05/26/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 26, 1998 Bob Nelson, 6733 East Shadow Lake Drive, came forward with questions regarding the new Civic Center. He stated that last winter he had inquired at City Hall about the marked trees in a large area that had many, many trees. He said that the City had told him the trees were marked to track the health of the trees. Mr. Nelson stated that now all of the marked trees have been cut down. Mayor Sullivan stated that the location chosen for the Civic Complex best maximized the use of land and caused the lease amount of trees to be cut down. Mr. Wessel added that the Civic Complex was in that location to save the largest amount of trees possible. He said that the City worked with many agencies in choosing that site, including Anoka County, Rice Creek Watershed, and the DNR. Mr. Wessel stated that he would go over the entire process with Mr. Nelson if he wished. Mr. Nelson stated there is a very large cherry tree close to the edge of the cutting line. He hopes the City will try to save it. Mr. Wessel stated that all logging has been completed. The trees that remain will not be cut down. FINANCE DEPARTMENT REPORT, MARY VASKE Opportunity for Communities to Withdraw from 1999-2001 Community Development Block Grant and HOME Programs - Ms. Vaske stated that Anoka County has been notified by HUD that it is time for a new three year cycle of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Programs. HUD requires that the County give the communities an opportunity to "opt -out" of the programs at the beginning of each three (3) year cycle. A community's decision to withdraw from the program reduces the County's CDBG population count and entitlement amount and technically is effective for three (3) years, until June 30, 2002. Anoka County can exercise the option to invite a community that has "opted -out" of the program to participate in the second or third year. All the communities executed Joint Cooperation Agreements for 1987 that will automatically renew and continue in effect so long as there is a CDBG Program and they do not elect to withdraw. This agreement has been amended to include the HOME Program. If the City chooses to remain included in the Urban County, the City is notified of the following: 1. The City is ineligible to apply for grants under the HUD -Administered Small Cities or State CDBG programs while part of the Urban County. 2. The City can only participate in the HOME Program through the Urban County. Ms. Vaske recommended the City continue participation in the Community Development Block Grant and Home Program. 2