Renaissance Zone Review Board

Renaissance Zone Board Meeting Meeting Minutes for September 24, 2020 @ 8:30am. Public Works Building Members Present: Pete Hugret (Chair), Barry Clute, Jason Bentley, Betty Fedorchak, Jen Cook, Pat Bailey Members Absent: Terri Aldrich, Kerry Candrian, Michael King Others Present: Brian Billingsley (Community & Economic Development Director), Jonathan Rosenthal (Economic Development Administrator), John Zakian (NDR Coordinator) Glenda Sorensen (Planning Assistant) Guests: Micah & Sara Bloom Call to Order: Chairman Hugret called the meeting to order at 8:30 am. Agenda: Renaissance Zone Map Amendment Update Update of Previously Approved Cases ______________________________________________________________________ Motion by Bailey to approve the July 30, 2020 meeting minutes, second by Fedorchak. ayes: all, nays: none. Motion passes Motion by Bailey to approve the August 27, 2020 meeting minutes, second by Fedorchak. ayes: all, nays: none. Motion passes Introduction of Jonathan Rosenthal Brian Billingsley introduced the new Economic Development Administrator, Jonathan Rosenthal. Rosenthal gave the committee insight into his background and experience, along with his vision for the economic development of the City of Minot. Renaissance Zone Map Amendment Update The committee members received copies of the newest Renaissance Zone Map. John Zakian Presentation  Any property Zakian acquires, (D restricted), the committee can jump.  Road improvements, 1st Street SW., TIF funds were used. Out of $625,000.00, 20% were TIF.  The City of Minot does not have control of the properties Zakian acquired. Update on Previously Approved Projects Chairman Hugret gave an update on a previous Renaissance Zone case, Micah & Sara Bloom.  Hugret noted the following work done by the owners: Renaissance Zone Projects for 511 Main St S, Minot, ND Retaining wall and front steps: demo and rebuild $9,500 Painting fence $300 Drywall repair from leaking in north entry $105 Ceiling and wall demolition for asbestos removal $400 Painting Exterior $7,700 Replacing of rotten boards on exterior $400 Kitchen ceiling demo, closet demo $300 Kitchen Ceiling wall drywall and paint $530 Galvanized pipes replaced $3,300 Replacing of rotting boards on shed $100 Stairs to back yard $400 Kitchen floor: resurfaced $785 Stairs carpet removed and floors refinished $465 Hallway carpet removed and floors refinished $147 Paint and crack repair retaining wall $255 Total $24,687   Zakian stated that the underlying challenge is that $25,000.00 “does not get you qualified”.  Zakian noted that there is a $9,000.00 discrepancy between the amounts provided by Micah Bloom.  Zakian also noted that homeowner labor is not allowed.  Applicant Bloom stated that there was a commitment made regarding homeowner labor by the previous City Planner, Donna Bye, although he does not have it in writing. Zakian stated that former City Planner, Donna Bye, was unauthorized to interpret the rules.  Bloom is short $9,000.00 and was told that 20% included the land, which was contradicted by Zakian.  There was discussion by the committee regarding the single-family home applications, homeowner labor and whether or not land is excluded.  Bloom challenged self-labor and committee member Baily asked why the city recognizes only contract labor and not self-labor.  Zakian suggested the committee go back and look at the guidelines and Billingsley committed to circling back with Rikki Roehrich.  Committee member Jen Cook stated that the application should be clearer and questioned why the language is buried regarding the 20%. With no other business before the committee, Chairman Hugret asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion by Fedorchak, second by Bailey to adjourn. ayes: all, nays: none Meeting adjourned at 9:28am. Next Meeting: Thursday, October 29, 2020 @ 8:30am to 9:30am, Conference Room #4, Public Works Building, 1025 31st Street, SE.