09-08-2009 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION September 8, 2009 APPROVED 154 Recognizing that the conversation is very early, this is not a true decision point and that more 35 discussion is needed, the council concurred that they would support continuing the conversation 156 with the developer. 157 5. Proposal to convert Country Inn & Suites to Assisted Living/Memory Care- 158 Economic Development Coordinator Divine reported that the city has been approached by a 159 developer interested in conversion of the Country Inn and Suites. She indicated that a 160 representative of Winkelman Building is present to discuss the concept and would like input 161 from the council on the idea. As noted in her report, some considerations in changing the hotel 162 use to a living facility would relate to the Land Use Plan for Legacy at Woods Edge (the area site 163 is within an area designated as commercial) and the potential impact on the vicinity if a change 164 of use occurs. She reviewed other possible issues related to the existing development agreement 165 and the area's status as a tax increment district. 166 Mr. Schoenecker presented his information to the council. Winkelman Building is a well 167 established company with much experience in senior housing. This would be a well managed 168 facility and they have a goal of blending into the community. He pointed out that although this 169 particular use wasn't planned for the site, senior housing was planned for the area. The facility 170 would produce good jobs. He pointed out that the market has not been there for the hotel and it 171 has not been successful. 172 The council discussed with Mr. Schoenecker the proposed facilities including the proposal for 173 congregate dining. The council concurred that they would continue consideration of the 74 proposal. 175 The work session was recessed for a short period of time and then reconvened. 176 9. 2010 Budget Discussion - Finance Director Rolek distributed a written report to the 177 council indicating the city directors' current recommendations for 2010 budget adjustments that 178 would bring the city to a tax rate of 38.616% (the amount directed by the council). He noted that 179 the Early Retirement Incentive Plan could produce some change to the forecast but the deadline 180 for the program has not yet passed so the impact isn't known. 181 The council concurred that they will consider a reduction to their own budget in 2010 and they'd 182 like more information on those line items for a future decision. 183 The council concurred that they would be voting on setting the maximum tax levy(at 38.616 tax 184 rate) at the council meeting on September 14 and that it would be a maximum with a goal for 185 reduction from that rate. 186 8. 35E/CSAH 14 Interchange JPA/FundingUpdate—Community Development Director 187 Grochala reviewed his report updating the council on the funding scenario for the project. He 188 highlighted that additional non-city funding in the amount of$2 million has been identified and 189 thus the projected local share has been reduced to an estimated $4,221,000. He noted that the 190 high amount of city assessed funding that is expected to be deferred continues to be a funding 191 challenge. With the county indicating that they would only be willing to carry the debt for five 5