HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-2021 Regular Meeting
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA
January 27, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.
NOTE: THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD BY WEB CONFERENCE*
A. CALL TO ORDER:
B. ROLL CALL: ANDREWS ___ GUSTAFSON____ LEEHY___
MIAZGA ___ WEHYEE___
STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH____
C. PRESENTATION
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. January 13, 2020 City Council Regular Minutes
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
F. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through: 1/19/21 $138,523.31
Payroll through: 1/15/20 $19,796.85
2. Approval of City License(s)
G: POLICY ITEMS:
1. Amber Union Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Request – Calling for Public Hearing
H. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
I. COMMUNITY FORUM:
Please limit comments to 3 minutes per person. Items brought before the Council will be referred
for consideration. Council may ask questions for clarification, but no council action or discussion
will be held on these items.
J. ADJOURNMENT:
*You can participate in the meeting by clicking the following Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81446634622
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CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
MINUTES
January 13, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.
NOTE: THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY WEB CONFERENCE
A. CALL TO ORDER: 7:06 pm
B. ROLL CALL: ANDREWS _X__ GUSTAFSON__X__ LEEHY_X__
MIAZGA ___ WEHYEE_X__
STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH__X__
C. PRESENTATION
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. December 16, 2020 City Council Workshop Minutes
Council Member Leehy mentioned one edit to the December 16, 2020 minutes.
Motion by Council Member Leehy to approve the December 16, 2020 minutes;
Approved 4-0.
2. December 23, 2020 City Council Regular Minutes
Motion by Council Member Andrews to approve the December 23, 2020 minutes;
Approved 4-0.
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Ordinance Amending Chapter 8, 22, 26, 105 and 113 of the City Code Concerning
Fire Departments
Administrator Thongvanh
The ordinances included in the packet amend the City Code to allow the City to contract for
those services and dissolve the Falcon Heights Fire Department.
Dan Johnson-Powers: 1974 Tatum Street
I live on Tatum Street and I am a member of the Fire Department and also work with the
Emergency Management department. I am honored to have served the City and am
disappointed to read in a letter that my position with the department has been terminated.
Rebecca Olson
I want to focus on transparency with regard to the elimination of the department. I have
requested data from a few council members and was displeased with the response. I think this
is a concerning and rushed decision. In the long term, the entity that the City contracts can raise
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their rate to whatever they want. I don’t support the rush and I don’t feel there has been enough
time given to this topic.
Joseph Olson
I spent a decade or more on the Fire Department. I live on Roselawn. I am concerned about
what happens with the language in the contract that St. Paul can abandon an emergency
situation, and there is no language to require calling for mutual aid.
Nick Olson
I am vice chair of the Environment Commission. I would like to express my dismay that we are
getting rid of this institution that has been part of the City for many years. I am concerned that
this may go the way of what happened with our police services, where we ended up going with
Ramsey County and seeing a significant increase in our taxes. I’m also concerned that we will
lose our identity as a City that will provide services to citizens not under contract.
Fire Chief Butch Inks
In reference to the contract related to abandoning emergency situations, this language is in all
our contracts with other entities. It simply means that if a catastrophic situation arose in St.
Paul, that the department could pull resources to address it. This is a highly unlikely event, and
the department would never leave Falcon Heights without services, especially given that we
also have mutual aid agreements with surrounding entities.
To respond to concerns about St. Paul increasing the rate after the contract expires, we are not in
it to make a profit. We build in a 2% increase to cover the increasing cost of business but we are
simply covering costs.
Tom Lageson
I live on Pascal and have been a resident since 1989. I recommend postponing the decision for a
year to ensure that we have all the capabilities to meet the needs for apartments in Falcon
Heights. If we get rid of the fire department, we need to start asking why the City exists at all.
Nick Olson
I am more so worried about the politics of St. Paul influencing the terms of the future contract.
Sue Majerus: 1381 Iowa Ave West
I do oppose the ordinance. I think the process should have started out with publishing the
ordinance and requesting public input. The City needs to think about better communication. I
want to see more information about who would be providing mutual aid under the contract.
Lastly, I would like to thank the Falcon Heights Fire Department.
Dan Johnson-Powers: 1974 Tatum Street
I want to thank the Council and the City for the opportunity to serve. I do not support this. It
has been our honor to have served the City.
Sue Majerus: 1381 Iowa Ave West
I just want to make sure that you know this ordinance is not the last step. Eventually you need
to determine what to do with the equipment and the garage.
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Council Member Andrews
I want to officially acknowledge that this is not an easy decision for any of us. I personally want
to thank the firefighters that have provided service to the City for 70 years. I am also sorry if
community people are not aware that this has been talked about. We as a council are struggling
with how best to communicate information to citizens. I want to emphasize that our concern is
to provide a safe environment for all of us to live. It is wonderful that we will be able to
decrease our levy, but for me that was not the primary factor. We needed to have adequate staff
and resources, good response times, quality service, and department leadership and for me that
was the most important factor. I hope that we are reaching out and making sure that mental
health needs are being addressed and that support is being offered.
Council Member Leehy
This is a very difficult decision that we have had to come to. It’s been over a year and a half in
time invested. Safety and liability is the number one issue that we are looking at. We have done
everything possible to keep our fire department as long as possible, but we are put in this
decision. I am grateful to each and every fire fighter.
Council Member Wehyee
I want to echo what my fellow council members have said. I deeply appreciate our volunteer
firefighters and the work they have done for the community. I have more substantive comments
that I will make under policy item 2.
Mayor Gustafson
Council and staff have worked for many months to maintain viability of the department. It was
not easy but needed to be done for the long term public safety of the City.
Motion to adopt Ordinance 21-01 and Summary Ordinance 21-01 by Mayor Gustafson;
Approved, 4-0.
F. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through: 1/07/21 $182,817.40
Payroll through: 12/31/20 $16,768.31
2. Approval of City License(s)
3. Designation of Official Depositories for 2021
4. Review Elected Official Out-of-State Travel Policy
5. Review and Adopt Council Standing Rules
6. Council Appointment as Liaison for City Commissions
7. Appoint Acting Mayor
8. Mile Reimbursement Rate for 2021
9. Appointment of Vandara Thammavongsa to Assistant to the City Administrator
10. Resignation of Katie Kohns from the Community Engagement Commission
11. Resignation of Georgiana May from the Community Engagement Commission
12. Purchase of 2021 Ford F250 and Attachments for the Public Works Department
13. 2020 Additional Year End Budget Amendment
14. Accept Donation from Falcon Heights/Lauderdale Lions
Motion by Council Member Wehyee;
Approved, 4-0.
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G: POLICY ITEMS:
1. Fire Protection Services with the City of Saint Paul
Administrator Thongvanh
This is a joint powers agreement with the City of St. Paul. It’s a 2-year contract with an annual
cost of $165,000. Once it’s approved we will work on the transition to the City of St. Paul. On
Thursday, January 14 at 1:00pm, the transition will be made with Ramsey County Dispatch to
formally transfer fire services in Falcon Heights to the City of St. Paul.
Mayor Gustafson
The joint powers agreement has been approved by the City of St. Paul at their City Council
meeting earlier today. Services will begin on Thursday at 1:00pm when St. Paul Fire will
become the entity dispatched to emergencies in Falcon Heights.
Motion by Mayor Gustafson to accept the joint powers agreement regarding fire protection
services;
Approved, 4-0.
2. Dissolution of the Falcon Heights Fire Department and Termination of Employees
Administrator Thongvanh
This is the final step for contracting with St. Paul for fire services. We will need a motion from
Council to terminate all fire department employees.
Council Member Wehyee
I have a prepared statement I would like to make. Last January I was entrusted with the
responsibility to serve on Council and I have been forced to make difficult decisions. My
assessment of the situation was that the odds were stacked against the fire department from the
beginning. I stand firm in my belief that the Falcon Heights Fire Department that the
department would have resolved the issues identified in the fire department audit if allowed
sufficient time. My preferred outcome would have been an arrangement in which we maintain
our department but contract administrative services to allow the department to build capacity
to take on these items later. But because this arrangement with Roseville was no longer possible,
we have been forced to contract for fire services. I am hopeful about our future with the St. Paul
Fire Department and I am sincerely grateful to all past and present members of the Falcon
Heights Fire Department.
Mayor Gustafson
Thank you all for your work on the department. We’ve tried our best to make it go, we’ll be
moving on with a positive future and safety for our community.
Motion by Mayor Gustafson;
Approved, 4-0.
H. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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Council Member Leehy
Thank you to the Parks and Rec Commission for letting me serve as Council Liaison. I look
forward to serving as the Liaison on the Planning Commission. There is a survey available in
regards to the honorary naming of a portion of Larpenteur Avenue to Philando Castile
Memorial Avenue.
Council Member Wehyee
Last week was the third community conversation focusing on public safety. Thank you to
everyone that was involved. A topic we need to focus on is improving communication with the
community, there seems to be a disconnect.
Administrator Thongvanh
We have our ice rinks flooded and people are using them. As of right now, we have received
1,600 responses to the survey on the Larpenteur Avenue renaming. We got great news that the
Amber Union project did receive state bonding funds. There are still many steps that the City
will have to take, specifically our discussion on TIF funding to fill a gap in funding.
I. COMMUNITY FORUM:
Please limit comments to 3 minutes per person. Items brought before the Council will be referred
for consideration. Council may ask questions for clarification, but no council action or discussion will be held on these items.
Dan Johnson-Powers: 1974 Tatum Street
First, thank you Council for extending the date of our termination to allow for the Fire
Department members to allow us to earn a small additional amount towards our pension.
Thank you to Council Members Wehyee and Andrews for their support of extending the benefit
of Employee Assistance, which primarily covers 6 mental health sessions.
H. Kazemi
I would prefer that we keep our fire department for reasons of independence. At the very
minimum, don’t hastily get rid of the equipment that the City already has.
J. ADJOURNMENT: 8:49 pm
________________________________
Randall C. Gustafson, Mayor
Dated this 13th day of January, 2021
_________________________________
Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item General Disbursements and Payroll
Description
General Disbursements through: 1/19/21 $138,523.31
Payroll through: 1-15-21 $19,796.85
Budget Impact The general disbursements and payroll are consistent with the budget.
Attachment(s) • General Disbursements and Payroll
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends that the Falcon Heights City Council approve general
disbursements and payroll.
Meeting Date January 27, 2021
Agenda Item Consent F1
Attachment N/A
Submitted By Roland Olson, Finance Director
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item Approval of City License(s)
Description
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Cigarette Sales License
for 2021. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Northern Tier Retail, LLC (Speedway)
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Gasoline Operator
License for 2021. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Northern Tier Retail, LLC (Speedway)
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Retail Grocery License
for 2021. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Northern Tier Retail, LLC (Speedway)
The following individuals/entities have applied for a General Contractor’s
License for 2021. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Hoffman Corner Heating & AC
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Tree Contractor’s
License for 2021. Staff have received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Rainbow Tree Care
The following individuals/entities have applied for a Single Family Rental
Dwelling License for 2021. Staff have received the necessary documents for
licensure.
1. Brad Tipka- 1546 Iowa Ave
2. Bradley Peper- 1758 Maple Court
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s) N/A
Meeting Date January 27, 2021
Agenda Item Consent F2
Attachment N/A
Submitted By Ashleigh Walter
Administrative & Communications
Coordinator
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Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends approval of the City license applications contingent on
background checks and fire inspections as required.
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________
Item Amber Union Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Request – Calling for Public
Hearing
Description
The Amber Union Project is moving forward after receiving State Bonding
over $23 million for a new affordable housing project in the former TIES
building now call Amber Union. The project will also be receive funds from
DEED and MetCouncil.
Attached is the staff report from the December 23, 2020 meeting of the City
Council for your reference. The next step that require actions from the
Council calling for a public hearing on the proposed adoption of a
modification to the development program for District No. 1, the proposed
establishment of TIF District No. 1-4 for Amber Union.
Budget Impact This will be realized in 2022.
Attachment(s) • Draft Schedule of Events for TIF from Ehlers
• Resolution 21-05 Calling for Public Hearing (TIF for Amber Union)
• RCA from December 23rd Meeting
Action(s)
Requested
Motion to approve the attached resolution calling for a public hearing to
establish Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 1-4 and authorize the City
Administrator and Mayor execute all necessary documents.
Meeting Date January 27, 2021
Agenda Item Policy G1
Attachment Document(s)
Submitted By Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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DRAFT Schedule of Events
City of Falcon Heights, Ramsey County, Minnesota For the proposed modification to the Development Program for Development District No. 1 and the proposed establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-4 (a housing district)
January 25, 2021 Project information, property identification numbers, fiscal impacts and maps sent to Ehlers for drafting documentation. Ehlers confirms whether building permits have been issued on the property to be included in the TIF District. January 27, 2021 City Council considers a resolution calling for a public hearing on the proposed modification to the Development Program for Development District No. 1 and the proposed establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-4. January 29, 2021 Letter received by County Commissioner giving notice of proposed housing TIF District (at least 30 days prior to publication of public hearing notice). [Ehlers will distribute.] By February 3, 2021 Ehlers conducts internal review of Program and Plan. February 8, 2021 Fiscal/economic implications received by School Board Clerk and County Auditor (at least 30 days prior to public hearing) and County receives information for review of county road impacts. [Ehlers will distribute.]
*The County Board, by law, has 45 days to review the TIF Plan to determine if any county roads will be impacted by the
development. Because City staff believes that the proposed TIF District will not require unplanned county road improvements,
the TIF Plan was not forwarded to the County Board 45 days prior to the public hearing. Please be aware the County Board
could claim that tax increment should be used for county roads, even after the public hearing.
February 23, 2021 Planning Commission meets at 7:00 p.m. to review Program and Plan and consider a resolution affirming the Program and Plan conform to the general plans for development and redevelopment of the City as a whole. [Attorney
provides resolution by February 17, 2021.] February 28, 2021 Publication of hearing notice and map in the Pioneer Press (at least 10 days but not more than 30 days prior to hearing). [Ehlers will submit notice, map and
instructions. Publication deadline: February 26, 2021.]
March 10, 2021 City Council holds public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on the proposed modification to the Development Program for Municipal Development District No. 1 and the proposed establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-4, and considers a resolution approving the Program and Plan, an interfund loan and a development agreement in connection with the TIF District. [Ehlers and attorney
provide packet information March 3, 2021.] March 11, 2021 City may issue building permits.
Before June 30, 2021 Ehlers files the Program and Plan with the MN Department of Revenue, Office of the State Auditor, and requests certification of the TIF District with the County.
An action under subdivision 1, paragraph (a), contesting the validity of a determination by an authority under section 469.175, subdivision 3, must be commenced within the later of:
(1) 180 days after the municipality's approval under section 469.175, subdivision 3; or (2) 90 days after the request for certification of the district is filed with the county auditor under section 469.177, subdivision 1.
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EXTRACT OF MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FALCON HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
HELD: January 27, 2021
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights, Ramsey County, Minnesota, was duly held at the City Hall on January 27,
2021, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose, in part, of calling a public hearing on the proposed adoption
of a Modification to the Development Program for Development District No. 1, the proposed establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-4 therein and the proposed adoption of a Tax Increment Financing Plan therefor.
The following Council members were present:
and the following were absent:
Councilmember _______________________ introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION 21-05 RESOLUTION CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED
ADOPTION OF A MODIFICATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 1, THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT NO. 1-4 THEREIN AND THE PROPOSED ADOPTION OF A TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN THEREFOR
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council (the "Council") of the City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota (the "City"), as follows:
1. Public Hearing. This Council shall meet on March 10, 2021, at approximately 7:00 p.m., to hold a public hearing on the following matters: (a) the proposed adoption of a
Modification to the Development Program for Development District No. 1, (b) the proposed establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-4 within Development District No. 1, and (c) the proposed adoption of a Tax Increment Financing Plan relating thereto, all pursuant to and in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.124 through 469.133, both inclusive, as amended, and Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.174 through 469.1794, both inclusive, as
amended (collectively, the "Act").
2. Notice of Hearing; Filing of Program Modification and Plan. The City Administrator is hereby authorized to cause a notice of the hearing, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, to be published as required by the Act and to place a copy of the
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proposed Modification to the Development Program and the proposed Tax Increment Financing
Plan on file in the Administrator's Office at City Hall and to make such copies available for
inspection by the public.
3. Consultation with Other Taxing Jurisdictions. The Administrator is hereby directed to mail a notice of the public hearing and a copy of the proposed Modification to the Development Program and the proposed Tax Increment Financing Plan to Ramsey County and
Independent School District No. 623, informing those taxing jurisdictions of the estimated fiscal
and economic impact of the establishment of the proposed tax increment financing district.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Councilmember _____________________ and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor:
and the following voted against the same:
Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - Moved by: Approved by: ________________________ Randall C. Gustafson Mayor
GUSTAFSON ____ In Favor Attested by: ________________________ MIAZGA Sack Thongvanh ANDREWS ____ Against City Administrator LEEHY WEHYEE
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3
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) ss.
COUNTY OF RAMSEY )
I, the undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting City Administrator of the City of
Falcon Heights, Minnesota, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the attached resolution is a true and
correct copy of an extract of minutes of a meeting of the City Council of the City of Falcon
Heights, Minnesota duly called and held, as such minutes relate to the calling of a public hearing
on the City's proposed modification to the development program and proposed tax increment
financing district.
WITNESS my hand as such City Administrator of the City of Falcon Heights this ___
day of January, 2021.
_______________________________________ City Administrator
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Exhibit A
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
[PLEASE NOTE, due to COVID-19, the public hearing will be conducted via
telephone or other electronic means as allowed under Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.021. Please refer to the City of Falcon Heights' website at https://www.falconheights.org/ or call City Hall at 651-792-7600 to learn how to attend the public hearing via telephone or electronically.]
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council (the "Council") of the City of Falcon
Heights (the "City"), Ramsey County, Minnesota, will hold [conduct via telephone or other electronic means] a public hearing on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., at the City Hall, 2077 Larpenteur Ave W, Falcon Heights, Minnesota, relating to the proposed adoption of a Modification to the Development Program for Development District No. 1, the proposed
establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-4 therein, and the proposed adoption of
a Tax Increment Financing Plan therefor, all pursuant to and in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.124 through 469.133 and Sections 469.174 through 469.1794, inclusive, as amended. Copies of the proposed Modification to the Development Program and the proposed Tax Increment Financing Plan are on file and available for public inspection at the
office of the City Administrator at City Hall.
The property proposed to be included in Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-4 is located within Development District No. 1 and is described in the Tax Increment Financing Plan on file in the office of the City Administrator.
A map of Development District No. 1 and Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-4 is
set forth below:
[INSERT MAP of Development District No. 1 and Tax Increment Financing District No.
1-4]
All interested persons may appear [attend via telephone or electronically] and be heard at the public hearing either orally or in writing or may file written comments with the City
Administrator before the hearing.
Dated: January 27, 2021 BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
/s/ Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Discussion of Potential TIF for Amber Union
Description
Summary of Request
On June 24, 2020, the City had submitted an Application of Bonding Authority for
Residential Rental Projects on behalf of Buhl GTA, LP for 100 percent low income
housing tax credits (LIHTC) to assist in financing the re-development of the former
TIES buildings into the Amber Union mixed-use development which is
predominately multi-family residential with a small amount of retail. Buhl did not
receive funding for this application, likely due to the number of other projects within
the State that had applied for LIHTC funding in 2020. To qualify for the 100 percent
LIHTC funding, either 20 percent of the units would have to be affordable at 50
percent of the area median income (AMI) or 40 percent of the units would have to be
affordable at 60 percent AMI. Buhl was not asking for tax increment financing (TIF)
for the 100 percent LIHTC funded project.
Applications typically have a greater chance for funding if they contain a greater
level of affordability than the other applications. Buhl is planning on submitting an
application for all units to be affordable at 50 percent AMI on January 4, 2021 instead
of another application for 100 percent LIHTC. Buhl has stated that due to the
reduced rental income received from a 50 percent AMI project, they would need to
request assistance from the City through the of creation a Housing TIF district.
The TIF district will not be set up at this time, but it is expected that the State of
Minnesota will inform Buhl if their application at 50 percent AMI is selected on
January 12, 2021. If Buhl receives State funding, it is expected that Buhl will apply to
the City for the creation of the TIF district before April 1, 2021.
December 16 City Council Workshop
Peter Deanovic, Principal at Buhl, attended the December 16 City Council Workshop
and described the history of the assembling the financing for the Amber Union
affordable housing project. Mr. Deanovic explained the factors that would likely
prevent the project from receiving State housing tax credit bonding if it remained a
100% LIHTC project and why the project is more likely to receive bonding if it was
converted to a 50% AMI project. Mr. Deanovic further explained the gap financing
Meeting Date December 23, 2020
Agenda Item Policy G1
Attachments Yes
Submitted By Eric Zweber, AICP, Interim Community
Development Coordinator
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that would be required for a 50% AMI and his need to request TIF funding to close
this gap should Amber Union receive State bonding.
Following Mr. Deanovic’s presentation, the Bond/TIF Attorney and Ehlers provided
additional information related to the establishment of a TIF district. After
consideration of the information received at the workshop, the City Council directed
that this item be placed on the December 23 City Council meeting agenda to
consider the resolution in support of the 50% AMI application.
Previous City Actions
The City Council has been working Buhl since the early 2019 on the conversion of
the former TIES office buildings. Below is a table of the previous City Council
actions and approvals for the Amber Union project.
Date Action
May 22, 2019 Preliminary Approval to Issuance of Housing Facility Revenue Bonds
June 12, 2019 Rezoning from B-3 to PUD for 106 Units with Retail
October 23, 2019 PUD Amendment to Increase to 128 Units and Retail
October 23, 2019 Authorize Grant Applications
November 13, 2019 Proposal for a Housing finance Program and the Issuance of Multi-Family
Housing Revenue Bonds
November 13, 2019 Authorization of DEED Grant Application
April 22, 2020 Accept DEED Grant for $155,774
How TIF Works: Basic Mechanics
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/issinfo/tif/mech.aspx
LMC: Tax Increment Financing (TIF) pg. 16
https://www.lmc.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/Community-
Development-and-Redevelopment.pdf
Budget
Impact
The City will continue to collect the base taxes on the property, while providing the
Developer the tax increment as the valuation increases from improvements to the
Property.
Attachments • Resolution 20-60 Consenting to the Process for the Creation of a Housing Tax
Increment Financing District and in Support of a Proposed 125 Unit
Multifamily Rental Housing
• Preliminary TIF Analysis
Action(s)
Requested
Staff requests that the City Council take action on the request for a resolution
supporting the 50% AMI application for State Bonding.
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