HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDA MIN 02-19-03COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19, 2003
CALL TO ORDER - The Regular Meeting of the Columbia Heights Economic Development
Authority (EDA) was called to order by Executive Director, Walt Fehst at 6:34 p.m., Wednesday,
February 19, 2003, in the City Hall, Conference Room 1,590 40th Avenue NE, Columbia
Heights, Minnesota.
ROLL CALL
Commission Members Present:
Commission Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Patricia Jindra, Julienne Wyckoff, Bruce Nawrocki,
Tammera Ericson, Bruce Kelzenberg and Don Murzyn Jr.
Bobby Williams
Walt Fehst, Executive Director
Bob Streetar, Deputy Executive Director
Randy Schumacher, Community Development Assistant
Cheryl Bakken, Community Development Secretary
Oath of Office
Fehst administered the Oath of Office to Ericson, Kelzenberg and Wyckoff.
Election of Officers
Fehst opened the election of office for President. After the President, Don Murzyn Jr. was
elected, Murzyn then took over with the rest of the elections and meeting.
MOTION by Nawrocki to nominate Jindra for President. Jindra declined. Motion Not
Considered.
MOTION by Kelzenberg to nominate Ericson for President. Ericson excepted the nomination.
Wyckoff stated she would like to see a resident elected for both the President and Vice President
positions as it has been for the last few years. Motion failed for lack of second.
MOTION by Wyckoff, second by Ericson, to nominate Don Murzyn Jr. for President. All ayes.
Motion Carried.
MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to nominate Patricia Jindra for Vice President;
Bruce Kelzenberg for Secretary; Tammera Ericson for Treasurer; designate Cheryl Bakken,
Community Development Secretary, as Assistant Secretary; and Bill Elrite, Finance Director, as
Assistant Treasurer. All ayes. Motion Carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes of January 28~ 2003 and Financial Report and Payment of Bills~
Resolution 2003-02
Nawrocki asked what two of the January invoices were for: 1) Encompass Invoice l O1950 for
$878.64 and Parkview Villa Resident lnvoice 101702 for $807.50. Streetar stated, staff will
check into this and get back to him.
Econom/c Development Authority Meeting Minutes
February 19, 2003
Page 2 of 3
MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to adopt the consent agenda items as listed. All
ayes. Motion Carried.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Resignation of Ruettimann
Streetar stated the formal resignation for Bob Ruettimann is enclosed in the packet for
informational purposes only.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
4607 Tyler Street Sale
Streetar stated staff has received three purchase proposals for the property. Curt Bennett, an
employee of GMHC offered, $100, 000, Agape New Life Ministries offered $102,000 and
Minnesota Housing Resources in St. Paul offered $160,000. All three would raise the rents to
maintain affordability. As of January 1, 2003 the current rent is at $380 per month. Staff will be
recommending at the next HIM meeting approval of the proposal from Minnesota Housing
Resources. Dave Engstrom, Vice President of the Minnesota Housing Resource company was a
Washington County Commissioner and involved with the HIM for years.
Nawrocki asked what the market value is for Tyler. Streetar stated he did not have the actual
figures with him, but could provide them at a later date and that the value of the property is
based on the net operating income, not current market value because of the rent structure.
Murzyn stated Agape, will probably use the building for their congregation, but felt the $160,000
offer was very impressive from Minnesota Housing Resource.
Fehst stated there is no action necessary tonight as this is an HRA function and that he asked
Streetar to provide the Board with an update.
CDBG Funding for 2003
Schumacher stated he attended a meeting in Anoka County today on this years CDBG funding.
Columbia Heights requested $186,500 to purchase the fifth and final property for redevelopment
on the corner of 40th & University, MGS. Anoka County HIM has approved $160,000 in CDBG
funds for the project.
Nawrocki questioned how the property wouM qualify for low to moderate income to meet CDBG
funding requirements. Schumacher stated the property purchase would eliminate blight and that
it will support low-income jobs, such as a fast food restaurant. The funds cannot be used until
June, which will give staff enough time to provide information on the low to moderate, income
requirements.
Anoka County to Establish an Economic Development Authority
Schumacher stated Anoka County wants to establish an EDA. The county will be submitting a
bill in regards to the establishment. If they establish an EDA, they would not have a taxing
authority in Columbia Heights unless the City Council approves it. Streetar stated there is a
resolution by the City of Anoka stating "Such taxing and development authorities not subject to
approval with municipalities within the County" is incorrect. Under 469.107 which gives
Columbia Heights its power to tax, it refers to special districts under 469. 003 Subd. 6, states
Economic Development Authority Meeting Minutes
February 19, 2003
Page 3 of 3
"Subject to consent by the resolution of the governing body in and for which, it was created, an
authority may levy a tax upon all taxable property within the taxing district, therefore, it is
subject to council approval.
Nawrocki stated he talked to the City Manager, Mayor and a couple of Council members from
the City of Anoka, and felt that he agreed with the City of Anoka 's position to oppose the
creation of the Anoka County EDA.
Fehst directed staff to obtain more information and provide to the EDA and City Council
members at a later date.
Industrial Area
$chumacher stated sta. ff will be meeting with the land use planner next Thursday to see what they
are going to recommend for the Industrial Area at the special meeting with City Council on
March 17th.
Schaeffer Richardson Meeting
Streetar stated staff met with Schaeffer Richardson this week, where they informed staff they are
going to be putting their lndustrial Area property up for sale. Schaeffer will keep staff informed
of any developments.
OTHER BUSINESS
Wyckoff asked if staff is working on the bids for the Parkview Villa Management Contract as
requested last year by the Board. Streetar stated with his past experience of being a senior
building administrator, the first year the bid was low and the next year there was always a large
increase in the contract. Streetar recommended taking a look at what other cities with housing
units are payingfor management, meet with Crest View and try to lower their rates for the
coming year. Fehst stated he regards Crest View very highly, but requested staff go out for bids
anyway.
Nawrocki asked the status of the alley problems by the Surtek building. Fehst indicated he had
not met with staff on this issue yet and would keep him informed. Schumacher stated he had met
with the owners, which stated they would take care of the problem.
ADJOURNMENT
President, Murzyn, adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Bakken
Recording Secretary
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