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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDA AGN 03-27-07 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3600 TDD (763) 706-3692 Visit Our Website at: www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us AGENDA COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY March 27, 2007 7:00 p.m., City Hall, Conference Room 1 1. Call to Order/Roll Call Don Murzyn Jr., President Patricia Jindra, Vice President Bruce Kelzenberg, SecretarylTreasurer Tammera Diehm Gary L. Peterson Bruce Nawrocki Bobby Williams 2. Pledge of Allegiance CONSENT AGENDA 3. Approve Minutes of February 2007 Approve financial report and payment of bills for February 2007, Res. 2007-08. Motion: Move to Approve the minutes of February, 2007 and approving the Financial Report and payment of bills for the month of February, 20070n Resolution 2007-08. BUSINESS ITEMS 4. Resolution 2007-09, Declaring the Official Intent of the EDA to Reimburse Certain Expenditures from the proceeds of Bonds to be issued by the authority. Motion: Move to Adopt Resolution 2007-09, a Resolution declaring the official intent of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (EDA) to reimburse certain expenditures from the proceeds of bonds to be issued by the authority. 5, Realife, Inc, Cooperative Presentation 6, Administrative Report 7. Other Business The next regular EDA meeting will be Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at Parkview Villa. THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES February 27,2007 CALL TO ORDERIROLL CALL President, Murzyn, Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Don Murzyn Jr., Patricia Jindra, Bobby Williams, Bruce Nawrocki, Tammera Diehm, Gary L. Peterson, Bruce Kelzenberg and Marlaine Szurek PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Peterson announced the acceptance of Don Murzyn Jr's resignation. Streetar presented Murzyn with a Certificate of Appreciation and thanked Don for all of his hard work. OATH OF OFFICE Peterson performed the Oath of Office to Marlaine Szurek. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT'S SUCCESSOR Streetar opened the nominations for President. Jindra nominated Nawrocki. Williams nominated Diehm. Kelzenberg nominated Peterson. Diehm respectfully declined the nomination. A white ballot vote was taken. Vice President, Jindra accepted the paper ballots and announced the results. There were three votes for Nawrocki and four votes for Peterson. Jindra declared Peterson as President. CONSENT AGENDA Approve Minutes of January 23, 2007 regular meeting and the Financial Report and Payment of Bills for the month of January on Resolution 2007-04. Nawrocki added the following amendments to the minutes: 1. On the first page it says motion by Peterson, second by Jindra, to approve the consent agenda items 3 and 4 as listed. The resolution should be listed in the motion. 2. Business Items- Resolution 2007-03, the resolution should be a part of the minutes. MOTION by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to approve the Minutes of January 23, 2007, with the above listed amendments, and Adopt Resolution 2007-04, a Resolution approving the Financial Report and Payment of Bills for the month of January. All ayes. Motion Carried. BUSINESS ITEMS Adopt Resolution 2007-05. Consultina Services Aqreement GMHC Partenheimer introduced Suzanne Snyder from the Housing Resource Center and stated they would like to present a Consulting Services Agreement for $15,000 for the year 2007. The $15,000 helps fund services for residents of Columbia Heights. Some of the services include construction consultation, homebuyer information, home improvement information, mortgage foreclosure prevention assistance, and the MHFA Economic Development Authority Meeting Minutes February 27, 2007 Page 2 of5 Fix-Up Fund loan. Residents, regardless of their income qualify for these services. This is an agreement the EDA has had with GMHC since 2002. Staff is recommending authorizing another year of these services. Nawrocki asked if they hadn't already given them $35,000 and where would the money come from. Streetar stated the $35,000 was for the Home Rebate Program where residents receive a rebate for fixing up their home and that the funding for consultant services comes from revenues received from the Parkview Villa antenna fund, 226. Peterson stated we have cable accessible available to us and suggested staff set something up to advertise the programs. Motion by Diehm, second by Jindra, to Adopt Resolution 2007-05, a Resolution Approving the Consulting Services Agreement with the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC), and appropriating $15,000 from Fund 226- Special Projects for the same; and furthermore, to authorize the President and Executive Director to enter into an agreement for the same. All ayes. Motion Carried. Adopt Resolution 2007-06. Expiration of TIF District N7 Medtronic TIF Streetar stated he would like to explain both this item and the next one on T1F District's N7, P3, P4, and S7. During the end of 2006 there where nine tax increment Districts that were in place. As of 12-31-2006 the N7, 53rd Avenue, Medtronic district, established in the 90's expired. The county has already decertified the district. At this time you are just acknowledging the Decertification. Motion by Diehm, second by Nawrocki, to Adopt Resolution 2007-06, a Resolution Acknowledging the expiration of Tax Increment Financing District N7 of the City of Columbia Heights. All ayes. Motion Carried. Adopt Resolution 2007-07. Decertification of TIF Districts P3/P4/S7 Streetar stated this item is the Decertification of the P31P41S7 districts. Back in 1997 the City established a scattered site financing district, which was part of special legislation that was passed to make this opportunity available to not only Columbia Heights, but for Richfield, Bloomington, Duluth and Minneapolis. Nothing really happened in that district. The purpose of the scattered site district was to buy dilapidated homes, tear them down, resell the lots to home builders and use the tax increment generated off the new home, which would have a higher value to pay back the redevelopment costs. The City never really had the funds to do this, so nothing was done. Diehm asked if Streetar was stating that because there are no outstanding obligations or T1F notes there is really no value for us to hold this open. Streetar stated there are options with some of these districts to pool revenues, which means you can use up to 25% outside the district, but this fund generates such a little amount, it wouldn't benefit the City. Peterson asked if it costs us to keep it. Streetar stated it would be a small percentage that you would pay to the state auditor and something to the county, the internal cost is Economic Development Authority Meeting Minutes February 27, 2007 Page 3 of 5 minimal. Motion by Diehm, second by Williams, to table this item, where Steve Bubul could come to our meeting or provide staff with some background on any possible advantages there may be to keeping the districts open, and ask if there is any detriment to our proposed legislation. All ayes. Motion Carried. 2007 Update 40th & University Streetar stated he and Schumacher were at Sarna's today. The owners stated they had over 1200 people apply, and hired 160. Schumacher stated the restaurant would be open to the public on March 6th. The quality of the restaurant is better than a Redstone and that the materials used in the facility is outstanding. The wait staff and bar tenders were trained professionally. It took 5 years to put this project together. If you look at what this new facility is, you should be proud to say you were aparl of it. Industrial Park (Parkviewl Streetar stated the buildings are completely demolished and the contamination is approximately 99.9 percent remediated. Peterson stated it would be great if we could put together a book of pictures, showing how the project developed. Streetar stated Cher Bakken has taken hundreds of pictures and she could put together a book for the board. Diehm agreed this would be good to have. Grand Central Lofts Streetar stated the new owner, Dave Klober, is working with two parlies, who both want to develop the site. They understand the vision of the EDA and the plan that was presented by Bruce Nedegaard back in April of 2006. He will be meeting tomorrow with the representative for the project and hopes they would be coming to the EDA sometime soon with what they propose to do. 3ih & Central Streetar stated the Anoka County HRA recommended we receive $55,000 for demo to the county board. The county will take action in June and the money will be available to the City by July 1st Comfort of Homes on 3ih & Stinson Streetar stated the demolition of the theatre has starled. 39th & Central Streetar stated Lee Frankman, representing Gene Mady and Doug Foss would be meeting with him sometime soon. The City was awarded $160,000 for the demolition and cleanup of the properly that has to be used before the end of this year. If for some reason we don't make the deadline, we could reallocate the money to another project in the City. One idea is to use it for the demolition of the liquor store on University Economic Development Authority Meeting Minutes February 27, 2007 Page 4 of 5 Avenue. The first priority is Mady's. Comprehensive Plan Streetar stated in March or April he would be coming to City Council to review the Comprehensive Plan RFP. Point of Sale proaram Streetar stated he hopes to have it ready for approval this year. Other Business Peterson stated we are moving so fast, and accomplishing so much, we should take a moment to pat ourselves on the back for doing all of this, in such a timely manner. Taco Bell Streetar stated he had one more update he wanted to give, which was the Taco Bell redevelopment. Jeff Sargent provided a review of the Taco Bell proposal. Sargent stated the plans have thirteen deviations and would require three variances. The main points they deviated from our Design Guidelines are: 1) building orientation, 2) drive-thru orientation and 3) franchise architecture. Building Orientation-What our guidelines require is that the buildings face Central Avenue. Their proposal has the buildings facing each other. This design required a variance for parking stall lengths and signage for Taco Bell. Drive Orientation- What we would like to see is a drive through on the side of the building; they proposed it between Central Avenue and Taco Bell. Franchise Architecture- they proposed a type of signage known as a pylon box lit sign, which is the same as their existing sign. What the City wants is an externally lit monument sign. Peterson stated he met with Barb, the representative from Border Foods who said since they have done the other projects, they have changed their format as far as architecture and will be sticking with their franchise architect. She would take us around and show us some of their projects, she sent me some pictures, we discussed the issues, she talked about Starbucks being interested and agreed to have a follow-up with him. However, I will be out of town for a couple of weeks so I asked Streetar what we should do and he suggested we bring it tonight. Now, if we want to go move forward and meet with them, at least we know the facts. Szurek stated Jim, from Border Foods told her he was done fooling with her; he's going to go to the people who really matter and will make policy. He wanted her to make policy and she said that is not her job, she makes recommendation to the City Council. If you want to talk to the people who make policy, talk to the City Council. So he said that was what he was going to do as he wasn't going to mess with her anymore. Economic Development Authority Meeting Minutes February 27, 2007 Page 5 of5 Fehst suggested we tell them if they meet our requirements, we would be putting up our liquor store sign that will match, or possibly we could tear down their building at the same time we tear down the buildings for our liquor store. Diehm stated she agreed. Peterson stated Planning and Zoning went through all of this, discussed holding a meeting with us, didn't feel this information was bias, just informational. When Streetar asked him if staff could bring this information to the meeting, he told him it was a good idea. This doesn't mean we can't have another meeting from here. He would try to set up a meeting the morning of March 19th, 20th or 22nd, which will be after they are all back in town. If anyone has any questions for Border Foods in mind, to please get them to Streetar before the meeting. Other Business Nawrocki asked who was going to talk about the T1F information. Streetar stated because he requested the information, he provided it to everyone on the board. He could come to his office, make a list, and have Ehlers come in to explain this. ADJOURNMENT President, Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:20 pm. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Bakken Community Development Secretary H :\EDAminutes2007\2-27 -2007 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) Meeting of March 27, 2007 AGENDA SECTION: Consent Agenda ORIGINATING EXECUTIVE NO: 3 DEPARTMENT: EDA DIRECTOR APPROVAL ITEM: Financial Report and Payment of Bills BY: Cher Bakken BY: DATE: March 16,2007 BACKGROUND: The bound Financial Report for the month of February 2007 draft Resolution 2007-08 is attached for review. The enclosed Financial Report lists the Summary (white), the Check History (Green), the Expenditure Guideline with Detail (biue) and Revenue Guideline with detail (yellow) for each fund. The reports cover the activity in the calendar (fiscal) year from January 1 through February 28, 2007. RECOMMENDATION: Staff will be available to answer specific questions. If the report is satisfactorily complete, we recommend the Board take affirmative action to receive the Financial Report and approve the payment of bills. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve Resolution 2007-08, Resolution of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (EDA) approving the Financial Statement and Payment of Bills for the month of February 2007. EDA ACTION: H:\EDAConsent2007\February Fin Rep 2007 EDA RESOLUTION 2007-08 RESOLUTION OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) APPROVING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR FEBRUARY 2007 AND PAYMENT OF BILLS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2007. WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (EDA) is required by Minnesota Statutes Section 469.096, Subd. 9, to prepare a detailed financial statement which shows all receipts and disbursements, their nature, the money on hand, the purposes to which the money on hand is to be applied, the EDA's credits and assets and its outstanding liabilities; and WHEREAS, said Statute also requires the EDA to examine the statement and treasurer's vouchers or bills and if correct, to approve them by resolution and enter the resolution in its records; and WHEREAS, the financial statement for the month of February 2007 and the list of bills for the month of February 2007 are attached hereto and made a part of this resolution; and WHEREAS, the EDA has examined the financial statement and the list of bills and finds them to be acceptable as to both form and accuracy. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority that it has examined the attached financial statements and list of bills, which are attached hereto and made a part hereof, and they are found to be correct, as to form and content; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the financial statements are acknowledged and received and the list of bills as presented in writing are approved for payment out of proper funds; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this resolution and attachments are to be made a part of the permanent records of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority. Passed this _ day of ,2007. MOTION BY: SECONDED BY: AYES: NAYS: President- Gary L. Peterson Attest by: Cheryl Bakken, Assistant Secretary H:\Resolulions2007\EDA2007-08 fin February 2007 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA SECTION: Business Items ORIGINATING DEPT: CITY MANAGER NO: 4 FINANCE APPROVAL ITEM: Adopt Resolution 2007-09, Declaring the BY: WILLIAM EUUTE BY: official intent of the Columbia Heights EDA to DATE: 03/07/2007 Reimburse Cellain Expenditures from the proceeds of Bonds to be issued bv the authoritv Meeting of: March 27,2007 BACKGROUND: Attached, is an intent to Bond resolution and an e-mail from Steve Bubul explaining the necessity of adopting this resolution related to the intent to bond for the construction costs of the two new liquor stores. The City will be incurring some expenses in this project before we actually sell the bonds to finance the project. Adopting this resolution allows the City to reimburse itself from bond proceeds for expenses that were incurred prior to the date the bonds are sold. This is a standard practice that the City follows for all construction projects where bonding occurs after the project has started. The only significant difference in this case is that the bonding for the liquor stores will be done under the EDA as a development project rather than under the City of Columbia Heights. As is noted in Steve's e-mail, this resolution must be adopted on or before March 27, 2007 to reimburse for Central Avenue land acquisition costs. The land acquisition costs for the 37'11 Avenue property will be paid from existing liquor operations fund balance. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends adoption of Resolution 2007-09, declaring the official intent of the Columbia Heights EDA to reimburse certain expenditures from the proceeds of bonds to be issued by the authority. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to adopt resolution 2007-09, a resolution declaring the official intent of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority to reimburse certain expenditures from the proceeds of bonds to be issued by the Authority. Attachments: EDA ACTION: Message Page 1 of 1 Bill Elrite - Liquor Store Financing rmt'il'nW"!li&'m;'iW~~~0t$I'B:U~;)::%(~'%~~$Th"1"~*#'i~;t""'MiJ;\ilif~~gt'M4Nro~,1t;i;0Ji!;'~'.\',';;~',r,)6;/($'~~';;'(,(Y";H'ii;'!.!.iiK0C;:&'!)"",'SG};;;;~ti';ii9{;;:;JC'0id""""--""-{'~"f';S;;;;;'Z0iifffiTI;SS:,":';;;;X::l From: To: "Bubul, Stephen J." <sbubul@Kennedy-Graven.com> "Bill Elrite" <Bill.Elrite@cLcolumbia-heights.mn.us>, "Mark Ruff" <llli'uff@ehlers- inc.com> 2/14/20071:18 PM Liquor Store Financing <walt.fehst@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us> Date: Subject: CC: I mentioned in a prior email that the EDA (as bond issuer) will need to approve a reimbursement resolution if the City spends money prior to issuance of bonds and plans to reimburse those expenditures from bond proceeds. I understand that the City does hope to reimburse the land acquisition cost for at least the 37th and Stinson site; I don't know if you've decided for sure about the Central Avenue site. The EDA resolution is attached. The maximum expected amount of bonds needs to be inserted. This must be adopted no more than 60 days after an expenditure in order to preserve the right to reimburse form bond proceeds. I've also attached a summary of the closing dates for all land acquired for the two sites, The 37th Street acquisition closed on January 26, and I understand that the entire purchase price was paid on that date (i.e., no earnest money). Therefore, the EDA resolution must be adopted by no later than March 27. For the Central Avenue properties, the earliest closing was January 10. In order to reimburse that cost from bonds, the EDA would need to adopt the resolution by no later than March 11. However. I believe some earnest money was paid before that date, so the earnest money would not be eligible for reimbursement from bond proceeds. Bottom line: you should arrange to have the EDA resolution adopted before March 27 to be sure you can reimburse the Stinson land purchase cost. If you plan to reimburse the Central Avenue land costs, the resolution should be scheduled immediately. Let me know if you have questions. Stephen Bubu! Kennedy & Graven 470 U.S. Bank Plaza Minneapolis, MN 55402 6l2-337-9228 This notice is required by IRS Circular 230, which regulates written communications about federal tax matters between tax advisors and their clients, To the extent the preceding correspondence and or any attachment is a written tax advice communication, it is not a full "covered opinion." Accordingly, this advice is not intended and cannot be used for the purpose of (I) avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or (2) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any matters addressed herein. This message (including any attachments) is from a law firm and may contain confidential client information or an attorney- client communication that is confidential and privileged by law. The information is intended only for the use ofthe individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you arc not the addressee or the employee or agent responsible to deliver this e-mail to its intended recipient, please delete this message (and any attachments) without any review, distribution, or copying and notify the sender of the inadvertent transmission. file://C:\Documents and Settings\CCH-User.Cl 015.000\Local Settings\Temp\GW} 00001.H... 3/7/2007 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION NO. 2007-09 DECLARING THE OFFICIAL INTENT OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO REIMBURSE CERTAIN EXPENDITURES FROM THE PROCEEDS OF BONDS TO BE ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service has issued Treas. Reg. S 1.150-2 (the "Reimbursement Regulations") providing that proceeds of tax-exempt bonds used to reimburse prior expenditures will not be deemed spent unless certain requirements are met; and WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the "Authority"), or the City of Columbia Heights on behalf of the Authority, expects to incur certain expenditures that may be financed temporarily from sources other than bonds, and rcimbursed from the proceeds of a tax-exempt bond; WHEREAS, the Authority has determined to make this declaration of official intent (the "Declaration") to reimburse certain costs from proceeds of bonds in accordance with the Reimbursement Regulations. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AS FOLLOWS: I. The Authority, in cooperation with the City, proposes to undertake the acquisition and betterment of two municipal liquor stores (the "Project"). 2. The Authority, or the City on behalf of the Authority, reasonably expects to reimburse the expenditures made for ceriain costs of the Project from the proceeds of bonds in an estimated maximum principal amount of $4,500,000.00. All reimbursed expenditures will be capital expenditures, costs of issuance of the bonds, or other expenditures eligible for reimbursement under Section 1.150-2( d)(3) of the Reimbursement Regulations. 3. This Declaration has been made not later than 60 days after payment of any original expenditure to be subject to a reimbursement allocation with respect to the proceeds of bonds, except for the following expenditures: (a) costs of issuance of bonds; (b) costs in an amount not in excess of the lesser of $100,000 or 5 percent of the proceeds of an issue; or (c) "preliminary expenditures" up to an amount not in excess of 20 percent of the aggregate issue price of the issue or issues that finance or are reasonably expected by the Authority to finance the project for which the preliminary expenditures were incurred. The term "preliminary expenditures" includes architectural, engineering, surveying, bond issuance, and similar costs that are incurred prior to commencement of acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of a project, other than land acquisition, site preparation, and similar costs incident to commencement of construction. 4. This Declaration is an expression of the reasonable expectations of the Authority based on the facts and circumstances known to the Authority as of the date hereof. The anticipated original expenditures for the Project and the principal amount of the bonds described in paragraph 2 are consistent with the Authority's and the budgetary and financial circumstances. No sources other than proceeds of bonds to be issued by the Authority are, or are reasonably expected to be, reserved, allocated on a long-term basis, or otherwise set aside pursuant to the Authority's or the City's budget or financial policies to pay such Project expenditures. 5. This Declaration is intended to constitute a declaration of official intent for purposes ofthe Reimbursement Regulations. (The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.) 2 Approved by the Board of Commissioners of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority this day of ,2007. COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Attest: President-Gary L. Peterson Executive Director- Walter R. Fehst 3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) DATE: March 23, 2007 TO: EDA Commissioners FROM: Randall Schumacher, Project Director RE: Realife, Inc. Cooperative Presentation Background In 2004, the EDA approved Schafer Richardson's master site plan for the industrial park, which included senior cooperative units. Schafer Richardson has partnered with Realife, Inc. of Apple Valley and plans to build 51 units of senior cooperative housing on the former Buckles property in Phase I. The proposal remains consistent with the original master site plan. However, before the development partners come back to the city with a formal proposal, they seek concept support from the EDA so they can move forward with the first step of marketing the project. Realife, Inc. began in 1975 with its first senior cooperative project, 7500 York, in Edina, Minnesota. The project is considered the first senior housing cooperative of its kind in the country. The company has built and managed over 20 communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Residency is open to those 55 and older. Cooperative communities offer an alternative form of home ownership to residents. Instead of buying and assuming the mortgage on the house or condo unit a resident has purchased, cooperatives hold one mortgage on the entire property and residents purchase a share (considered a down payment) in the not- for-profit cooperative corporation. Subsequent monthly payments contribute to the payment of the mortgage on the property and cover the costs of maintaining the building and grounds. When members sell, they receive a limited amount of equity based upon the number of years they have lived in their home. The limited-equity model of a cooperative offers an affordable homeowners hip model to seniors while still allowing them to build equity. Units remain affordable for the next generation of homeowners. Like any condominium development, residents experience maintenance-free living. They also enjoy amenities such as community and guest rooms, exercise rooms and heated, indoor parking. Concept Support Realife, Inc. seeks consensus of support from the EDA commissioners for the senior cooperative concept for the Buckles site in Phase I. The company would like to begin marketing of the project to the public to obtain the 60% of presales needed for financing approval. Building and site plans will be presented at a later date, so at this stage in the project, the company is not seeking formal approval from the EDA. Staff recommends support for this concept. Realife, Bringing Cooperative Community Living to Active Seniors West St Paul 97 units 2001 Cambridge 38 units 2006 Brooklyn Park 98 units 1998 Osseo 77 Units 2003 Realife, Bringing Cooperative Community Living to Active Seniors St Peter 36 Units 1989 Phalen 59 Units 2003 St Cloud 50 Units 2005 Mankato 57 Units 1986 Realife, Bringing Cooperative Community Living to Active Seniors What is Cooperative housing? For many people, the concept of cooperative housing is new and unfamiliar. However, after reading this material, you'll find it's really quite simple. Cooperative living is a unique fmm of ownership and operation of a housing development. The cooperative is owned and operated by those who live in the building. Realife cooperatives are not-for-profit communities and they exist solely for the convenience and benefits ofthe resident owners. They offer similar benefits of owning plus you gain the benefits of community living. How they work? In a Realife cooperative there is one mortgage on the property held by the not-for-profit cooperative corporation. When a share is purchased (down payment) in the not- for profit cooperative corporation, the owner of the share becomes a shareholder and is authorized to live in the coop- erative. Members continue to contribute to the single mortgage through their monthly payments. Monthly payments cover the actual costs ofmnning the build- ing. Living in a cooperative still allows you to deduct your real estate taxes and mortgage interest if you itemize your personal income taxes; just as you would if you owned a townhouse or condominium. In a Realife cooperative, the members of the cooperative govern the development through their resident-elected board of directors. This is similar to a town home association's board of directors or a landlord of an apmiment building. The responsibility of the board is to set policies for the overall operation ofthe co- operative as outlined in its by-laws. The board of directors are the only ones who can alter the monthly payments, should actual costs rise. A Realife cooperative is set up as a limited equity cooperative. Members earn a limited amount of equity each on their home upon resale. This is done to ensure prices are affordable for initial as well as future members. When you sell a town home, condominium or single family home, most often you enlist the aid of a real- tor and a price is detemlined by the existing market conditions. In a limited equity cooperative, members receive a fixed amount of equity based on the number of years they have lived in their home. This results in cooperative home prices gener- ally staying well below the price of comparable market rate housing over time. Realife, Bringing Cooperative Community Living to Active Seniors Benefits of living in a Realife cooperative Moving to a Realife cooperative community is a refreshing change of pace for ac- tive seniors who like their freedom and independence. A great amount of detail has been considered in creating an environment where life is much simpler and more satisfying for resident owners. -No mowing. No home maintenance. Sit back, relax and leave the work to us! We will take care of all yard work and building issues so you can have more time to do the things you actually want to do. -Tax deductions. If you itemize your taxes, you can deduct a proportion of the real estate taxes and mortgage interest paid on the cooperative. -Repairs and replacements. Standard appliances and finishes (e.g., refrigerator, oven and floor coverings) are the property of the cooperative. If a standard appli- ance needs repair or replacing due to normal wear and tear, the cooperative is re- sponsible. As a cooperative member, you simply contact the resident services man- ager to handle the matter. -Homes designs. Our homes offer many unique features to make living easier. (raised dishwashers, extend cabinets above refrigerator, etc.) Members who are reg- istered by the begimling stages of the construction period, have the opPOliunity to personalize their home by choosing floor coverings, cabinets, countertops and more. -Earn equity. Realife cooperatives are a smart way to downsize and still be able to earn equity on your home. Each year you live in the cooperative you earn a pre- detennined amount of equity. When you decide to sell, this assists you in detemlin- ing your selling price. -Members have a voice. Resident owners have a say in the operation ofthe coop- erative by being a board member or a voting member. -Community Areas. We provide a variety of conmlon areas within the cooperative such as a woodshop, craft room and library. -Staff. We provide professional on site management staff to assist members with any questions or concerns they may have about the cooperative. -Worry Free Living. Travel year round without worrying about taking care of your home or yard. -Neighbors/Friends. Enjoying living among adults with similar life experiences. Need a cup of sugar or just need to talk to someone...friends are only a doorway away. -Parldng. Secure indoor heated parking is available at nominal fee. -Extra bedrooms. Need more bedrooms? We have guest rooms available for fam- ily & friends at a nominal fee. Realife, Bringing Cooperative Community Living to Active Seniors Imagine no home maintenance, no lawn care, having the time to spend with friends and fam- ily and having neighbors only a doorway away. Realife cooperatives provide the best value when it comes to cooperative community living. Our cooperatives offer several common areas and special services for all members to enjoy. -Community great room for dining, pmiies, lounging or any other event -Serving kitchen for members private pmiies or special groups -Exercise room -Craft room -Library/lounge room - Woodworking shop -Large laundry rooms at no charge -Heated indoor parking at additional charge - Wash bay in garage -Elevators and banier free aCCeSS -Guest room with nominal fee -Central mailboxes -"While You're Away" service-we'll watch your place-pick up your mail and wa- ter your plants Community Living Home Design Realife cooperative homes are designed specifically for you and to fit your budget. We offer a variety of spacious floor plans and include the following: -All kitchen appliances: self-defi"ost refrigerator, disposal, electric range and hood with self-cleaning oven, dishwasher -Choices in kitchen cabinets, carpet, vinyl flooring and countertops for chmier resi- dents -Carpeting throughout with no-wax vinyl flooring in kitchen and bathes) -Private balconies with light and outlet -Spacious closets with coated wire shelves -Individually controlled, forced air heating and central air conditioning in each home -Additional storage room -Barrier free access, enhanced by 34" wide doors with lever handle lockset -Secure windows (close and lock design) -Lever faucet controls in kitchen and bath (s) -Sound reduction between homes -Smoke detectors and sprinklers in evelY room -Central TV antenna system/cable ready, with jacks in bedroom(s), den and living room - Telephone outlets in kitchen, living room and bedroom (s) -Fully secured building with controlled access Compare cooperative living Cooperative Town Homel Condominium Apartment Purchase a share in How to the cooperative. One Sign a purchase agreement Purchase share for each unit in of real estate transaction. No purchase - rent. building. Receive Yes. Members may deduct proportionate Yes. Homeowners may Homeowner share of real estate deduct real estate taxes and Not available. Tax Benefits taxes and mortgage mortgage interest paid. interest. One mortgage on entire building. Member has Owner(s) obtai'n a mortgage Financing no individual liability. No ownership. Members contribute to and have liability. mortgage. Building Member-elected board Most often an owner's Control of directors, made up association made up of Property manager only. of members. Each unit and Voting has one vote. owners. Building operated Common eiements of under terms of bylaws, building (e.g., grounds, pool) Day-to-Day occupancy agreement administered by association and regulatory andlor for hire propeliy Property manager only. Operation agreement. Board, along with managing manager. Individual home controlled exclusively by company, oversees mortgage holder. general operation. / Limited equity based Dependent on existing Equity on amount of time lived market rate of comparable Not applicable. in unit. sales. Ril'Ji$a~e Cooperative has first Owner's responsibility to option to sell unit. Use start process of sale of real You cannot resell. Procedure wait list to assist estate (i.e., enlist services of member in resale. realtor) Realife, Bringing Cooperative Community Living to Active Seniors Testimonials "My wife, Bernadette and 1 moved from southern Minnesota to be near our family and had to learn our new neighbors and the area, all in one. It was a tough decision to move, but, since we made up our minds, we have enjoyed every day we have been here. There are so many things to do we now have to keep a calendar!" Mel 1 like the amenities not found in a single family, especially the great room which we use for special gatherings where we can host more friends." Walter, Coon Rapids "When 1 moved into the Realife Cooperative of Coon Rapids it was the first time 1 ever lived in a new house. It is so nice and everyone is so friendly. There are many activities people can participate in if they like. This co-op plan is a wonderful idea." Mmy, Coon Rapids "1 am so grateful 1 live here! Living here has really been a blessing. There are all types of different activities; cards, bingo, coffees, most are food related events- snacks, potlucks, and special event catered dinners. Those people who choose not to pmiicipate don't know what they're missing. Evelyone who lives and works here are really wonderful.... living here has helped me stay active, even with limited mobility. 1 truly believe 1 made a great decision to move to Realife." Mavis "We really love it here. Our kids have been very happy that we moved into a Realife, now they don't have to wony that we are ovelworking in our yard or in our house, because we now live maintenance free! There is always someone to help you, be it your neighbors or staff from Realife. We are extremely lucky to have wonderful friends who have turned into our extended family. Our daughter-in-law recently passed away and eve- ryone has been so wonderful to us and our grandson-no one, no one could ever buy the compassion that has been showered upon our family". Phylllis and Em Realife, Bringing Cooperative Community Living to Active Seniors "We have a friend who lives in another Realife and he encouraged us to look into co- operative living because he felt living in a cooperative is one of the best deals you could find. So we decided to go on a tour and as soon as we walked into the build- ing, my husband said, 'Lets sell the house' right from the start we were and still are impressed with Realife. Our kids think it's wonderful because they don't have to wony about us living in our single family home. No more lawn work, cleaning out gutters-we park inside, so we get into a wann car and don't ever really know it's cold unless we hear it on the news! We really enjoyed moving into a brand new place-we were able to do some of our own decorating to make it our own. Even though it is an apmiment style building, when we walk in our halls it is vew quite and plivate and feel we didn't loose that by moving. It's great to live here, when we leave the building for the day or an extended vacation we can lock and walk, with out a wony." Lois and )lVally "We went away for a month and were worried we'd miss our grandchildren too much. It turns out we missed our new friends in the cooperative as well." Dick and Helen "We like living in the Realife Cooperative of Coon Rapids really well. We are originally fi'om Anoka and decided to move to Coon Rapids to be close to our home city because we still have ties there. Having Realife operating and managing our cooperative has been great and we are really velY satisfied. There are plenty of activities and if we choose to tap into them we can, but there isn't any problem not going to them too. All the people are friendly and kind, there is a world of talent and interests, people from tremendous careers that share their knowledge and interests, with that in mind, both of us find living here a fascinating environment". Howard and Dorothy I was a homeowner for 47 years. I did not find it hard getting use to living in Realife. It is VOl}' comfortable to have our ownliv- iug area Bnd yet have large community areas in our now home. I enjoy using the game room with our grandchildren, family, fi'iends old and new. There is always a fi'iendly face to greet you when you are going down the halls. It is great to (urn over all the building maintenance, lawn care and managing over to our coordinator, Gina. Russ Oberg #213 Not owning a homo has fi'eed up our time to be with our families and .6:iends. Being a part of a conununity, we share our skills and efforts to make our new homes together. The activities, the fellowship, and new friendships have had a great effect on us as residents. Pool, cards, domino's, catered dimlers, potluck, dining in, dining across the hall with a fiiend, you can't have it any bet- ter. Just by opening our doors we are able to share our joys and our sorrows with others without have to go out in bad weather or traffic.. .. We are velY happy we broke away fi:om the ordinary life style and chose a comlllunity style of living, we thank you with Realife. Bev Oberg .-- ,,"~. ,. '~.~ - "-' - , '-. ~ -'..... --- , .,~ ,~)riJ'~ '. WEST BUILDING ELEVATION - SCHEMATIC DESIGN NoToSo 3/22/2007 @ Realife Cooperative of Columbia Heights ~ MILLER HANSON PARTNERS Architects & Planners 1201 Hawthorne Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 T 612.332.5420 F 612.332.5425 WEB www.millerhanson.com __ ~li __ TO: EDA FROM: Kirsten Parten heimer, Community Development Specialist DATE: March 23, 2007 SUBJECT: March Update of Community Development Activity The following is an update of Community Development activity through mid March of 2007. If you have any comments or questions you may contact Bob Streetar at 763- 706-3672. ACTIVITY CENTER The Activity Center Advisory Committee (ACAC) came together in December and again in February to decide upon activity center alternatives to present to the City Council and then to the public at its next open house. The committee has reached the third of four steps in the Council-initiated public participation process. Seeking confirmation and feedback from the Council, the ACAC chair presented three proposed alternatives at the February 21,2007 City Council work session. Four gyms and an aquatics center, among other recreational and community amenities, are included in the N.E.1. Full Build-Out alternative proposed for the former N.E,1. site. A proposed partial build-out for the same site would include only two gyms, but would allow for a future expansion with two additional gyms and an aquatics center, The ACAC also proposed a partial build"out option at Huset Park to be built onto a renovated Murzyn Hall. Concerned about the loss of ball fields, the ACAC reported that this option includes a stipulation that any ball fields lost at Huset Park as the result of activity center construction are to be replaced at another city location, The high school site was not considered as a site alternative, because the amenities that the ACAC identified as needed to meet the needs of the entire community would not fit on the site north of the swimming pool. However, in addition to the possibility of expanding the partial build-out of the activity center at N. E, I., the ACAC also identified the high school as a possible location for gym expansion. In a vote at the February 5, 2007 ACAC meeting, the Heritage Heights site was eliminated because of cost and time concerns. Pastor Dan Thompson, who served as chair of the ACAC since the beginning of the public participation process, resigned at the end of February from both the position as chair and from the committee. Although his passion for the process and the proposed project remain, he felt that he did not have the time or energy to continue with the committee. He expressed his confidence in Denny O'Connell and Gerry Herringer to fulfill the role of co-chairs. Both have been asked to take on the new role, but have not yet formally accepted. Because of Council interest, the YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis has been invited to the April 24, 2007 EDA meeting to introduce their organization and express their interest In a potential partnership with the city on an activity center. Information from all meetings will be posted on the City's website at: http://www.cLcolumbia-heights.mn.us/departments/CommCenter.asp. Or, from the main page, click on "departments," "Community development" and then "Activity Center" under "Redevelopment Updates." SARNA'S Sarna's Classic Grill opened for business in early March. Please see the attached article. which appeared on March 14. 2007 in the Star Tribune. GRAND CENTRAL LOFTS The developers of the project are working on a commercial proposal. They Indicate they will have something for the EDA to review this spring. PARK VIEW Demolition work in Phase III is complete, while soil cleanup remains ongoing. Sodium solicate. an underground storage tank and foundry sand have already been removed. Staff continues to work with the developer to plat the property. 37TH & STINSON The demolition of the Apache Theater and the removal of the parking lot will be complete by the end of March. Pre-construction meetings are scheduled with Comforts of Home, the senior housing builder who plans to start construction this summer on 52 assisted- living and memory care units. All planning actions have been taken and approved by the Council for this project, including site plan and final plat approval. Now open: A giant, all-American menu - with a helping of smoke Page I of I IstarTribune.com I MINNEAPOLIS - ST. PAUL, MINNESOTAI Last update: March 14, 2007 - 3:35 PM Now open: A giant, all-American menu - with a helping of smoke What hit me as I first walked into Sarna's Classic Grill was not the bustling opening-night crowd. It wasn't the spacious setting, either. It was the cigarette smoke. By Rick Nelson, Star Tribune What hit me as I first walked into Sarna's Classic Grill was not the bustling opening-night crowd. It wasn't the spacious setting, either. It was the cigarette smoke. I guess I've been dining in smoke-free Hennepin and Ramsey counties a bit too much, because after spending a half-hour in the place -- located two blocks over the Anoka County line from smoke-free Minneapolis -- my throat was dry, my eyes were watering and my clothes reeked. And we were seated in the nonsmoking section. The giant, all-American menu is definitely conversant in something-for- everyone-speak. Onion rings, chicken tenders, deep-fried shrimp and pot stickers headline a lengthy appetizer roster. Sandwiches swing from grilled Reubens to four variations on grilled chicken. Five different burgers include a bacon-and-cheese-stuffed version of the Juicy Lucy. Build-your-own pizzas cull from more than a dozen ingredients. A long list of entrees range from classic diner fare -- hot turkey sandwich, chicken pot pie -- to cumin-seasoned pork served with cilantro-infused rice and teriyaki-glazed salmon with a vegetable medley. Desserts means sundaes (using Bridgeman's ice cream), root beer floats, a warm brownie-like cake topped with a raspberry sauce and a turtle-style cheesecake. With a handful of exceptions, the reasonable prices pretty much stay below $12, and the kid's menu has 10 choices, all priced at $4.95. The surroundings may give Redstone American Grill regulars a twinge of deja vu: a big central bar flanked by booth-lined dining rooms and capped by a wide- open kitchen. A long patio fronting University Avenue will no doubt have customers hoping for an early spring. And, for me at least, a breath of fresh air. @2007 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. http://www.startribune.com/456/v-printlstory/1054149.html 3/22/2007