA
The HRA administers 7 active TIF Districts; 4 of which are used to
support affordable housing efforts.
The Housing division of the City, Open Doors Edina, offers a 4D
Property Tax Reduction and Rehab Grant Program, which includes
a tax break and energy efficiency grants in exchange for a 15-year
declaration for rent restriction at 60% AMI.
The City supports the Edina Housing Foundation to offer a second
mortgage program with below market-rate loans, which are
funded by a TIF District.
Section 8 is administered by Metro HRA.
$125,000 (2018 levy),
$160,000 (2019
anticipated levy)
HRA budget includes activities in
each of the active TIF Districts
Inclusionary Housing Policy
includes a fund for payments in-
lieu.
Edina receives CDBG funding
directly from HUD via Hennepin
County.
1 FTE: Economic
Development Manager
The Affordable Housing
Development Manager is
funded separately, but
makes major contributions
to the efforts of the HRA.
Other City staff members
contribute to HRA work on a
limited but regular basis:
City Manager, Finance
Director, City Clerk,
Community Development
Director, and part-time
Project Liaison.
Plan to increase HRA levy incrementally
over time as TIF funds decrease and
expire.
Many projects anticipated in the future
including: housing retention, new
housing, new mixed-use, new
redevelopment, sale and/or
redevelopment of City-owned property
City Current Priorities and Projects HRA/EDA Levy
Amount
HRA/EDA or City Budget for
Affordable Housing-related
Programs
Staffing Future Plans and Projects
Hopkins HRA
The HRA administers five active TIF Districts.
Programs include a housing rehabilitation grant program,
commercial façade grant program and Open to Business.
Activities include property acquisition, Housing Improvement
Areas and misc. redevelopment projects. The HRA owns and
manages a 76-unit public housing development.
Section 8 is administered by Metro HRA.
$331,337 (2018 levy),
which is the maximum
allowable levy.
Hopkins receives CDBG funding
directly from HUD via Hennepin
County
2.0 FTE funded by levy
including Admin Assistant,
Community Dev
Coordinator,
Communications, Director of
Planning & Development
Continued redevelopment focused on the
downtown and three LRT station areas.
Minnetonka EDA
Levy funds affordable housing and economic development efforts
such as:
• WHAHLT partnership for single-family homes in land trust
• Green Line Extension (SWLRT) activities
• Minnetonka Home Enhancement Program
• Welcome to Minnetonka Program
TIF Pooling, Development Fund from a former TIF District, CDBG,
and Livable Communities Fund also utilized for:
• TIF administration, Housing Improvement Areas, Small
Projects Program, Fair Housing, and other Economic
Development, TIF, and Redevelopment activities/programs
• The HRA administers 7 active TIF Districts.
Section 8 is administered by Metro HRA.
$300,000 (2019 levy),
which is about 18% of
allowable levy
The City’s Economic Improvement
Program (EIP) is modeled after the
CIP. The total budget for 2019 is
$6.79 million. The majority of the
budget is used for housing.
Minnetonka receives CDBG
funding directly from HUD via
Hennepin County.
The Economic Development
Division (2 FTEs) are focused
on activities associated with
the EDA. They are not
funded by the levy.
• Mixed-Income Housing Policy
• Tenant Protections
• NOAH Strategies
New Hope EDA
Promotes and facilities business development activities, considers
proposals on a case-by-case basis and utilizes a wide range of
public financing options, scattered Site Housing Program, purchase
and redevelopment agreements. Section 8 is administered by
Metro HRA. The HRA administers 7 active TIF Districts.
$200,000 (2018 levy),
which is 62% of allowable
levy
New Hope receives CDBG funding
directly from HUD via Hennepin
County.
2.5 FTs supported by the
EDA budget, including the
Community Development
Director and the Community
Development
Coordinator/Management
Analyst.
2019 initiatives include continual
concentrated efforts in the Scattered Site
Housing Program, a look at future
redevelopment opportunities throughout
the city, and assisting with small business
opportunities.
Plymouth HRA
The HRA administers 8 active TIF Districts, manages the City’s
housing and community development programs, and manages
federal, state, and local grants for housing programs. Programs
include:
• First Time Homebuyer Program
• Emergency Repair Grants for Seniors
• Owner-occupied Rehab Loans
• Section 8 Rent Assistance
• Owns and manages two senior housing apartment
buildings (Plymouth Towne Square and Vicksburg Crossing)
$580,519 (2018 levy),
which is 27.65% of
allowable levy
Plymouth receives CDBG funding
directly from HUD and is part of
the Hennepin Consortium. The
HRA receives administrative funds
for staff time to carry out the
Housing Choice Voucher program
2.5 FTE (Housing staff) paid
with HUD funds
1 FTE (HRA Manager) funded
by levy
1 Specialist funded .5 by
CDBG and .5 by HRA levy
City Current Priorities and Projects HRA/EDA Levy
Amount
HRA/EDA or City Budget for
Affordable Housing-related
Programs
Staffing Future Plans and Projects
Richfield HRA and
EDA
HRA funds and administers the following programs:
• Deferred Loan Program for health/safety or maintenance
(home rehab, 80% AMI or below) (partially funded by
CDBG)
• Acquisition/Rehab (80% AMI or below)
• Fix-Up Fund (home rehab up to 110% AMI) (administered
by Center for Energy & Environment – CEE)
• Remodeling Advisor (home rehab, no income restrictions)
(administered by Center for Energy & Environment – CEE)
• Architectural Consultant (home rehab, no income
restrictions) ($25 visit for 2 hour in-home consult by
licensed architect)
• New Home Program (New construction, Land Trust, HFH,
up to 80% AMI) (partially funded by CDBG)
• Down Payment Assistance (up to 80% AMI)
• Richfield Rediscovered (new construction, no income
restrictions)
• Apartment Remodeling (NOAH preservation)
• Home Energy Squad (administered by CEE) to install
energy-efficiency products and conduct energy audits
• Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (for up to 50%
AMI, funded by HUD)
• Support redevelopment projects such as Plaza 66, The
Chamberlain, and Lyndale Gardens
The EDA was established in 2017. It funds and administers the
following programs:
• Kids @ Home (rental assistance and support services for
families at 50% AMI or below)
• Transformation Home Loans (major home rehab, no
income restrictions)
• Apartment Rehab Loans and Grants
• Business development support
• Open to Business
$571,905 (2018 HRA levy),
which is the maximum
allowable levy
$554,860 (2018 EDA levy)
The 2018 HRA budget was
$3,969,610.
Budget includes HUD funding to
administer Section 8 program
Richfield receives CDBG funding
directly from HUD via Hennepin
County
Community Development
Director is the HRA and EDA
Director. HRA pays more
than 1/3 of the salary of 10
employees (Community
Development Director,
Assistant Community
Development Director,
Housing Manager, 2 Housing
Specialists, Accountant,
Administrative Assistant,
Multifamily Housing
Coordinator; 2 Section 8
Technicians funded by HUD)
New initiatives for 2019:
• Pedestrian improvements,
wayfinding signage, kiosks, and
other streetscape improvements
at Lakes at Lyndale area
• Research and planning for the
continuance of the Cedar Corridor
and the TH 77 underpass area
• Down payment Assistance
Program for Richfield renters
created for 2019
Robbinsdale EDA
HRA taxing authority to fund operations of REDA Priorities
• Remove blighted homes in neighborhoods to make way for
– “next step” homes to help larger families (address
overwhelming number of starter homes and very few 3-4
bedrooms).
o REDA acquires home – high degree of deferred
maintenance-often including broken pipes/mold or
fire damage, too small to make sense to renovate
o Clear lot – and advertises availability
$194,078 (2019 levy),
which is the maximum
allowable levy.
HRA/EDA levy supplemented from
previous interfund loan
reimbursements & occasional
grants.
A handful of lots were sold at
subsidized rates to Habitat for
Humanity projects.
REDA Executive Director is
the City Manager (.25FTE
funded by levy); Community
Development Coordinator
spends 10-15%of time on
REDA activities
• Robbinsdale is over 90%
affordable. Priority is to bring
variety of housing.
• Continue to monitor opportunity
acquisitions in light rail station
area
• establish new PAYG TIF districts as
needed
City Current Priorities and Projects HRA/EDA Levy
Amount
HRA/EDA or City Budget for
Affordable Housing-related
Programs
Staffing Future Plans and Projects
o Lot sale price subsidized in exchange for higher
quality construction elements. Home buyer must be
or work with experienced in-fill home contractor.
o Collect into a scattered site TIF district when
practical to reimburse investment.
• Utilize TIF as tool to facilitate redevelopment of blighted
areas. Current option: Pay as you go TIF, privately financed
TIF loan, developer pays all upfront costs. Housing priority
is for housing types which do not exist in Robbinsdale –
including market rate apartments with amenities. TIF used
for acquisition, site clearance including environmental
clean up.
• Strategic acquisitions in LRT station area – supplemented
by grant funding.
• Downtown (Main Street) Façade enhancement – based on
MAJOR renovation of business interior, provides a 15 year
0% forgivable loan with funds available only for use on
West Broadway façade updates.
• Recently completed coordination downtown façade
incentive (1/3 grant for updates)
• Support Open To Business – consultation for local
entrepreneurs
• The HRA administers 12 active TIF Districts.
• Section 8 is administered by Metro HRA.
Robbinsdale receives CDBG
funding in a consolidated pool of
cities that include Golden Valley,
which requires a competitive
process for project selection.
• acquire blighted homes in
neighborhood (one or two/year –
not as many as their used to be)
St. Louis Park HRA,
HA, and EDA
EDA: Infrastructure (most recently the Hwy 7-Louisiana Exchange),
business assistance, TIF, redevelopment project assistance,
public/private financial packages, real estate transactions,
brownfield assistance, commercial rehab/small business loans.
The City has a Housing Authority, which has its own board of
commissioners. The HA oversees the administration of the
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program and manages and
administers the public housing program. The HA also administers
a variety of other city funded housing programs.
$1,234,601 (2019 HRA
levy), which is 100%
allowable levy. These
funds are committed to
infrastructure projects
through 2019. In 2020, a
portion of the HRA levy
funds will be allocated to
the Housing Trust Fund for
affordable housing.
No EDA levy.
EDA 2019 budget is approximately
$4 million.
The city’s HA programs are
funded with a HUD federal funds.
Other housing programs
administered by the city are
funded primarily with Housing
Rehab funds (a fee is charged for
issuing private activity bonds) and
excess housing TIF.
HA 2019 budget:
• Federal Programs:
Approximately $4 million
• City Housing Programs:
$1.3 million
St. Louis Park receives CDBG
funding directly from HUD via
Hennepin County
Housing staff are paid with
federal funds, housing rehab
funds and some city general
funds. Economic
Development Director,
Economic Development
Specialist are paid out of the
development fund.
Continue to administer the many housing
programs offered by the city, and
respond to future needs.
Purchased tax forfeited home for an
energy demonstration and ultimately a
land trust affordable homeownership
unit.
Seeking opportunity to collaborate using
a land trust model for a multifamily
rental property. City would act as the
land trust.
Establishing new TIF districts as needed,
buy and sell property
HRA PROGRAM OPTIONS
BASED ON 2040 COMP PLAN GOALS
Report to Golden Valley City Council and City Manager
March 12, 2019
Maintain Housing Quality
NOAH Rehabilitation and
Maintenance Program
• Loans or grants for remodeling of NOAH in if rents deed-restricted at
affordable rate for 10+ years
• Could include improvements to the exterior, energy efficiency, fire
suppression sprinklers, or other projects related to health, safety, crime
reduction, and livability
• Program design dependent on further research, but would likely require a
match from the owner and compliance with a local Fair Housing Policy
Condo/Townhome
Rehabilitation and
Maintenance Program
• Home Improvement Areas (HIAs) are a public finance tool to assist
homeowners associations with financing improvements to common areas
when an adequate reserve fund is not present
• It is typically used to address deferred maintenance and maintain the
quality of common interest properties
• It operates similar to a special assessment
• The City may finance improvements, which are paid back by property
owners through fees placed on future taxes
Single-Family Home
Rehabilitation Program
• Most local HRAs operate a program to promote renovation of single-family
homes by providing interest rates and terms below market-rate
• Most HRAs pay Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) to operate the
program to reduce costs
• Eligible improvements are typically limited to repairs that make a home a
safer, more energy efficient place to live – new roofs, siding, windows,
electrical, plumbing, heating, and insulation
• The State and County offer programs, but the income limits are low
• A local program could target low to moderate incomes not served
• Peer cities have reported that many seniors utilize these programs
Emergency Repair Program • Loans or grants for income-qualified families to correct immediate risks to
health and safety, such as the replacement of failed plumbing, heating,
electrical, sewer, or water systems
• Some programs are only eligible to seniors.
• Program design dependent on further research, but it would be designed to
offer assistance that is not offered by programs offered by the County or
State
Expand the Variety of Housing Options
Age In Place Consultations
and Installations for Seniors
• Meet with an Age in Place consultant in the home to make improvements
that improve mobility and safety around the home, including ADA showers
and tubs, stairway lift systems, ramps, and grab bars
• Currently, the City supports CDBG funding for Senior Community Services,
who provides free home health and safety assessments
• Maintenance and housekeeping services are provided and the cost of the
service based on monthly income and ability to pay
• Habitat for Humanity also offers this service, but does not apply for any
CBDG funding
Architectural/Remodeling
Consultation Program
• Meet with Architect to discuss remodeling project ideas and feasibility at
reduced cost
Increase Housing Affordability
First-time homebuyer
assistance
• Expand homeownership opportunities for low and moderate-income
families and individuals by providing a grant or loan with low to no interest
and deferred repayment
• Many programs recycle funds in order to create a self-sustaining program
over time
• Several cities hire a non-profit organization to administer this type of
program
• Program design is dependent on further research, but would be designed to
apply to those not eligible for the State program
Gap financing or land
dedication for single-family
homes in a Land Trust
• Land trusts are a way to control the high cost of land values while
simultaneously increasing tax values, maintaining quality in a property, and
offering a homeownership opportunity to a family not traditionally able to
buy a home in Golden Valley
• Currently, the City supports CDBG, HOME, and AHIF applications with
letters of support and sub-recipient agreements adopted by City Council
• These funding sources are in a competitive RFP process managed by
Hennepin County, so it is not a steady, reliable, dedicated funding for this
purpose in Golden Valley
• Local HRA levy dollars could be dedicated to new or rehabbed single-family
homes in a land trust, either managed by Habitat for Humanity or WHAHLT
• This would be most effective on city-owned vacant land or in
neighborhoods that will likely increase in value and reduce affordability in
the future, like the Blue Line Light Rail Station Area
Buy, prepare, improve, hold,
sell, or transfer land for
affordable housing
construction (apartments,
condos, or townhomes)
• Create a reserved fund that encourages and incentivizes the construction of
affordable units near transit, in locations with blight, or in other strategic
locations identified in the 2040 Comp Plan
• Could act as a local match for redevelopment grants from the County, Met
Council, or State
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) has historically supported this activity
• Most cities that raise an HRA levy also utilize TIF, but not typically for the
same project
• A project selection process that aligns with the City’s equity goals should be
implemented
• This would help determine the exact projects funded with a reserved fund
• Selection criteria determined by 5-year strategic plan for the HRA
Encourage Environmentally Sustainable Housing
Energy efficiency audit and
installation assistance
• Owners/renters receive Home Energy Squad visit and energy audit at a free
or reduced cost
• In the visit, energy consultants will come to the home, evaluate energy
savings opportunities, and install energy-efficient materials
• Consultants provide information about rebates and loans available for
larger energy saving projects like heating/cooling replacement and
insulation
Advance Equity in Housing Practices and Policies
Provide relocation assistance
to displaced residents of sold
NOAH properties
• In general, a tax levy should be utilized as an investment tool.
• This type of subsidy, a direct payment to individual residents of the city, is
not a solution that will catalyze or intervene in the affordable housing
market by spurring additional private investments
• While this assistance is needed, the local social service agencies like CAP-HC
and PRISM provide this assistance, who receive CDBG funding with letters
of support approved by City Council
• However, the emphasis here on displaced residents of sold NOAH
properties is not a formal program within these non-profit organizations
• Further research could be conducted on this topic
Supportive Uses
There are additional options that are not directly linked to a specific goal in the Comp Plan, but are considered a
typical cost of carrying out in housing and economic development activities.
Housing Needs Assessment
every 5 years
• Comp Plan calls for an updated study every 5 years, which costs
approximately $20,000
• The last study was funded from the Comp Plan budget out of the general
fund
Financial advising and plan
consulting
• This would be utilized when City staff resources reach capacity
• The HRA currently works with Springstead to receive financial advising for
the establishment of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts
• Additional services from Springstead may be required when more in-depth
analysis is needed for specific projects selected by the HRA
• While City staff can draft strategic plans and policies in-house, it may be
appropriate have an experienced planning consultant review work and
offer feedback
Staff salaries and benefits • This would be utilized when City staff resources reach capacity
• The HRA may fund a portion of a City staff position with levy dollars when
that proportion of duties is dedicated to affordable housing and the
removal of blight
Chapter 3: Housing 3-32
City of Golden Valley 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Action Relative Cost Time Frame
Maintain Housing Quality
Establish a housing staff committee to meet regularly on housing condition and safety issues $Ongoing
Monitor success of Rental Licensing and Safer Tenants and Renters (STAR) Program $Ongoing
Monitor success of the City’s property maintenance program $Ongoing
Promote and support additional funding for maintenance service programs for seniors $Ongoing
Promote the Housing Rehabilitation Deferred Loan Program $Ongoing
Research and incorporate design standards into Zoning Code $0–5 years
Continue to be an active participant in the West Metro Home Remodeling Fair $Ongoing
Research potential for establishment of a levy by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA)$0–5 years
Streamline procedures for acquisition and reinvestment in disinvested properties $5–10 years
Expand The Variety Of Housing Options
Assist developers with grant applications $Ongoing
Connect with senior housing developers $0–5 years
Establish a policy on eligibility for City financial assistance that prioritizes new senior housing projects $0–5 years
Initiate ongoing multi-department staff meetings on housing issues $0–5 years
Research ways to support new townhomes and condominiums for seniors $0–5 years
Update the Future Land Use Plan and Zoning Code to meet housing goals $0–5 years
Increase Housing Affordability
Adopt land use and zoning policies that enable the City to meet Metropolitan Council affordable housing
allocation requirement
$0–5 years
Adopt policies that support and create incentives that encourage the preservation of naturally occurring or
unsubsidized affordable housing
$0–5 years
Continually enhance the City’s Mixed-Income Housing Policy $Ongoing
Establish a policy on eligibility for City financial assistance that prioritizes new affordable housing projects $0–5 years
Implement an annual affordable housing work plan $Ongoing
Conduct ongoing multi-department staff meetings on housing issues $Ongoing
Research the potential for reducing fees or parking requirements for projects that meet the City’s housing
affordability goals
$0–5 years
Support home ownership programs $Ongoing
Support the community land trust model with eligible funding sources $Ongoing
Budget for the ability to conduct a comprehensive housing needs analysis every five years $$$0–5 years
Summary of Implementation Actions
continued on pg 33
Chapter 3: Housing3-33
City of Golden Valley 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Action Relative Cost Time Frame
Encourage Environmentally Sustainable Housing
Enhance the building permit process $0–5 years
Establish a mixed-use zoning district for areas outside the I-394 corridor $0–5 years
Increase housing density allowances or bonuses in Zoning Code while maintaining open space and setback
requirements
$0–5 years
Research incentives, partnerships, and programs $0–5 years
Increase land dedication for parks and open spaces $5–10 years
Promote the introduction of separated organics collection for residential properties $5–10 years
Consider adopting a green building policy $$5–10 years
Develop and promote educational opportunities for residents on sustainable practices $$5–10 years
Advance Equity In Housing Practices And Policies
Adopt and enforce a local Fair Housing Policy $0–5 years
Continue participating in racial equity trainings $Ongoing
Research state and local policies that limit exclusionary rental practices $0–5 years
Establish a formal process for accepting and referring Fair Housing Act violation complaints $0–5 years
Conduct a code and ordinance analysis for Fair Housing issues $0–5 years
Continue to educate community members and discuss housing equity issues with the Human Rights Com-
mission
$Ongoing
Research design guidelines and staff training opportunities for cultural sensitivity $5–10 years
Summary of Implementation Actions (cont’d)
continued on pg 35
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
OPTIONS
Report to Golden Valley City Council and City Manager
March 12, 2019
EDA
The powers of an EDA encompass a wide range of development and redevelopment objectives, including those
traditionally held by an HRA:
• Make land suitable and available for economic development
• Encourage the location or expansion of economic development facilities
• Actively promote, attract, and encourage the development of industry and commerce for the purpose of
preventing blight and areas of chronic unemployment
• Clear and develop blighted areas; provide adequate housing (via HRA powers)
Distinction from HRA
The typical EDA levy is different from the HRA levy. It is not a levy raised by the EDA – it is a levy set by a city at the
request of the EDA. The City appropriates part of the money the city collects in the general city levy to the EDA. Because
the EDA levy is part of the city levy, it is not a “special levy” under state law and thus the EDA levy is subject to the city’s
overall levy limit.
State Statute allows an EDA to levy up to 0.0183% of the estimated market value, which would be equivalent to
$712,450.77 per year in Golden Valley.
Portion of Maximum EDA Levy Potential EDA Tax Levy Tax Impact to Median Home
10% $ 71,245.00 $ 5.12
25% $178,112.69 $12.79
50% $356,225.39 $25.58
75% $534,338.08 $38.37
100% $712,450.77 $51.15
However, a few EDAs have utilized a state law that allows an EDA to adopt all of the powers of the HRA in order to
collect a levy from both the HRA and the EDA. Therefore, state law allows the Golden Valley City Council to establish an
EDA and levy up to $1.4 million each year for affordable housing and economic development (HRA and EDA levies
combined equal $1.4 million). This would increase taxes by a total of $103.28 for the median home.
Powers of EDA and Use of Funds
• Acquisition of rights, titles, or interest in property through purchase, lease, or gift
• Sign options to purchase, sell, or lease property
• Exercise the right of eminent domain
• Make loans to businesses
• Enter into contracts with both governmental and non-governmental entities for economic development
• Participate in a project as a limited partner
• Acquire rights and easements for development of an economic development district
• Accept land, money, or assistance from the federal or state government or its entities
• Operate and manage Foreign Trade Zones
• Operate and maintain a public parking or other public facility
• Act as an agent for the federal or state government, state public body, or an agency of the government
• Study and analyze economic development needs
• Join an official industrial, commercial, or trade association
• Exercise a joint powers agreement for financing
• Create and administer Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts and plans
Executive Summary
Golden Valley Council/Manager Meeting
March 12, 2019
Agenda Item
3. Discuss Small Wireless Facilities and Small Wireless Aesthetic Standards
Prepared By
Jeff Oliver, PE City Engineer
Maria Cisneros, City Attorney
Summary
Staff will be present to discuss the status of Small Wireless Facilities (small cell) permitting,
including draft Small Wireless Aesthetic Standards for Golden Valley.
Attachments
• Overview of New and Proposed FCC Rules regarding Small Cell Wireless Facilities and
Franchise Agreements (4 pages)
• Draft Small Wireless Aesthetic Standards (5 pages)
OVERVIEW OF NEW AND PROPOSED FCC RULES REGARDING
SMALL CELL WIRELESS FACILITIES AND FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS
In September, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) issued a Declaratory Ruling and Third
Report and Order (the “Order”) restricting state and local regulation of small cell wireless deployment. In
addition, the FCC has recently requested comments on proposed rulemaking that would limit fees collected
when granting cable franchis es . The purpose of this memo is to provide a brief background of the rulings
and how they will affect Minnesota Cities.
Wireless Ruling
The FCC adopted the Order on September 26, 2018 creating new regulations on the citing of wireless
structures. In 2017, the Minnesota Legislature adopted its own regulations regarding small cell wireless
within public rights-of -way. See Minn. Stat. § 237.162-163. The FCC rules and Minnesota conflict in
many aspects. The FCC ruling, however, specifically states that the rules are “independent of, and in
addition to, any remedies that may be available under state or local law,” creating a patchwork of
regulations. Below is a chart showing the basic differences between the FCC rules and the Minnesota small
cell wireless law.
Minnesota FCC FCC
Type of
Application
Applies to new or preexisting
structure.
Collocation on pre-
existing structure.
New Structure
Where Apply In ROW (237.163, subd. 3c) Will be argued that it applies to all wireless
applications. (Para 140) (Rule 1.6003)1
Small Cell
Definition
Each antenna is located inside an
enclosure of no more than six
cubic feet in volume
Other equipment no more than 28
cubic feet in volume.
Mounted on structures 50 feet or less in height
including their antennas; or
Are mounted on structures no more than 10
percent taller than adjacent structures; or
Do not extend existing structures on which
they are located to a height of more than 50
feet or by more than 10 percent, whichever is
greater;
Antenna no more than three cubic feet in
volume.
1 The Order claims it is not commenting on access beyond the right -of-way. (Para 95). However, the shot-clocks apply to all
structures. (Para 140).
Minnesota FCC FCC
Other equipment no more than 28 cubic feet in
volume.
Collocation
Definition
To install, mount, maintain,
modify, operate, or replace a small
wireless facility on, under, within,
or adjacent to an existing wireless
support structure that is owned
privately or by a local government
unit.
Mounting or installing an antenna on pre-
existing structure, and/or
Modifying a structure for the purpose of
mounting or installing an antenna facility on
that structure. (Rule 1.6002)
Shot Clock2
(small cell)
90 Days (Minn. Stat. § 237.163,
subd. 3c.)
Presumed reasonable
at 60 days (Para 105)
Presumed reasonable
at 90 days (Para 105)
Shot Clock
(macro cell)
Not mentioned
Presumed reasonable
at 90 days
Presumed reasonable
at 150 days
Completeness 30 days of receipt (Minn. Stat. §
237.163, subd. 3c (b))
10 days to reset shot
clock (Para 143)
10 days to reset shot
clock (Para 143)
Tolling Tolled for completeness Reset if within 10
days, otherwise tolled
for completeness.
Reset if within 10
days, otherwise
tolled for
completeness.
Application Fees No limit but must be reasonable. Presumed reasonable
at $500 for up to five
facilities, $100 for
each facility after.
(Para 79).3
Presumed reasonable
fee of $1,000 for
each new pole. (Para
79).
Rent Up to $150 per year for rent
Up to $25 per year for maintenance
$73 or $182 for electricity or actual
costs
Presumed reasonable
at $270.
Presumed reasonable
at $270.
2 In order to ensure cities meet shot clock requirements, they should make clear what is needed for a complete application.
3 FCC notes possibility of actual consultant costs may be “unreasonable.” “The costs themselves must be reasonable. Accordingly,
any unreasonably high costs such as excessive charges by third party contractors or consultants, may not be passed on through fees
even though they are an actual “costs” to the government.” (Para 70). Cities need to carefully track their costs if they ar e beyond
this time.
Minnesota FCC FCC
Denial Notice within 3 days.
No new application fee if
deficiencies fixed and resubmitted
within 30 days.
Denials must be based on substantial evidence
in a written record. (Para 130, Fn 376).4
Batched
Applications
May extend shot clock by 30 days
if receive applications for 30
facilities in a seven-day period.
No extension allowed but may be used to
justify going beyond presumed reasonable shot
clock.
Remedy Deemed granted. Expedited judicial review. (Para 121)
Aesthetics Cities can put reasonable
requirements on a case by case
basis.
Requirements must be published and:
• Reasonable.
• No more burdensome than other
infrastructure.
• Objective. (Para 86)5
The FCC rules go into effect on January 14, 2019. The aesthetic requirements must be published by April
15, 2019.
Currently there is a motion to stay the order submitted by National League of Cities, along with many other
groups and individual cities. The claim with be heard in the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth
Circuit, as part of a batch of appeals.
Franchise Fees
The FCC has issued a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which proposes new rules that could
harshly limit local cable franchising. The proposal would limit most cable-related in-kind obligations that
local gover nments can negotiate as part of franchise agreements and would also eliminate local authority
over the non-cable services provided over cable systems. The FCC also seeks comment about whether these
limitations should apply to state franchises in addition t o local franchises.
Value of in-kind obligations counted toward revenue cap
The FCC proposes that any in-kind cable obligations—other than capital costs for public, educational, and
governmental access (PEG) channels and cable build-out requirements included in franchises—should be
considered a “franchise fee” for the purposes of the Cable Act and, therefore, the value of those obligations
should count toward the 5 percent gross revenue cap on franchise fees. This could include the value of
obligations such as the channel capacity for PEG stations, complementary connections to school or
government buildings, electronic program guides, and relocation requirements. These benefits would be
estimated at fair market value and, depending on the value given t hose obligations, could eliminate
4 It is unclear under what circumstances cities could deny request for health, safety and welfare reasons.
5 Moreover, the aesthetic requirements to be published in advance need not prescribe in detail every specification to be mandat ed
for each type of structure in each individual neighborhood. Localities need only set forth the objective standards and criteria that
will be applied in a principled manner at a sufficiently clear level of detail as to enable providers to design and propose t heir
deployment in a manner that complies with those standards. (Fn 247).
monetary franchise fees entirely for some communities. Some estimate a potential impact of 20-30%. The
FCC also requests feedback on whether those values should instead be calculated based on cable
companies’ costs to provide them.
Comment period
The league of Minnesota Cities submitted comments on this issue which can be found at:
https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filing/111458446269. In the comments, LMC argued that the proposed rules are
contrary to a plain reading of the Telecommunication Act. In addition, LMC noted that determining a “fair
market value” for the services would be impractical and would create a strain on city budgets. Reply
comments are due no later than Dec. 14, 2018.
Small Wireless Aesthetic Standards
Findings
The City of Golden Valley desires the most advanced and highest quality wireless services
available. The City also wishes to minimize the negative impacts associated with wireless facility
deployments including small wireless facilities. Such negative impacts may include interference
with right-of-way sight lines, aesthetic impacts that are inconsistent with the surrounding area, fall
zone and clear zone risks, navigation obstacles, interference with future transportation
improvement plans, interference with the installation or maintenance of public utilities, and
increased visual or noise pollution.
To address such impacts, any person desiring to locate or collocate small wireless facilities or place
new wireless support structures in the City’s right-of-way must first obtain a small wireless facility
permit pursuant to the City’s right-of-way ordinance, Chapter 24, Article II, Right of Way
Management. Moreover, any person seeking to collocate small wireless facilities on an existing
wireless support structure owned or controlled by the City must first enter a standard collocation
agreement.
The following aesthetic standards and requirements are intended to maintain the City’s aesthetic
environment while also allowing for the availability wireless services, including broadband and
“5G” services, using small wireless facilities. These standards are intended to establish clear and
consistent aesthetic standards for small wireless facility placements in the City and establish a
streamlined review and approval process. The City will make these standards publicly available
on its website.
These standards apply to all small wireless facility permit applications for placement of small
wireless facilities on City-owned and non-City-owned support structures (poles), and the
placement or replacement of small wireless support structures in the public right-of-way.
Compliance with these standards is a requirement for, and condition of, issuance of a small
wireless facility permit. Any installation that does not conform to these standards will be in
violation of the associated permit and the City’s right-of-way ordinance.
In addition to the following standards, the placement of new support structures for small wireless
facilities shall be subject to any conditions specified in the small wireless facility permit.
Applications to install small wireless facilities or place new support structures in districts zoned
for residential uses, within areas or corridors designated as special street lighting areas, within a
historic district established by federal or state law or city ordinance, shall further be subject to any
conditions contained in the required conditional use permit authorizing such installation.
All City or privately owned support structures placed within the City shall be of a fully enclosed
design such that the maximum amount of facilities, including any wiring, are concealed inside the
structure or below ground. In addition, these standards seek to minimize un-necessary placement
of new support structures by encouraging co-location of small wireless facilities.
G:\ROW MGMT\Small Cell\Aesthetics\Policy\Draft 030519.docx2
Section 1. Site Plans
Applicants must submit site plans, elevation drawings and structural calculations prepared and
signed by a Professional Engineer licensed by the State of Minnesota as detailed below. Site plans
must be in accordance with the standards outlined in the Right of Way Management Ordinance,
and must depict any adjoining or nearby existing wireless facilities, with all existing transmission
equipment identified; neighboring public improvements; the proposed small wireless facility, with
all proposed transmission equipment and other improvements, and; the boundaries of the area
surrounding the proposed facility and any associated access or utility easements and setbacks. Site
plans must further include:
1. Photo Simulations: For all applications, photo simulations must be included. Such
photo simulations must be from at least three line-of-site locations near the
proposed project site depicting the viewpoints of the greatest pedestrian and
vehicular traffic.
2. Equipment Specifications: For all equipment depicted on the plans, the applicant
must include:
a. the manufacturer’s name and model number;
b. physical dimensions including, without limitation, height, width, depth,
volume and weight with mounts and other necessary hardware;
c. technical rendering of all external components, including enclosures and all
attachment hardware; and
d. a selection from the City’s approved aesthetic standards.
Section 2. Design Standards
The City desires to promote aesthetically acceptable and area conforming wireless facilities using
the smallest and least intrusive means available to provide small wireless services to the
community. All facilities in the public right-of-way must comply with all applicable provisions in
this section.
Antennas: Antennas must be top-mounted and concealed within a radome (a structural,
weatherproof enclosure that protects an antenna and is constructed of material that minimally
attenuates the signal transmitted/received by such antenna) or otherwise concealed to the extent
feasible. Cable connections, antenna mounts and other hardware must also be concealed. The
radome or other concealment must be non-reflective and painted or otherwise colored to match the
existing support structure.
G:\ROW MGMT\Small Cell\Aesthetics\Policy\Draft 030519.docx3
Collocation: Collocations between wireless service providers on the same support structure
is required wherever feasible. If an applicant chooses to not collocate in areas where options are
or appear to be available, the applicant must document that collocation is infeasible.
Concealment: Concealment elements must be incorporated into the proposed design of the
small wireless facility installation, and must include approved camouflaging or shrouding
techniques.
New and Replacement Poles: New and replacement support structures must be the same
color as neighboring, similar support structures and of the same design characteristics. The City
standard self-contained support structure shall be the Valmont XXX(Serial#), or an approved
equal. The City Manager, or his or her designee, shall determine if a support structure is approved
for installation.
Ground-Mounted Equipment: Ground-mounted equipment must be installed below grade
or, if technically necessary, concealed in a ground-mounted cabinet. In addition to any applicable
requirements in the City’s right-of-way ordinance, Chapter 24, Article II, ground mounted cabinets
must:
1. be installed flush to the ground;
2. be the same color as neighboring, similar support cabinets or other ground-mounted
structures;
3. not interfere in any way with the flow of pedestrian, bicycle or vehicular traffic
when adjoining sidewalks, trails, or other similar passageways,
4. conform to the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) including with respect to
appropriate sidewalk spacing; and
5. not create a safety hazard;
Lights: Unless otherwise required for compliance with FAA or FCC regulations, small
wireless facilities shall not include any lights or lighting. This subsection does not prohibit
installations on streetlights or the installation of luminaires or additional street lighting on new
support structures if and where required by the City. All support structures must be capable of
accommodating street lighting at XXXXXXX feet above the ground to facilitate future street
lighting as may be determined by the City.
Section 3. Location Criteria for New or Replacement Support Structures
New Support Structures: Any new support structures shall be placed:
1. a minimum of two lot lines, or approximately 200 feet, whichever is greater, from
any existing support structure or pole on the same side of the street or right-of-way,
G:\ROW MGMT\Small Cell\Aesthetics\Policy\Draft 030519.docx4
and one lot line or approximately 100 feet, whichever is greater when on the
opposite sides of the street or right-of-way.
2. at a distance which is the same as the prevailing separation distance among existing
structures and poles in the surrounding vicinity as agreed upon by the applicant and
City, or determined by the City where agreement cannot be reached.
3. as functional streetlights as the City may require, in its reasonable discretion.
4. in alignment with existing trees, utility poles, and streetlights.
5. an equal distance between trees when possible, with a minimum of 15 feet
separation such that no proposed disturbance shall occur within the critical root
zone of any tree.
6. with appropriate clearance from existing utilities.
7. outside of a 20-foot equipment clear zone (for base cabinets less than 18-inches in
diameter) or 30-foot clear sight triangle (for base cabinets equal to or greater than
18-inches in diameter) at intersection corners.
8. so as not to be located along the frontage of a Historic building, deemed historic on
a federal, state, or local level.
9. so as not to significantly create a new obstruction to property sight lines.
10. at shared property lines if feasible.
11. not within 50 feet of the apron of a fire station or other emergency service responder
facility.
Replacement of City-Owned Support Structures: Any replaced support structures shall
remain in their existing location unless otherwise permitted by the City. Replacement pole height
shall not exceed 50 feet, or the height of the existing pole, whichever is greater.
New and Replacement Structures. All support structures must:
be constructed of aluminum or steel.
where constructed as a light pole, luminaire(s) and luminaire arm(s) must match
adjacent city lighting standard and must contain an LED fixture in accordance with
City specifications.
Obstructions: Any new support structure or other facilities associated with a new or
existing support structure must not obstruct access to:
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1. any existing above-ground or underground right-of-way user facilities, or public
facilities;
2. any public infrastructure for traffic control, streetlight or public transportation
purposes, including without limitation any curb control sign, parking meter,
vehicular traffic sign or signal, pedestrian traffic sign or signal, barricade reflectors;
3. any public transportation vehicles, shelters, street furniture or other improvements
at any public transportation stop (including, without limitation, bus stops, streetcar
stops, and bike share stations);
4. fire hydrants;
5. any doors, gates, sidewalk doors, passage doors, stoops or other ingress and egress
points to any building appurtenant to the right-of-way; and/or
6. any fire escapes.
Section 4. City Standard Support Structure
The photographs and illustrations below depict the City Standard Valmont XXX(Serial#) support structure
for small wireless facility installations in the City’s Right of Way. Alternative support structures consistent
with the aesthetics of the City standard may be approved for installation on a case by case basis.
Executive Summary
Golden Valley Council/Manager Meeting
March 12, 2019
Agenda Item
4. Flood Mitigation Cost Share Reimbursement Policy
Prepared By
Jeff Oliver, PE City Engineer
Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor
Summary
Staff will discuss with City Council the proposed policy for assisting residents with the cost of
flood proofing their homes to reduce flood risk and flood damage. Reducing flood risk and
damage citywide will improve public health and safety, reduce public liability and cost, and
preserve economic values, benefitting the entire community.
Attachments
• Draft Flood Mitigation Cost Share Reimbursement Policy (10 pages)
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
FLOOD PROOFING COST SHARE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY
March 12, 2019
I. Purpose:
The purpose of this Flood Proofing Cost Share Reimbursement Policy (this “Policy”) is to set
forth the policies and procedures of the City’s Flood Proofing Cost Share Reimbursement
Program (the “Program”). Implementing the Program will further the City’s goal to increase
community resilience by reducing flood risk and flood damages to properties located in the
City. Reducing flood risk and flood damage citywide will improve public health and safety,
reduce public liability and cost, and preserve economic values, benefitting the entire
community.
II. Background:
The City has historically experienced community-wide flooding and flood damage. Flooding is a
natural disaster that can cause damage to property and infrastructure, disruption to public
services, and negative health and socio-economic impacts. The National Weather Service
estimates flood losses in the U.S. at about $8 billion per year.
In recent decades, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Climatology Office has
observed more annual precipitation and more extreme rain events in this region than in
previous decades. Precipitation models used by government agencies have been updated to
reflect these observations.
The City of Golden Valley is part of the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (the
“BCWMC”). In 2017, the BCWMC developed a watershed-wide flood model based on updated
topography and precipitation data (the “Model”).1 According to the Model, the projected flood
depths in many areas of the City are now higher than previously mapped by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As a result, there is more flood risk and vulnerability
now than in years past, and more properties in the City are identified as being at risk of
flooding.
Flood risk across the City varies and the Model projects that flood depths may reach up to 5
feet in some areas. Figure 1 shows a map of the modeled flood risk throughout the City.2
The City has a Comprehensive Floodplain Management Program and has completed numerous
public flood mitigation projects over the years to help protect life and property. In addition to
the City’s efforts, property owners are encouraged to protect their homes from flood damage
through additional measures known as flood proofing or flood protection barriers. These
1 See Bassett Creek Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analyses, Phase 2 XPSWMM Model Report, August 7, 2017.
2 Figure 1 is taken from Figure 3-20 of the City of Golden Valley Surface Water Management Plan.
measures may involve sealing up a door or window opening in the lowest level of the home or
constructing a levee or floodwall around the outside of the home.
The City desires to implement this Policy in order to provide incentives to property owners to
invest in the protection of their homes, and reduce the liability and cost to the public of major
flooding events. The intent of this Policy is to clearly define and outline the requirements of the
Program. The requirements set forth in this Policy will further the City’s resilience and
sustainability, water resources, and housing goals listed in its 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
III. Eligibility:
This Policy applies to the primary structure located on residential single-family and duplex
properties located in Golden Valley that meet at least one of the following two criteria:
1. Is identified as being at risk of flooding in a report or study completed or approved by
the City, the BCWMC, the state of Minnesota, or a federal agency (examples include the
2016 Medicine Lake Road & Winnetka Avenue Area Long Term Flood Mitigation Study,
the 2002 Flood Damage Reduction Study, and drainage area studies completed for
developments); or
2. Is located in or adjacent to the floodplain and has a low opening elevation or lowest
adjacent grade elevation that is below the base flood elevation as evidenced by an
elevation certificate completed by a professional surveyor licensed in the state of
Minnesota.
Properties meeting the eligibility criteria above that have completed flood proofing projects
prior to adoption of this Policy are not eligible for the Program.
This Policy does not apply to properties located outside the floodplain that have experienced
water intrusion from groundwater or sub-surface sources.
IV. Application Process:
Applications must be received by October 1 of each year. Applications will not be accepted until
they are complete and must contain all requested information, plans and exhibits, including but
not limited to the following:
1. An Elevation certificate completed by a professional surveyor or engineer licensed in the
state of Minnesota.
2. A description of the type of flood proofing measure proposed and a brief project
description. The proposed flood proofing measure must meet the requirements in
section VI of this Policy.
3. A conceptual plan completed by a registered design professional or contractor.
4. A planning level cost estimate based prepared by a professional engineer, architect, or
contractor.
5. If applicable, supporting documentation showing evidence of previous flood damage
(insurance claims, invoices, photos, etc.).
V. Selection Process:
1. Step One: Preliminary Approval
City staff will review and evaluate applications in October and November to determine which
projects will be selected to move forward. City staff will notify applicants by November 30 as to
(1) whether their project was selected to move forward; (2) next steps in the process; and (3)
the maximum dollar amount for which their project is eligible.
Successful applicants shall accept or reject the selection by December 31 of the same calendar
year. If the City does not receive written confirmation of acceptance from an applicant by
December 31, the approval may be withdrawn and the funds awarded to the next eligible
applicant.
2. Step Two: Approval of Final Plans
Successful applicants will have until October 1 of the following calendar year to submit a final
plan and all required final documents, including but not limited to the documents listed below
(the “Final Plan Documents”). The complete list of Final Plan Documents required will depend
on the type of flood proofing project to be undertaken. The City Engineer will make the final
determination regarding what documents are required.
The Final Plan Documents shall include, at a minimum:
a. A signed Flood Proofing Cost Share Reimbursement Agreement (the
“Agreement”).
b. A final plan signed by a licensed professional engineer or architect, or a
contractor.
c. Approval by the City Engineer, Building Official and Bassett Creek Watershed
Management Commission as needed.
d. A Minimum of two quotes from qualified contractors.
e. Documentation of homeowner’s ability to finance the Project.
f. Any other information that may be necessary as determined by the City
Engineer.
If the City does not receive the required information from the applicant by October 1, the
approval may be withdrawn and the funds awarded to the next eligible applicant.
VI. Selection Criteria (applied at confirmation of eligibility phase):
The City will select projects for participation in the Program based on the following criteria,
listed in order of priority and will use a scoring system substantially similar to the rubric
attached as Exhibit A to determine which projects will be selected. The scoring system may be
updated by the City Manager or his/her designee from time to time.
1. Difference between base flood elevation and lowest opening elevation.
2. Difference between base flood elevation and lowest adjacent grade.
3. Difference between base flood elevation and lowest floor elevation.
4. Type of flood proofing measure proposed.
5. Number of past flood events as evidenced by insurance claims, or similar written and
photographic documentation acceptable to the City.
6. Cost of damage from past flood events as evidenced by insurance claims, or similar
written and photographic documentation acceptable to the City.
If two or more projects receive the same ranking, the City will select the earliest submitted
project.
VII. Standards for Flood Proofing:
All projects selected for participation in the Program must meet the following minimum
requirements:
1. Plans must be completed and signed by a registered design professional (engineer or
architect licensed in the state of Minnesota) or contractor, as appropriate for the flood
proofing measure proposed.
2. Plans must conform to the guidelines listed in the FEMA Homeowner’s Guide to
Retrofitting (June 2014 or current version) (available at https://www.fema.gov/media-
library/assets/documents/480).
3. Plans must show and label the following elements:
a. All applicable information from the elevation certificate
b. Base flood elevation
c. Existing and proposed topography, contours, spot elevations along foundation of
home at all building corners and mid points of walls, spot elevations at property
corners
d. Profile view and applicable details for the proposed flood proofing solution
e. Cut/fill diagram showing proposed changes to flood storage volume
f. Architectural plans as necessary
g. Other information the City deems necessary to review plan
4. Flood protection barriers do not need to be certified as meeting FEMA and US Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE) standards; however, they must meet all applicable federal,
state, and local requirements as outlined in the floodplain and stormwater management
section of City code.
5. Flood protection barriers must be located as close to the structure as possible to
preserve and maintain flood storage volumes to the extent feasible.
6. The property owner, registered design professional, or contractor must obtain all
required permits and approvals from the City and any other applicable governmental
entities prior to commencing work and must follow all applicable laws, statutes, codes
and ordinances.
7. Flood proofing measures must meet the City’s freeboard requirements as measured
from the base flood elevation in effect at the time of application. (For example, if the
base flood elevation around a pond is 902 at the time of application, and the freeboard
requirement is 2 feet, then the flood proofing measures to protect a structure must be
constructed to an elevation of at least 904.)
8. Property owners must enter into a Flood Proofing Agreement with the City.
VIII. Incentive Amount:
The City will award each successful applicant a one-time reimbursement incentive of 40% of the
eligible flood proofing costs up to a maximum of $50,000 per property. The final not-to-exceed
amount awarded to the applicant will be outlined in the Flood Proofing Agreement. The final
reimbursement amount will be based upon actual cost once the project is complete.
Funding for the Program each year shall come from the City’s then current Capital
Improvement Program, Storm Sewer Section, SS-34 Flood Mitigation as approved annually by
the City Council. Any funds that have not been allocated to a specific project at the end of each
Program year shall accrue for use in subsequent years.
Property owners may work together to propose flood proofing projects that extend across
multiple properties. Costs for such projects must be divided by the owners based on the value
of work performed on each property or other method as agreed upon in writing by the owners.
The City recognizes that the process of planning and completing a Project may take more than
one calendar year. Accordingly, staff will work with applicants and the City’s Finance
Department to ensure financing for approved projects remains available; however, all Projects
must be complete and all documentation required to process the reimbursement must have
been submitted to the City no later than February 1 of the second year following the award of
funds.
IX. Definitions:
Base flood: The flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given
year. This is the regulatory standard also referred to as the "100-year flood." The base flood is
the national standard used by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and all Federal
agencies for the purposes of requiring the purchase of flood insurance and regulating new
development. Base flood elevations are typically shown on FEMAs flood insurance rate maps.
The Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC) developed a watershed-wide
flood model detailed in its report “Bassett Creek Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analyses, Phase 2
XPSWMM Model Report, August 7, 2017.” The base flood elevations and associated maps
provided in this report have been adopted by the BCWMC and the City as part of its floodplain
management code.
Base flood elevation: The elevation of the base flood.
Elevation Certificate: An administrative tool developed by FEMA used to provide elevation
information necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain management
ordinances. The Elevation Certificate must be completed by a land surveyor, engineer, or
architect who is authorized by law to certify elevation information. This certificate is used only
to certify building elevations.
Eligible flood proofing costs: Flood proofing project costs that are directly related to permitting,
engineering and design, and construction of the flood proofing measures. Costs for services,
materials, or improvements that are deemed aesthetic or decorative and beyond what would be
considered normal or typical will not be eligible for reimbursement. The City Engineer shall have
the final decision on whether or not project costs are eligible.
Floodplain: Area of land inundated by a precipitation event having a 1% chance of being
equaled or exceeded in any given year. The floodplain includes areas identified in the FEMA
Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Map and the BCWMC watershed-wide flood
model and report.
Freeboard: Also known as the regulatory flood protection elevation. The elevation to which
uses regulated by the City’s floodplain management code are required to be elevated or
floodproofed (but not less than two feet above the base flood elevation).
Flood proofing: A combination of structural provisions, changes, or adjustments to properties
and structures subject to flooding, primarily for the reduction or elimination of flood damages.
Preferred approach is sealing the home and adjusting the grade to prevent floodwaters from
entering.
Flood protection barriers: A floodwall or levee around a home to restrain floodwaters.
Lowest adjacent grade: Elevation of the lowest ground surface that touches any of the exterior
walls of the home.
Lowest floor elevation: Elevation of the lowest floor on the lowest enclosed area (including
basement). An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure used solely for parking of vehicles,
building access or storage in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a
building's lowest floor, provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in
violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements of 44 CFR 60.3.
Lowest opening elevation: Elevation of the lowest opening of the home, typically a door or
window.
Attachments/Exhibits:
Figure 1 – Map of Modeled Flood Risk
Exhibit A – Application Form
Exhibit B – FEMA NFIP Elevation Certificate and Instructions (March 1, 2018 or current version)
Figure 1
MAP OF MODELED FLOOD RISK
Exhibit A
FLOOD PROOFING COST SHARE REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
Application Form
Applicant name Date:
Address/Location of work
Property owner and address (if different from applicant)
Brief description of project:
Name of licensed surveyor or engineer that completed attached elevation certificate:
Date elevation certificate completed:
Name of registered design professional (engineer, architect) or contractor assisting applicant with
attached plan and cost estimate:
Planning level cost estimate:
Selection criteria Enter
number
Multiplier
Total
Difference between base flood elevation and lowest
opening elevation on the home (to the hundredth of foot)
x 5
Difference between base flood elevation and lowest
adjacent grade (to the hundredth of foot)
x 3
Difference between base flood elevation and lowest floor
elevation (to the hundredth of foot)
x 1
Type of flood proofing measure proposed:
Flood proofing (sealing up low opening) 10 points
Flood protection barrier (levee, wall) 5 points
x 1
Number of past flood events as evidenced by insurance
claims, or similar written and photographic documentation
acceptable to the City
x 1
Total
Cost of damage from past flood events as evidenced by
insurance claims, or similar written and photographic
documentation acceptable to the City
$
Staff notes
Exhibit C
Exhibit B
FEMA NFIP ELEVATION CERTIFICATE AND INSTRUCTIONS
(MARCH 1, 2018 OR CURRENT VERSION)
7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley,MN 55427
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763-593-8012 1 TTY 763-593-3968 763-593-8109(fax)I www.goldenvalleymn.govOld' en
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City Council VC
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Mar 19, 2019-6:30 pm
Council Chambers
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
1. Call to Order
A. Pledge of Allegiance Pages
B. Roll Call
2. Additions and Corrections to Agenda
3. Consent Agenda
Approval of Consent Agenda -All items listed under this heading are considered to be routine
by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no discussion of these
items unless a Council Member so requests in which event the item will be removed from the
general order of business and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.
A. Approval of Minutes:
1. City Council Meeting—March 5, 2019
B. Approval of City Check Register
C. Licenses:
1. General Business Licenses—Amusement Devices
2. General Business Licenses—Refuse and Recycling Vehicles
3. General Business Licenses—Gas Stations and Gas Dispensers
D. Minutes of Boards and Commissions:
1.
E. Bids and Quotes:
1.
F. Award 2019 PMP/Meadowbrook Project
G. Authorize Agreement with WasteZero for Textiles Recycling
H. Resolution Supporting DNR Trail Connection Grant Application 19-
I. Authorize Contract Extension for the 2019 Spring Brush Pick-Up
I Approve Scheid Park Play Structure
K. Budget Amendments for Salaries
4. Public Hearing
5. Old Business
6. New Business
All Ordinances listed under this heading are eligible for public input.
A. Adoption of Flood Migration Policy
B. Golden Hill Business Park PUD 78—Minor PUD Amendment
C. First Consideration—Small Cell/ROW Ordinance
City of Golden Valley City Council Regular Meeting
Mar 19, 2019—6:30 pm
6. New Business-continued
D. First Consideration—Dockless Bike/Micro Mobility Ordinance
E. Second Consideration —Ordinance #656—Therapeutic Massage Licensing, Permitting and
Regulation and Approve Summary of Ordinance for Publication
G. Second Consideration —Ordinance#657—Amending Salaries of Mayor and Council
Members Council Salary
H. Approve Elected Official Out-of-State Travel
I. Review of Council Calendar
J. Mayor and Council Communications
7. Adjournment
This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call
763-593-8006(TTY: 763-593-3968)to make a request. Examples of alternate formats MI
may include large print,electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc.
7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley,MN 55427 L l f y «J
763-593-8012 1 TTY 763-593-3968 763-593-8109(fax)I www.goldenvalleymn.gov
gol4en
City CouncilVA.
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Apr 2,2019—6:30 pm
Council Chambers
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
1. Call to Order
A. Pledge of Allegiance Pages
B. Roll Call
C. Proclamation for the 50th Anniversary of the Golden Valley Federated Women's Club
2. Additions and Corrections to Agenda
3. Consent Agenda
Approval of Consent Agenda -All items listed under this heading are considered to be routine
by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no discussion of these
items unless a Council Member so requests in which event the item will be removed from the
general order of business and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.
A. Approval of Minutes:
1. City Council Meeting—March 19, 2019
B. Approval of City Check Register
C. Licenses:
1.
D. Minutes of Boards and Commissions:
1.
E. Bids and Quotes:
1.
F.
4. Public Hearing
A. Public Hearing—CUP—American Rug Laundry—8043 Lewis Rd
S. Old Business
6. New Business
All Ordinances listed under this heading are eligible for public input.
A. Second Consideration—Small Cell/ROW Ordinance
B. Second Consideration—Dockless Bike/Micro Mobility Ordinance
C. Review of Council Calendar
D. Mayor and Council Communications
7. Adjournment
This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call
L763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats
may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette,etc.
7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley,MN 55427
763-593-8012 1 TTY 763-593-3968 763-593-8109(fax)I www.goldenvalleymn.gov
City Council/Manager
Apr 9, 2019—6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA 7800 Golden Valley Road
Pages
1. Commission Annual Report and Work Plan:
a. Planning Commission
b. Board of Zoning Appeals
2. Downtown Study Scope/Update
3. Discussion of Garbage Hauling
4. 2018 Positive Performance Appropriation
5. Council Review of Future Draft Agendas: City Council April 16, City Council May 7 and
Council/Manager May 14, 2019
Council/Manager meetings have an informal, discussion-style format and are designed for the
Council to obtain background information, consider policy alternatives, and provide general
directions to staff. No formal actions are taken at these meetings. The public is invited to attend
Council/Manager meetings and listen to the discussion; public participation is allowed by
invitation of the City Council.
This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call
763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats
may include large print,electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc.