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Housing and Redevelopment Authority Minutes Page 2 August 27,2001 will also reveal what is worthy of preservation. He noted that the study would determine the • significance and integrity of the buildings. Commissioner Wilson questioned the relevance of the downtown situation in relation to doing a context study of the entire city. Steve Rohlf indicated that in addition to the context study,there would be a focus study on the downtown area. He stated that it is important to know what is there before a decision is made to tear down any buildings. Chair Toth questioned whether the HRA should carry the entire cost of the study since it will include the entire city. Commissioner Motin also stated that he is concerned about the HRA spending the money for the downtown area. Commissioner Wilson indicated his concern that the study could be an impartial study. He suggested that the Heritage Preservation Commission try to keep the study impartial. Commissioner Wilson also indicated that he is concerned with the cost of the study. Cathy Mehelich indicated that staff has included funding for the full study in the 2002 budget.The HRA discussed whether the study should be authorized this year or in 2002. The I IRA felt that if the study were postponed until 2002, there could be the possibility of delaying a potential developer from developing the area. It was the consensus of the HRA that if the study is going to be done, that it should be done as soon as possible. COMMISSIONER MOTIN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE FOR THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT STUDY TO TAKE PLACE THIS YEAR. COMMISSIONER WILSON SECONDED THE MOTION.THE MOTION • CARRIED 4-0. 5b. Riverfront Redevelopment Proposal—Update Cathy Mehelich noted that there have been three developers who have requested information about the redevelopment opportunity for the downtown riverfront area. Cathy suggested that the HRA define a vision and parameters for the desired redevelopment project. The HRA discussed this issue. Commissioner Motin noted that if the HRA defined the vision for the area it might limit the developers to certain concepts. Chair Toth noted that it would difficult for the HRA to make these decisions without input from others. Cathy distributed information about redevelopment project management from Ehlers& Associates, Inc. She explained that the city's financial advisors,Ehlers &Associates,would be available to give a presentation to the HRA on redevelopment project elements and policies. The HRA directed staff to continue to request redevelopment proposals from developers. Cathy Mehelich suggested that she would proceed with giving basic information along with a copy of the market study to the developers. 6. Consider Year 2002 Budget and Levy Resolution Cathy Mehelich reviewed the 2002 HRA budget. Cathy noted that the expenditures would be reduced by$12,000 due to the context study being authorized for 2001. 4111 Chair Toth asked whether the Council would want to share in the cost of the context study, as he did not feel that the HRA should be responsible for the rural part of the study.