HRA Minutes 08-02-1989
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MINUTES
MONTICELLO HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Wednesday, August 2, 1989 - 7:00PM
City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Al Larson, Ben Smith, and Everette
Ellison.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Lowell Schrupp and Tom St. Hilaire.
STAFF PRESENT: Rick Wo1fste11er, Jeff O'Neill, and Ollie Koropchak.
GUEST: Pat Pelstring, Business Development Services, Inc.
David Ficek, Scottwood Corporations
1. CALL TO ORDER.
Chairperson Al Larson called the HRA meeting to order at
7:05 PM.
2. APPROVAL OF THE JULY 5, 1989 HRA MINUTES.
Ben Smith made a motion to approve the July 5, 1989 HRA
minutes. seconded by Everette Ellison and with no further
discussion the minutes stand approved as written.
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3. CONSIDERATION OF AN UPDATE OF THE MANTEQ INTERNATIONAL PROJECT.
Pat Pelstring updated the HRA members on the status of the
Manteq project indicating their request for an additional
$100.000 for working capital which can be accommodated
as long as collateral and the guarantees will cover the
increased request. The use of TIF for this project
will indirectly benefit Manteq through a write-down
of lease per square foot. The TIF Contract would be
between the developer (Boyle) and the HRA. The project
is a 30.000 sq ft office/1ab/manufacturing/warehouse
facility with the potential of 50 employees.
4.
CONSIDERA.TION TO REVIEW A REVISED LETTER OF INTENT FOR DAVID
FICEK AND TO REVIEW A NEW TIF ANALYSIS.
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Mr. Pat Pelstring presented the HRA members with a copy
of the TIF Analysis based on Mr. Ficek's July 21. 1989
proposal. The proposal included the construction of
14 single floor townhouses ($69.900 base price). 8 two
story townhomes ($62,900 base price). and 8 two story
townhomes ($52.900 base price) on Lots 4.5,6.7. and 8,
Block G and Lots 1,2,3.4, and 5, Block H, A.C. Riggs
Addition plus vacated Palm Street. The analysis based
on the assumption the developers cost of land per unit
is $1,650 would require TIF assistance of $189,079.20.
Projections based on market values (listed above) per
unit would generate an annual increment of $31,490.
Mr. Pe1string indicated the project was still feasible
as the increment is sufficient to retire a $285,000
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Page 2
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4. CONTINUED.
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bond issuance over 17 years. The feasibility of the project
is also based on the assumption the estimated acquisition
costs are real numbers. The HRA members asked what was
included in the increased developers cost per unit. Mr.
Ficek estimated a $15.00 per foot for water/sewer line,
the need for a street or driveway for lot accessibility,
curb/gutter, etc. as the reasons for increased developers
costs. Concerns raised by HRA members and city staff were
the designated property zoned R3 (Block G) and R2 (Block
H) would not accommodate any structure greater than a
four plex with the R2 zoning unless an ordinance amendment
was requested and granted. Secondly, the designated 2.9
acres could accommodate only 25 units (ordinance reads
minimum of 5,000 sq ft of land per unit) not the proposed 30.
Ordinance reads minimum of 960 sq ft per unit, proposal
meets this requirement as the smallest unit is 1,200 sq ft. Another
question was, does the project fit the City's TIF policy?
Bond issues shall amortized over 8-13 years, proposed project
in for 17 years. Policy for housing projects read, TIF
compensation, to the extent of the project increment available,
shall be utilized to compensate the developer to "equalize"
the project to accepted market standards. Mr. Pelstring
indicated that in Princeton a construction agreement was
drafted stating, in affect to, the proposed housing
project market value would be equal or competitive to
other developers market value. The HRA was still concerned
about their original objective: $89,000 - $110.000 market
value townhouses.
Mr. Wolfsteller asked if the Homestead Credit reimbursed to
the cities by the state irr:Tax Increment Districts would remain in
coming years? Mr. Pelstring would check on this.
Combined with questions relating to ordinance, TIF policies,
and the new proposal the HRA recommended a meeting be held
between Mr. Ficek, Mr. Pe1string, O'Neill, and Koropchak
to revaluate the numbers, proposals and options. Results
of the meeting to be presented at the next HRA meeting
with preliminary design and housing layouts. Mr. Ficek's
thoughts were to reduce the project size to 4 four-plex
townhouses and 2 two-plex townhouse.
5. CONSIDERATION TO HEAR A PRELIMINARY CONCEPT FOR USE OF TIF
FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE EXPANSION OF
SEVENTH STREET.
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City Staff knowing the K-Mart project is in it's preliminary
stage,: yet,' having the insight for possible public improvement
costs proceeded to ask the HRA members for their input
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HRA Minutes - 8/2/89
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5. CONTINUED.
for the use of TIF for public improvements associated with
the seventh street expansion. Staff members indicated
the agenda item does not appear because of a request from
K-Mart or Lincoln Properties. The HRA mem~ers were unclear
of why they should be involved as one member stated the
HRA projects are for creation of jobs, blight areas, and
low income housing. City staff reminded the HRA, they
were only requesting their input and continued to state
the proposed attached K-Mart structure would be approximately
86,000 square feet and employ 165 to l80 full and part time
positions. City staff is not interested in assisting
Lincoln Properties with the write down of land cost nor
to assist them with any site improvements or public
improvements directly related to their property. Mr.
Pat Pelstring indicated a TIF District can be created
for a public purpose to maintain the health, safety,
and welfare of the community if city public improvement
demands go beyond, the proposed project yet directly related.
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The long range plan for the City was to extend seventh street
west to connect with Elm Street at Country Club Road, in-other-
words run parallel to I-94. At this time, the City has
right-of-way easements on the Holthaus and Hornig properties.
Presently, the City Engineer, OSM and City Planner, Dahlgren,
Shardlow, and Uban are preparing a feasibility study at
the developer's expense for road alignment, water & sewer,
road grades, and drainage.
Public improvement costs can be 100% ad valorem, 100%
assessed benefited property, TIF or by a combination of
the following. Rick Wolfste1ler indicated that history
would indicate that street improvement costs of 10-20%
on an average are picked up by the city.
At this point, the City looks at three options: l)
seventh street be extended to only length of project,
2) seventh street be extended to Minnesota Street and
complete connection, or 3) seventh street be extended
to Elm Street.
City staff suggested the HRA consider TIF for public improvement
cost only above any normal costs assoicated with installation
of public improvements pending the results of the feasibility
study.
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TIF was used for public improvement costs associated with
District 6 (Raindance Properties) Sixth Street plus land
acquisition and soil corrections. And on District #5
(Construction 5) for the extension of Lauring Lane because
of the excess cost associated with public improvement
costs.
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5. CONTINUED.
One HRA member indicated that 80% of the City's taxes
are paid by NSP and the other 20% by remaining business/
residents if a portion of the project cost would be
ad valorem. Staff reminded the HRA members that if the
project is a go, taxes generated by this project are
an increase to the community tax base and an increase
of new\.jobs', Staff members do recognize the
concern for existing businesses with the potential of
a K-Mart.
HRA members clearly stated they were not opposed to a
K-Mart coming to town, however, did not feel the need
to subsidize the project. HRA members suggested that
after final commitments of a K-Mart project, after the
feasibility study results indicated scope of project
and cost, they may consider the use of TIF for only
any public improvement costs over 20% normal costs.
CONSIDERATION TO HEAR A PRELIMINARY CONCEPT FOR USE OF TIF
FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GILLE PROPERTY.
6.
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Jeff O'Neill having to leave the HRA meeting early, this
agenda item wasn't thoroughly given a clear explanation of its
concept. At this point, the City lS applying pressure
to the property owners, Mr. and Mrs. Gille, because an existing
non-conforming use does not allow a business to expand
(illegal). Evidents of the Gille business expanding since
1975 is shown through a comparison of aerial photos.
Suggestion by City Attorney Tom Hayee, Jeff O'Neill and
Building Official Gary Anderson, was for the HRA to
contact Mr. Gille for permission to gain access to property
to obtain soil testing around the buried tanks.
Soil testing to be paid for by the property owner because
the seller would be his responsible to disclose any
buried tanks to a potential buyer. Also, it was suggested
the HRA mayor could assist in the relocation of Mr.
Gilles' business. Presently, the HRA is unaware of a
proposed redevelopment for this property, therefore,
no increment would be generated and the project-cis unable to
stand on its own.
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The HRA decision was to table this item because of an
unclear reason why the HRA is asked to be involved at
this time (timing inappropriate), no increment would be
generated from the project, previously the neighborhood
objected to property rezoning, single housing development
doesn't generate a large increment, and the HRA felt
the cart was placed before the horse (suggesting HRA
involvement prior to discussion with HRA). The HRA
suggested the City continue to apply pressure to
the property owners and to place the item of the HRA agenda
again as time would determine. Koropchak reminded
the HRA that the concept of the project did remain
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Page 5
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6. CONTINUED.
unclear because of Mr. O'Neill's absence. City staff
has for more time send public nuisance violation notices
to the property owner.
7. CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION
OF A TAX INCREMENT PLEDGE AGREEEMNT BETWEEN THE HRA AND
THE CITY.
Ben Smith made a motion to adopt the resolution authorizing
execution of the tax increemnt pledge agreement between the
HRA and the City for the $260,000 G.O. Taxable TI Bond Sales.
The motion was seconded by Everette Ellison, and without
further discussion passed 3-0. The HRA adopted the resolution
because the bond sales was for the Broadway Square project
which was a HRA initated project to eliminate blight
and provided needed low income housing for the elderly.
The bonds were awarded to Miller Securities, Inc. at
8.8708% interest over 12-13 years at the July 10th
City Council meeting.
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8. CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION
OF THREE SEPARATE AMENDED AND RESTATED TAX INCREMENT PLEDGE
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE HRA AND THE CITY.
Ben Smith made a motion to adopt the resolution authorizing
execution of three separate amended and restated tax increment
pledge agreements between the HRA and the City. The amendment
will reduce the HRA pledge of 150% of the annual principal
and interest due on the bonds to the city to an amount equal
to 105% as required by Minnesota Statutory. This for
the Raindance Properties District, the Construction Five
District, and the NAWCO District. The motion was seconded
by Everette Ellison and without further disscussion passed
3-0. The HRA adopted the resolution as this was part
of their 1989 goal to research and endorse the possibility
of excess funds for future small projects or projects of
good value without planned redevelopments, with the intent
that all newly created district project costs should equal
the availability of the project increment.
9. CONSIDERATION OF AN UPDATE ON THE NSP, BRIDGEWATER AND RUSS
MARTIE PROJECTS.
Koropchak reported that the NSP project is still expected
to be completed by December, 1989. At present, NSP has
received favorable bids for the construction of their
planned 5,400 sq ft maintenance facility in the industrial
. park. However, the corporate office is preparing a
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9. CONTINUED.
comparative cost analysis for lease/ownership. The bids
have been awarded to a contractor and Mr. Zimmer will
contact my office after a decision by NSP whether to
they will lease or own. Thereafter will the Development
Agreement need to be reviewed by the developer.
Mr. Russ Martie has decided to hold off with construction of
his facility until Spring of 1990.
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BRIDEWATER TELEPHONE COMPANY - based on a discussion with
Mr. Rierson for Bridgewaters plan to alter or expand the structure
located on West County Road 39 and based on the fact that
the projected increemtn on a new facility on one of the city
owned lots would be substantially small, the suggestion was
made to swap lands. Koropchak wrote a letter to Mr. Rierson
of his options, informing him that in accordance to the city
ordinance, the present use of the property as a site for cold
storage is a legal but non-conforming use. If plans are to
expand or enlarge a structure for use in conjuction with
current operations this is not allowed under current law.
In order for an expansion to occur at this site an amendment
to the ordinance would be required. Bridgewater has an option
to amendment the ordinance or relocate to the industrial
park. City staff will continue working with Mr. Rierson.
10. CONSIDERATION TO REVIEW AND DISCUSS THE BILLING STATEMENT
FROM BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, INC.
Mr. Pat Pelstring apologized to the HRA members for the
billing statement error. After notation by Jeff O'Neill
of the contact between the HRA and BDS, which doesn't
include prospecting/marketing for the City of Monticello
(example Genereux and Manteq projects), Mr. Pelstring
suggested the reduction of billing statement to $2,626.75
(elimination of Ind. marketing/proposals hours) and the
potential to amend the existing contract to include
hours attributed to the potential loan writing and future
meetings with Manteq or Genereux. The HRA was in
acceptance of Mr. Pelstrings suggestion. * CorrectioQ (over)
11. OTHER BUSINESS.
Chairperson Al Larson suggested Koropchak contact Barb Schwientek
for input on the need for intermediate housing for the elderly.
Housing needed between the stage of capability of living alone
and the need for full nursing home care.
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12. ADJOURNMENT.
The HRA meeting adjourned at 10:00 PM.
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Ollie Koropchak, HRA Executive Secretary
Correction made by Chairperson Al Larson: (September 6, 1989)
The HRA would like to be advised up front as to when BDS.
Inc. billing clock begins to run on individual projects
other than TIF projects.
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