4.1. HRA DRAFT MINUTES 11-04-2019

Home Browse Search

Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 4 October 7, 2019 ----------------------------- an awesome opportunity for both the police and fire. She stated it would take some time to get the demolition bids back and do some research on Habitat for Humanity. She stated when she spoke with the departments they would need about 2-3 months to conduct trainings. Commissioner Eder asked about any safety concerns with these trainings on city property. Ms. Othoudt indicated the city’s insurance provider would cover these concerns. Commissioner Chuba agreed with Commissioner Ovall that demolition occur sooner than later but at this point, doesn’t think there’s time until spring. It was the consensus of the HRA to allow police and fire training and obtaining the demolition bids with the intent to remove the buildings as soon as possible. 7.3 Preliminary Development Agreement with Modern Construction of MN Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report. She explained parcels 75-405-0230 and 75-405-0235 are owned by the HRA and she is in the process of transferring ownership of those properties from the HRA to the city and stated that should occur by the end of the month. Ms. Othoudt also explained once those parcels are transferred, unless the developer requests any financing from the HRA, the HRA won’t be involved in any future contracts of this project should it proceeds. Commissioner Ovall asked that it be documented in the report how the HRA came to own those properties so when they are transferred their history is included. Commissioner Chuba asked about ownership of 716 and 720 Main Street and because the HRA owns those properties, he wondered if they are listed as assets and if that transfer would affect the HRA’s asset balance. Ms. Othoudt stated the properties would be quit claim deeded to the city and they would continue to remain as assets of the city. Ms. Othoudt introduced Jesse Hartung, owner of Modern Construction of MN, who presented his request to allow him to prepare a proposal that would express his beliefs and viewpoints into a mixed use downtown redevelopment concept. He stated this would include apartments and commercial spaces. He indicated he likes to “push the envelope” by offering opportunities for green spaces, solar power, rooftop decks, and explained his vision of relocating his restaurant, Tipsy Chicken, downtown once the lease is up at their current location. He stated as a current business owner with an office located in the downtown area, he explained he has been looking at this for a while and think it’s a great time for him to dig in a little deeper. He said this agreement will give them the opportunity to exploring the idea of developing the land in the next 4 months to provide a fleshed out proposal of what could be proposed, along with dressing major concerns like parking and traffic. Chair Toth asked for clarification of the area Mr. Hartung was proposing for the