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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDA MIN 06-22-10ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING JUNE 22, 2010 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President -Gary Peterson. Members Present: Bruce Nawrocki, Tammera Diehm, Gary Peterson, Gerry Herringer, Bruce Kelzenberg, Marlaine Szurek, and Bobby Williams (arrived at 7:10 pm). Staff Present: Walt Fehst, Scott Clark, Sheila Cartney, and Shelley Hanson. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - RECITED 3. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT Clark explained that as a prelude to the goals and strategy meeting that will take place later this summer, he invited a few Developers to attend this meeting to address two questions. 1) Their perspective on the Columbia Heights Market and how to promote the community, & 2) Perspectives on market possibilities for the Mady's site. Clark stated he had given the Developers a list of potential redevelopment sites that included: L Mady's site (including the Burger King site) - -39 and Central -3.89 acres 2. Root Property -40 and University -2.58 acres 3. Huset Park Phase III -37 and University (east side) -6.22 acres 4. 51 Court (including Crosstown Eatery property) -3.58 acres 5. Central Value Mall (Rainbow Foods Center) -4300 Central -10.15 acres 6. 37 and Central - -.66 acres 7. Jackson and 40 Ave - -.37 acres 8. Wagamon Bros property -37 and University (west side) -1.92 acres Clark then introduced the four developers invited to participate in this discussion and gave brief backgrounds on each one: 1. Chris Barnes and Ross Stitely were present from Dominium Corporation. They work mainly with larger, upscale rental housing such as the St. Anthony development. 2. Frank Dunbar was present from Dunbar Development. He works mainly with projects that incorporate Sr. Housing, Libraries, City Halls, Student housing, or a combination of them. 3. Collin Barr was present from Ryan Companies. He deals mainly with commercial /retail development or small light industrial development. 4. Bruce Carlson - (formerly United Properties) was invited, but was unable to attend. Clark asked them what they saw as the strengths and weaknesses of Columbia Heights and what options they view as being successful for our city. a) Chris Barnes said access is our best asset and we should promote that aspect in all future development. He sees the biggest disadvantage is that the City has no draw to keep people here such as shopping or entertainment venues. b) Collin Barr said he is half developer and half builder who sees our city as having aged housing with little options to play or shop here. In order to draw corporate employers to this area, the city needs to land some bigger sites to add shopping and entertainment opportunities. EDA MINUTES PAGE 2 JUNE 22, 2010 c) Frank Dunbar talked about the demographics of the baby boomers and the younger generation now entering the work force, and how their housing choices differ. He said the younger generation is looking to more contemporary housing that meets their needs and active lifestyles, and offers amenities they tend to use. The traditional housing the baby boomers sought is not as desirable to the younger generation. He said 70% of people in their 20's live in rental housing. Ideally, he thinks we need to provide our senior population with convenient, rental buildings with lots of activities so they will move out of the homes that have become aged and outdated. Seniors tend to stay close to where they have lived for a long time, if the right housing is provided as an option. Then we need to replace that aged housing with more contemporary, upscale buildings so we attract younger people who have disposable income. Diehm asked the developers to give their perspective on what comes first, the replacement of the housing or the addition of retail and entertainment space. How do we make ourselves more attractive? a) Chris Barnes said the Council needs to put a plan together of what type of development they want in the City. He said that St Anthony's plan took more than three years to put together. Once in place, it was launched all at once and included both housing and retail /office development. Chris acknowledged that Columbia Heights doesn't have a large enough site to do something on that scale. b) Collin Barr agreed the city needs to envision what they want to do and make it happen over time. Peterson asked what type of housing Frank would recommend. Frank said he thinks the Coop and Condo market has run its course. Seniors tend to want quality rental now instead. It gives them better liquidity options for health care changes. It also makes it easier for families who have to deal with aging parents. He told the members to quit looking in the rear view mirror. The elected officials need to look at what the population wants, and what the trends are. Peterson stated that building more rental units here is a hard sell due to past experience, but he also acknowledged the City needs to change its image. Herringer asked if the developers could state in a dozen or so words what comes to mind when they think of Columbia Heights. a) Collin labeled it a "Tweener ". It's one you drive through and that it's easily forgettable. He said that developers are fairly neutral on the city and would be willing to re- develop a site if an opportunity arose. b) Chris said he wasn't real familiar with Columbia Heights, but liked the proximity to other places. He didn't think it has a real identity of its own and viewed it as a neutral place to do development. EDA MINUTES PAGE 3 JUNE 22, 2010 c) Frank has built in communities surrounding Columbia Heights, but never here. He said the biggest problem Columbia Heights has is there aren't enough residents with disposable income. He went on to say that Columbia Heights has very dated multi family units that draw residents that have limited discretionary incomes. It is an economically challenged community, and therefore, businesses do not want to locate there. He said the city needs to become more contemporary and construct upscale, higher priced rental. This will bring in people who have higher incomes and then restaurants and retail will most likely follow. He acknowledged the City may have to fill an economic gap to make a project work which will take some risk, but will be necessary to break the cycle. Clark stated that members had doubts about the long term sustainability of the proposed rental project that was recently turned down for the Grand Central site. He asked the developers if they thought the price point of $1.30 - $1.50 /sf could be sustained on that site. Chris from Dominium said the St Anthony site has a price point of $1.30 /sf, but it has other things to offer in the area. He didn't think the Grand Central project could sustain a higher price point without other area re- development to go along with the project. Nawrocki said he is aware that Columbia Heights has one of the lowest household income levels in the Twin Cities. He asked how Columbia Heights could increase business and retail with that demographic level? Colin responded that that is the problem and why developers won't seek out development here. And it makes it more difficult because our re- development sites are not that large. Diehm said what she was hearing from the developers was that Columbia Heights needs to draw residents with higher income levels and in order to do that, the City needs to put a plan into effect and build better housing and /or rental complexes that offer upscale finishing and amenities. Frank agreed, there is a need to get present owners into newer senior housing and tear down and redevelop the housing stock. He said we should get rid of the dated homes, as they have nothing to offer the younger generation with the most disposable income. Columbia Heights needs to draw people in the right demographic income bracket to bring in the rest. He stated the trend is that young people want to live close to the city, but in nice housing, with entertainment options close by. Frank said it may be a slow process to achieve that goal. Clark said NE Minneapolis has been re- vitalizing in some areas, but it seems to stop south of us. He sees part of the problem being that the commercial property along Central Avenue is located on such small sites. He then asked the developers what they envisioned as a potential project for the Mady's site at 39 and Central Ave. Frank responded that he thought a project that made a statement to the community such as building a city hall facility and /or library facility along with some senior housing and small retail would probably work there. He said they are in the process of constructing something very similar in Norwood /Young America. EDA MINUTES PAGE 4 JUNE 22, 2010 Nawrocki asked the developers if the city obtained a site and did the clean -up on it, if it makes it any more attractive to a developer. Collin said a little, but not much without the addition of newer housing or an active senior housing complex close by. Clark told the developers about the possible street car project that Minneapolis is pursuing. He asked if something like that would be an economic tool the City could use to promote other development. Colin said he has read mixed reviews on transit lines and how they impact local business along the lines. He said studies show it generally has little market impact or on increasing property values nearby. Clark said he looked at it more as an opportunity to change the image of the city by focusing on something different that the city has to offer. The Heights Theater was brought up as an example of something that is unique to Columbia Heights that draws people from other communities to ours. The developers said that is the type of thing that is needed to promote Columbia Heights, but we need to build and expand on other things to keep people coming into the community to spend their money. Frank said if the City decides that is the heart of the community, then the surrounding area should be targeted for re- development. Clark asked the developers to name other cities they feel have re- defined themselves. a) Frank said St Louis Park. He said it was tired and dated also, but they pushed the envelope to make changes. They tore down a lot of properties and completely re- built. It was a huge project to re- create their downtown area. He said most of the re- development has been focused around Excelsior Blvd and Grand, along 36 Street, and along Hwy 7. He said they realized if you want to raise disposable income of residents, and bring in retail to meet their needs, then you have to do something drastic. St. Louis Park set aside some the their Planning & Zoning codes in order to achieve their larger goal. Cartney said that the St. Louis Park project also raised the income levels of their residents by providing places to shop and play close to home that resulted in them only having 50 foreclosures in the last few years compared to Columbia Heights' 740 foreclosures. b) Chris said St Anthony is another city that has re- defined itself with the re- development of the old Apache Plaza site. He said that project offers a mix of income levels. Clark said he feels a lot of the businesses in Columbia Heights are marginal and cater to a limited number of the population. He doesn't feel these businesses are an asset to the community, nor are they going in the right direction as far as improving the city's image. He asked if there is a point when that can't be reversed. Frank said it can always be changed, but city officials need to focus on a plan to change things and stick to it. He said the biggest thing that has to change is attitude. City officials will need to concentrate on their plan and have a positive attitude that things throughout the city can change. EDA MINUTES PAGE 5 JUNE 22, 2010 Nawrocki asked them what they thought it would take to put together a viable project for the commercial piece on 47 and Central Avenue since no one has been able to do that yet. Colin said that piece blends into the rest of the development happening there. He said this site is removed from the Central downtown area. He thinks that some type of Active Sr. Housing or upscale rental could work in conjunction with a retail anchor or small industrial business such as a Fed Ex location. With the freeway access so nearby, it would be a good place for that type of business. Chris wouldn't comment on development of the commercial piece since he deals mainly in residential /rental complexes. Fehst said changes in the law regarding eminent domain have hurt cities ability to increase or replace industrial businesses. The developers agreed this has had a negative impact on cities. The developers were asked if they would consider Aldi's as a quality retail component for the city. Colin and Frank both said yes, especially if mixed with a Sr. Housing complex nearby. Peterson thanked the developers for coming and felt the information received was encouraging and helpful. Diehm said she feels the City needs to look towards the future and to make changes that will attract residents with higher incomes to spur further development. 4. CONSENT AGENDA Approve the Minutes of May 25, 2010. 2. Approve the Financial Report and Payment of Bills for May 2010 per Resolution 2010 -09 Nawrocki questioned some of the payments: Linders- Refund for CUP Randy Yeary- Refund on Site Plan Sargent payment- tuition reimbursement He stated that these payments have already been approved by the City Council, so he questioned why the EDA needs to approve them again. Clark told him it has to be approved by both bodies because the payment of bills aren't separated and are made from different sources of revenue. Some are paid from revenues generated from permit fees collected and some are paid from EDA or HRA levies, which would require the appropriate Board's approval. Fehst suggested Nawrocki ask the Auditor if the bills needed to be approved twice. EDA COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 6 JUNE 22, 2010 Motion by Diehm, seconded by Kelzenberg, to waive the Reading of Resolution 2010 -09, there being ample copies available to the public. All ayes. MOTIONPASSED. Motion by Diehm, seconded by Kelzenberg, to approve the minutes and to adopt Resolution 2010 -09, approving Financial Report and payment of bills for May 2010. All ayes. MOTIONPASSED. EDA RESOLUTION 2010 -09 RESOLUTION OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) APPROVING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR MAY 2010 AND PAYMENT OF BILLS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2010. 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 May 2010 has been reviewed by the EDA Commission; and WHEREAS, the EDA has examined the financial statement and finds them to be acceptable as to both form and accuracy; and WHEREAS, the EDA Commission has other means to verify the intent of Section 469.096, Subd. 9, including but not limited to Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, Annual City approved Budgets, Audits and similar documentation; and WHEREAS, financials statements are held by the City's Finance Department in a method outlined by the State of Minnesota's Records Retention Schedule, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority that it has examined the referenced financial statements including the check history, 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 check history as presented in writing is approved for payment out of proper funds; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this resolution is made a part of the permanent records of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority. Passed this 22nd day of June, 2010. MOTION BY: Diehm SECONDED BY: Kelzenberg AYES: All ayes EDA MINUTES PAGE 6 JUNE 22, 2010 BUSINESS ITEMS 5. GMHC -2 Amendment to Redevelopment contract with GHMC for redevelopment of 3805 2nd St- Resolution 2010 -10 On November 27, 2007 the EDA entered into an agreement with Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC) for the redevelopment of the residential property located at 3805 2nd Street. At that time the property contained one single - family house on a double lot. As part of the agreement GMHC was to demolish the house and redevelop the site with two new single - family homes, with financial assistance from the EDA. The EDA agreed to provide $86,647 in funding to make this project feasible for GMHC. The $86,647 was obligated through the Anoka County HRA levy. To date the existing house has been demolished and no further activity has taken place on the site. GMHC requested a contract extension in 2009 that was approved by the EDA, changing the commencement date to May 1, 2010 and completion date to December 31, 2010. GMHC is requesting another one -year extension. In addition to the extension GMHC is requesting an additional amendment to the minimum improvements (Schedule B). GMHC would like to add an alternative house plan to the minimum improvements. The table provides a comparison of the major differences Approved Alternate Proposed Two-story Split-ent 3bd 2.5bath 3 BR, 2 bath Detached 2 -car garage Attached 2 -car garage Large front porch Small front porch Master Suite with walk in closet and master bath No master suite Formal Dining Room Dining kitchen area in one space Allowing for the alternative plan provides more options for GMHC houses. The Split -entry home is cheaper to build but is 50 Square feet larger than the two - story. Staff recommends the EDA direct staff to amend the agreement to extend the completion dates by one year and to allow the alternate plan. stions from members: Nawrocki asked Bill Buelow from GMHC why they hadn't started yet. He said with the downturn in the market, they are cautious about building a house on spec and therefore, are looking to save some additional money to construct the home. The original plan cost more to construct than the proposed split level plan. Bill said the new style home would have a finished basement, so it would actually have more square feet. He explained that all the mechanical, fixtures and finishing would be the same. Nawrocki then asked how much we've paid them. Cartney told him nothing yet, but we are committed to pay them $86,647 for two houses to be constructed from Anoka HRA Levy money. EDA MINUTES PAGE 6 JUNE 22, 2010 Herringer asked if GMHC planned to build two houses of the same style on the two lots. Bill said that was the plan, but that he would make modifications to the exteriors so they would be slightly different. Bill said one nice feature with the proposed split entry design is that they will have attached garages, rather than detached garages that were proposed with the two story design. The general consensus of the members was they would like to see two different designs. They asked him if he would be willing to construct two different styled homes. He said that he would be open to that. He told the Board that his main goal is to get the extension in place. If he gets approval to build the first house with the Split Style, he will bring back a design for the second one before they construct that one. Nawrocki asked if this is upgrading our housing stock. He isn't impressed with the design of this house, nor the two they built on Jefferson. Peterson pointed out these are larger houses with attached garages, and are as large as can be built on lots this sized. They will sell for approximately $200,000 versus the average price of $100,000 that houses in that area are selling for now. Resident, Jeff Diehm, stated the houses that were built on Jefferson St. were a big improvement to that block which is what the developers were telling us we must do. Bill Buelow told members they have been rehabbing some houses in Minneapolis and making them more contemporary. Diehm asked if a tour could be arranged to view what changes they have made to the properties. Cartney will schedule something with Bill and let the members know. Motion by Diehm, seconded by Kelzenberg, to waive the reading of the revised Resolution 2010 -10, there being an ample amount of copies available to the public. All Ayes. MOTIONPASSED. Motion by Dtehm, seconded by Szurek, to Adopt Resolution 2010 -10, Second Amendment to Contract for Private Redevelopment by and between the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority, Columbia Heights, Minnesota and the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation dated November 27, 2007, to change commencement and completion dates by one year and to allow one of the houses being built to be a split -entry design as an alternative plan. All ayes. MOTIONPASSED. EDA Resolution 2010 -10 Second Amendment to "Contract for Private Redevelopment by and Between the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority, Columbia Heights, Minnesota and Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation" dated November 27, 2007 WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (EDA) entered into an agreement entitled, "Contract for Private Redevelopment by and Between the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority, Columbia Heights, Minnesota and Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation, dated as of November 27, 2010, as amended by a First Amendment dated January 27, 2009 (the Agreement), and EDA MINUTES PAGE 9 JUNE 22, 2010 WHEREAS, the Agreement contract outlined the terms and conditions for redevelopment of property addressed as 3805 Second Street, and WHEREAS, the end result of the redevelopment is the construction and sale of two single family homes by Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation, and WHEREAS, Section 4.3 (a) "Completion of Construction" requires a commencement date of May 1, 2010 and a construction completion date of December 31, 2010, WHEREAS, due to economic conditions causing declining sales prices the redevelopment project has been delayed, and WHEREAS, the parties have determined to modify the Agreement in order to accommodate a change in the construction schedule and certain other details. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the board of commissioners of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority as follows: 1. The EDA approves a Second Amendment to the Agreement in substantially the form on file in City Hall. 2. The EDA's president and executive director are authorized and directed to execute the Second Amendment, with changes that do not alter the substance of the transaction; provided that execution of the document by those officials will be conclusive evidence of their approval. Passed this day of 1 2010. Offered by: Diehm Second by: Szurek Roll Call: All ayes President, Gary Peterson Executive Director, Walter R. Fehst EDA MINUTES PAGE 10 JUNE 22, 2010 SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT FOR PRIVATE REDEVELOPMENT THIS AGREEMENT, made on or as of the day of , 2010, by and between COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, a public body corporate and politic (the "Authority "), established pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.090 to 469.1081 (hereinafter referred to as the "Act "), and GREATER METROPOLITAN HOUSING CORPORATION ( "GHMC "), a Minnesota non - profit corporation (the "Redeveloper "). WHEREAS, the Authority and Redeveloper entered into that certain Contract for Private Redevelopment dated as of November 27, 2007, as amended by a First Amendment thereto dated January 27, 2009 (the "Contract ") providing for the redevelopment of the property described in the Contract as the Redevelopment Property; and WHEREAS, in light of changing economic circumstance, the parties have determined to modify certain aspects of the redevelopment described in the Contract. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual obligations of the parties hereto, each of them does hereby covenant and agree with the other as follows: 1. Section 4.3(a) of the Contract is amended to change the required commencement of construction from May 12, 2010 to May 1, 2011; and to change the required completion date from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011. 2. Schedule B of the Contract is amended to include an alternative housing style as part of Schedule B attached to the prior Contract. The alternative housing style may be used for one lot, not both. 3. The Contract remains in full force and effect and is not modified except as expressly provided herein. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Authority has caused this Agreement to be duly executed in its name and behalf and its seal to be hereunto duly affixed and the Redeveloper has caused this Agreement to be duly executed in its name and behalf on or as of the date first above written. COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY By Its President By Its Executive Director STATE OF MINNESOTA ) ) ss. COUNTY OF ANOKA ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of , 2007, by and , the President and Executive Director of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority, a public body politic and corporate, on behalf of the Authority. Notary Public EDA MINUTES PAGE 11 JUNE 22, 2010 GREATER METROPOLITAN HOUSING CORPORATION By Its STATE OF MINNESOTA ss. COUNTY OF ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of 2007 by , the of the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation, a Minnesota non - profit corporation, on behalf of the corporation. Notary Public SCHEDULE B Revised Concept Materials for Redevelopment EDA MINUTES PAGE 17 JUNE 22, 2010 6. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Clark informed members that GMHC is applying for CRV funds that will be used to renovate homes. They are applying for $500,000 in funding which they estimate will help rehab 12 homes in our city. The name of the program is Columbia Heights Foreclosure Initiative. The City does not have to match funds, nor is a Resolution needed. GMHC only needs a letter of support to accompany their application. They plan on concentrating their efforts from 40 Avenue to 46 Avenue—Central to Main Street. Clark asked members if they wanted to hold their goal setting session in July or August. He told members the next scheduled meeting date is July 27 for both HRA and EDA, however there are no business items for those agendas. Members thought we should still hold the HRA and EDA meetings on July 27 at Parkview Villa and schedule the goal setting session for the August meeting. Nawrocki noted that Diehm suggested we hold the goal setting retreat, but disputes that the Board ever directed staff to go ahead and set one up. He said the Board never directed staff to contact developers either for the session held at tonight's meeting, that it was staff's idea to do this. Nawrocki stated goals were established several years ago and the goals on that list haven't been completed yet, so why add new ones. He thinks it is a waste of time and money to do this. He listened to the developers and they are pushing additional rental housing. He doesn't think the City needs more rental property or a Caribou Coffee, and since we can't afford to do anything for a while, why waste our time. Members disagreed with him and said the rental projects the developers were talking about is different from what we now have available in the city. We need to offer upscale housing in order to draw younger people in higher income brackets to our City. It is the only way we will turn the city around. Peterson stated that the city needs to establish a plan and this goal setting session is a good time to set one in place. Nawrocki disagreed and said we don't need a plan and we probably can't accomplish much anyways. Clark stated the EDA body is different from the Council. The EDA's job is to be the City's business arm, with the goal of community betterment. The Board needs to ask itself where the city is and where it wants to be. Is the Board satisfied with the businesses it is attracting? We need to focus on the good things that we have and develop a plan on how to keep moving in the direction we wish to go. We need to manage the change. Szurek agreed that we need a plan and as the economy improves, then we start to implement the plan. Fehst said we can't keep doing everything the same. The developers said the same thing. They admitted they aren't doing things the same way they did five years ago either. Dynamics of the economy, changing demographics, energy consumption, lifestyle trends, etc. all impact the types of development projects that will be successful and draw people to a community. Diehm questioned Nawrocki as to why he thought it was a waste of time and money to listen to opinions from developers who are successful and who know the market trends. She reminded Nawrocki that no one, except staff, has been paid thus far in this process of re- focusing on our goals and establishing a plan. Nawrocki commented that too much staff time is being spent on this and that we are over staffed if time is being spent in this manner. EDA MINUTES PAGE 18 JUNE 22, 2010 Fehst stated that Nawrocki accuses everyone that the Council doesn't know what is happening and what staff is doing. He said the City needs to look to the future and it is staff's job to lead the way and present ideas and plans to the Council and EDA Board so informed decisions can be made that better the community. The discussion then turned to some of the new businesses in town and how they affect the image of our community. The recent raid that took place at Pyromaniacs was discussed. Members were upset with the signage that had been displayed prior to their opening. Clark explained that the Mayor and Police Chief were also concerned and that a letter was sent to the owners prior to them opening telling them the City had a zero tolerance when it came to promoting drug paraphernalia. They also had been warned prior to the raid being implemented. Clark stated that citations had been issued and it will be up to the Courts to decide if the materials seized are indeed drug related paraphernalia rather than allowed tobacco related products. The difference between smoke shops and miscellaneous cigarette sale licenses was also discussed. Many of the members felt allowing smoke shop licenses at all was a mistake since they seem to be operating outside the intent of the Freedom to Breathe Act. The Board was reminded that staff had suggested the Council define sampling or to at least limit the area in which sampling could take place, but the Council elected not to and decided to limit the number of shops that could operate in the city instead. The City does have the right to make requirements stricter than what is laid out in the Freedom to Breathe Act. Members also discussed the issue that some of the new businesses have caused an increase of cars parking in residential areas rather than using the overflow parking lots that should be used instead. This issue may have to be referred to the Traffic Commission if complaints are received. 7. OTHER BUSINESS Clark explained the Commission would be moving into an Executive Session. He explained the legal procedure that must be followed during this meeting to the members before adjourning to the session. Move to Executive Session at 9:20 pm- To discuss negotiations to acquire Mady /Foss property at 3919 -3927 Central Avenue with possible reference of 3901 Central Avenue. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 pm. Respectfully submitted, Shelley Hanson Secretary