02-03-1988 CC MIN - SPECIAL-JOINT

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e e e SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL/COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 3. 1988 HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL Members Present: Mayor Gunkel. Councilmembers Dobel. Holmgren. Schuldt and Tralle County Commissioners. Alvin Ayers. Mike Johnson. Lyle Smith. and Frank Madsen Members Absent: Sherburne County Commissioner Ray Friedl Staff Present: Lori Johnson. Finance Director; Pat Klaers. City Administrator; Peter Beck. City Attorney; John McGibbon. County Attorney; Tom Price. Assistant County Attorney; Brian Benson. County Building Official; and Dale Palmer. County Auditor Mayor Gunkel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. At the beginning of the meeting introductions were made of all City and County officials that were present. 1. Discussion on City of Elk River Tax Increment Financing District #4 Mayor Gunkel introduced this topic of discussion by presenting some background information on why TIF #4 was created and what the City hopes to accomplish with the captured funds. The Mayor discussed the planning process that the City went through when consolidation took place approximately ten years ago. It was indicated that the western part of Elk River between the two rivers has long been planned to receive municipal utilities. The Mayor further indicated that recent planning efforts by the Growth Management Plan Task Force also are highlighting this area as the next logical area for extension of municipal utilities. The placement of utilities in this area would provide for logical and manageable growth in Elk River. It was indicated by the Mayor that preliminary financial information shows that this area cannot bear the entire assessment of improvements and that financial assistance. most likely in the construction of a water tower and well. would be needed in order for assessable improvements to be installed. The Mayor then read the League of Minnesota Cities policy statement on tax increment financing. This statement. which the City concurs with. states that tax increment financing is one of the few tools available for municipalities to encourage economic development and that "tax increment finance remains one of the few options available for cities to promote growth and development in their cities." The Mayor then indicated that the City created TIF #4 around the refuse derived fuel site because of the opportunity to capture increments that could be used to encourage development of the City in an orderly and manageable fashion. The City believes that the long term benefits of the capturing of these increments from the RDF Plant will benefit the School. County. and City in the future. The capturing of these increments will allow for future population growth in Elk River and tax base growth with possible .employment opportunities as industries and businesses are constructed in this area.