EDA

Blaine City Hall City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Dr 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, March 17, 2016 7:20 PM Council Chambers 1 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:23 p.m. by Vice President Swanson followed by the Roll Call. 2 Roll Call Quorum present. ALSO PRESENT: Executive Director Clark Arneson; Planning and Community Development Director Bryan Schafer; Finance Director Joe Huss; Police Chief/Safety Services Manager Chris Olson; Economic Development Coordinator Erik Thorvig; Communications Technician Roark Haver; Senior Engineering Technician Al Thorp; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen and Recording Secretary Linda Dahlquist. Present: 5 - Comissioner Bourke, Comissioner Herbst, Comissioner Hovland, Comissioner Swanson, and Comissioner King Absent: 2 - Comissioner Clark, and President Ryan 3 Minutes 3-1 MIN 16-11 FEBRUARY 18, 2016 EDA MINUTES Moved by Commissioner Hovland, seconded by Commissioner King, that the Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2016, be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 5 - Comissioner Bourke, Comissioner Herbst, Comissioner Hovland, Comissioner Swanson, and Comissioner King 4 New Business 4-1 EDA RES 16-06 APPROVING EDA ASSISTANCE TO ACCAP FOR THE UNIVERSITY AVENUE TOWNHOME PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $450,000 City of Blaine Page 1 EDA Minutes - Final March 17, 2016 Economic Development Coordinator Thorvig stated Anoka County Community Action Program (ACCAP) plans to build a 30-unit townhome development located at the northeast corner of 109th and University Avenue. He stated ACCAP applied for tax credit funding from Minnesota Housing Finance Agency but was not successful in obtaining the funding. He stated the original EDA funds were in the form of a loan which is forgivable provided the townhome project starts by July 1, 2016. He stated the developer has indicated the project will start in August 2016; therefore this resolution addresses the schedule change and allows an extension through the end of the year for the project to start. Jeff Johnson, Anoka County Community Action program, stated the new townhouse plans will have larger homes with two stall garages. He stated this is truly a workforce home project. Commissioner Bourke asked if financing is in place. Mr. Johnson stated he has a strong verbal commitment with Northeast Bank. He noted their goal is to finish the foundations before the first frost. Moved by Commissioner Bourke, seconded by Commissioner Hovland, that “Resolution 16-06, “Approving EDA Assistance to ACCAP for the University Avenue Townhome Project in the Amount of $450,000,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 5 - Comissioner Bourke, Comissioner Herbst, Comissioner Hovland, Comissioner Swanson, and Comissioner King 4-2 EDA RES 16-07 APPOINTING THE CITY MANAGER AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BLAINE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Economic Development Coordinator Thorvig stated this resolution formally appoints the City Manager, Clark Arneson as the executive director of the Blaine Economic Development Authority. Moved by Commissioner Herbst, seconded by Commissioner Hovland, that “Resolution 16-07, “Appointing the City Manager as Executive Director,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 5 - Comissioner Bourke, Comissioner Herbst, Comissioner Hovland, Comissioner Swanson, and Comissioner King 5 Other Business None. 6 Adjournment Moved by Commissioner Bourke, seconded by Commissioner Herbst, to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 p.m. City of Blaine Page 2 EDA Minutes - Final March 17, 2016 Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 5 - Comissioner Bourke, Comissioner Herbst, Comissioner Hovland, Comissioner Swanson, and Comissioner King City of Blaine Page 3