HRA 01/10/1991 - 29617�
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CITY OF FRID7�EY
HOIIBING{ & REDEVELOPMENT AIITHORITY MEETIN(�, JANUARY 10, 1991
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CALL TO ORDER•
Vice-Chairperson Schnabel called the January 10, 1991, Housing &
Redevelopment Authority minutes to order at 7:40 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Virginia Schnabel, Duane Prairie, John Meyer
Larry Commers, Walter Rasmussen
Others Present: William Burns, Executive Director of HRA
Barbara Dacy, Community Development Director
Jim Hoeft, HRA Attorney
Rick Pribyl, Finance Director
Paul Hansen, Accountant
Steve Billings, City Councilmember
Jim Casserly, Development Consultant
Terry Moses, BMB Realty Investmen�s
Ray Wormsbecker, Caba Realty
Doug Erickson, Fridley Focus
Lisa Williams, 2742 Hennepin Ave. S.
APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 13, 1990 HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
MINUTES:
MOTION by Mr. Meyer, seconded by Mr. Prairie, to approve the
December 13, 1990, Housing & Redevelopment Authority minutes as
written.
IIPON A VOICL VOTE� ALL VOTIN(3 AYE, VICE-CHAIRPER80N SCHNAHEL
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED IINANIMOIISLY.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Mr. Burns stated he would like to add an item, Lake Pointe
Maintenance, to the agenda under "Action Items".
1. RMS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
Mr. Burns stated that at this meeting, the HRA is being asked
to consider a proposal to return 50� of the value of
outstanding assessments for public improvements to RMS
Company. These assessments are for projects involving street
widening, resurfacing, and the construction of a storm sewer.
A lot of this occurred on Commerce Lane in 1989 and 1990. It
� HOIIBINa � RBDEVELOPMENT AIITHORITY MEETINa JAN. 10, 1991 PA�3E 2
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also involved some storm sewer work on Main Street in the
vicinity of this property.
Mr. Burns stated the RMS Corporation is a manufacturer of
parts for the aircraft industry and large companies requiring
other precision metal parts. RMS currently employs 248 people
at four different locations: Baker Street, Osborne Road, 81st
Avenue, and 2,500 sq. ft. location at the Martens/Brenny
building on 83rd Avenue.
Mr. Burns stated RMS plans to purchase a 8.9 acre site at the
northwest corner of Osborne Road and Main Street. The
preliminary plan is to construct a 70,000-80,000 sq. ft.
building which will cost an estimated $4-5 million. Total
taxes on the property are estimated at $2.75/sq. ft. or
$206,225. The local share of that will be $33,000. The new
consolidation of the three facilities will create 50-75 new
jobs; and if another company is included as part of a buy-out,
there would be 140-150 new jobs.
Mr. Burns stated RMS is a privately held subsidiary of Cretex
Corporation in St. Cloud, Minnesota. They expect another
division of Cretex to move to the 12,000 sq. ft. facility on
Osborne Road.
Mr. Burns stated there are several justifications for the HRA
spending the approximately $40,000-50,000 to RMS:
1. The project is consistent with the objectives of
the HRA's redevelopment plan for the subject area.
2. The assistance will enable the City to retain 250
jobs and create another 50-75 jobs.
3. The property tax benefit ($33,000 per year) is
supposed to cover the cost within two years.
4. The proposed level of assistance is about 1-2� of
the total construction value.
Mr. Burns stated Jim Casserly has drafted the development
agreement, and he would like Mr. Casserly to review some of
the details of the development agreement with the HRA.
Mr. Casserly stated the development agreement handed out at
the meeting is the latest version. He stated the two kinds
of changes made were at the request of RMS and its legal
counsel:
^ 1. RMS wanted to make it very certain that the company
was not obligating themselves to build a building
� HOII8IN�3 & REDEVELOPMENT AIITHORITY MEETINa� JAN. 10. 1991 PAGE 3
right now, and they understand they will not receive
any assistance if they do not build a building.
2. Because they are still in the design and planning
stages, they really wanted to give themselves a
little more leeway for the size of the building.
Legal counsel has said they have not yet determined
the final size of the facility, and they did not
want to be limited to a certain size.
Mr. Casserly stated he put in the agreement that the building
size has to be at least 50,000 sq. ft. and have a value of at
least $2 million.
Mr. Casserly stated it is a very straight-forward development
agreement. He stated there is also a two page resolution, and
there are no changes to the resolution.
Mr. Meyer asked if there is any history where the HRA has
aided a developer by paying a portion or all of the special
assessments.
Mr. Burns stated he believed the f�tA paid for the special
assessments on the west side of the Moore Lake Commons project
� for either street improvements or public utilities. This is
not the first time the HRA has done this.
Mr. Casserly stated another obvious example would be the Lake
Pointe property where, instead of doing special assessments,
they used a tax increment approach for all the infrastructure.
Ms. Schnabel stated she appreciated knowing that the HRA has
given similar assistance in the past. Initially she had
spoken against this development's support only from a
philosophical standpoint, not from a standpoint of not wanting
the development. Her philosophical approach was that the
property has not even been purchased yet, and there is still
time to negotiate that assessment between the parties that are
involved, the buyer and the seller. Knowing that the HRA has
provided this type of assistance in the past put it in a
different perspective, and she is more comfortable with it.
Mr. Terry Moses, a consultant for RMS, stated there is some
concern about the timing of the construction. Mr. Forcelle,
who is President of RMS Company, has said he wants to build
as soon as possible, and all indications are that construction
will start this year. Since RMS is owned by Cretex, Mr.
Forcelle could be overruled, but he does have a lot of
influence.
� MOTION by Mr. Meyer, seconded by Mr. Prairie, to approve
Resolution No. HRA 1-1991, "A Resolution Authorizing Execution
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SOIISINa � REDEVELOPMENT AIITHORITY MEETINt3. JAN. 10. 1991 PAGE 4
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and Delivery of a Contract for Private Redevelopment By and
Between the Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the
City of Fridley and RMS Company".
IIPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTIN(3 AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON SCHNABEL
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED IINANIMOIIBLY.
Ms. Schnabel stated the HRA appreciates the fact that RMS is
going to stay in Fridley, and they hope this assistance will
encourage that development to proceed very quickly.
Mr. Moses thanked the HRA and stated he would convey that
message to Mr. Forcelle.
Mr. Casserly stated he wanted to point out that this is the
first time the HRA has assisted a project without creating a
tax increment district. So, all the value that is being put
on it will be received by the taxing jurisdictions.
Councilmember Billings stated that it might be a good idea
for the HRA to send a letter to the City, County, and school
districts informing them that the HI2A just committed money to
a project that they will not recover through tax increment.
This project is in Spring Lake Park School District #16.
Letters should also be sent to Representative Wayne Simoneau,
Representative Alice Johnson, and Senator pon Frank.
Ms. Schnabel stated Mr. Billings' point is well taken. If
the other members agree, she would ask staff to write the
appropriate letters.
Mr. Prairie and Nlr. Meyer agreed.
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES FOR FRIDLEY HRA:
MOTION by Mr. Prairie, seconded by Mr. Meyer, to approve
Resolution No. HRA 2-1991, "Resolution Designating Official
Depositories for the Fridley Housing and Redevelopment
Authority".
IIPON A VOICE VOTE � ALL VOTIN(3 AYE � VICE-CHAIRPERBON SCffiJABl�L
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED IINANIMOIIBLY.
CLAIMS {2090-2094):
MOTION by Mr. Meyer, seconded by Mr. Prairie, to approve the
check register as presented.
IIPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERBON SCHNABEL
DECLAR�D THE MOTION CARRIED IINANIMOIISLY.
� HOII8IN�3 & REDEVELOPMENT AIITHORITY MEETIN(�i, JAN. 10. 1991 PAGE 5
4. LAKE POINTE MAINTENANCE:
Ms. Dacy stated that the Public Works Department notified them
of three issues pertaining to the maintenance of the Lake
Pointe property. The HRA currently pays for an annual
maintenance contract for lawn cutting and other trash pick-up
on the Lake Pointe property. These three items are in
addition to that cost.
1. Mr. Winson, Assistant Public Works Director, has pointed
out that the Public Works Department would like to
execute an annual fertilization and tree pruning
contract. They would like the HRA to include funds in
the 1991 budget to do those activities. After getting
some preliminary estimates from a landscape contractor,
Mr. Winson has told her that the cost could be as high
as $7,500. She would like the HRA to authorize that
$7,500 be included in the 1991 budget for that expense.
They would go out for bid for that particular activity,
so the cost could be less.
2. Twenty trees on the Lake Pointe property have died within
the last year. The warranty period the HRA retained for
landscaping has expired, and if the HRA replaced all 20
� trees, the maximum cost would be $12,960. After
discussing this with the City Manager, Mr. Burns, it is
staff's recommendation that the HRA not expend that money
and that it is possible a number of these trees could be
replaced by virtue of development on the property. The
City recently passed a new landscaping ordinance that
will require developers to plant extensive landscaping.
At this point, the number of dead trees is still minor
and is not affecting the overall appearance of the site.
3. The third item pertains to the underground irrigation
system to maintain all the landscaping. The Public Works
Department says that from time to time, maintenance
issues may arise for the underground irrigation system.
Currently, staff is preparing a 1991 budget and is
looking at allocating about $10,000 for a"just in case"
provision if something should happen.
Ms. Dacy stated that at this meeting, the only action
necessary is for the HRA to authorize the City to go out for
bid for an annual fertilizing and tree pruning contract not
to exceed $7,500.
Mr. Meyer stated he did not know the status of the lawn and
sodded areas or if there are any weeds or crab grass. He knows
� what weeds can do to expensive lawns, and he hoped that they
are watching that closely. He would appreciate staff checking
to make sure that the contract for lawn maintenance includes
�._ HOIIBINa_& REDEVELOPMENT AIITHORITY 1KETsTINa JAN. 10. 1991 PAGE b
fertilizing and weed control in order to preserve the expense
they have put into that lawn.
OTION by Mr. Prairie, seconded by Mr. Meyer, to approve and
authorize the City to go out for bid for a fertilizing and
tree pruning contract not to exceed $7,500.
IIPON A VOICE VOTL� ALL VOTING AYE� VICE-CHAIRPER80N SCHNABEL
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED ONANIMOIIBLY.
5. TARGET PROJECT:
Ms. Dacy stated First Western Equity Corporation is interested
in constructing a 126,500 sq. ft. shopping center at the
southwest corner of 85th and University Avenues. In
conjunction with that shopping center, they are also working
with Dayton-Hudson Corporation to locate a 117,000 sq. ft.
Target facility at that site.
Ms. Dacy stated the developer has made applications for
variances, a rezoning, and a plat. The status of the
applications is that the developer wants to go through the
variance process first to receive direction from the Council
for one specific variance, and that is the parking stall
r� width. The developer is requesting a 9 foot wide space. The
City ordinance dictates a 10 foot wide space for commercial
development. That issue is so important to Dayton-Hudson and
the developer that they want to determine whether or not that
would be granted before they proceed with other parts of their
applications.
Ms. Dacy stated the variances will be going to the Appeals
Commission on January 22, and then to the Council in February.
It will take about 2-3 months for the developer to finish the
rest of their development approvals. Staff has raised some
questions about traffic and storm water quality and has
requested some specialized studies.
Ms. Dacy stated staff inet briefly with the developer in
December regarding soil correction assistance from the HRA.
Staff gave them the new application forms and the policies
used by the HRA for that type of assistance. The developer
has not indicated any dollar amount or the amount of their
request at this time.
Ms. Dacy stated there is about 4 acres of wetlands on tY�e
property right now located approximately in the northwest
corner of the site and is the area where they will be putting
their stormwater management pond. Obviously, the area where
the shopping center is to be located will destroy the wetlands
�' site. The developer has received an Army Corps of Engineer's
permit based on the fact that they are required to recreate
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HOIIBINa & REDSVELOPMENT AIIT80RITY MEETINa� JAN. 10, 1991 PAaE 7
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another wetland elsewhere in the community. That site is the
Meadowlands Park site just north of Mississippi Street. The
Army Corps appears to be happy with the plans prepared for the
Meadowlands Park site. The Army Corps is still reviewing this
particular development plan.
Ms. Dacy stated there is a substantial amount of peaty soils
on the property right now, as deep as 3-4 feet in some places.
A lot of excavation work will be necessary and a lot of clean
fill will be needed to be placed on the site.
Ms. Dacy stated she had originally anticipated an application
from the developer as soon as the February HRA agenda, but
that does not appear to be the case. This information is just
to make the HRA aware that First Western Equity Corporation
may apply for soil correction assistance.
Mr. Meyer asked what affect this development would have on
the Springbrook Nature Center.
Ms. Dacy stated the developer made a presentation to the
Springbrook Nature Center Board on December 17, 1990. The
Board�s main concerns were the impacts from the shopping
center lights as well as the quality of the water runoff from
the property. Another issue that has come up since that
meeting is that because of the high water table in the east
part of the site, the Board is wondering how construction will
affect the water table into the park area. The Board wants
to make sure the Nature Center's integrity is maintained in
terms of night programming and that the water quality is not
degraded any more than the runoff through the park right now.
Mr. Meyer stated he would be very concerned about the water
runoff that would contain oil and gas from the development
into Springbrook Nature Center.
UPDATE ON UCD PROJECT:
Mr. Burns stated that at the last HRA meeting, they talked
about a development agreement with Fridley Town Square
project. Since that time, they have had continual concerns
about the addition of a Burger Ring proposed by the developer,
Scott Erickson. Staff has pointed out to the City Council
that the addition of a Burger King will substantially increase
peak hour traffic (between 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.). As a result of
additional traffic, there is the potential for creating
stacking problems on Mississippi Street for eastbound traffic
that wants to turn left into the center. There is also the
potential for undesirable traffic impact behind the shopping
center. Staff has noted the possibility of loud mufflers and
other vehicle noises and the impact of those things on the
neighbors. There is also a potential conflict between the
� HOIIBIN(,4 & REDLVEI�OPMENT AIITHORITY MEETINm. JAN. 10. 1991 PAGE 8
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traffic using the Burger Ring moving behind the shopping
center and those that are loading and unloading, particular
at the Walgreen store.
Mr. Burns stated the staff has discussed these concerns with
City Council, and basically the Council members are not
supportive of the Burger King addition unless there is a way
to mitigate the impacts of the additional traffic. About the
only way staff sees to mitigate the problem is to buy the
property next door and move the driveway down. That is very
expensive and something that the Walgreen Corporation would
not approve.
Mr. Burns stated that in view of the mitigation problems and
Council's position on the Burger King addition, Mr. Erickson
was urged to find a new tenant or a new project. Mr. Erickson
has requested that he be allowed to have a public hearing that
is available to him under the S-2 chapter of the zoning
ordinance which says that any time there is a major change in
the plan for a redevelopment district, the Planning Commission
has to have a public hearing, and the plan change has to be
approved by the Planning Commission and the City Council.
Mr. Burns stated that after consulting Virgil Herrick, City
,� Attorney, about Mr. Erickson's request, staff developed the
following schedule of events:
1. January 7, 1991: Informal review of the situation
after the Council meeting.
2. January 10, 1991: Informal review of the situation
at the HRA meeting.
3. January 23, 1991: Public hearing on the proposed
change before the Planning Commission.
4. February 11, 1991: City Council consideration of
the proposed change.
Mr. Burns stated the Council has opted to consider a major
chanqe requiring a hearing before the Planning Commission and
to follow the calendar (above).
Mr. Burns stated that as far as the HRA is concerned, Mr.
Erickson had requested tax increment assistance for his
project. They would have had a tax increment agreement before
the HRA at this meeting if the addition of the Burger King had
not arisen. Does the HRA now want to bear the cost of
proceeding with the draft of the development agreement for the
� Fridley Town Square project, or does the HRA want to wait
' until the Burger Ring problem is ironed out? If the HRA wants
to proceed with the draft of the development agreement, then
^ 80II8IN�3 & REDEVELOPMENT AIITHORITY MELTINa� JAN. 10. 1991 PAGE 9
does the I�2A agree in concept with the equity participation
agreement discussed at the last meeting?
Mr. Burns stated it is staff's recommendation that the HRA
hold up on the development agreement and not spend any money
at this time to have it drafted until the Burger King issue
is resolved.
Ms. Schnabel stated they should at least hold up on the
drafting of the development agreement until after the Planning
Commission public hearing. If the Planning Commission and
City Council do not vote in favor of it, then it is over.
Mr. Prairie stated the HRA is very concerned about the
traffic, and he thought anything that would add more traffic
to that site is a negative.
Mr. Meyer stated that when this was discussed with the traffic
consultant, the consultant said that any additional traffic
would change it from a D to an E intersection. That is
getting pretty bad. The Burger Ring addition is definitely
a negative.
Mr. Meyer stated that when the developer was before the HRA
� with the project originally, he assured the HRA that the
neighbors on 67th Avenue would not be jeopardized by the
development. Now he is introducing a Burger Ring that will
bring vehicle noise, loud speaker noise, extra lights, etc.,
and now they are impinging onto the residential nature of that
street more than before with the center as first proposed.
Mr. Casserly stated the City Manager has the prerogative that
if the Council moves on the land use decision, he can
authorize Mr. Casserly to move on the development agreement
very quickly.
7. UPDATE ON RICE PLAZA:
Ms. Dacy stated that in November, the HRA members made a
motion to approve rent forgiveness for Terrie Mau of the
Cinnamon Skin Tan with the stipulation that when she moves,
she moves only to the Fridley Town Square development. Mr.
Rordiak is still pursuing with her the money that she owes.
Her slow season is in the fall months, Sept.-Dec., and her
business picks up during the winter. He feels confident that
she will keep current. However, if the Fridley Town Square
development does not go through, then Ms. Mau still has to pay
what she owes the HRA.
,,�,e Ms. Schnabel stated she appreciated the update. She stated
' she was surprised that she had voted in favor of this rent
forgiveness, because she had spoken against it in the past.
r,-, HOIIBING & REDEVELOPMENT AIITHORITY MEBTIN�3. JAN. 10. 1991 PAGE 10
Because of her concern, she would like to see this type of
report on a month-to-month basis.
8. APPLICATION FEES AND PROCESS;
Ms. Dacy stated that at the July 19, 1990, meeting, the HI2A
discussed their policies and procedures for assisting with
tax increment financing. Out of the discussion and out of
the materials Mr. Robertson had prepared, she developed three
handouts that staff will give to developers. These materials
were included in the agenda packet and consisted of the
following:
1. Policy statement regarding TIF administrative costs
including the statement of fees.
2. Agreement for which the developer would execute with
the HRA for an application.
3. A three page application form
9. INFORMATION REGARDING PAST HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM:
Ms. Dacy stated the information included in the agenda was
,� self-explanatory. Later in the meeting, Mr. Burns will be
talking about some of the research staff will be doing for
other housing programs for the 1990's.
Ms. Schnabel stated that at other meetings she has brought up
the possibility of creating a pool or fund that could be used
in a manner such as the way the Habitat for Humanity program
operates. She is curious about their process and how their
applicants are screened. Maybe they should obtain some
information from the Habitat for Humanity program as there
might be something in their screening process that would be
of assistance to the HRA.
Ms. Dacy stated she has worked with two builders for that
program, and she would be happy to contact them and see if
she can get some information.
10. FRIDLEY OFFICE PLAZA BUILDING:
Mr. Burns stated he has been contacted by Mr. Dan Cardona, a
representative of a group planning to purchase the Fridley
Plaza Office Building for approximately $850,000. Their
request was that the HI2A consider a tax reduction on this
property and also give them a better price on the parking
ramp. The HRA has an agreement with the office building to
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provide parking at $800/month.
,,� HOIIBINl3 �_REDEVELOPMENT AIITHORITY MEETING. JAN. 10. 1991 PAGE 11
Mr. Burns stated Mr. Cardona requested a copy of the
development agreement, along with the second subordination
agreement for the second mortgage and the agreement on the
rental of the parking. He had indicated to Mr. Cardona that
the City thought it was the petitioner's responsibility to
make a case for his claim; and that he was welcome to state
his case to the HRA.
Mr. Burns stated he has not heard from Mr. Cardona since that
time. He has also heard that this group is no longer pursuing
the purchase of the office building, so the issue is moot at
this point.
Mr. Burns stated there are a couple of other issues that are
related to the office building that he will discuss under
"Other Business�� .
11. STATUS OF TAX COLLECTIOAIS FOR VARIOUS TAX INCREMENT PROJECTS:
Mr. Burns stated that when staff looked at the tax increment
turnback for the schools, he had suggested that the amount
they were turning back was probably going to stabilize as the
taxes for various projects in tax increment districts start
to come on line. In a discussion after the last HRA meeting,
,� they decided it might be worthwhile to look at what taxes had
originally been projected for the various projects, what
proj ects have come on 1 ine, and what proj ects have yet to come
on line. In the material given to the HRA, they could see
that it will be a another year or so before the remaining
taxes for the Moore Lake Racquet, Swim & Health Club come on
line. That is the biggest project yet to come on line, so
there should be another big jump in the next couple of years.
However, there have been some tax devaluations for other
projects. The Fridley Plaza Office Building is an example.
Mr. Burns stated the table included in the agenda packet gives
a good overall view of potential project revenues which may
have a bearing on the TIF turnback to the school districts.
12. 1991 BUDGET:
Mr. Burns stated he had hoped to have the 1991 budget ready
to distribute at this meeting. Staff is still working on it,
and it will be available for the February 14, 1991, meeting.
13. OTHER BUSIIJESS:
a. Medtronic
Mr. Burns stated he recently had a luncheon meeting with
representatives from Medtronic. Medtronic is talking
� HOIIBINa � REDEVELOPMENT AIITHORITY MEETINa� JAN. 10. 1991 PAGL 12
about two proj ects--a neurological center and an addition
to their technology center.
Mr. Burns stated that in order to produce the
neurological center, Medtronic is going to combine three
groups--one in California, one in Canton, Ohio, and one
in Columbia Heights. They are looking for 40, 000 sq. ft.
They have identified three sites and want to identify the
final site within one week. One site is the East River
Road Business Park. The new facility would create 40-60
new jobs with the consolidation, with a total of 100
jobs. Medtronic will ask the City to apply for economic
recovery funds, a low interest loan program for companies
that employ at-risk individuals. They will not be asking
for any tax increment financing or other HRA assistance.
Mr. Burns stated Medtronic is very seriously talking
about building a 90,000 sq. ft. addition to their
technology center (the building on the east side of
Central Avenue). At this point, Medtronic is not asking
for tax increment financing, but they do want to avoid
doing a new environmental assessment. They did an
environmental assessment in October 1980. According to
Medtronic, the MPCA is happy with the 1980 environmental
�"� assessment unless the City requests another one. He
stated he needs to respond to Medtronic about this as
soon as possible.
Mr. Burns stated that as an alternative, he has promoted
the Lake Pointe site to Medtronic, and they seem
interested in the site. Medtronic has agreed to send the
HRA a written request for proposal asking the HRA to tell
them what the HRA would provide on the Lake Pointe site.
Before sending the written request for proposal, they
will identify the amount of space they need for the
90,000 sq. ft. building, as well as the amount of space
they might need for future campus. Additionally, they
are going to list other uses that might go on the Lake
Pointe site.
b. Lake Pointe ldegotiations
Mr. Burns stated that before Christmas, Ray Haik, Virgil
Herrick, Jim Casserly, Barbara Dacy, Jock Robertson, and
he met to discuss the nonpayment of taxes on Lake Pointe
by Woodbridge. They decided the City is not going to pay
the taxes and would eventually claim tax forfeit or
acquisition through the tax forfeiting process.
Mr. Burns stated the bigger question that they discussed
'�` was what are they going to do with Lake Pointe. They
have identified four options:
^ HOIIBINd be REDEVEIAPMENT AIITHORITY MEETIN�� JAN. 10, 1991 PA(3E 13
1. Let Woodbridge buy the HI2A out.
2. The HRA buys out Woodbridge.
3. They negotiate a new development agreement,
based on today's market.
4. They do nothing.
Mr. Burns stated they decided it might be worthwhile in
1991 to pursue option #2. On December 21, 1990, Jim
Casserly sent him a memo asking for authority to begin
discussions with John Utley, the attorney representing
Woodbridge, about a negotiated buy-out. Mr. Casserly
will be coordinating these discussions closely with Mr.
Burns.
c. TIF Turnback to the School Districts
Mr. Burns stated that at their last meeting, the Council
tabled any action on the TIF turnback until January 28,
1991. Fridley School District Chairperson, Jim Ferguson
was at the Council meeting and spoke strongly in favor
n of the City returning the entire amount to the school
districts. Mr. Ferguson was opposed to the $200,000 cap
put on by the HRA. The School District staff is asking
to get together with City staff to see if there is a way
to accommodate the school district's interests on this
issue.
Ms. Schnabel asked what concerns the City Council had
regarding this item.
Councilmember Billings stated he was rather concerned
when he saw this on the City Council agenda. One of the
proposals that was before the legislature last session
was that any new tax increment financing districts had
to go to the counties and school districts. Now they can
object, but their objections are not necessarily a veto.
Some of the proposals floating around one year ago was
that the county and school districts could essentially
have veto power. So, he was a little concerned from a
political standpoint that essentially they were taking
the school districts money and using it for HRA purposes.
Since the Council meeting on Monday night, and realizing
that the increase in value on the properties has
therefore also increased the referendum amount, his
suggestion might be to come up with a formula rather than
a dollar amount of $200,000 as recommended by the HRA.
�` Although a lot of thought may have gone into the dollar
amount, that dollar amount appears to be a little bit
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80IIBING &_REDEVELOPMENT AIITHORITY MEETIN(�, JAN. 10. 1991 PAGE 14
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arbitrary. He stated Fridley is probably one of the only
cities that is turning TIF monies back to the school
districts. He stated it is important to be fair to the
school districts so that, if in the future, the
Legislature does come up with a program wherein the
school districts and counties actually have veto power,
the City and HRA have maintained a friendly relationship
with the school districts.
Ms. Schnabel stated she thought the HIZA was really fair
when they voluntarily took the initial steps to turn back
TIF monies to the school districts ahead of any other
community. They certainly were not obligated to do it.
But when the HRA saw how the turnback monies are
dramatically increasing, and yet at the same time took
another look at the Lake Pointe development and other
projects, they were a little concerned and decided they
maybe should not be too generous. Mr. Commers was the
one who really brought these concerns to the HRA's
attention.
Ms. Schnabel asked the HRA members if they wished to
reopen the discussion on the TIF turnback to the school
districts.
Mr. Meyer stated he did not think so. He stated the HRA
discussed this at length at the last meeting. They had
logical reasons for their decision, and they should leave
it at that.
Mr. Prairie agreed.
Councilmember Billings stated maybe all that is necessary
is for the City staff to meet with the school district
staff.
Ms. Schnabel stated the HRA did not think it was the type
of situation where they needed to negotiate with the
school district--the HRA is strictly looking at their
budgets and what they are facing in the future.
Ms. Schnabel stated it seems to be the consensus of the
HRA members present that they are still comfortable with
the $200,000 as recommended at the last meeting and do
not see any reason to change it.
Mr. Burns stated he believed that before the next
meeting, the staff will have to meet internally and look
at what the levy referendum was originally intended to
,^ bring in with what has actually gone into the tax
increment return process.
HOIISING & REDEVELOPMENT AIITHORITY MEETING. JAN. 10. 1991 PAGE 15
Mr. Prairie asked that the HRA be sent that information
when staff has put it together. He stated it might also
be helpful for the HRA members to see the figures from
the first, second, and third years and the breakdown of
what they were so the HRA can understand exactly what has
happened.
Mr. Burns stated he will get this information for the
HRA. If they then feel they want to discuss this issue
again, he can put it on the February agenda.
Mr. Prairie asked that Mr. Commers be informed of what
was discussed at this meeting.
d. Housing Rehab and Housing Redevelopment Programs
Mr. Burns stated he and Ms. Dacy have scheduled a number
of ineetings with economic development people and city
managers in other cities to take a look at how other
cities are structuring their housing rehabilitation and
housing redevelopment programs. Staff would like to put
together an inventory of different strategies and
different incentive programs that are being used in these
two areas. They have meetings scheduled with Columbia
Heights, Minneapolis, and Brooklyn Center.
Mr. Burns stated the HRA members also were given a copy
of a letter from Dave Newman with a copy of an article
that deals with the project in the E1 Cerito, California.
El Cerito has been involved in a housing redevelopment
program that has used an equity participation process,
so that is another technique the HRA might want to
consider.
e. Lake Pointe
Mr. Burns stated he will be meeting on January 15 with
Mike Scott and client who is interested in about 12 acres
at the Lake Pointe site for a retail project. He stated
he is trying to discourage this as he believed the HRA
is more in favor of a project that is closer to the
original plan for that site.
f. Old Cub Food Site
Mr. Burns stated Mr. Sid Inman, former Finance Director
for the City, will be talking to City staff about a
possible redevelopment project on the old Cub Food site.
�
� HOIIBING & REDEVELOPMBNT AIITHORITY MEETINGi JAN. 10. 1991 PA(3E 16
g. Fridley Plaza Office Building
Mr. Burns stated City staff has been approached by Jerry
Caputo, who has been asking the City to cut down the
property taxes on the Fridley Plaza Office building.
That raises the issue about whether or not the pledge of
future taxes contained in development agreement passes
onto successors and assigns.
Mr. Casserly stated it is his opinion that if there has
been an involuntary succession, it probably is not
enforceable against the successor.
Mr. Burns stated that staff really did not want to start
disturbing development agreements and the taxes pledged
in the development agreements; however, as property
values decline, at some point in the future the HRA may
need to face the policy issue of whether or not it is
prudent for the HRA to reconsider the tax levels that are
pledged in these agreements.
ADJOURNMENT:
Vice-Chairperson Schnabel declared the January 10, 1991, Housing
n and Redevelopment Authority meeting adjourned at 10:55 p.m.
Respectfully sub itted,
,
�, �'�-,G�
yn Saba
Recording Secretary
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