4.1. HRA DRAFT MEETING MINUTES 10-02-2023

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Housing and Redevelopment Minutes Page 3 September 5, 2023 ----------------------------- differences between 2022 and 2023 to replenish funds after the meat market sale. He offered suggestions on making future purchases without the funds in the budget by going to debt market but noted there is also a cost to that; therefore, the goal is to keep a balancing act as staff remains responsible with tax dollars and responsive to future opportunities. Chair Chuba felt the amounts being discussed wouldn’t raise his own taxes much and felt it important for the HRA to be proactive going forward as it’s easier to do that when the HRA has the cash available. He was in support of keeping the budget as is. The HRA further discussed adjustments to the budget. Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Larson-Vito to approve the 2024 HRA Budget as outlined in the staff report at $445,100 with a change to Line Item 4440 Miscellaneous to $200,000 and the levy amount of $440,100. Motion carried 4-0. 6.3 General Updates Mr. Mollan presented Google analytics numbers for the last 90 days on the website: 1100 users, 56.8% came from an organic search engine (Google or Bing), 32% direct, 8.7% organic social links, 2.6% links from other sites. Mr. O’Neil updated the commission on the sale of the Main and Gates property, noting the leasing arrangement with the primary tenant was being worked on earlier this month. He indicated it’s unlikely to move forward with that tenant and therefore the buyer would not be moving forward to close on the property. The buyer has until the end of September to close. The buyer has also been approaching other tenants. Mr. O’Neil informed the commission that the downtown hanging flower baskets were swapped out by YardWorx recently due to hail in July. He noted the initial flower baskets were not as robust as expected and wondered if the company fulfilled their contract. He asked the HRA how we set a better expectation and provide YardWorx with feedback for future baskets. Chair Chuba asked if this was the first or second year with the increased pot size. Mr. O’Neil indicated it was the second year with the larger pot. Commissioner Wagner stated this year’s baskets were underwhelming, they weren’t robust or overflowing. Her expectations were colorful, large, cascading flowers and for the money they spent, t they should never have been as small as they were. She wondered if providing photos or examples of others city’s baskets would be helpful. She would have to review the contract to see if they fulfilled it. Commissioner Ovall stated he was impressed with the service on watering, dealing with the hail damage and aphids, and felt it was worth talking to YardWorxs about expectations and ask how to achieve better compliance for 2024.