City Council Minutes

City of Inkster, Michigan
Special Council Meeting
September 25, 2006

CALL MEETING TO ORDER

The Special Meeting of the Council of the City of Inkster, Wayne County, Michigan, assembled in the Meeting Lounge Room of the Booker T. Dozier Recreation Complex, 2025 Middlebelt, Inkster Michigan at 6:30 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Honorable Council Present: Michael Canty, DeArtriss Coleman-Richardson, Wanda Harris-Foster, Ernest Hendricks, Marcus Hendricks, Ronald Johnson, Mayor Hilliard L. Hampton II

HUD Representatives: Tony Love, Dr. Terrell LeCesne, Richard Wears

Department Heads: Ralph Welton, Chief Building Official

Mayor announced the meeting was being held to discuss Inkster Housing improvements and discuss a resolution presented to Council.

Councilman Johnson concerned with the lack of attendance of commission members.

Councilman Canty concerned with the size of Housing in comparison to the City. Is there a legal standpoint to eliminate some of the units that are in really bad shape?

Richard Wears responded the units have been downsized from 858 to 821 due to demolitions and fires. The initial amount was based on the need. Size of the community indicates the market and funding is less than the need and does not accommodate all.

Councilman M. Hendricks is concerned unites will be filled by people outside of the community.

Richard Wears stated there are some communities, which do not have housing, and residency requirement was lifted becoming a residency preference.

Councilman E. Hendricks asked if there was a requirement to have 600 units occupied.

Richard Wears stated the acceptable vacancy level is 3%.

Councilman Johnson asked if there is an occupancy rate. Is housing congratulated for having people? Is it viewed upon as a market and people are sought with needs, which increases the needy in the city. Some housing needs to be eliminated. Has a problem with the encouragement to stay. HUD needs to work with the city government and come to an agreement in the best interest of the city. Some homes have been boarded up for years.

Richard Wears stated there are rehab options, funding sources are available but the Housing unit should be community with the City directly. Reduction is not something the department initiates. If a request were submitted it would be reviewed. The units meet the needs of the people in the community. Until there is a determination that a need no longer exists, all unites will be maintained at the current level. The program is in response to demand.

Councilwoman Harris-Foster stated the units, which are occupied, are not being targeted but dedicate a portion of funds to renovation and a portion to demolition. “If we can work together with a joint plan, we all win”. There is a need for maintenance.

Councilwoman Coleman-Richardson asked if all 821 units will be rehabilitated and is there a program like the one in Detroit where units were tore down and condos were built. Also stated there are complaints on response time to repairs and she is concerned with the level of maintenance now. New developments have more appeal.

Richard Wears stated the Hope Six program was used to upgrade mixed income neighborhoods. There are different programs. There are other options to create upgrades. PHA has to request to downside if there is a lack of market. Twin Towers was downsized when it was determined the current apt. size was too small and living space was expanded.

Dr. LeCesne invited Council to attend a meeting on October 4^th to discuss mixed finance houses.

Tony Love stated housing has to be made better now, there is urgency.

Further discussion continued between Council and Housing authorities. Closing statement made by Mayor Hampton and decision to meet at the October 4^th meeting.

There being no further business to come before Council, on motion duly made by M. Hendricks, and seconded by Harris-Foster and carried, the Special Council Meeting of September 25, 2006 be adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Velida Gutierrez-Smith

Inkster City Clerk

ATTEST:

Hilliard L. Hampton II

Inkster City Mayor

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City of Inkster, Michigan
26215 Trowbridge • Inkster, Michigan 48141
(313) 563-4232

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