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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes January 16, 1996 • Page 6 1 Chair Bergstrom inquired what the Planning Commission can do, outside of the Apache Plaza 2 redevelopment, to help increase the tax rate. Mr. Larson responded that enforcing housing codes 3 in apartment and residential properties will keep the valuations high. 4 Chair Bergstrom inquired if there are other commercial or industrial properties that are not fully 5 developed. Mr. Larson indicated the only areas would be Apache Plaza and possibly the south 6 end, Industrial Park. 7 Commissioner Gondorchin inquired what Monarch contributes to the tax base. Mr. Larson 8 responded that three projects went immediately on the tax roles. Evergreen has added onto the 9 townhomes, the Arbors project and American Monarch. Mr. Larson indicated that Monarch 10 received a TIF contribution to make modifications, and is currently occupied by a business. 11 Commissioner Delmonico inquired what the trailer courts contribute to the tax base. Mr. Larson 12 responded he was unsure of the actual contributions, but indicated it would be a lower portion of 13 the tax scale. 14 Chair Bergstrom inquired of properties on the west side of St. Anthony. He continued that HRA 15 is aware of the land, and inquired if it would be worthwhile to the City to purchase it and 16 redevelop for potential resale. Mr. Larson responded the City would need to purchase the 7 property very close to valuation. He continued the City would receive opposition if it began 18 identifying properties as potential redevelopment houses. Chair Bergstrom indicated he agreed, 19 but the City should do something if a property such as that goes on the market. Mr. Larson 20 agreed. 21 Chair Bergstrom inquired if there were other financial instruments the City could use so the costs 22 do not come from the City. Mr. Larson indicated there was, but cautioned that federal authorities 23 have low income guidelines, and you may defeat the purpose by possibly selling to individuals 24 cannot afford to keep the property in good condition. 25 Chair Bergstrom inquired what the Planning Commission can do to encourage redevelopment 26 projects. Mr. Larson responded that the Commission can assist by working through variance 27 requests and special work. Chair Bergstrom inquired if this would be done before the projects 28 begin. Mr. Larson responded that a developer would first meet with HRA, then be referred to 29 the Planning Commission. 30 Chair Bergstrom inquired what an achievable target would be for the tax base, and what it has 31 been historically. Mr. Larson responded that last year, residential was 72 percent of the base, and 32 commercial and industrial were 13 percent. He continued that realistically the City needs to 33 decrease its dependence on the residential portion, and in fairness to its residents, decrease that *4 portion to 68-70 percent. Mr. Larson continued the only other choice would be to decrease 5 services, because the budget has already been trimmed significantly.