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Mounds View EDA April 13, 2009 <br />Regular Meeting Page 2 <br /> <br />7. EDA BUSINESS 44 <br />A. Resolution 09-EDA-252, Approving First Amendment to Development 45 <br />Assistance Agreement between Mounds View Economic Development 46 <br />Authority and MoundsVista, Inc. 47 <br /> 48 <br />Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz presented the past consideration of the 49 <br />MoundsVista, Inc. (dba The Mermaid) TIF revenue bond agreement for assistance of $631,897 50 <br />and request to modify the Development Assistance Agreement to allow for the sale of the hotel 51 <br />and continuation of semi-annual payments to the bondholders. In response to the suggestion that 52 <br />MoundsVista pay off one-third of the outstanding balance of the bonds, they indicated they are 53 <br />not in a financial position to do so. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz presented 54 <br />staff’s recommendation to approve the first amendment to the Development Assistance 55 <br />Agreement, allow for the sale of the hotel, and continuation of semi-annual payments to the 56 <br />bondholders. If approved, the Council will consider the final plat to divide the property into one 57 <br />lot for the hotel and a second lot for the restaurant and banquet center. 58 <br /> 59 <br />President Flaherty opened the floor for public comment. None was offered and it was noted the 60 <br />applicant was not in attendance. 61 <br /> 62 <br />Commissioner Mueller noted if they wish to sell, the contract requires payment of the bond note. 63 <br />Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz explained the MoundsVista attorney alluded to that 64 <br />requirement; however, the contract does not contain such a requirement. In early negotiations 65 <br />between staff and MoundsVista, several options were discussed but MoundsVista has clearly 66 <br />indicated they need to sell the hotel and transfer those funds to their other property. In addition, 67 <br />when the final plat is recorded, Ramsey County will require payment of taxes. 68 <br /> 69 <br />Vice President Stigney referenced a letter from the MoundsVista attorney indicating their 70 <br />intention to sell only the hotel and that the Agreement requires payment in full of the note if any 71 <br />portion of their property is sold. Executive Director Ericson clarified that the letter from the 72 <br />MoundsVista attorney is incorrect because there is no such requirement in the Development 73 <br />Assistance Agreement. Executive Director Ericson stated the EDA is under no requirement to 74 <br />amend the Agreement but if an amendment is considered, the EDA can place a condition for 75 <br />partial or full payment of the bond note. 76 <br /> 77 <br />Vice President Stigney stated his understanding the Agreement may not “require” payment but 78 <br />the EDA can place that condition. He indicated he had asked staff to negotiate at least partial 79 <br />payment in consideration for an amendment so the TIF District is reduced in some manner. 80 <br /> 81 <br />Commissioner Gunn stated even if they don’t pay down the note, payments will continue and all 82 <br />that would be accomplished by payment of one-third of the note is to move up the District’s close 83 <br />date. She noted that a lot is owed in back taxes, which may be equivalent to the one-third 84 <br />amount. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz stated she is not aware of the amount of 85