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City Council Minutes December 20, 1995 Page 3 2~~". The council discussed this matter at length. Attorney Sampson noted that the council has the authority to grant or deny each variance on its own merits and therefore would not necessarily be setting a precedent for other front yard variances if this one were granted. Administrator Hoyt stated that when a variance is granted, a resolution is passed stating the findings specific to that property. Upon further discussion, the council determined that the property was unique in that it was located on a corner and that the variance being requested was both the most reasonable alternative available and the minimum variance needed to alleviate the hardship. Motion was made by Councilmember Gehrz to approve Resolution 95-33, approving a variance to allow the construction of a double car garage at a setback of 26 feet on the Folwell Avenue side of the lot at 1596 Northrop Street. Motion passed unanimously. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 95-31 SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING ON AN AMENDMENT TO THE TAX INCREMENT DISTRICTS AND PLAN As a part of the process to amend the city's tax increment plan, the council heard a presentation from Jim Casserly, the city's consultant on the tax increment amendment process. Mr. Casserly noted that the city's TIF plan should be amended to allow the city maximum flexibility for the use its tax increment resources. Specifically, the amendment would include expanding and combining the two development districts. In order to proceed with this plan, a public hearing must be called and notice made in the city's legal newspaper. Councilmember Gehrz asked who might typically oppose this kind of plan amendment. Mr. Casserly responded that the only opposition usually stems from confusion. This plan will streamline the city's tools for making future spending decisions. Mayor Baldwin noted that there is sometimes opposition from property owners who mistakenly feel that they have a right to some of the TIF funds generated by the public investment of tax dollars. Motion was made by Councilmember Jacobs and seconded by Councilmember Gibson Talbot to approve Resolution 95-31 as presented and schedule the public hearing for January 24, 1996. Motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION REGARDING COUNCIL PRIORITIES FOR THE 1996 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (CDBG) Administrator Hoyt asked for council discussion and direction regarding the city's preferences for distribution of 1996 CDBG grant funds. Ramsey County administers the program for its suburban cities and is trying to achieve an equitable balance of benefits among cities to meet several cities' needs rather than just a few.