HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 4/27/2021 - Memorandum From Kyle Stannert Re: April 13, 2021 Work Session Summary - Hickory Village Mobile Home Park SaleCity Manager’s Office
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MEMORANDUM
DATE:April 16, 2021
TO: Mayor Troxell and City Councilmembers
THRU: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
FROM: Kyle Stannert, Deputy City Manager
RE: April 13, 2021 Work Session Summary – Hickory Village Mobile Home Park Sale
At the April 13th City Council Work Session, staff provided an update on the proposed sale of the
Hickory Village Mobile Home Park and efforts by park residents and Thistle to submit an offer to
purchase the park and become a Resident Owned Community (ROC). The session focused on
the city’s role as a convener in the process of forming ROCs in the short term and reviewed
opportunities to support affordable housing efforts in mobile home communities in the long term.
All councilmembers were present for the virtual discussion as well as Andy Kadlec, a program
director from Thistle, who provided information on Thistle’s involvement in the process.
DISCUSSION SUMMARY:
Council's discussion ranged across several questions, ideas, and concerns. Specific items
included:
Inquiries about the level of interest and participation of Hickory Village residents towards
making an offer to purchase the park, and what types of role Thistle, a non-profit technical
assistance provider, is providing in the process.
Questions about the how financing a ROC is typically arranged and what types of
resources other jurisdictions and partners have provided in support of ROCs (e.g., grants,
loans, or other federal/state funding resources).
Concern about any potential risks to the City if financial assistance is provided, as well as
the limited timeline to consider and develop a deal.
Questions about the history and funding provided by the City’s prior down payment
assistance program.
Ideas and questions about other types of long-term solutions to support ROCs, such as
proactive communication to residents about the process, application of city programs such
as broadband equity and Epic Home programs, what role Housing Catalyst could provide,
or if the City itself should consider owning and operating a park.
April 13, 2021 Council Work Session Summary Page 2
Hickory Village Mobile Home Park Sale
COUNCIL DIRECTION:
Need to be clear about how any financial involvement from the City contributes towards
policy goals for affordable housing and preservation.
In the short term, the Hickory Village sale and the opportunity for a ROC is a learning
experience and staff should continue to provide information, education, and convene
stakeholders and partners during the process.
The City could consider financial assistance options in both the Hickory Village example
in the short term, and opportunities for programs that align with the Housing Strategic
Plan.
Staff will meet with Thistle to determine potential resource amounts and how assistance
is best applied. Examples include deferred rent funds to help limit immediate increases in
lot rents, a subordinate financing position, providing closing/legal costs, or grants.
Long term strategies should be developed to operationalize partnerships and financial
efforts for future mobile home park sales and closures. Given the limited timeline to provide
assistance, the City needs to have more proactive measures and guidance in place.
Efforts should continue for capacity building in parks and to enhance local enforcement of
state laws.
NEXT STEPS:
Staff is planning to provide an update and additional information on potential financial
assistance options at the next Council Finance Meeting on April 19, 2021.