Loading...
09-03-2013 HRA MIN • MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Members Present: Chair Wilson,Commissioners Chuba,Kuester,Motin and Toth Members Absent: None Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Brian Beeman Assistant Director of Economic Development Clay Wilfahrt,and Recording Secretary Debbie Huebner 1. Fall 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 September 3,2013 HRA Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER CHUBA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 3,2013 HRA AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. • Commissioner Kuester arrived at this time (5:32 p.m.) 3. Consider Consent Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS: 3.1 AUGUST 5,2013 HRA MINUTES 3.2 CHECK REGISTER 3.3 BALANCE SHEET 3.4 REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4. Open Forum-No one appeared for Open Forum. 5. 240 Volt Electrical Outlet Installation-Main Street Parking Plaza Brian Beeman stated that United Way has offered to install a 240 volt/40 amp electrical outlet at the downtown parking lot east of Elk River Meats. He introduced Joy Nadeau,Executive Director of Sherburne County Area United Way. Ms.Nadeau explained that each United Way group is an independent branch and must do their own fundraising. Funds are used to support 28 local programs. She stated that the first United We Dance event was held last year to raise awareness,but this year's event will be held as a fundraiser. Ms. • Nadeau provided information on the event which includes a battle of the bands and packing/distribution of 400 food bags. Mr.Beeman stated the HRA is asked to sponsor the installation of the outlet. Costs will include installation by an electrician,inspection by a state electrical inspector and a lock box,if the HRA desires to have one. He explained that the higher amps are needed for the bands and speakers. He stated that the United We Dance event is scheduled for September 14,and the installation could be completed by that date. He noted that the electrical service would also be used for other events. Mr.Beeman explained that the city has a special events application and fee and that currently,Elk River Municipal Utilities invoices the city for electrical costs associated with special events.The cost of electricity is 12.5 cents per kw in the summer and 10.5 cents in the winter months,which adds up to approximately$1.15 per hour. Mr.Beeman reviewed the location of the proposed outlet. He stated that the usage could be metered. Commissioner Toth asked who is paying for the electricity now,for the 2 existing 110v outlets. Mr.Beeman stated that the ERMU invoices are currently paid from the Parks &Recreation budget. Mr.Beeman added that the special events fees and polices are being reviewed by staff at this time.He suggested that electricity usage fees could be waived for this year and a fee could be established for next year after determining actual cost of event usage. Commissioner Chuba stated he did not see a problem with the installation of the outlet. He suggested staff look into installing a charging station for electric cars. He also stated that Art Soup uses power from the light pole and felt the outlets were obsolete and should be updated. Chair Wilson stated that these issues could be explored at a future meeting. Commissioner Toth asked if Commissioner Chuba was suggesting installing a charging station in the city's parking lot. 1111 Commissioner Chuba stated yes,he was referring to a pay-for-power(metered) charging station. Commissioner Toth asked how the light poles are used for power. Commissioner Chuba explained that there are outlets on them. Chair Wilson stated that one of the HRA's goals is to foster success in the downtown. He asked if the HRA is willing to accept the donation of the electrical outlet from United Way,and work out the billing/fees for electricity when more is known about the actual cost. Discussion followed regarding the electrical service at the Rivers Edge Commons Park Commissioner Motin stated he did not feel it was worth the administrative costs for staff to deal with a lock box. Commissioner Chuba concurred,stating that events are usually held on weekends. Mr. Beeman explained that a combination lock was suggested so no staff would be needed. He explained that the HRA could waive electricity fees and pay the monthly bill or have a fee schedule. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CHUBA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF A 240 VOLT OUTLET AND AUTHORIZE INSTALLATION OF THE OUTLET AT THE MAIN STREET PARKING LOT,EAST OF THE ELK RIVER MEAT MARKET. FURTHER,THAT THERE BE NO LOCKBOX OR FEE FOR ELECTRICTY CHARGED AT THIS TIME. Commissioner Toth asked that HRA be provided details of the actual cost of electricity after some history of event usage has been established. He asked if the existing 110 volt outlets are currently used during the Farmer's Market. Mr.Wilfahrt stated he was not aware of the outlets being used. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. • • 6. Approve 2014 HRA Budget&Resolution Establishing the HRA Tax Levy for Collection in Year 2014 Mr.Beeman stated that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority is asked to approve the 2014 HRA budget and resolution establishing the HRA tax levy for collection in 2014. Commissioner Toth asked why there was a significant increase in the Postage and the Advertising/Marketing line items. Mr.Wilfahrt explained that the increased costs are due to printing and mailing of housing program information/brochures. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER TOTH TO APPROVE THE 2014 HRA BUDGET. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 13-02,ESTABLISHING THE HRA TAX LEVY FOR COLLECTION IN YEAR 2014. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 7. Other Business Mr.Wilfahrt stated that staff has received a Tax Increment Financing application for Blackhawk Woods,a senior housing project. Mr.Wilfahrt explained that the request is for a$1.5 million project consists of 84 senior housing units. Staff is working with the city's financial consultant and expects the project to come before the HRA in October. Commissioner Motin asked if the units will be rental or for sale. Mr.Wilfahrt stated the units will be rental. He noted that the applicants will be seeking tax credits as well. Chair Wilson noted that Clay Wilfahrt will be leaving the City of Elk River to accept a position as City Administrator with the City of Winsted. He thanked Clay for his work with the HRA and EDA. 8. Adjournment There being no other business,Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting. Th- eet. • if s- Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 6:12 p.m. V Tina Allard City Clerk "Oka Stewart Wilco r Chair,Housing and Redevelopment Authority •