06-27-2001 HR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Ms. Mehelich asked what the proposed HRA role would be in the project. Mr. Hempel stated that it would be on an as needed basis and they would know more after meeting with landowners if site assembly and what financing assistance would be needed. Ms. Mehelich questioned how much space would be needed to begin an initial phase of a project. Mr. Hempel stated they would probably start east including room for buildings "D" and"C"indicated on the concept drawing,although exact square footage had not been calculated yet. The HRA liked the concept of mixed uses in the downtown redevelopment project. Ms. Mehelich stated that the next steps would include: • Direct Developer to Prepare a Market/Financial Feasibility Report • Evaluate Ability to Establish a TIF Redevelopment District and how Much HRA is Willing to Participate Chair Toth questioned the costs of the downtown redevelopment project and Mr. Hempel stated that his company wasn't asked to provide cost estimates at this time and the cost would vary depending on how big of a redevelopment project the city decided to complete. Commissioner Motin stated that prior to asking for costs the developer needs further direction from the city as to what buildings must be kept and which might be expendable or if the historical context study must be completed. Commissioner Thompson stated that he would like to see some cost estimates for a project, 1111 questioned whether Council or HRA would be contributing any funds,and asked about a timeline of starting and completing such a project. Mr. Hempel stated that their timing is flexible and depends on the market and financial feasibility for the project. HRA Commissioners requested to see project costs and feasibility of the project. Ms. Mehelich distributed a memo from Steve Rohlf,Building and Zoning Administrator, outlining the recommendations for completing a historical context study prior to redevelopment. She stated that a historical context study could take about six months to complete and cost around$10,000-12,000,which is in the proposed 2002 budget. She stated that there is a grant available for half the cost of the historical context study. Ms.Mehelich stated that staff has included the cost of the historical context study in the proposed 2002 budget which the HRA will review in August. Commissioner Thompson questioned if the Council or EDA could also contribute funds to pay for the study. City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that this is a redevelopment project and funds would be out of the HRA budget. Commissioner Motin stated that he doesn't think this project should be held up for the historical study when nothing of historical significance has been found at this point. He felt that if a building of any historical value were in the downtown area the city would know about its historical significance by now. •