08/08/1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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BUDGET WORKSESSION AUGUST 8, 1996 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, BRIAN WESSEL Mr. Wessel handed out a status report on current industrial/commercial development in the City. He briefly outlined the report. He noted the additional tax revenues that are being generated by these developments. Council Member Kuether noted that all the new projects are still Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects. She asked how long these projects would be TIF projects. Mr. Wessel explained that both Apollo Business Center and Clearwater Business Park will be TIF for nine (9) more years. He explained that the school districts and Anoka County have been very supportive of what is happening in Lino Lakes because the TIF duration is very short. Council Member Lyden asked for a graphic on what the City should expect to collect in revenues because of the commercial/industrial development. Mr. Wessel outlined some business prospects for 1997 and further explained the town center concept. The University of Minnesota planning department will be working on the town center project concept plan. At this time, Mr. Wessel is waiting for several things to occur and then he will have a concept plan and a master plan ready for City Council review in October. Mr. Wessel noted that the Community Development Department has been reorganized to include Mary Kay Wyland from the Planning Department. His expanded department budget request for 1997 is exactly the same as 1996. Mr. Wessel explained that the update of the Comprehensive Plan is now a function of the Community Development Department. He estimated $30,000.00 would be needed to cover professional fees for the Comprehensive Land Use update and another $10,000.00 would be needed for other expenses. Mr. Wessel explained that many communities have spent $60,000.00 to $80,000.00 for their Comprehensive Plan updates but felt that Lino Lakes could get a quality Comprehensive Plan for approximately $40,000.00. Mr. Wessel also explained that he has placed $1,500.00 in his project requests for new computer software. Council Member Neal asked where the computer would be purchased. Mr. Wessel explained that Ms. Vaske purchases computers for the City from Smith Office Supply. Council Member Neal noted that there is a company in Sioux City that sells computers. Mr. Wessel said that Mr. Asleson had purchased a computer from that company and has had problems with it. Council Member Neal asked why the City let Laurie go. (Mr. Neal was referring to Laurie Tschida who worked for the City several years ago.) Council Member Neal said that she was very sharp and felt that the City needed a full-time computer person. Ms. Vaske explained that Ms. Tschida wanted to expand her horizons. Ms. Vaske said she felt that the City did not need a full-time computer person. Council Member Lyden said PAGE 4 • •