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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-12-2012PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW EDA CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting March 12, 2012 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:30 P.M. 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL: President Flaherty, Vice President Stigney, Commissioner Hull, Commissioner Mueller, Commissioner Gunn, and Executive Director Ericson. NOT PRESENT: None. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the March 12, 2012, Agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 4. PUBLIC INPUT None. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. November 22, 2010, EDA Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Approve the November 22, 2010, Minutes as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. February 13, 2012, EDA Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Approve the February 13, 2012, Minutes as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Mounds View EDA March 12, 2012 Regular Meeting Page 2 None. 7. EDA BUSINESS A. Resolution 12-EDA-269, Approving Application to Ramsey County for a Community Development Block Grant to Fund the Acquisition, Demolition and Replacement of Two Single-Family Blighted Vacant/Foreclosed Homes in Mounds View. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz stated staff was requesting approval of an application to Ramsey County for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to fund the acquisition, demolition and replacement of two single-family blighted vacant/foreclosed homes in the City of Mounds View. She noted the CDBG funds were federally funds and could be applied for on an annual basis. There was no match requirement on behalf of the City of Mounds View. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz indicated through the grant program, staff would be requesting enough funds to demolition and replace two homes. She noted there were a handful of homes in Mounds View that were beyond repair. The Federal grant funds would greatly assist in revitalizing the housing stock in the City. If the grant were approved, the blighted homes would be demolished and the lots would be donated to Habitat for Humanity for reconstruction. Vice President Stigney questioned if specific houses were requesting the Federal funds or if the City was determining which homes to demolish and the funds needed. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz stated there were strict rules for the use of CDBG funds. She commented the funds also had to be used for the benefit of low to moderate income families. If the proper regulations were not followed the funding would have to be returned to the County. Commissioner Mueller asked if the City had identified several properties as candidates for this program. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz noted staff has identified eight properties that required further investigation. A cost analysis would have to be completed to consider the cost for the demolition. She reiterated that the homes considered had to be blighted, foreclosed and vacant. No families would be displaced through this program. Commissioner Mueller inquired of the City’s chances of receiving CDBG funds. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz noted he and Executive Director Ericson spoke with Ramsey County regarding this matter. She was optimistic due to the fact the City has not applied for these funds for several years. Commissioner Mueller questioned how the price of the property was determined. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz stated the price was determined by the owner of the property Mounds View EDA March 12, 2012 Regular Meeting Page 3 and if the home was foreclosed, this would be determined by a bank. Staff would work diligently with the property owner to assure the homes were sold at a fair price, given their current condition. Commissioner Mueller asked if staff had the time to commit to this venture. Executive Director Ericson felt staff has the ability to manage the program if grant dollars were received. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz stated that partnering with Habitat for Humanity would greatly assist with the process. President Flaherty noted CDBG dollars can be used for renovation or replacement. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz indicated this was the case but that staff was seeking funds strictly for demolition and replacement. President Flaherty felt this would be a great program available to the City if the funds were provided. He questioned when the grant application was due. Executive Director Ericson noted there was a deadline and staff would be submitting the application this week. Vice President Stigney asked the style of home that Habitat for Humanity would build on the vacant lots. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz was uncertain of this information. She indicated the home size would have to meet low to moderate income standards. She noted that Habitat for Humanity was booked at this time and would not be able to assist the City until 2014. This information would be written into the grant application. Commissioner Mueller questioned if the buildings could be demolished and the lots sold to developers. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz stated the program had to benefit low to moderate income and by selling it to a developer that control would be lost. She noted another option would be for the EDA to consider working with a land trust group. Commissioner Mueller stated she supported Habitat for Humanity and the work they have completed in the metro area. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 12-EDA-269, Approving Application to Ramsey County for a Community Development Block Grant to Fund the Acquisition, Demolition and Replacement of Two Single-Family Blighted Vacant/Foreclosed Homes in Mounds View. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. REPORTS A. Update on EDC’s County Road 10 Beautification Discussion Mounds View EDA March 12, 2012 Regular Meeting Page 4 Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz stated the EDA requested the EDC to review the unobligated TIF balances in order to utilize the funds before the balances are expired. At the last several EDC meetings, the EDC has proposed a beautification project for County Road 10. The group has been reviewing how TIF funds can and cannot be used. She reviewed a list of several potential options for the corridor to include additional mowing, clean-ups, signs, and tree plantings within the medians. A recommendation will be brought to the EDA at a future meeting. 9. NEXT EDA MEETING: Monday, March 26, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. 10. ADJOURNMENT President Flaherty adjourned the meeting at 6:59 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Recorded and transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.