Community Development Committee - May 17, 2022 Minutes
The Regular Meeting of the Community Development Committee of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
The Community Development Committee Members present or absent were as follows:
Present: Commissioner John Strand, Mayor Tim Mahoney, Michael Redlinger, Samantha McDonald, Ken Enockson, Rocky Schneider (Fargo Planning Commission), Jennifer Benson (Fargo Board of Education), Chris Brungardt (Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority), Thomas Hill (United Way), Cindy Graffeo (Downtown Community Partnership)
Absent: Linda Klebe
Chair Strand welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 1. Approval of Agenda & Minutes of February 15, 2022 meeting
Member Brungardt moved the Agenda be approved as presented. Second by Member McDonald. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Member Mahoney moved the minutes of the February 15, 2022 Community Development Committee meeting be approved. Second by Member Hill. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 2. Approval of Minutes of March 2, 2022 Subcommittee
Member Hill moved the minutes of the March 2, 2022 Subcommittee meeting be approved. Second by Member Mahoney. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 3. Public Comment
No public comment was provided.
Item 4. Staff Report and Work Plan Overview Discussion
Planning and Development Director Nicole Crutchfield gave an update on the Core Neighborhoods Plan, highlighting the two highest priorities as the Neighborhood Reinvestment Program and proactive code enforcement.
Ms. Crutchfield stated there have been meetings held with the CZB Consultants regarding the Neighborhood Reinvestment Program. She noted extensive discussion has been had on the Community Land Trust, and also spoke on an economic tool incentivizing residential reinvestment.
Discussion was held on the updates given regarding the CZB Consultants findings.
Planning Coordinator Tia Braseth reported on the 2022 HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) Action plan’s 30-day public comment period, stating it is finished, and no comments were received. She also spoke on the Home Allocation Plan for the American Rescue Plan money, and stated this is a special one-time grant given due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will go out for public comment.
Assistant Planner Catlyn Christie presented the Impediments to Fair Housing report. She stated the data shows the disproportionate housing needs at different levels in the city.
Further discussion was held regarding impediments to fair housing report.
Ms. Crutchfield shared that the HR&A Advisors, Inc. has been chosen to perform a study on housing needs in the metro area and also gave a quick update on social service funds.
Discussion continued on social service funds.
Member Hill absent.
Item 5. Recap of Maxfield Study: Affordable Housing Needs Analysis for Downtown Fargo
Ms. Crutchfield gave an update on the Maxfield study report. She stated the study showed the need for affordable housing is going to outpace the building of affordable housing.
Item 6. Recap and Update of Last Year’s Partner Presentations
Ms. Crutchfield spoke on the communication process of the community partners and the Planning Department to the Board.
Item 7. Discussion on Housing Ad-Hoc Subcommittee and Future Goals
Chair Strand asked if there is still a desire to have a group to focus on housing on behalf of the Community Development Committee.
Member Schneider stated he would like to know where the City could step in and be helpful, and he would encourage discussion on the data provided by the studies conducted. He stated he is unsure who should be tasked with this.
Member Brungardt shared he thinks those who are familiar with this process could be used to narrow the data down so it would be easier to understand.
Member Graffeo suggested the Ad Hoc Subcommittee could serve as a workgroup that takes in all the data, plans, and puts it into a cohesive set of priorities.
Member Mahoney suggested three elements the Ad-Hoc Subcommittee could address as being; bylaws of the Community Development Committee, low income housing, and blight caused by poor maintenance of rental properties.
Discussion was held regarding the purpose and future of the Ad-Hoc Subcommittee.
Item 8. Adjourn-Next Meeting August 16, 2022
The time at adjournment was 3:42 p.m.