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. This meeting will be a hybrid of Zoom and in-person. The Mayor has signed a declaration allowing members of the council, staff, and the public to attend the meeting remotely via Zoom as has been done during the COVID-19 pandemic. The council chambers will have limited seating, with audience chairs being set up at least six feet apart. There will be an overflow area where the meeting can be watched in the Cloverleaf Farms Room, also with chairs set up at least six feet apart. Please note that all visitors to city hall are required to wear a face mask while inside the building. Public comments may be submitted prior to the meeting by sending an email to PublicComment@BlaineMN.gov or by calling 763-717-2782 no later than Noon on Wednesday January 20. Public comment during the meeting will be taken both remotely via Zoom and in-person in the council chambers. Members of the public can join the Zoom webinar at, https://blainemn.zoom.us/j/96330452340 Monday, December 21, 2020 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, city meetings will be held as virtual meetings until further notice. This meeting will take place immediately following the City Council meeting 1 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 10:15PM by President Ryan followed by the Roll Call. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this meeting was held virtually. 2 Roll Call Quorum Present. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Michelle Wolfe; Community Development Director Erik Thorvig; Public Works Director Jon Haukaas; Police Chief/Safety Services Manager Brian Podany; Finance Director Joe Huss; Public Services City of Blaine Page 1 EDA Minutes December 21, 2020 Manager/Assistant City Manager Bob Therres; City Engineer Dan Schluender; City Planner Lori Johnson; Recreation Manager Nate Monahan; Communications Technician Roark Haver; Communications Manager Ben Hayle; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen. Present: 4 - Commissioner Jeppson, Commissioner Robertson, Commissioner Paul, and Commissioner Hovland 3 Minutes 3-1 DECEMBER 7, 2020 EDA MINUTES Attachments: Dec 7, 2020 Minutes Moved by Commissioner Robertson, seconded by Commissioner Swanson, that the Minutes of December 7, 2020, be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted 6-0-1 (Commissioner Hovland abstained). Aye 6 - Ryan Swanson Commissioner Jeppson Garvais Commissioner Robertson Commissioner Paul Abstain 1 - Commissioner Hovland 4 New Business Finance Director Huss requested Item 4.2 be discussed prior to Item 4.1. 4-2 AUTHORIZE THE BLAINE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, HAVING ALL THE POWERS OF A HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, TO LEVY A PROPERTY TAX UPON THE TAXABLE PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF BLAINE FOR 2021 Community Development Director Thorvig 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 most recent Comprehensive Plan, Blaine will encourage “through land use and the City's EDA (Economic Development Authority), 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 the EDA, will “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 City of Blaine Page 2 EDA Minutes December 21, 2020 thorough analysis of the EDA fund and on September 21, the EDA gave preliminary approval for a 2021 property tax levy of $700,000. 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 2021 EDA property tax levy. Moved by Commissioner Garvais, seconded by Commissioner Jeppson, that Resolution No. 20-17, “Authorize the Blaine Economic Development Authority, Having all the Powers of a Housing Redevelopment Authority, to Levy a Property Tax Upon the Taxable Property in the City of Blaine for 2021,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted 6-1 (Commissioner Robertson opposed). Aye 6 - Ryan Swanson Commissioner Jeppson Garvais Commissioner Paul Commissioner Hovland Nay 1 - Commissioner Robertson 4-1 ADOPTING THE 2021 EDA FUND BUDGET Finance Director Huss stated the EDA discussed its 2021 budget at a number of Blaine City Council workshops throughout 2020. The budget presented herein reflects the 2021 budget for which the EDA has given conceptual approval. Under a separate resolution, and in association with the attached resolution, the EDA adopted its 2021 property tax levy. Moved by Commissioner Hovland, seconded by President Ryan, that Resolution No. 20-16, “Adopting the 2021 EDA Fund Budget,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye 7 - Ryan Swanson Commissioner Jeppson Garvais Commissioner Robertson Commissioner Paul Commissioner Hovland 5 Other Business Commissioner Paul wished all Blaine residents, staff members and City Councilmembers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 6 Adjournment Moved by President Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Swanson, to adjourn the meeting at 10:21PM. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye 7 - Ryan Swanson Commissioner Jeppson Garvais Commissioner Robertson Commissioner Paul Commissioner Hovland City of Blaine Page 3