HRA Minutes 11-01-1995
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MINUTES
MONTICELLO HOUSING AND REDEVELOMENT AUTHORITY
Wednesday, November 1, 1995 - 7:00 p.m.
City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairperson Al Larson, Vice Chairperson Brad Barger,
Everette Ellison, and Tom St. Hilaire.
MEMBER ABSENT:
Roger Carlson.
STAFF PRESENT:
Ollie Koropchak.
GUEST:
Bill Tapper, Genereux Fine Wood Products, Inc.
1. CALL TO ORDER.
Chairperson Larson called the November 1, 1995, HRA meeting to order at 7:00
p.m.
2.
CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 4,1995. HRA MINUTES.
The minutes were not prepared for approval.
3.
CONSIDERATION TO REVIEW THE MODIFIED FINANCIAL PROPOSAL
FOR THE TAPPER'S EXPANSION PROJECT AND APPROVE AMENDING
THE AMENDED PRIVATE REDEVELOPMENT CONTRACT.
Upon the request of the Tappers and for completion of the financial package
relating to the proposed 18,000 sq ft manufacturing expansion, the HRA considered
amending the amended Private Redevelopment Contract.
In January, 1995, the HRA amended the original Private Redevelopment Contract
to assist the Tappers with $30,000 of site improvements relating to the planned
expansion. Bill Tapper informed HRA members that the planned expansion did not
occur in 1995 because they determined further investment was not a wise decision,
at that time, due to a fluctuating housing market. Since mid-summer the housing
market has picked-up and the owner sees the overall economics of the housing
market having stabilized; therefore, the Tappers are proposing their expansion for
1996. Due to timing and increased costs of construction, the total expansion project
costs increased (use and sources). Currently, the Tappers are leasing space from Jay
Morrell.
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HRA MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
Today, the Tappers are requesting TIF assistance in the amount of $25,000 for site
improvements relating to the proposed 1996 expansion. Estimates indicate the
increased tax increment generated from the expansion during the life of the district
is sufficient to cover the requested assistance. Also, the Tappers are requesting
$100,000 of GMEF dollars, this request will be reviewed by the EDA on November
28, 1995. The expansion is estimated to create 15 new jobs.
Tom St. Hilaire made a motion to amend the amended Private Redevelopment
Contract and Assessment Agreement for TIF assistance in the amount of $25,000
payable upon 90% completion of the additional improvements, expansion
construction beginning in 1996 and fully assessed by January 2, 1997, for taxes
payable in 1998 and 1999. The new estimated market value for the land and
building IS $1,225,000. Brad Barger seconded the motion and with no further
discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
4.
CONSIDERATION TO REVIEW THE APPRAISAL FOR LOTS 1.2,3,4 & 5,
BLOCK 64 AND N 40 FT OF V AC RIVER ST L Y S OF BLK 64 AND TO
AUTHORIZE PREPARATION OF A PURCHASE AGREEMENT.
HRA members reviewed the buildable area of the property in relationship to
setbacks and determined the buildable area was confined to a portion of 1 or 2 lots
at the maximum. The property consist of 5 lots. Members compared the appraisal
to the price of the housing stock of homes for sale along the river. One member
was not convinced that to remove an older home from the tax role for the purpose
of a public park was a wise move. Some members felt the appraised value of
$163,000was high. The conclusion and consensus of the HRA members was to table
any action until after the Riverfront/Downtown Revitalization presentation of
November 16 or adoption of the Comprehensive Plan Update.
5.
CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TO BEGIN
PREPARATION FOR CONDEMNATION OF BLIGHTED PROPERTY FOR
PURPOSE OF REDEVELOPMENT - PARCEL NO. 155-500-033403.
H RA members asked if the property taxes were current and if the City Building
Official could enforce cleanup of the property. Koropchak reported the City was
able to apply sufficient pressure relating to safety and hazard issues of rental
property owned Clifford Olson. Thereafter I Mr. Olson elected to demolish his
property along Highway 25 South. The Katzmarek property is owner-occupied. The
HRA views the property as substandard and redevelopment of the property would
be in the best interest of the public. In this case, the HRA recognized the removal
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BRA MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
of the substandard taxable parcel was a greater benefit than the collected tax
revenue. Additionally, the value of the adjoining properties should increase with the
creation of a public park.
Koropchak informed members that upon Steve Bubul' s review of the Central
Monticello Redevelopment Plan, the Plan provided no provision which allows the
HRA to acquire property outside a TIF district. Therefore, the Plan needs
modification prior to beginning the the condemnation process.
Brad Barger made a motion to move forward with amending the Central Monticello
Redevelopment Plan for acquisition of additional properties within the
Redevelopment Project No. 1 boundaries and to amend the TIF Plans of TIF
Districts No. 1-1 through 1-19 and calling for a public hearing. Everette Ellison
seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
6.
CONSIDERATION TO REVIEW THE PROPOSED ITINERARY AND TO
APPROVE UTILIZATION OF HRA FUNDS FOR EXPENSES ASSOCIATED
WITH A GRASSROOTS APPROACH TO REDEVELOPMENT PRESENTED BY
THEREAS WASHBURN.
Enclosed with the agenda was an Itmerary of the three-day visit of Theresa
Washburn. Theresa has been mailed slides of Monticello's downtown area and a
copy of the Comprehensive Plan Update. Upon meeting with several local
organizations, an assessment walk of downtown, and a tour of the community;
Theresa will prepare her presentation for the evening of November 16,1995. HRA
members were encouraged to participate and encouraged to invite the community:
family members, neighbors, etc. Approximately 5,600 fliers will be distributed
through various organizations, the elementary schools, Maus Foods, the shopper, and
at Expo.
Tom St. Hilaire made a motion authorizing payment of consulting fees and
expenditures relating to the grassroots approach presentation by Ms. Washburn.
Everette Ellison seconded the motion and with no further discussion, the motion
passed unanimously.
7. CONSIDERATION OF AN UPDATE RELATING TO THE HRA LETTER OF
OCTOBER 20r 1995r TO COUNCILMEMBERS.
Koropchak updated the HRA members of the process to consider consolidation of
the HRA and the EDA. The EOA will review the issue at their November 28
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HRA MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
meeting; thereafter, will the Council consider all recommendations for direction of
commission appointments in January, 1996.
8. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE HRA AND METCALF/LARSON RELATING TO THE 20 FT
WIDE INGRESS/EGRESS EASEMENT.
Administrator Wolfsteller requested the HRA consider enforcement of their
agreement with Metcalf/Larson relating to the 20 ft easement. If the HRA has no
plans to enforce their agreement, Mr. Wolfsteller may bring the matter before the
City Council for consideration to block-off the City-owned property behind the
Metcalf/Larson building or for the Council to consider a temporary access through
the old Hass property. HRA members felt the benefactor of the 20 ft easement was
the Post Office and perhaps they should consider entering into a maintanence
agreement with Metcalf/Larson. HRA members suggested Koropchak invite Brad
Larson to the December HRA meeting to determine the HRA' s role if any.
9.
OTHER BUSINESS:
a) Authorization to pay bills - The HRA authorized payment of the enclosed
monthly bills.
b) Koropchak: invited and encouraged members of the HRA to attend the
NAHRO Conference on November 30. Chairperson Larson expressed
interest if his calendar was clear.
10. ADJOURNMENT.
The HRA meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
O~ \<d\~Y~
Ollie Koropchak:, Executive Director ~
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