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04-06-2009 HRA MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2009 Members Present: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Kuester, Lieser and Motin Members Absent: Commissioner Toth Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich, Economic Development Assistant Annie Deckert, Recording Secretary Debbie Huebner 3. Call MeetinLx 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. Consider April 6, 2009 HRA Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO APPROVE THE APRIL 6, 2009 HRA AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Consider April 6, 2009 Consent Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LIESER TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS: 3.1. MARCH 2, 2009 HRA MINUTES 3.2. CHECK REGISTER - APPROVED 3.3. BALANCE SHEET 3.4. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Open Mike — No one appeared for Open Mike. 5. Consider Resolution Authorizing Neighborhood Stabilization Program Ms. Deckert provided background information regarding the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), noting that the city s application for these funds was approved in the amount of $593,820 on February 26, 2009. Funding was approved for Windsor Oaks, Trott Brook, Park Pointe and Elk River Station; however, the Bluffs was not awarded any funding. The HRA is asked to approve Resolution 09-01, authorizing receipt and implementation of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program grant. Ms. Deckert stated that the next steps include executing NSP funding agreements, initiating applicable federal requirements such as environmental review, entering into the grant agreement with MNHF and developing the Housing & Redevelopment Authority April 6, 2009 Page 2 formal program implementation documents with Tri -CAP Agency. She noted that staff anticipates implementing the program in late April or early May. Ms. Lieser asked why the Bluffs was not approved for funding. Ms. Deckert stated that due to the short time frame for use of the funds, the large number of unoccupied units, and the fact that the units are not eligible for FHA all contributed to the denial. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 09-01, AUTHORIZING RECEIPT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM GRANT. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Update on Repairs to HRA Buildings at 716 and 720 Main Street Ms. Mehelich stated that staff was able to obtain one estimate for repair of the 716 Main Street building with a rubber membrane system at a cost of $27,000. She noted that after adding in the repair of the parapet, the cost would be closer to $30,000. Repair of roof with the rubber membrane would extend the life of the roof another 5 — 10 years. Ms. Mehelich stated that staff is attempting to obtain quotes for repair and patching of the roof, at an estimated cost of $5,000. The parapet also is in need of repair and that cost would be an additional cost. Staff feels that repair and patching of the roof would allow the Arts Alliance to continue using the building, and would buy additional time to see what happens with the adjacent business. Ms. Mehelich stated that removal of the buildings now would be very expensive and would likely result in damage to Elk River Meats building. Chair Wilson stated that he would prefer the rubber membrane option, but felt it was very expensive. Commissioner Motin asked if there was any type of price break to do both roofs. Ms. Mehelich stated that the 720 Main Street building had a different type of roof, and any leaks have been minor and repairable. Commissioner Kuester asked what the cost was for the buildings to be removed. Ms. Mehelich stated that three years ago the cost was estimated at $40,000, not including addressing environmental concerns (asbestos). Also, the estimate did not include the cost of preserving the meat market structure nor to finish as a parking lot. Chair Wilson stated that it would make sense to wait until all three buildings could be removed at once. He stated he supported making the necessary repairs to the 716 Main Street building roof, until they know what will happen to the meat market. Commissioner Motin stated that when the MetroPlains Development was studying the area, the business wanted an unreasonable amount of money for their property. He stated that the business is unique in a downtown area, in that they may still do slaughtering on site and would not be allowed somewhere else. Commissioner Lieser asked what the consequence would be if the repairs were made and water leaked on the an -work Ms. Mehelich stated that the Arts Alliance has their own insurance to cover liability for the artwork She noted that the city would only be liable if theywere negligent in maintaining the property. Commissioner Motin concurred, stating that the Arts Alliance was aware from the beginning that a problem exists. She stated that staff recommends repair and patching of the roof. Housing & Redevelopment Authority April 6, 2009 Page 3 MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO AUTHORIZE THE REPAIR OF THE ROOF AND PARPHET OF THE 716 MAIN STREET BUILDING OWNED BY THE HRA, AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $6,000. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 7. Other Business Commissioner Kuester asked what type of business is occupying the Jackson Place commercial space, formerly occupied by a dry cleaning business. Ms. Mehelich stated that staff has spoken with the tenant and has determined that the business is technically not a pawn shop. Ms. Mehelich noted that the special joint meeting of the City Council, Economic Development Authority, and Housing and Redevelopment Authority will be held on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss update of the Economic Development Strategic Plan. 8. Adjournment There being no other business, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting. The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Minutes prepared by Debbie Huebner. Tina Allard ` City Cler Stewart Wilson Chair, Housing and Redevelopment Authority