EDA

Blaine City Hall City of Blaine 10801 Town Sq Dr NE Blaine, MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes 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, December 21, 2017 7:15 PM Council Chambers 1 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:16 p.m. by President Ryan followed by the Roll Call. 2 Roll Call Quorum Present. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Clark Arneson; Planning and Community Development Director Bryan Schafer; Public Works Director Jon Haukaas; Police Chief/Safety Services Manager Brian Podany; Finance Director Joe Huss; Economic Development Coordinator Erik Thorvig; Public Services Manager/Assistant City Manager Bob Therres; City Engineer Jean Keely; Communications Technician Roark Haver; Senior Engineering Technician Jason Sundeen; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen. Present: 6 - Commissioner Hovland, Commissioner King, President Ryan, Commissioner Swanson, Commissioner Jeppson, and Commissioner Garvais Absent: 1 - Commissioner Clark 3 Minutes 3-1 DECEMBER 7 EDA MINUTES Attachments: 12-07-17 EDA Minutes Moved by Commissioner Jeppson, seconded by Commissioner King, that the Minutes of December 7, 2017, be approved. Motion adopted 5-0-1 (Commissioner Hovland absent for vote). Aye 5 - Commissioner King President Ryan Commissioner Swanson Commissioner Jeppson Commissioner Garvais Abstain 1 - Commissioner Hovland City of Blaine Page 1 EDA Minutes December 21, 2017 4 New Business 4-1 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 2018 Finance Director Huss stated Minnesota statutes allow special taxing districts to certify property tax levies on all real property within their jurisdiction. The Blaine Economic Development Authority (EDA) functions as a special taxing district and is therefore, authorized to levy taxes under state law. From the City's 2030 Comprehensive Plan, adopted in December 2009, the EDA will encourage “development that creates access to sustainable jobs for the residents of Blaine. Development of corporate offices, professional and financial services, research, medical manufacturing and medical services, education and emerging industrial technology will be focal points in helping to create a well-balanced and vital economy for the City and its residents.” The City, through its EDA will also “dedicate staff resources to monitoring the economic health of the city and assisting businesses in relocation or expansion within the City.” Earlier this year, City Finance staff conducted a thorough analysis of the EDA fund and on September 21, the EDA gave preliminary approval for a 2018 property tax levy of $650,000. At subsequent budget discussions, the EDA confirmed this levy amount, and at the annual Truth-in-Taxation hearing, the EDA directed staff to bring forward this dollar amount as the 2018 EDA property tax levy. Commissioner King stated he supported the EDA levy. He requested further information from staff on how the levy would be used for economic development. Finance Director Huss explained the funding would be used for economic development activities such as business retention, business development, and for housing assistance. President Ryan commended Economic Development Coordinator Thorvig on his economic development efforts in 2017. Moved by Commissioner Swanson, seconded by Commissioner Garvais, that Resolution No. 17-15, “Authorizing the Blaine Economic Development Authority, having all the Powers of Housing Redevelopment Authority, to Levy Taxes Upon the Taxable Property in the City of Blaine for Collection for the Year 2018,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. City of Blaine Page 2 EDA Minutes December 21, 2017 Aye 6 - Commissioner Hovland Commissioner King President Ryan Commissioner Swanson Commissioner Jeppson Commissioner Garvais 4-2 ADOPTING THE 2018 EDA BUDGET Finance Director Huss stated the EDA discussed its 2018 budget at the City’s annual Truth-In-Taxation public hearing on December 14, 2017. Staff commented on the budget and noted it reflects the 2018 budget for which the EDA gave conceptual approval at the December 14 hearing. Staff recommended approval of the 20 18 EDA budget. Commissioner Hovland asked if the billboard revenues were allotted to pay back the EDA. Finance Director Huss reported this was the case. Commissioner Hovland questioned when the City Hall building would be paid off. Finance Director Huss explained he did not have the exact date, but anticipated it was in 2019. Commissioner Hovland inquired how the billboard funds would be used after 2019. Finance Director Huss indicated the City Council has stated their intent was to put these funds into parks after City Hall was paid off. Moved by Commissioner King, seconded by Commissioner Garvais, that Resolution No. 17-16, “Adopting the 2018 EDA Budget,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye 6 - Commissioner Hovland Commissioner King President Ryan Commissioner Swanson Commissioner Jeppson Commissioner Garvais 5 Other Business None. None. 6 Adjournment Moved by Commissioner Hovland, seconded by Commissioner Jeppson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 p.m. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye 6 - Commissioner Hovland Commissioner King President Ryan Commissioner Swanson Commissioner Jeppson Commissioner Garvais City of Blaine Page 3