03-04-2013 HRA MIN • MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2013
Members Present: Chair Wilson,Commissioners Chuba,Kuester,Motin and Toth
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Suzanne Fischer,Assistant Director of
Economic Development Clay Wilfahrt,and Recording Secretary Debbie
Huebner
1. Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof,the meeting of the Elk River Housing and
Redevelopment Authority was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Wilson.
2. Consider March 4,2013 HRA Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
KUESTER TO APPROVE THE MARCH 4,2013 HRA AGENDA. MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
• 3. Consider Consent Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER CHUBA TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
FOLLOWS:
3.1 JANUARY 7,2013 HRA MINUTES
3.2 BALANCE SHEET
3.3 REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open Forum—No one appeared for Open Forum.
5. Economic Development Investment Presentation
Clay Wilfahrt reviewed information regarding the city's 13 tax abatement projects.
Highlights included the following:
• Original value of the properties was $3,538,300;added value - $47,676,100
• Original annual tax revenue $101,000; after abatement- $1,947,444
• EDA/City investment$2.7 million—tax revenue increase equals EDA/City
investment in just over one year.
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March 4,2013
• After EDA's investment,increase of 86%in employment (from 354 full-time •
employees to 657)
• Four most recent TIF projects original taxable market value was $3.6 million;
currently is $47.2 million
• Investment of$7.9 million in most recent TIF projects; every dollar invested
by EDA induced over five dollars of private investment.
Commissioner Chuba asked what the time span was for the data. Mr. Wilfahrt stated
2004 to 2008. He noted that there has not been a project since 2008, and the data
does include Granite Shores.
Chair Wilson asked if the HRA projects are included. Mr. Wilfahrt stated yes. Chair
Wilson asked which TIF district was decertified. Mr. Wilfahrt stated that King and
Main Street project has been decertified. Commissioner Motin asked what the
current assessed valuation was of that project. Mr. Wilfahrt stated he would have to
research that information.
Commissioner Toth stated that he felt it was important for the public to know that
the downtown projects have increased the taxable market value well over what
would have happened had they done nothing. Mr. Wilfahrt stated that a press
release could be sent out with the information. He noted that this information will be
updated annually for the Commission.
6. Discuss Bi-Monthly Meetings
Mr. Wilfahrt stated that in 2011 and 2012, there were eleven meetings that were
cancelled or had no action items on the agenda. Staff suggested that the HRA could
consider meeting every other month, for the sake of the Commission's and staffs'
time. Mr. Wilfahrt noted that a change to the meeting schedule with require an
amendment to the bylaws.
Commissioner Toth stated that he felt the Commission should take advantage of the
slowdown to be more proactive. He suggested that they look at possible residential
redevelopment projects.
Commissioner Chuba stated that he would not want to cause delays on projects due
to changing the meeting schedule.
Commissioner Motin stated that he was not in favor of having meetings just for the
sake of having a meeting, and if there were not agenda items a meeting should be
cancelled.
After further discussion, Chair Wilson summarized that the HRA would continue to
meet on their current schedule. He noted that a meeting could be cancelled if there
are no agenda items and a workshop could be called instead to begin looking at
possible projects. •
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March 4,2013
• 7.1 Arts Alliance
Commissioner Chuba asked that that HRA consider assisting the Arts Alliance in
remodeling their prospective tenant space in the Bluffs. He also asked that HRA
consider providing"seed"money for purchase of canopy for the stage for the
,musicians. He stated that they are not able to play without covering for their
electronic equipment, even though concert goers are willing to come in the rain.
Chair Wilson stated that he did not believe the HRA could donate money to the Arts
Affiance, or contribute money to a"canopy" fund. He suggested that the Arts
Affiance work with staff to see if there are any funding mechanisms the city has to
provide financial assistance to the Arts Affiance.
ED Director Update
Suzanne Fischer provided an update to the HRA on the hiring process for the
Economic Development Director position. She stated that interviews will likely be
conducted the end of next week. She asked if the HRA would like to be involved in
the process. Commissioner Toth stated he would be interested in sitting in on the
interviews. Ms. Fischer noted that staff will bring a recommendation to the City
Council for the final decision. Commissioner Motin noted that the EDA will then
appoint the director according to their bylaws
Commissioner Toth stated that he would like the HRA to meet with staff in a work
session to discuss foreclosed/blighted homes.
IIIMr.Wilfahrt stated that their plan was for an intern work on this issue to see where
the problems were,look at possible solutions, and report back to the HRA.
Chair Wilson discussed the residential rehab project in Columbia Heights, noting its
successes.
Commissioner Toth asked if the HRA could assist staff somehow help expedite the
process.
Mr.Wilfahrt stated that the intern position is on hold until a new director has been
hired.
8. Adjournment
There being no other business,Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting.
The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Minutes pared b •-.. , uebner.
III Tina Allard
City Clerk
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March 4,2013
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Stewart Wilson
Chair,Housing and Redevelopment Authority
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