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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />MARCH 25, 2009 <br />The next action plan reviewed related to the goal "Acquisition Plan for <br />remaining Round Lake Properties". The Council was in agreement with <br />the action plan as stated. <br />An action plan for the "Fra-Dor IUP/Redevelopment" was reviewed. The <br />Administrator again noted that the economy is a factor in achieving this <br />goal. Keis stated that he did not want to see the Fra-Dor IUP go on for too <br />long. The Administrator agreed, noting that extension of the IUP could <br />include shorter review periods. Council was agreeable with the action <br />plan as presented. <br />The Administrator reviewed the action plan for "Fill Empty Store Fronts" <br />and asked the Council about the City's role in achieving this goal. With <br />regard to the Sherman buildings, the Administrator noted that rents are a <br />factor and the City does not control rents. It was noted that even if store <br />fronts are vacant, the property owners are still responsible for property <br />taxes. Blesener asked if TIF dollaz•s could be used to provide assistance <br />with the first month's rent for businesses leasing a new store front. The <br />Administrator replied that he would check if that were a feasible use of <br />TIF dollars. It was also noted that any assistance that the City provides to <br />one property owner will create equity issues when considering all property <br />owners. <br />There was discussion about the Culver's proposal and the difficulty the <br />developer is having in obtaining financing. It was also noted that Sherman <br />Associates has been working on the relocation of US Bank to the Viking <br />Drive/Rice Street area. The Administrator presented a concept plan. <br />Sherman Associates has asked the City for some assistance in discussing <br />the concept with US Bank. It was noted that Snyder's is now closed, and <br />that Bob Grootwassink is working to lease that spade. <br />The Administrator noted that the City's options in providing assistance to <br />fill empty store fronts is limited. Montour agreed and noted that the <br />budget does not contain dollars that the City could use to provide <br />assistance. Montour suggested that the key is for the City to have a <br />positive business climate. He suggested that the Council may be able to <br />budget assistance dollars in the future to provide incentives for businesses <br />to move to Little Canada. <br />The Administrator suggested that the City may be able to tie TIF relief to <br />Sherman Associates for its townhome development to tenant leasing <br />assistance. The Council also discussed the possibility of Sherman <br />converting retail space in The Lodge to housing units. <br />2 <br />