HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-13-2006
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING AGENDA
NEW BRIGHTON CITY HALL
Monday, February 13, 2006
6:30 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL: President Marty, Vice President Stigney, Commissioner Flaherty,
Commissioner Gunn, Commissioner Thomas
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. PUBLIC INPUT:
Citizens may speak to issues not on tonight’s agenda. Before speaking, please
give your full name and address for the minutes. Also, please limit your
comments to three minutes.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. January 23, 2006 EDA Meeting Minutes
6. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, February 27, 2006 at 6:00 pm to Consider the
Amended and Restated Development Agreement and Modification to the
Business Subsidy Agreement for the Medtronic CRM Project.
B. Establish an Executive Session of the EDA immediately following conclusion of
the City Council meeting, Monday, February 13, 2006, to consider negotiations
relating to the possible acquisition of 2390 County Road 10.
7. EDA BUSINESS
A. Consideration of a Modification to the Project Plan for the Mounds View Economic
Development Project and the Proposed Modification of Tax Increment Financing
District No. 5
8. REPORTS
9. NEXT EDA MEETING: Monday, February 27, 2006 @ 6:00pm
10. RECESS (Adjourn at Conclusion of the Executive Session of the EDA)
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW EDA 1
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW 2
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA 3
4
Regular Meeting 5
January 23, 2006 6
New Brighton City Hall 7
803 Old Highway 8, New Brighton, MN 55112 8
6:37 P.M. 9
10
11
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER 12
13
2. ROLL CALL: President Marty, Vice-President Stigney, Commissioner Gunn, and 14
Commissioner Thomas. 15
16
NOT PRESENT: Commissioner Flaherty 17
18
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 19
20
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Approve the January 23, 2006 Agenda as presented. 21
22
Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 23
24
4. PUBLIC INPUT 25
26
Ken Glidden, 5240 Edgewood Drive, stated he has three questions to ask regarding what the 27
EDA does and what is its purpose. 28
29
Community Development Director Ericson explained that the EDA was created by the City of 30
Mounds View to deal with matters relating to economic development and helping to enhance the 31
tax base. In last 20 years, the EDA has been actively involved in enhancing the tax base through 32
TIF and redevelopment of areas that might not have seen the type or extent of development. The 33
EDA has also been involved with growing the employment base. 34
35
City Administrator Ulrich stated it is a good point because the EDA is a legal and corporate body 36
that has the authorities of the HRA as well so a number of housing programs have been 37
undertaken in Mounds View. The EDA has statutory given rights as a separate entity for 38
economic development in terms of contracts and TIF, and activities they can undertake by 39
statute. 40
41
President Marty stated as to TIF, the EDA is involved in what they spend, what goes where, and 42
arrangements for that. 43
44
Mr. Glidden stated Director Ericson, in describing its function, described the EDA as partly 45
Mounds View EDA January 23, 2006
Regular Meeting Page 2
having to do with enhancing the tax base through TIF. He asked whether the purpose of the 46
EDA is to finance development using TIF. 47
48
President Marty stated not necessarily but TIF is controlled by the EDA. 49
50
Mr. Glidden asked if the EDA is the overseer of TIF utilization. President Marty answered in the 51
affirmative. 52
53
Mr. Glidden asked whether TIF is a tool for economic development in the City. President Marty 54
explained that as the EDA sees fit, it can be. 55
56
Mr. Glidden stated he is puzzled a bit at how that benefits the citizens and taxpayers of the City. 57
He stated the EDA is an organization established to carry out economic development in Mounds 58
View but he didn’t hear one word in that description that related to the benefit of the taxpayers of 59
Mounds View. He asked what is the purpose of economic development, and what is the gain for 60
doing it. 61
62
President Marty explained that by encouraging and assisting business with some TIF districts, the 63
City has encouraged them to move into Mounds View and develop land that was vacant. So, 64
once that property has been decertified it has a much greater tax value than it did previously to 65
the development. 66
67
Mr. Glidden suggested that the tax value only is of benefit if the taxes are available for general 68
use. If the taxes are tied to the development paying it, then there is no benefit to the taxpayer, 69
only benefit to the corporation or organization being economically developed. 70
71
President Marty explained that when a district is in effect, there are payments and obligations to 72
developers and businesses. But, in 2004 the City was able to decertify a number of parcels that 73
either did not use TIF but happened to be within the TIF district or their TIF obligation had 74
already been satisfied. By decertifying, those businesses and parcels went back on the tax rolls. 75
76
Mr. Glidden stated he understands this and that it is the legal requirement and definition, which 77
is why the district is limited to eight years. At that point, the taxes then go into the general fund 78
and are available for general use. 79
80
President Marty explained that when the districts were first set up the law and the requirements 81
were different. 82
83
Mr. Glidden suggested that the definitions for the typical term of TIF or economic redevelopment 84
have not been recently changed in the State statute. He stated that the maximum term for TIF is 85
eight years. 86
87
Mounds View EDA January 23, 2006
Regular Meeting Page 3
Commissioner Thomas explained that there are several different types of districts and for 88
redevelopment districts it is eight years. She stated that while there are limited benefits in TIF 89
districts with the tax base, there are other benefits when you encourage development such as the 90
jobs that come into the City. In addition, there are TIF administrative fees that are used for City 91
operations and of a significant benefit to the residents of Mounds View. She noted the term of 92
the TIF district, no matter how permanent it may feel, is still temporary. 93
94
President Marty stated there are different uses for TIF and existing TIF districts that the City has. 95
He stated the City found out in the last few months that due to the requirements on the type of 96
TIF districts that Mounds View has, the City would probably be able to use some of the captured 97
money to put into the City’s streets and infrastructure. He noted that will save the assessment 98
cost to the residents. 99
100
Mr. Glidden asked if the EDA is absolutely sure that can be done to make the funds available for 101
general usage. President Marty clarified that the funds cannot go into the General Fund. 102
103
Mr. Glidden asked if it can go to pay for his street. Commissioner Thomas stated the EDA 104
knows that it can be used for the City’s street projects and infrastructure. 105
106
Vice President Stigney stated it can also be used for trails and street lighting as well and cleaning 107
up contaminated sites. 108
109
Commissioner Gunn noted the City did use some excess TIF to help with the cleanup after the 110
storm and to build the Community Center. 111
112
Mr. Glidden asked about job creation and pointed out that jobs only have a benefit if they are 113
truly new jobs. In terms of revenue or how you define a job, he suggested it has to be a new job 114
and that a transferred job into Mounds View has no financial benefit or tax benefits to Mounds 115
View residents. Mr. Glidden stated his point is that if you are going to undertake economic 116
development on the basis of creating new jobs, then you have to understand the benefit of having 117
new jobs. If you want to undertake economic development to provide new jobs, you have to 118
understand what that means. 119
120
Commissioner Thomas stated that she cannot disagree with Mr. Glidden more. She emphasized 121
that new jobs, even if transferred from somewhere else, are still new jobs. She noted the job pays 122
taxes into the County and that comes into the City. It also provides improvement of the business 123
environment whether transferred jobs or new jobs. Commissioner Thomas explained that when 124
you bring in new development or improve a property tax base, it improves the tax base for all 125
residents and businesses in Mounds View. 126
127
Mr. Glidden asked if anything in his environment changed when the new Cinema was placed in 128
Mounds View. 129
Mounds View EDA January 23, 2006
Regular Meeting Page 4
130
Commissioner Thomas pointed out that several things improved in the environment because the 131
Cinema improved the road infrastructure, sidewalks, lighting, and definitely improved attention 132
to the area for the residents of Mounds View. 133
134
Vice President Stigney stated it also benefits businesses and brings more people in to eat and buy 135
merchandise. In addition, it increases the demand for housing and the value of housing. He 136
noted there are many benefits other than an immediate job creation per se. There are indirect 137
benefits as well as direct benefits. 138
139
President Marty stated he should call time on Mr. Glidden’s Public Input comments. 140
141
Mr. Glidden stated he will then wrap up his questions. He suggested that if the EDA is 142
undertaking economic development there should be clear cut explainable reasons for the 143
economic development the EDA plans to undertake. He stated that relates to some of the items 144
on the agenda tonight. Mr. Glidden again suggested there should be clear cut benefits to the 145
citizens of Mounds View. 146
147
Duane McCarty, 8060 Long Lake Road, stated there are a few things he wants to clarify on the 148
issue of streets and using TIF. He stated he would like to have a statement from the City 149
Attorney whether the City can use TIF funds on streets, whether or not the streets are connected 150
with the TIF district. 151
152
The City Attorney stated it depends on the pool of money it comes from and the bottom line is if 153
Mr. McCarty wants an answer, or to “sharp shoot” staff at this point in time. He stated he will 154
provide Mr. McCarty with an answer and the State statues pertaining to this issue. He advised 155
that the City has been given information that they can utilize certain funds for certain roads. He 156
stated he does not have the State statutes in front of him but can provide that answer to Mr. 157
McCarty. 158
159
Mr. McCarty stated he is sorry staff feels they are “sharp shooting.” He stated it is the right of 160
residents to question elected officials and that should not be construed as “sharp shooting.” He 161
suggested that the question Mr. Glidden posed is whether the City can use TIF for streets but now 162
the City Attorney has said not everywhere because you need to show direct relationship with the 163
TIF district. Mr. McCarty stated the City may not be able to use the funds on the worst streets 164
because that connection does not exist. He stated his opinion that the question Mr. Glidden 165
asked was not properly responded to and it is the responsibility of the Council and should be 166
made clear that there are restrictions and you cannot use TIF for any street you want because 167
there are restrictions. 168
169
Mr. McCarty stated with regard to new jobs, the EDA can say that new jobs fulfill the 170
requirements of the economic development laws even though the jobs are coming from Arden 171
Mounds View EDA January 23, 2006
Regular Meeting Page 5
Hills or Shoreview, they are new jobs to Mounds View. But that is not what the economic 172
development statutes, TIF, or other encouragement for business intended. They describe those 173
employments as increase in employment. He suggested that in a common sense application, it is 174
an increase in jobs and it is not increasing jobs in Ramsey County if the job is being transferred 175
from Arden Hills or Shoreview. Mr. McCarty stated the answers should be more clear for those 176
who are not familiar with TIF details. 177
178
Commissioner Thomas stated before things get too heated, she wanted to clarify some things. 179
She stated that the EDA has already been down this road and yes, there will be some transfer jobs 180
from Shoreview and Arden Hills but there will also be some new jobs beyond what they already 181
have employees for. She asked Mr. McCarty what are the worst streets in Mounds View, noting 182
that 75% of the streets in Mounds View are significantly in need of restructuring and every dollar 183
that can be found to put on streets is applicable. Commissioner Thomas noted that for every 184
dollar that can be used from TIF it will keep that dollar off the assessment rolls. She stated the 185
City has been trying to find alternatives for ten years and to now find out there are expanded uses 186
for the old TIF district pools should show residents the creativity of the City’s advisors to find 187
new uses for TIF because the City is getting desperate. Commissioner Thomas stated that 188
residents should find some joy in the City’s ability to find new uses for TIF. 189
190
City Administrator Ulrich commented that traditionally TIF, as we have thought of it before, was 191
not to be used for general fund purposes or street reconstruction in general. However, Mounds 192
View has older districts with less restriction and because of that they can be used within the 193
development district, which is defined as the entire City. Those funds can be used for 194
infrastructure improvements throughout the entire City. He explained that opinion came from 195
Ehlers & Associates when the City looked at the street projects in terms of maintenance and long 196
term reconstruction. 197
198
Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers & Associates, explained that typically in TIF districts when creating new 199
ones for economic redevelopment, renovation, renewal, housing, or redevelopment, you can use 200
funds for road and utility improvements tied to that development. However, since several 201
Mounds View TIF districts are pre-1990, there are not the restrictions on those districts. There is 202
a different set of statutes governing those pre-1990 districts. Based on that, bond counsel 203
concurred that the City can use pre-1990 TIF district funds for street reconstruction. 204
205
Vice President Stigney asked if those funds can be used throughout the City. Ms. Kvilvang 206
stated yes, that is correct. 207
208
Mr. McCarty stated he understands that as well and was there when some of the districts were 209
formed, but did not vote for them. He asked why, if there is so much money flowing around 210
those districts, the City’s streets are in the condition they are in. He also asked how many TIF 211
dollars are available that can be used City-wide on streets. 212
213
Mounds View EDA January 23, 2006
Regular Meeting Page 6
City Administrator Ulrich stated there is a budget for TIF dollars that includes other needs 214
beyond street reconstruction. He suggested staff bring back that budget, demonstrate the needs 215
for TIF, and how much can be allocated towards street reconstruction. 216
217
President Marty stated the City is also looking at how to improve the safety and redevelop 218
County Highway 10 and the trailway systems along Silver Lake Road from New Brighton to 219
County Highway 10. He advised that the EDA has talked about a percentage or how to allocate 220
those dollars, noting there are more needs than available TIF. 221
222
President Marty stated to Mr. Glidden that the EDA needs to move on instead of having this back 223
and fourth discussion. 224
225
Mr. Glidden asked if that is the definitive answer to the question he asked. He again asked if TIF 226
can legally be used for street repair or trail development and requested a legally definitive 227
answer. 228
229
President Marty answered in the affirmative. 230
231
Mr. Glidden stated that is not the answer that he received before. 232
233
Commissioner Thomas stated it definitely is the answer Mr. Glidden received before. 234
235
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 236
237
President Marty asked staff to review the meeting video tape to include his question on Page 5 to 238
Community Development Director Ericson. 239
240
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Marty. To Approve the January 9, 2006 Minutes as corrected. 241
242
Ayes – 1 Nays – 0 Abstain – 1 (Thomas) Motion carried. 243
244
6. CONSENT AGENDA 245
246
None. 247
248
7. EDA BUSINESS 249
250
A. Resolution 06-EDA-214 Authorizing Payment of Pay-As-You-Go Developer 251
Payments to Red Cent Management, L.L.C; Heartland-Mounds View 252
Common Bond; and Bridges Leasing Company 253
254
Economic Development Coordinator Backman reviewed a spreadsheet highlighting the second 255
Mounds View EDA January 23, 2006
Regular Meeting Page 7
half of 2005 TIF developer payment. He noted there are three payments due in February: a 256
residual amount for Building N of $3,066.17; Silver Lake Pointe of $34,078.73; and Midwest 257
I.V. of $27,423. He noted it should be final payments for Building N and Midwest IV. 258
259
MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Stigney. To waive the reading and adopt Resolution 06-EDA-214 260
Authorizing Payment of Pay-As-You-Go Developer Payments to Red Cent Management, L.L.C; 261
Heartland-Mounds View Common Bond; and Bridges Leasing Company. 262
263
Ayes –4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 264
265
B. Informational Meeting regarding Phase Two Acceleration of the Medtronic 266
Campus; and Presentation and Discussion of the Medtronic Development 267
Proposal and Terms of the Amended Contract for Private Development 268
269
Economic Development Coordinator Backman reviewed that the project costs for Medtronic, as 270
they are currently configured, total over $125 million, including $65.5 million for building 271
construction, $11 million for land acquisition costs in Mounds View, $24 million for other 272
development costs, such as parking, land acquisition in Blaine, etc., and $25 million for 273
computers, lab equipment and furnishings. That is $125 million of investment that Medtronic is 274
making. The total also excludes $21+ million in State appropriations for the reconstruction of 275
County Road J and replacement of the bridge over I-35W necessary to provide adequate access to 276
the campus. 277
278
Economic Development Coordinator Backman advised that the new Medtronic CRM campus is 279
beginning to be recognized as one of Minnesota’s most important economic development 280
projects. Recently, the national site selection magazine, Business Facilities, announced that 281
Medtronic’s project in Mounds View received the top economic development award in its 282
category for expansion projects in the United States. He noted they will be coming to Minnesota 283
to award the City a plaque, recognizing that this is a significant project. 284
285
Economic Development Coordinator Backman reviewed that on November 28, 2005, the 286
Mounds View City Council directed staff to proceed with discussions with Medtronic regarding 287
the potential acceleration of Phase 2 construction of the campus. On December 12, 2005, the 288
City Council approved setting a public hearing for February 13, 2006 to discuss modification of 289
the TIF plan and the business subsidy necessary for acceleration of Phase 2 to be concurrent with 290
Phase 1. On January 9, 2006, the Mounds View EDA ranked replacement of Well #4 as the 291
highest priority for City infrastructure needs, followed by payment from Medtronic to the City’s 292
roadway fund. Also, the EDA adopted a motion last Friday unanimously recommending 293
approval of the terms of the amended agreement. 294
295
Economic Development Coordinator Backman explained that by combining Phase 1 and 2, the 296
initial phase of the project would be significantly increased. The number of employees would be 297
Mounds View EDA January 23, 2006
Regular Meeting Page 8
increased from approximately 3,000 to over 4,300. The building complex would be increased 298
from 820,000 square feet to 1.2 million square feet. He noted that the Minimum Assessment 299
Agreement would increase accordingly to $96 million. 300
301
Economic Development Coordinator Backman advised that Medtronic has requested 95% of the 302
available tax increment from the entire development (Phases 1 and 2), the same percentage that 303
was used in the current agreement. The available TIF increment for the revised project would be 304
$22.9 million. Thus, by combining the two phases, the TIF note issued by the Authority would 305
increase by $8.1 million. 306
307
Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated that Medtronic would continue to finance 308
their development costs up front and would receive tax increment on a pay-as-you-go basis at the 309
same interest rate as discussed in the first agreement. Under the amended contract, fiscal 310
disparities would continue to be paid inside the district, the same as agreed with the original 311
agreement. The length of the TIF district would remain the same at 25 years. 312
313
Economic Development Coordinator Backman explained that in return for TIF assistance, the 314
City would receive the following considerations: 315
316
1. Medtronic would reimburse the City for administrative costs, estimated at $150,000. 317
2. Medtronic would be responsible to construct water and sewer utilities to the site that 318
was previously the City’s responsibility. In other words, Medtronic would pay the 319
$400,000 that the City was obligated to pay. 320
3. Medtronic would pay 100% of the cost to relocate all four billboards, including the 321
previously agreed City portion, estimated at $550,000 322
4. If the buyout alternative has to be undertaken for the billboards, Medtronic would pay 323
all costs associated with the four signs. 324
5. Medtronic agrees to provide the City up to $545,000 for the replacement of Well #4 325
to ensure adequate water supply. 326
6. Medtronic agrees to contribute $355,000 to the City’s Street Reconstruction Fund to 327
help offset any traffic impacts on local roads due to the Medtronic project. 328
7. If trail costs on the former Sysco property are deemed excessive by the City, Mounds 329
View would not be required to construct the trail and the designated funds would 330
remain for other park uses. If Medtronic wants the trail constructed, Medtronic would 331
pay for the trail costs in excess of $150,000. 332
333
Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated staff is looking for re-affirmation regarding 334
the proposed terms of the amended contract for Phase Two acceleration of the Medtronic CRM 335
Campus. If the proposed terms meet the expectations of the EDA, the next step would be to 336
present them as part of an amended Development Agreement that will be discussed by the City 337
Council at the public hearing scheduled for February 13, 2006. 338
339
Mounds View EDA January 23, 2006
Regular Meeting Page 9
Vice President Stigney asked if the $8.1 million additional project would bring in $22.9 million. 340
He noted that the last set of minutes indicated that Medtronic was waiting for a feasibility study 341
to get a better number to work with and asked if that has been accomplished. Economic 342
Development Coordinator Backman stated the City has been undertaking several feasibility 343
studies. One study was for the water and sewer extensions. He stated he has not seen a written 344
report but was told by Bonestroo that their estimate for extension of water and sewer was 345
$390,000. Staff had used an estimate of $400,000 as the City’s cost so the numbers are still 346
holding relative to that. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated it is likely that the 347
total $355,000 would go into the street improvement fund. 348
349
Vice President Stigney asked whether $22.9 million is a solid number at this time. Economic 350
Development Coordinator Backman answered in the affirmative. 351
352
President Marty stated the staff report indicates that Phase 2 is 46% of the size of Phase 1. 353
Economic Development Coordinator Backman explained that the estimate for the building would 354
go from $820,000 to $1.2 million, which would be approximately that percentage. 355
356
President Marty reviewed that for Phase 1, Medtronic was granted $14.8 million. He noted that 357
one-half of Phase 1 would be $7.4 million, not $8.1 million. He stated he cannot see how 358
construction costs would be that much greater due to the fact they are being constructed at the 359
same time. President Marty stated during discussion on this last summer and fall, he had asked 360
this question several times as to whether Medtronic will come back for Phase 2 or Phase 3, what 361
are we looking at. President Marty stated he was told by Community Development Director 362
Ericson that all the infrastructure and everything would be in place so there would be minimal 363
charges, probably in the range of $2 million to $3 million. President Marty noted this figure is 364
almost triple or at least double from a few months ago; $8.1 million in his figures is not even 365
close to $2-3 million. 366
367
President Marty stated on Item 6 it indicates that Medtronic agrees to contribute $355,000 to the 368
City’s Street Reconstruction Fund to help offset traffic impacts on local roads. He pointed out 369
that is a one-time offering so, in other words, it is divided by 26 years. President Marty stated if 370
the City was not using TIF in this project, the City would be getting approximately $400,000 to 371
$500,000 in taxes from this project per year. So, this $355,000 contribution is almost like their 372
donation of $100,000 to the school whereas if they were not using TIF the schools would get in 373
excess of $160,000 a year. 374
375
Commissioner Thomas stated the EDA needs to clarify its thinking because this is not a 376
discussion of the Phase 1 TIF, which has already been approved and gone through the process. 377
She noted the EDA is now talking about Phase 2. She asked the EDA to keep that in mind when 378
talking about the difference in tax base for development that is already going to be there, and 379
now adding Phase 2. She stated the numbers need to be recalculated but when talking about 380
what they would added for road improvements, it would only be for Phase 2 and the discussion 381
Mounds View EDA January 23, 2006
Regular Meeting Page 10
should only relate to that. 382
383
Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated the question asked is why TIF is going up 384
by 50%. He presented a side-by-side comparison of Phase 1 and Phase 2, noting the qualified 385
costs in Phase 1 were $23,360,000 and Medtronic would get $14.8 million or about two-thirds. 386
He explained that Medtronic had qualified costs in excess of $23 million but will not be 387
reimbursed for all of those qualified costs. 388
389
Economic Development Coordinator Backman noted the qualified costs for combined Phases 1 390
and 2 is $46 million, which is double their qualified costs and the number one reason is 391
structured parking. He explained that a five-level structured parking facility has a substantial 392
cost. So, if you compare in terms of the qualified costs of $46 million and what will they get 393
reimbursed, the amount is $22.9 million, or less than one-half. He noted that from a percentage 394
reimbursement basis, they are going down from two-thirds to less than fifty percent. 395
396
President Marty stated he does not feel sorry for Medtronic and believes it is the EDA’s job to 397
look out for its citizens. He stated he talked to Community Development Director Ericson and 398
City Administrator Ulrich about the original agreement, noting that under Section 4.6, b, public 399
improvements, it addresses installing sewer line improvement necessary for the development 400
property and states it is estimated these improvements will cost about $400,000 and the EDA will 401
be reimbursed through available tax increment first from this district. He stated he heard the 402
argument that this will come out of the City’s five percent cap. However it does not say that, it 403
just states the City will be reimbursed from available TIF first from this district. 404
405
Economic Development Coordinator Backman explained that the EDA didn’t decide the source 406
of the $400,000. It could come from available TIF, general funds, or capital funds for the water 407
and sewer extensions. Under the proposed agreement, Medtronic will pick up 100% of that cost. 408
409
President Marty stated the way this agreement is written, in a literal translation, the City would 410
be reimbursed through available tax increment from this district. He stated the City should do 411
that and plug that into the $14.8 million and let Medtronic build Phase 2 but not use TIF, which 412
would help that district pay itself off sooner and get back on the City’s tax rolls. 413
414
Commissioner Thomas asked President Marty whether he has honestly been under the 415
assumption for the last six months that Medtronic was somehow supposed to pay the $400,000 to 416
the City and that it would come from the $4.8 million that they were paying. She asked President 417
Marty if he has been under that misassumption. 418
419
President Marty stated he figured that he would try it since it does not say otherwise. 420
421
Commissioner Thomas stated significant addendums say otherwise, that it is the City’s 422
responsibility to pay approximately $400,000 for infrastructure to the site. 423
Mounds View EDA January 23, 2006
Regular Meeting Page 11
424
President Marty stated he will then forego that and the City will pay the $400,000. He stated if 425
the EDA does not use TIF on Phase 2, the property would decertify on a greater accelerated rate, 426
definitely not the full 26 years, and that would give everyone in Mounds View a tax reduction 427
that much sooner. 428
429
Commissioner Thomas noted this is assuming the developer chooses to proceed with the 430
development at this level. If they don’t get the TIF assistance or chose not to, then Mounds View 431
has a smaller development. She stated this is the balance and the EDA needs to decide what it 432
wants. 433
434
President Marty stated if they chose not to, then Mounds View is not “on the hook” for another 435
$1.8 million at five percent interest. He noted the spreadsheet says Phase 1 has $23 million in 436
qualified costs and the City is allowing $14.8 million. But with five percent interest on $14.8 437
million over 25 years, it comes to about $16,952,000 and that is what he is concerned about, 438
paying interest on their money. President Marty stated the interest is projected to be greater than 439
what the EDA originally capped Medtronic at. 440
441
Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated there is time value of money and for other 442
projects like Sysco, the EDA has paid interest on the TIF notes. 443
444
City Administrator Ulrich stated the financial advisors have a financial analysis on this project 445
that may answer some questions, or lead to other questions. 446
447
Mr. McCarty stated he would like the EDA to hold a work session on these issues. He 448
referenced the June 17 memorandum from City Administrator Ulrich regarding the development 449
proposal and terms of the purchase agreement and contract for private development proposed by 450
Medtronic. He noted that on the issue of the $400,000 of public improvements, the 451
memorandum states: “The City is required to install all necessary off site water and sewer line 452
improvements necessary for the development. This includes the extension of the water main, 453
sanitary sewer and storm water lines. It is estimated these lines will cost approximately $400,000 454
and the City EDA will be reimbursed through available TIF first from this district and as needed 455
from other available TIF funds.” Mr. McCarty stated these exact words were included in the July 456
8, 2005 contract and then transferred into the executed agreement. He asked if Economic 457
Development Coordinator Backman is saying that it was never settled and it could come from 458
general funds. He suggested that the documentation says otherwise. 459
460
Mr. McCarty stated the Mounds View Citizens Taxpayers Association has been following this 461
very closely and with his records and experience, he is hearing things that do not ring true to him. 462
He stated he thinks these issues should be clarified so there is a better relationship in the future 463
than there has been in the past. He asked the EDA to sit down with them, with those who have 464
served on committees, as Councilmembers and Mayors. He encouraged the EDA to sit down 465
Mounds View EDA January 23, 2006
Regular Meeting Page 12
with residents to talk about these issues because Mounds View is still their City and while he 466
does not want to be serving on the Council any more, he still has a distinct and real interest in the 467
City of Mounds View. He stated that should be respected and again encouraged the EDA to sit 468
down together and talk about it, noting he may even be able to educate Vice President Stigney 469
about something as well. 470
471
Vice President Stigney asked President Marty if he can control the meeting from the table or if 472
the audience will continue to control this meeting as Mr. McCarty always likes to do. He noted 473
the purpose of this agenda item is to receive information from Ehlers & Associates. 474
475
President Marty asked if this can be discussed at the January 30, 2006 work session. 476
477
Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers & Associates, stated that Mr. Backman has covered most of the 478
presentation. She stated one of the questions asked is how do Phases 1 and 2 pan out separately. 479
As alluded to, there is $22.9 million available in TIF and $14.8 million is available and agreed to 480
in Phase 1. Based on the $22.9 million it gives you $8.1 million as available in Phase 2 for 481
qualified costs. She noted with side-by-side comparison that in Phase 2 there are about $24.7 482
million in qualified costs predominantly for structured parking but also for the relocation of the 483
billboards and administrative fees for the Phase 2 contract. So, the $8.1 million will go to those 484
four areas. With the $22.9 million, they are recommending that as far as qualified costs and 485
documentation, they do it all for structured parking. Ms. Kvilvang stated if you look back at the 486
documentation for the $14.8 million it is going toward land acquisition, utilities, site 487
improvements, environmental, and other things. That is a much more lengthy documentation 488
process to go through. She explained that to simplify things in Phase 2 and since the structure 489
parking cost about $24 million, it seems right to document that for the qualified cost of $22.9 490
million for the tax increment. 491
492
Ms. Kvilvang referenced the third page of the report that contains the Phase 1 and 2 analysis 493
done when the project was first look at. The question is what you would net to the EDA once 494
you pay off all the obligations (golf course bond, interfund loan, services, and improvements). 495
At that time, it was about $5.6 million. As you add Phase 2, because of the increase cost they 496
will be paying and contributing to this project, the EDA will net about $6.7 million or a 497
difference of $1.1 million. She explained that difference, as noted in the report, is that Medtronic 498
is paying the $550,000 obligation to relocate one billboard, $400,000 for utility extension, and 499
the available TIF is the City administrative fee of 5%. Since Medtronic is picking up these costs, 500
it means the City has the 5% available to use for other projects and developments within the City. 501
502
Ms. Kvilvang stated another question was the cost to pay off the bonds and interfund loan. 503
Because it was paid off sooner than anticipated, there was an interest savings of about $70,000 504
and there were increased permit fees of about $168,000 for that development. So, that is the $1.1 505
million increased balance. An analysis was completed out to the year 2033. At that time with 506
Phase 1, anticipating a growth of 3% inflation over time, the $5.6 million will grow to $19.5 507
Mounds View EDA January 23, 2006
Regular Meeting Page 13
million. Based on the new calculations, updates, and tax generation numbers, that $6.7 million 508
will grow to about $30.4 million. 509
510
President Marty referenced Page 3, Phases 1 and 2, financial analysis. He noted that for Phase 1 511
it indicates with a 3% revenue growth it would net $5,588,000, and for Phase 1 and 2 together it 512
is $6,724,000. So, by adding Phase 2 the difference is $1,136,000. President Marty noted, as he 513
has stated before, Phase 1 was $14.8 million as a cap and for Phase 2, which is more than one-514
half of Phase 1, it is another $8.1 million so it would only change the difference by $1.136 515
million. He stated that it does not seem to be as large of a jump as it should be for $8.1 million. 516
517
Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated that is an “apples versus oranges” 518
comparison. He pointed out that the EDA is not selling the land twice and that proceeds 519
generated the bulk of the $5.5 million. The $1.1 million reflects savings on relocation costs and 520
utility savings as well. 521
522
President Marty questioned Page 3, item 14, of the Medtronic term sheet that states: “New 523
language will be added to the agreement regarding any tax court petitions. To adjust value 524
Medtronic is required to notify the City of tax court petitions filed with the tax court on the 525
development property. Language will be added that the City will continue to make TIF payments 526
to Medtronic based upon the minimum assessed agreement value in place at the time and any TIF 527
available for payment will be withheld until the petition is resolved by the court.” He stated in 528
the Medtronic term sheet, it sounds like Medtronic is already planning to petition the courts on 529
the assessments just as they did in Fridley. 530
531
Shelly Aldrich, Ehlers & Associates, stated this new language was her idea because it will protect 532
the EDA from having to deal with the situation that occurred in Fridley. She explained the 533
language is saying that Medtronic cannot petition underneath the minimum assessment 534
agreement, which is State law. At this point, the County’s process is to withhold the amount of 535
the petition from the minimum assessment agreement. But if the County were to change that 536
practice and if Medtronic were to pay the full amount when the petition comes due later on and 537
the County settles the whole amount, this language says the City would only have to pay the 538
minimum assessment agreement. If there is a petition from the County and they get more money 539
from the County assessment agreement, then the City is not required to pay that extra amount. 540
She explained this language is directly coming from the situation in the City of Fridley. 541
542
President Marty stated that makes him feel more comfortable. 543
544
Commissioner Gunn stated she remembers that conversation from a past meeting. This is the 545
very thing that was discussed and explained why this language was being included. 546
547
Ms. Aldrich explained that this language will protect the City from getting into any negative 548
financing or paying out what they don’t have. She also noted the minimum assessment 549
Mounds View EDA January 23, 2006
Regular Meeting Page 14
agreement goes up at 3% every year as added protection. 550
551
President Marty stated this will be discussed again at the January 30, 2006 work session. 552
553
8. REPORTS 554
555
Economic Development Coordinator Backman showed the EDA a copy of the new Twin City 556
North Chamber of Commerce map and recognized the attendance of Bruce Nustad, the new 557
Chamber President. 558
559
9. NEXT EDA MEETING: Monday, February 13, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. 560
561
10. ADJOURNMENT 562
563
President Marty adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m. 564
565
Respectfully submitted, 566
567
Recorded and transcribed by: 568
569
Carla Wirth 570
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 571