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Mounds View City Council August 23, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 7 City Administrator Whiting suggested that if the Council is interested in reviewing this option, staff be directed to conduct the research in time for the Work Session next week, and revisit the issue at that time. He reiterated the purpose of this would be to remove this loan as far from the General Fund as possible, and hence, remove any tax liability which may occur in that regard, which was indicated as a concern during previous discussion. Finance Director Kessel stated the TIF Districts will expire in the years 2013 through 2015. He explained at point, unless some other mechanism comes forward, or some other TIF District is created, the funding sources for any economic development activities, housing replacement programs, etc, will cease to exist. He noted in light of this, many cities attempt to set up revolving loan funds, and various permanent funding sources to provide they can continue to proceed with they types of projects. He explained that they could set up an economic development fund, restricting the money to economic development, and therefore, when the TIF Districts expire, there would be some means to continue with these projects. He commented this was a matter worth pursuing, as once the TIF Districts expire, further funds can not be expended from them, and any funds that they do have would require to be paid back to the County for redistribution. He stated this appeared to be a valuable tool for the Council in the future. City Administrator Whiting stated he believed this matter was worthy of further investigation, if the City desired to pursue a long-term economic development program. He stated this option would provide some flexibility in regard to what is eligible in terms of non-economic or development issues as well. He stated it would be worthwhile to spend some time on this matter, and postpone making a decision as it is proposed on the present agenda. Mayor Coughlin stated he had also attended the meeting, and concurred that this option was worthy of further discussion at the next Work Session. City Administrator Whiting stated that over the years, the Metropolitan Council has done much to curb the cost of metropolitan sewer treatment. He stated he would encourage the Council Members who are interested in this issue to attend the meetings that have been held to determine new efficiencies in this area. He stated he was not aware that all of the comments have been passed along to the member cities as a cost savings, or if there was any particular notice to the City of Mounds View regarding the rates. He stated he was uncertain if there was anything in the article Council Member Stigney referred to, that specifically targeted the City of Mounds View. He commented that one of the successes of the Metropolitan Waste District, is their ability to bring under control some of the costs that have not been previously monitored. City Administrator Whiting commented that he and Council Member Stigney had discussed the issue of changing the method of calculation of the sewer rates to a user based formula, a month earlier. He stated at that time, he had suggested this was an appropriate issue to bring forward during the budget discussion in the fall, at which time, they would be more aware of the related funds and expenses. Mayor Coughlin welcomed City Attorney Long back from his vacation. City Attorney Long thanked Mayor Coughlin, and commented regarding the signage changes on County 10.