10-28-2002 HR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing and Redevelopment Authority Minutes Page 2 October 28,2002 6. Sherburne County Chapter Habitat for Humanity Update Commissioner Lieser provided an update on the Sherburne County Habitat for Humanity program. 7. Business Subsidies Policy—Call Public Hearing Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich presented the HRA with the second draft of the Business Subsidies Policy. She indicated that the HRA is required by state statute to hold a public hearing prior to formally adopting the policy. COMMISSIONER LIESER MOVED TO CALL A PUBLIC HEARING FOR MONDAY,NOVEMBER 25,2002,TO CONSIDER THE CITY OF ELK RIVER BUSINESS SUBSIDIES POLICY. COMMISSIONER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION.THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 8. Downtown Revitalization Project Catherine Mehelich updated the HRA on the status of the downtown revitalization project. She noted that the Heritage Preservation Commission(HPC) met with the City Council.A point of discussion during the joint meeting was the Heritage Preservation Commission's recommendation of local historic significance of property in the downtown area. She indicated that the Council directed the HRA and HPC to hold a joint meeting to discuss the recommendations. Catherine recommended that the HRA first get a better understanding of the developer proposal and then examine impact with HPC recommendations. Catherine noted that Tax Increment Finance assistance would likely be used to fund a portion of the redevelopment costs. Catherine also noted that one of the first steps in the process is to evaluate the interior and exterior condition of the buildings in the area in order to identify the boundaries of the TIF district and meet statutory requirements. Catherine stated that requests for proposals have been distributed to three engineering firms to complete this work. Catherine indicated staff may provide the HRA a recommendation at its November meeting with regard to authorizing TIF inspection work. Catherine stated that staff has been working on identifying the boundaries for the wild and scenic river in order to determine buildable area. Catherine introduced Jim Prosser of Ehlers and Associates.Jim talked about pertinent roles and responsibilities through the redevelopment process.He indicated that the HRA, City Council and Planning Commission would be involved in the process. Mr. Prosser indicated that the HRA has essentially three authority issues to move the project to completion. He indicated that the issues include establishing a TIF district and determining whether financial assistance is required;providing conceptual approval of the redevelopment plan and land use concepts prior to beginning the city's general review and approval process;and participation in land assembly, such as condemnation,if required. The HRA acknowledged its lead role and responsibilities with this project. Catherine reviewed with the HRA the preliminary redevelopment agreement with MetroPlains. She noted that the term of the agreement is six months and identifies the area that MetroPlains will further consider.