06-06-2018 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP JUNE 6, 2018 Mr. Wagenseil stated that he and Mr. Bahneman are trying to determine if this is worth putting a proposal together to present to Mr. Erdmanis. McGraw stated that if the property were purchased by On -Site, he would want them to construct the building and the screening right away. The City Administrator noted that the last time the Council was dealing with On -Site and putting conditions on construction, the City owned the properties and had control. He stated that a letter of credit could be required from On -Site so they will follow through with construction. Montour suggested rezoning it to PUD instead of I-1 so the City can have control over a minimum building size. There was Council consensus to consider the proposal but noted it will be highly conditional. Mr. Bahneman asked what screening would be acceptable. The Council wants complete screening from the street and for the adjacent east and west properties, far enough off the street to screen the neighbors. The City Administrator reported that the dental office owner called him again and offered $100,000 for the property next to Culvers. There was Council consensus not to accept that offer. The City Administrator reported that developer Mark Sullivan supposedly had control of the PreWire property and was working to assemble others, but recently let him know that it was too much work. for too little return. The City Administrator noted that this area is going to continue as is until all the properties are assembled. He suggested that maybe this is an opportunity for the Council to buy and hold some parcels. HOUSING The City Administrator stated that the Center for Energy & Environment is REHABILITATION good, but probably not viable for the rehab program that we want since they do LOAN PROGRAM not do the inspections piece, but it is worth partnering with them for their energy program. He explained that staff met with NeighborWorks, and they are probably the best option. He noted that if the Council is interested, the NeighborWorks staff could come in and meet with the Council at a workshop to determine the parameters of the program. They are part of a national consortium who works to provide affordable housing. He stated that staff also met with the City of St. Paul, but he is concerned that they do not have experience in some of the areas that we might want, such as mobile homes. He noted that NeighborWorks will design a custom program, and other cities in the area have chosen to use them. There was Council consensus to bring NeighborWorks in to discuss a new housing rehabilitation loan program.