EDA

10801 Town Square Dr. City of Blaine Blaine MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes - Final EDA The purpose of the Blaine Economic Development Authority is to increase the City’s commercial/industrial tax base, provide employment opportunities, undertake redevelopment to enhance and maintain neighborhood economic stability, and address special needs, such as senior housing. As authorized under Minnesota State statutes, the Blaine City Council also serves as the Blaine Economic Development Authority. Thursday, September 5, 2013 7:15 PM Council Chambers 1 Call to Order/Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 7:22 p.m. by President Ryan followed by the Roll Call.Quorum present. ALSO PRESENT: Executive Director Clark Arneson, City Attorney Patrick Sweeney; Public Services Manager Bob Therres; Community Development Director Bryan Schafer; City Engineer Jean Keely; Public Safety Manager/Police Chief Chris Olson; Finance Director Joe Huss; Communications Technician Roark Haver; Senior Engineering Technician Al Thorp; City Clerk Jane Cross; and Recording Secretary Linda Dahlquist. Present: 8 - Comissioner Bourke, Comissioner Clark, Comissioner Herbst, Comissioner Hovland, Comissioner Kolb, President Ryan, Comissioner Swanson, and Executive Director Arneson 1. MIN 13-19 7/11/2013 EDA MINUTES City of Blaine Page 1 EDA Minutes - Final September 5, 2013 Attachments: 071113EDA Moved by Commissioner Herbst, seconded by Commissioner Bourke that the Meeting Minutes of July 11, 2013, be approved. Motion adopted 6-0-1 (President Ryan abstained due to his absence.) 2. EDA RES 13-06 AUTHORIZING THE BLAINE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, HAVING ALL THE POWERS OF A HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, TO LEVY TAXES UPON THE TAXABLE PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF BLAINE FOR COLLECTION FOR THE YEAR 2014 Sponsors: Huss Commissioner Kolb stated the EDA needs a defined plan and further Council discussion is needed. Commissioner Bourke stated he would support funding the EDA for $100,000 and asked Commissioner Kolb to amend the amendment. Commissioner Kolb replied she is not ready to amend her amendment. Commissioner Hovland stated he does support the EDA, but he is not in favor of a levy. He stated he is willing to compromise. President Ryan stated the City is slipping in business and a strong EDA is important to the City. He stated $150,000 is good, but barely covers the expenses of the EDA. He stated Blaine is the second largest city in Anoka County and the City does have an EDA staff member designated to work with the business people. Commissioner Kolb stated in the past the EDA was funded by the sale of land, but the slow economy has stalled land sales. She stated a levy does not mean the City will spend the money; it means the money would be there for three months to discuss further. President Ryan stated $175,000 levy would cost $1 per month per property. Commissioner Clark stated in the past, the EDA was funded for the last decade by the sale of land. He stated he is opposed to the City being in the land development business. He stated the EDA is down a staff member and that position is very visible and missed. He stated existing City staff time is used supporting EDA work. City of Blaine Page 2 EDA Minutes - Final September 5, 2013 Commissioner Swanson stated the EDA needs funding. He stated the Council needs to define the function of the EDA. He does not support hiring for the EDA position; be he will support the funding of the EDA of $150,000. President Ryan stated the EDA has marketable property that will be sold in the future. Commissioner Herbst clarified that the levy could be set tonight at $150,000 and reduce to $100,000. He stated he will support funding the EDA levy by $150,000 and noted that $50,000 could be removed. Commissioner Hovland asked if the $150,000 levy is passed, how much would each property pay. Finance Director Huss replied that a home valued at $175,000 would pay $6 for the year. Commissioner Bourke stated he will compromise and support funding the EDA by $150,000. Moved by Commissioner Kolb, seconded by President Ryan that Resolution No. 13-06, “Authorizing the Blaine Economic Development Authority, Having all the Powers of a Housing Redevelopment Authority, to Levy Taxes Upon the Taxable Property in the City of Blaine for Collection for the Year 2014,” be approved. Moved by Commissioner Kolb, seconded by Commissioner Hovland that Resolution No. 13-06, “Authorizing the Blaine Economic Development Authority, Having all the Powers of a Housing Redevelopment Authority, to Levy Taxes Upon the Taxable Property in the City of Blaine for Collection for the Year 2014,” be amended to $150,000. Amendment adopted 6-1 (Commissioner Clark opposed). Commissioner Clark stated he does not support the levy of $150,000, but does support $100,000. Commissioner Herbst stated $50,000 can be reduced. Amended motion adopted 6-1 (Commissioner Clark opposed). 2 Other Buisness None. 3 Adjournment Moved by Commissioner Herbst, seconded by Commissioner Kolb, to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m. Motion adopted unanimously. City of Blaine Page 3