HRAM 03/05/2020
CITY OF FRIDLEY
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY COMMISSION
March 5, 2020
Chairperson Holm called the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting to order at 8:40
p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: William Holm
Elizabeth Showalter
Rachel Schwankl
Gordon Backlund
Kyle Mulrooney
OTHERS PRESENT: Paul Bolin, HRA Assistant Executive Director
Action Items:
1. Approval of Expenditures.
MOTION by Commissioner Schwankl to approve the expenses as submitted. Seconded by
Commissioner Mulrooney.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIR HOLM THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Approval of January 2, 2020 Meeting Minutes.
MOTION by Commissioner Showalter to approve the minutes as amended. Seconded by
Commissioner Schwankl.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIR HOLM DECLARED THE
MINUTES APPROVED.
3. Approval of Extension to Development Agreement – Old City Hall.
Paul Bolin, HRA Assistant Executive Director, stated that this is the sixth time they are back with
another amendment for IB properties to develop housing on the old City Hall site. All issues that
are coming up have to do with outside problems. Because Fairview changed some things and
divided up the lease, the title is taking longer than planned. This should be the last of the title
issues to be resolved. MPCA is behind in giving clearance letters so that has also added time. Dry
cleaner solvent was found in the soil borings and there is a small area that is above standards.
Braun Intertek has taken more soil borings. This pushes everything out to mid-April before we
will see any clearance letters, maybe even May. We are hoping to close May or early-June with
Dunbar. Staff is requesting an extension to July 1. The developer has $700,000 already invested
in the property before they have started to break ground. The action tonight is to approve the
resolution and extending the closing date to July 1.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting of March 5, 2020 2
MOTION by Commissioner Backlund to approve the Extension to Development Agreement –
Old City Hall. Seconded by Commissioner Schwankl.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIR HOLM DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Informational Items:
1. Northtown Rail Yard Overpass Update.
Paul Bolin, HRA Assistant Executive Director, said that the Northtown Rail Yard Overpass is
th
referred to as the 57 Avenue Extension. This is listed in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and this
th
year’s Comprehensive Plan. This would connect 57 Avenue over to East River Road and there
are a number of reasons to do this. It will help move freight and vehicles and provide economic
development advantages to local business owners. 2,500 newer jobs south of 694 can take
advantage of the amenities that are there and for people living the community it creates another
east/west connection. This is a $25.0M project and we are trying to get $3.0M from the legislature
for design work. A resolution was adopted to spend up to $800,000 from expiring TIFF districts
to do some improvements and work on an acquisition. Home Depot owns part of the property that
isn’t buildable. Discussions have been held with property owners to the north and they see the
benefits. Burlington will give a window of time for installation like they did with the train tunnel.
Chairperson Holm asked how the financing would work for the $25.0M needed for this project.
Mr. Bolin replied that it will first be introduced into the house for $3.0M. Senators seem fairly
supportive and staff have been sending information they are requesting.
2. Housing Programs Update.
Paul Bolin, HRA Assistant Executive Director, reported that 2 loans were taken out in February
making a total of 3 year to date. There was 1 remodel visit and 14 energy squad visits for a total
of 27 year to date.
Adjournment:
MOTION by Commissioner Backlund to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Mulrooney.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIR HOLM DECLARED THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:05.
Respectfully submitted,
Krista Peterson
Recording Secretary