09-04-2018 CCM SPECIAL JOINT HRA MIN

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes September 4, 2018 Page 2 review the entire downtown as a potential redevelopment project to find the highest and best use of all downtown parcels, and include alleviating parking pressures in some part by construction of a public parking ramp, thereby allowing the opportunity for more people to patronize businesses downtown. Alec Hendrickson, an 8 -year employee of Pompeii Pizza, requested the city consider moving the Farmers Market away from the downtown area and out of the parking lot, stating its presence takes away customers from their businesses on Thursdays and causes issues with customer parking. Mr. Galli stated the only parking issues were on Thursdays during the Farmers Market. Debra Leedahl, owner of 323 Jackson Ave. representing building T (Kemper Drug)— asked the HRA and Council what the next step would mean to her business. She stated she would personally love to receive funds to assist her in making improvements to her building but wasn't sure about a parking ramp or dense housing with retail space. She stated she was open to hear discussion of developer ideas and wondered if the city could still veto any proposals. Ms. Othoudt explained should the city move forward with this project, an assumable option agreement would afford the city some sort of site control. She stated staff recommends establishing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process instead of a Request for Proposals (RFP) from developers to allow them to establish their vision, strategy, and market themselves to the city to see if they're qualified to do a redevelopment project downtown. After receiving those RFQs, the city could determine what, if any, of those submittals meet the standards the council/HRA wishes to see in the downtown. Then the city would establish a development agreement and move forward with the project. She stated the council and HRA have the ultimate authority to determine what occurs and can dictate public input. Councilmember Ovall clarified that if a developer wishes to purchase the property they may do so and not require the surrounding property owners to be included in their project. Commissioner Chuba stated it wasn't up to the HRA to tell a property owner what to do with their building but the business owners decide if they wish to take part in the creation of a TIF district. He also expressed concerns with businesses remaining operable and viable during any construction or remodeling phases. Aaron Smith, 212 Norfolk Ave NW — stated he thinks the downtown buildings are a valuable asset and by removing them the city loses character in the area. He asked questions regarding TIF funds and how it works for the business owners. Ms. Othoudt provided a quick TIF overview. She also stated tax increment from the district would be used to create a financing program for the Jackson Street properties located within the district to make improvements to their buildings. She indicated a NAW