HRA Meeting Date: June 30, 2025
To: Members of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
From: Melissa Hanson, Housing Coordinator
Title
Rice County Neighbors United Cleanup Request on Behalf of Viking Terrace, Riverside and Northfield Estates.
Body
Action Requested:
HRA to reconsider the HRA role and support of a cleanup day at Viking Terrace, Riverside and Northfield Estates.
Summary Report:
The HRA established the Fall Cleanup for the mobile home park communities in response to complaints from Bridgewater Township and residents that live on Dresden Avenue about the illegal dumping of mattresses and trash. The HRA set up a pilot program and budgeted it for 4 years.
Below is a breakdown of the annual HRA financial support to the pilot program:
|
Year |
Tons of Trash |
Mattresses |
Tires w/rims |
Tons of Tires |
Total HRA Cost |
|
2018 |
11.57 |
29 |
5 |
1.67 |
$5,859.12 |
|
2019 |
9.61 |
60 |
16 |
.5 |
$8,614.54 |
|
2020 |
14.32 |
59 |
70 |
1.9 |
$10,302.92 |
|
2021 |
9.63 |
40 |
13 |
.88 |
$8,540.06 |
Total HRA *FINANCIAL contribution: $33,316.64
*HRA and City Staff also put a considerable amount of time into the organization of the Fall Cleanup:
• Scheduling and coordinating with the refuse company
• Coordinating Volunteers before the event
• Marketing
• Coordinating Volunteers during the event
o Direct traffic
o Track use/visitors
• Street Department Coordination - cones, road barriers, etc.
• Morning coffee and snacks for volunteers
The last 2 years of cleanup were exceptionally challenging to recruit volunteers, made more difficult due to Covid restrictions for college students at the time. After the local owners of Viking Terrace sold the park to a national investor, the HRA board took the position that the property owner should be taking on the expense of cleanup and felt that the management should be providing this service to their residents.
Neighbors United is requesting that the HRA resurrect the free cleanup day and have identified other organizations (Rotary, Northfield Union of Youth, St. Olaf College) that are willing to help.
The city also hosts an annual Citywide Cleanup in the spring. This year, the event took place on May 3 and 10.
The Junk Truck rates, and Dick’s Sanitation rates are comparable.
Neighbors United is requesting that the HRA provide free cleanup services for the residents at Viking Terrace, Riverside and Northfield Estates.
Alternative Options:
• The HRA could choose not to support a cleanup day that is specific to Viking Terrace, Riverside and Northfield Estates.
• The HRA could choose to support a cleanup day that is specific to Viking Terrace, Riverside and Northfield Estates. Staff would like clarity on what role and supports that are expected of HRA and city. Will it be purely a financial contribution or what staff time is expected?
• Direct staff to explore ways to encourage/incentivize/accommodate residents at Viking Terrace, Riverside, and Northfield Estates to utilize the already established Citywide Cleanup. What are the barriers? Financial? Transportation? Both? Would it be feasible/reasonable/equitable to offer “discounted” or “reduced” rates due to income? Would the HRA have an appetite for a citywide discount program? This is a bigger lift and might be more sustainable and equitable for all Northfield residents moving into the future.
Financial Impacts:
Unknown currently.
Tentative Timelines:
N/A