04-06-2015 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 2 April 6, 2015 ----------------------------- 7.1 Housing TIF Jeremy Barnhart reviewed changes to the Housing TIF policy. He noted that the policy will be brought back to the HRA at their next meeting for final review and approval. Chair Wilson noted the following change to be made on the scoring sheet: The word "not" needs to be inserted after "will" in the Pay -as- you -go TIF line. Also, the numbering needs to be revised (1 — 9, not 1 — 11). Mr. Barnhart noted that the housing TIF is for low to moderate income projects. 7.2 Rehabilitation Loan Program Update Colleen Eddy provided an update on the HRA Rehabilitation Loan Program. She stated that two projects are in process and three are ready for construction, pending HRA approval of the repayment agreements. Motion by Commissioner Chuba and seconded by Commissioner Kuester to approve the repayment agreements for three projects, as recommended by staff. Motion carried 5 -0. 7.3 Downtown Lighting Amanda Othoudt presented the staff report. She provided details for the two proposals which were submitted; one by Rainbow Holiday Design Company of Minnetonka, and one by Emerald Companies of Waite Park. Discussion followed regarding maintenance of the lighting, leaving the lights up year -round and the quality of the lighting. Wendy Simonson, Downtown Rivers Edge representative, stated that they do not have the equipment to put up the lights, but they would be willing to take down the existing lights to save costs. She stated that the business owners would like to see the lights up year -round and new lights are needed. Ms. Othoudt stated that the estimates she obtained include taking down the lights, but if the lights are to be left up, the cost of removal and storage would be eliminated. Commissioner Chuba asked who pays for the cost of the lighting. Chair Wilson stated that he assumed the HRA did. Ms. Othoudt stated that the cost is budgeted in the HRA Other Professional Services line item for 2015. Mr. Barnhart suggested the HRA authorize approval up to $4,000 for the lights and staff would work with the two bidders to negotiate an agreement for putting up the lights and maintenance. Commissioner Chuba suggested that the HRA take up the offer by the Rivers Edge group to remove the existing lights, thereby reducing the cost. Ms. Simonson stated that she would present the idea to the group at their meeting on Wednesday.