HRSR MEMORANDUM0 5-23-1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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director to sign on my behalf until I return....The county has reviewed the city attorney's memo on the possibility of achieving zero net tax capacity and will be responding in writing. With some questions of a minor nature being raised, the county assessing department has verbally indicated that they generally agree with the city attorney's memo....A revised letter of commitment from the developer has been worked on by the city attorney and Mr. Chuba (see attachment)....The Utilities Commission is meeting on 5/23 at 5 p.m. to review the environmental analysis and overall condition of their building....The building official has toured the three structures, videotaped the structures, and provided a memo describing the general conditions of the structures which indicates that, in his professional opinion, the structures will meet the definition of a redevelopment district....A phase one environmental audit by city environmental consultant, B.A. Leisch and Associates, has been authorized and is expected to be completed prior to the closing. The above paragraph should update everyone as to where we are at with,this project. The one new issue that has surfaced is the lack of a redevelopment plan for this project and how the timing of adopting such a plan conflicts with the need to purchase the property before July. In this regard, state law provides for early acquisition of property prior to the approval of the redevelopment plan. However, this early acquisition provision still requires a public hearing to be held by the City Council and for the City Council to approve by resolution the proposed acquisition. This public hearing will need to be held, and a resolution will need to be considered and approved at the June 17, 1996, City Council meeting. If everything goes according to plan, the HRA will then have a redevelopment plan prepared for this project, have it reviewed by the Planning Commission, and hold a public hearing on the proposal. A redevelopment plan for this project in Elk River should be relatively simple and specific. Some redevelopment plans in larger communities or Minneapolis/St. Paul can include a very large area and be very general in its discussion of activities. Everything seems to be moving forward in a timely manner. It would be appropriate for the HRA to recommend to the City Council approval of the early acquisition of this property. It would also be appropriate for the HRA to appoint Lori Johnson to sign on my behalf as executive director when I am unavailable. At this time there does not appear to be any other action items necessary for the HRA that are associated with this project.