IV.2. Minutes of the November 2, 2015 Work Session following Regular Meeting Proceedings
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 2, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 8:54 p.m. Council Members and staff present at
meeting included the following:
x Mayor Maxwell x Planning and Development Dir. Elverum
x Council Member Halverson x Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers, Inc.
x Council Member Cummings
x Council Member Kuznia
x Council Member Gadd
x City Manager Mornson
The following updates were provided at the meeting:
Planning and Economic Development:
Planning and Development Director Elverum and Ms. Stacie Kvilvang, Senior Municipal
Advisor/Director of Ehlers, Inc. gave an overview of The Moline redevelopment project and
major aspects of the proposal. Ms. Kvilvang presented information on the Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) request and the factors that Ehlers examines to justify the TIF. Ms. Kvilvang
explained that the redevelopment TIF district meets the test, is justified and within industry
standards.
There was Council discussion regarding the stabilization period, challenges of a TIF district,
property valuation and look back period. Ms. Kvilvang explained that the stabilization period is
realized at 95% occupancy, that there are not any challenges anticipated, that future valuation is
based on $150,000 per apartment unit and that the look back period is clarified.
Ms. Kvilvang discussed the waiver of the $361,500 Park Dedication Fee. Ms. Kvilvang
explained that waiving the fee would add $350,000 in debt or approximately $1.80 annually on
average valued Hopkins home. Ms. Kvilvang explained the risk factors, annual tax levy required
and ways to mitigate the risk.
There was Council discussion about waiving, splitting or deferring the Park Dedication Fee. Ms.
Elverum explained that most of the time the Park Dedication Fee is collected but it is negotiable.
There was discussion that past Park Dedication Fees can’t be compared to current projects since
the fee has increased. There was Council discussion about the risk of the Southwest Light Rail
Transit (SWLRT) project, mitigating of parking issues by building the public ramp located in
The Moline and developers giving back to the community by contributing to the Park Dedication
Fee. Ms. Elverum explained that staff feels good about the construction of 190 new public
parking stalls, that the ramp could help preserve redevelopment parcels in the Shady Oak Station
area and the importance of diversifying the housing stock in the area. Ms. Kvilvang discussed
possible alternatives of not waiving the fee, deferring the fee or paying half of the fee.
Council Member Halverson would be in favor of the developer paying half of the Park
Dedication Fee.
Council Member Cummings discussed the importance of reinvestment in the Parks and would
consider splitting the fee with the developer or having the developer pay half now and the other
half down the road.
Council Member Gadd commented that he is not in favor of waiving the fee but likes what the
project is bringing to the City but also wants to maintain the Parks.
Council Member Kuznia commented that he would be concerned about setting precedence by
waiving the fee. He would be in favor of the developer paying half and exploring getting the
remainder following the property valuation.
Mayor Maxwell commented on the good redevelopment project for the City and that he would
be in favor of splitting the Park Dedication Fee and not extending the TIF but if the developer
would want to extend the TIF then get the other half of the fee.
Ms. Elverum and Ms. Kvilvang will take the Council feedback to Mr. Doran, project developer,
and update the Council.
Council asked about the Art Dedication Fee. The developer contribution is $25,000 for public art
in the City.
Ms. Kvilvang gave an overview of the next steps in the TIF process.
City Council:
Council Member Kuznia discussed the leaf pick up procedure and that some residents in the
Interlachen neighborhood have requested an extension since many leaves have not dropped.
City Manager Mornson will check with Public Works staff.
City Manager Mornson updated the Council on the demolition of the building at 20 Shady Oak
Road.
City Manager Mornson updated the Council on concerns by business owners regarding the
length of the Shady Oak Road Project. Mr. Mornson commented that final details of the road
project would continue until summer of 2016.
City Manager Mornson commented that the special Council Work Session on Tuesday,
November 10, 2015 would be held at 6:15 pm to canvas election results followed by the regular
Work Session discussion on food trucks and street closure policy.
City Manager Mornson commented that security improvements have been made at City Hall and
Police Chief Reynolds will update the Council at a future meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Kuznia,
second by Halverson, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:02 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
COUNCIL MEMBERS
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ATTEST:
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Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk