HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDA MIN 12-17-01COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 17, 2001
CALL TO ORDER - The Regular Meeting of the Columbia Heights Economic Development
Authority (EDA) was called to order by Vice President, Jindra at 6:01 p.m., Monday, December
17, 2001, in Conference Room 1, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, Minnesota.
ROLL CALL
Commission Members Present:
Commission Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Patricia Jindra, Marlaine Szurek, Gary Peterson, Julienne
Wyckoff, Bruce Nawrocki, and Bobby Williams
Robert Ruettimann
Walt Fehst, Executive Director
Randy Schumacher, Acting Community Dev. Director
Cheryl Bakken, Secretary
Tim Johnson, City Planner
Mark Nagel, Housing Assistant
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Other Resolutions.
Approve Resolution 2001-20, Modifying the Downtown Central Business District (CBD)
Revitalization Plan for the CBD Redevelopment Project and the Modification of Housin~
Redevelopment TIF District #1 (P3)
Schumacher indicated that on May 27, 1997, the Columbia Heights City Council approved a
scattered site redevelopment TIF District to facilitate redevelopment of substandard single-
family homes. Tax increments from the 56parcels were to be used to finance land acquisition,
demolition, relocation, and related development costs.
Shelley Eldridge, Ehlers & Associates explained that after reviewing progress of the district, it
was determined the City needs to show activity and any modifications be completed on each of
the 56parcels by September 8, 2002 or they will be dropped from the District. This would
reduce the TIF revenue generated. The following steps can be taken: 0 add 10parcels to the
District to increase the revenue stream; 2) complete a projection of funds; 3) expend the
projected funds prior to the September 8, 2002 deadline; and 4) City funds spent in the past 4
years on the parcels will be reimbursed by the District and spent on other housing activities
within the District.
Nawrocki asked if the District encompassed the entire City, or certain areas. Eldridge explained
that the maps in the agenda packet show where the properties are located, and explained that
they are scattered throughout the City.
Peterson indicated that if any of the affected property owners would upgrade their home, the
City would receive the tax credits.
MOTION by Peterson, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Resolution 2001-20, there
being ample copies available to the public. All ayes. Motion Carried.
Economic Development Authority Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2001
Page 2 of 3
MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to adopt Resolution 2001-20, a Resolution
Modifying the Downtown Central Business District (CBD) Revitalization Plan for the CBD
Redevelopment Project and the Modification of Housing Redevelopment Tax Increment
Financing District No. 1 (P3). All ayes. Motion Carried.
Other Business.
CDBG Program Application for 2002
Schumacher indicated that the EDA is required to submit the 2002 CDBG Program Application
to Anoka County requesting funds for potential projects no later than January 11, 2002. The
application will also be presented to City Council for approval Anoka County's total grant
amount for 2002 is approximately $1,864,000, of which $1,114,500 is available for cities and
townships. Each project submitted is limited to a maximum amount of $300, 000. In order to
qualify for the CDBG Program funds the project must meet one of three objects; 1) benefit low to
moderate income families; 2) show prevention or elimbtation of slums or blighted areas; and 3)
provide an urgent need in the City. Federal regulations include Davis-Bacon labor standards,
environmental, fair housing, relocation, lead-based paint, equal opportunity, record keeping,
and auditing. Staff considered the follow&gplans:
A planning study for an Industrial Park, which wouldprovide an inventory of existing
businesses, market analysis of properties, and facts to determine the highest and best use
of land and buildings for approximately $65,000- 70, 000 based on the proposal from
Hoisington Koegler Group.
· The acquisition ofdeteriorated/non-conformingproperties in the City.
· Additional funds to support Community Fix-Up Loans for a maximum of $300, 000.
Schumacher indicated that ACCAP has initiated two of the ten total grants received and
will continue to finalize them, whereas, CEE has only processed, a total of three all year,
with five left to ftnalize.
Of the three possible plans, staff recommended submittal of the Industrial Park Redevelopment
Planning Study to Anoka County.
Wyckoff felt that the City has had too many studies done on it with no action taken. She would
like to see an industrial park or a townhome project put in the vicinity of 3 7th and University.
Williams indicated that he drove through the City's industrial area at 37th and University, and
was embarrassed at the way it's underdeveloped, run down and dirty. Williams stated the
Board, needs to focus on this area, as it is the gateway to our City on University Avenue. He
would like to see a new industrial park redevelopment put in.
Johnson explained there was little time to prepare this application, therefore, he chose to get a
proposal from Hoisington Koegler, a ftrm he has worked with before, but will pursue another
proposal or two for Board approval, if they choose to approve the motion for the Industrial Park
Redevelopment Planning Study.
Economic Development Authority Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2001
Page 3 of 3
MOTION by Peterson, second by Williams, to authorize staff to pursue preparation of the 2002
CDBG Program Application for the Industrial Park Redevelopment Planning Study; and
furthermore, to submit said application to the City Council for consideration at its regularly
scheduled meeting on December 17, 2001. All ayes. Motion Carried.
MEETINGS
The next EDA meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 18, 2001 at lax
Restaurant, Minneapolis, MN.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by Vice President, Jindra at 6:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Bakken
Recording Secretary
H: XEDAmiautes2001 \ 12-17-2001