07-11-1994 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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EDA Minutes July 7, 1994 COMMISSIONER HOLMGREN MOVED TO REFER THE BUSINESS PARK PROPERTY ISSUE TO THE BUSINESS PARK TASK FORCE COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION. COMMISSIONER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Page 5 Commissioner Farber left the meeting at this time (7:50 p.m.). 8. Request Joint Meetinq with City Staff and Utilities Commission COMMISSIONER HOLMGREN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ARRANGE A JOINT MEETING OF THE EDA, CITY STAFF AND UTILITIES COMMISSION THE FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST. COMMISSIONER DUITSMAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 9. Discuss July 14, 1994 Comp Plan Steerinq Committee Meetinq on Elk River's Commercial Sector Bill Rubin reviewed a map, identifying uses in the Central Business D~strict (CBD). He stressed the importance of reinvestment in the CBD and the City's/EDA's/HRA's role in facilitating redevelopment. Bill cited TIF grants or redevelopment grants, assembling land in anticipation of redevelopment, and a willingness by the City to absorb some redevelopment costs. Bill explained that it is the City's responsibility to explore possible sources of revenue, but cautioned that public dollars that are not repaid or are left on the table as a result of a future redevelopment project should not burden the typical taxpayer. Discussion followed regarding properties located on the same block as the Sherburne County administration building. Discussion of TIF issues then followed. Vice-President Dwyer questioned whether or not the City would be willing to accept TIF districts and possibly lose state aid. Bill Rubin stated that a portion of the joint meeting with the Utilities Commission could be set aside to discuss issues in the Central Business District and potential City funds which could be utilized to invest in redevelopment. In response to Commissioner Holmgren asked about creating a Port Authority. Bill Rubin explained that the Economic Development Authority concept evolved due to the increasing number of requests for Port Authority, which requires special legislation. A Port Authority operates under the same set of guidelines as the EDA, with the ability to use TIF districts and issue industrial revenue bonds, but that an EDA operates under greater local control and reports directly to the City Council. Commissioner Duitsman indicated that he was not aware of any funds that were available at this time to use for redevelopment projects. Bill Rubin -stated that he was aware there is a long list of projects that need to be completed in the City and suggested that they be prioritized. Bill stressed the importance of a vibrant Central Business District in order to have an economically healthy community. Commissioner Holmgren stated that he feels that the downtown district has been ignored, as far as improvements are concerned. He also feels that a high priority should be given to the issue of Highway 10 and East Main Street. and