08-06-2007 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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felt the Council gave clear direction that they wanted the plan to show Highway 10 either above or below grade, not at grade. He stated that a revised plan should have come back to the Council prior to holding the public meetings. Commissioner Motin stated that he felt the river trail should be considered, even though it could be 20 - 40 years before an opportunity opened up to acquire the property. He stated that if and when the properties do develop, the city would then have the option to acquire the trail, but if it is not on the map, they cannot ask for it in the future. He stated that some items in the plan could be accomplished in 20 years, and some may need to be perpetual until they are accomplished. Commissioner Toth stated that all plans are subject to change, and he does not expect that in 20 years, the full plan will have been accomplished. He noted that Task Force was guided by the consultant regarding public involvement early on in the process. Commissioner Moon stated that someone made a decision to send out the July 3rd mailing. Commissioner Toth stated that the suggestion was made to hold the property owner meetings for the purpose of informing them and the Task Force was in agreement. Commissioner Toth stated that the Task Force felt it was difficult to develop a plan including possible changes to Highway 10 without knowing what MnDOT is going to do. Chair Wilson stated that he could understand Commissioner Motin's concern that the City Council was not aware of what was going on. He stated that the Task Force would be dealing with the Highway 10 issue at their August 13~ meeting. Commissioner Motin stated that the Council's position was that they would reject an "at grade" alignment if it involved the closure of either the Main Street or Jackson Avenue access to the downtown. Commissioner Morin stated that the City Council should have done a geometric study • before the Task Force began their work. He stated that it may be possible to do a portion of the geometric study. Commissioner Lieser stated that she felt the Task Force put the design out to the public to get feedback, and that they appreciated the feedback they did receive and that it will be used to move forward. 7. Consider Year 2008 HRA Budget and Resolution Regarding HRA Lew Ms. Mehelich stated that the 2008 HRA budget is similar to past years' budgets. She provided a summary of the budget and reviewed highlights in revenues and expenditures as listed in the staff report to the I IRA dated August 6, 2007. Commissioner Toth asked for clarification on the $86,600 transfer out to HRA Redevelopment Fund. Ms. Mehelich explained that this is the I-IRA cash balance after expenditures. Commissioner Toth asked what the balance is currently. Chair Wilson stated it is approximately $155,000 as noted on the June balance sheet. Ms. Mehelich stated that the balance is currently high because they had just received the first half year taxes and that the HRA has since used part of their cash balance for the down payment to purchase the Houlton buildings. Commissioner Motin questioned the shift in the EDA/HRA split from 70-30 to 60-40 that was made back in 2004. Ms. Mehelich stated that the change is accurate due to the anticipated implementation of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan. Activities include identifying housing grants, negotiations with property owners, etc. She stated that this years' activities have been more of a 50-50 split, or even a 60-40 split with HRA activities consuming more than half of staff time. • Commissioner Toth asked if staff will pursue rental property grants. Ms. Mehelich stated