04-17-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

EDC Minutes April 17, 2009 Page 2 of 4 5. SPECIAL BUSINESS Commissioner Johnson reminded people that the Town Hall Meeting would be held on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 9am. Commissioner Helgemoe congratulated Chamber President Tim Roche for recently celebrating his one-year anniversary at the Chamber. 6. EDC BUSINESS A. Housing Replacement Program − Discuss Possible Policy Changes Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz stated that she is suggesting a couple of changes to the EDA’s Housing Replacement Program. She is suggesting that applicants submit an application form (rather than a letter of intent) so that applications are more consistent. She is also suggesting an application fee to cover the staff time involved in processing applications. The fee would ensure a level of commitment from the applicant. Commissioner Johnson asked for background information on the use of the program. Ms. Steinmetz answered that the EDA denied an application in December 2008 because the applicant’s home was not on the EDA’s list of properties eligible for acquisition. She added that the latest application does not meet the program criteria because the applicant is not requesting to replace the home but wants the EDA to purchase the home for general redevelopment purposes. Commissioner Wagner stated that she has a concern about the non-refundable aspect of the proposed application fee. Commissioner Larson stated that it appears as though the EDA should update its list of properties eligible for acquisition. Community Development Director Ken Roberts said that the City, especially the Community Development Department, charges fees for other City services such as zoning requests and building permit requests and a Housing Replacement Program application does not seem much different. He added that $100 does not seem too out of line considering the benefit the applicant may receive from the program. Commissioner Johnson stated that she agrees with Commissioner Wagner that there should at least be a partial refund if the EDA’s denies an application for the program. She also agrees that an application form should be required for the program. Commissioner Entsminger stated that $100 is not out of line and that paying a fee shows commitment. Commissioner Helgemoe, Commissioner Belting and Chair Meehlhause agreed. Chair Meehlhause added that the $100 application fee is justified because of the benefit of this program (a deferred loan at the end of ten years). Motion/Second: Commissioner Belting moved and Commissioner Entsminger seconded a recommendation to the EDA that applicants for the Housing Replacement Program be required to submit a non-refundable application fee of $100 and a completed application form.