09-14-2016 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 OWASSO The City Administrator stated there has been some redevelopment interest IWOODLYN in the Owasso and Woodlyn area. He explained that the City owns 53 and AREA 167 South Owasso Boulevard West, but adding the two properties to the REDEVELOP- east would make the area more attractive for developers. He stated that he MENT recommends the City try to assemble more land. He explained that the area would be set up as a Tax Increment Financing district. He noted that the City will recapture quite a bit of money when the cell tower that the City purchased with 53 South Owasso sells. Keis asked if there is enough land to redevelop or would the McGough property be needed too. The City Administrator stated a larger parcel is always better, but there is a 10 to 15 foot grade difference between the McGough parcel and the other properties. He noted the other lots total about six acres which is still a decent size area to develop. McGraw stated the City could offer the land for redevelopment with the confirmed availability of outdoor storage. There was Council consensus for the City Administrator to move forward with contacting the property owners of 31 and 49 South Owasso Boulevard West about selling their land to the City. CITY'S ROLE IN The City Administrator stated that he wants to make sure that he is on the REDEVELOP- same page as the Council as far as buying properties and taking advantage MENT of opportunities as they come. McGraw stated that in his time on the Council, he does not feel that the City has overstepped their bounds when purchasing land. He noted that many times redevelopment would not occur without the City stepping in. He stated that he does not want to see the City get in the development business, but it has done a good job with some problem properties. Keis stated that he agrees and would prefer that the City does not buy property and hold it for years, if possible. Fischer stated that he was initially skeptical of buying properties, but has now realized that the City does often need to step in to make a project work, or clean up a property. There was Council consensus that City Staff has been working on redevelopment in a way that they support. HOUSING The City Administrator stated that Suzanne Snyder from the Greater REHABILITATION Metropolitan Housing Corporation has put together a proposal for a PROGRAM housing rehabilitation loan program. He explained that he believes the City has a solid funding option if the Council is comfortable with it, and he can work on more details for the program. There was Council consensus to move forward with creating a Little Canada housing rehabilitation program to be administered by the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation. At 7:28pm the Workshop was postponed until after the Council meeting. 2