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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 [10] Oct 11Official Minutes- EDA Roard Pursuant to due call- and notice thereof, the Economic Development Auth~ity for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Wednesday, October 11, 2000 at 8:00 a.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Chair Kenneth J. Hiemenz. Board Members Ken Twit, Mike Deutz, Ross Rieke, and Bruce Gohman. EDA Director Chad A. Carlson. Others Present• None Old Business A. Affordable Housing Study -Carlson presented a summary of the affordable housing report created by he Central Minnesota Task Force on Affordable Housing, which he serve on as a task force member. Carlson stated that the committee members were made up of representatives from the three counties, five cities, developers, builders, lenders, and other parties involved with housing. The committee met for over 7 months to breakdown the issue of affordable housing. They concluded that there is a gap in affordable housing for working people with household income between $23,000 and $30,000. A list of recommendations was created and the cities and counties are being asked to adopt those recommendations. A committee will be established to implement the recommendations on a regional basis. Hiemenz stated that him and Carlson attended a meeting at the St. Cloud Hospital sponsored by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the meeting was to hear from the largest employers of the area regardinghousing for their employees. The City of St. Cloud expressed their concern with the other communities not participating in creating affordable housing. They will not be the only one. Bartell definitely needs to step up to the plate. The meeting attendees also stated that local incentives will be needed to make projects work. Rieke stated that the area cities do have an obligation to create housing that is affordable to all. The City needs to ta1Ge steps to ensure the. goals and objects of the task force are met. The City needs to be willing to listen and accept the recommendation. However, the investments by the community need to be responsible so they are not a burden to existing and future residents. Hiemenz stated that cities can assist by evaluating their zoning codes. Cities can create smaller lot sizes, structure a fee schedule that is less, and many more recommendations othhe task force. However, the value of the house needs to dual the services provided by the community. The City needs to be fiscally sound. Rieke stated that he attended the presentation made at the Planning Commission meeting. He doesn't anticipate any sweeping changes and City needs to evaluate each project individually. Gohman questigns if the task force recommendation will help if the cost of constructionts increasing by 10 to 15 % yearly. He doesn't anticipate the trend stopping in the near future. City fees, lot size requiremants and other government regulations are big issues that increase the cost of a home. He stated that same house in his develop went from $95,000 to $150,000 in 1999 to 2000. Now additional legislative changes with the energy codes will drive the cost up another $5,000 minimum. Twit questioned where we go with the report. Carlson outlined the timeline for adoption, establishment of a ordinance drafting committee and adoption of the ordinances by the five cities. Carlson stated that he will keep the board informed. New Business A. Approval of August 9, 2000 Minutes -Twit made a motion to approve the minutes ofAugust 9, 2000 meeting, seconded by Gohman. 77ze motion passed unanimously. B. Third Quarter Financial Report -Carlson presented the EDA 'Third Quarter Financial Report to the Board members. Twit made a motion to approve the Third Quarter Financial Report as presented seconded by Rieke. The motion passed unanimously. C. County Road 133 Construction Update -Carlson reported that County Road #133 tarring has begun in Bartell and is scheduled to start in St. Joseph the first week in November, depending on the weather. Carlson informed the Board that the tracks at the old intersection have been taken out and the road will be reconstrupted. Carlson stated the issue with the Scherer Trucking access has been resolved. D. Proiect Summary Report -Carlson stated that there was a list of potential businesses in the packet. Carlson addressed timing on the few of the project and commented on the economic slowdown maybe causing a lull in the activity in the area. Cazlson stated that at the Partnership Board meeting, they discussed tite lack of activity in the azea. E. Quarterly Business Report -Carlson presented the Quarterly Business Report prepared by the economic development department at St. Cloud State. Carlson stated that the report will be provided to the Board on a regular basis. Twit stated that the report suggests an economic downturn is occurring. Gohman stated that increasing costs and upcoming election are big factors. F. HCP Town Meeting -Carlson informed and invited the EDA Board to the HCP Town Meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to get feedback from the community on development priorities for the community. Carlson stated that the EDA could get a perspective from the community regarding economic development. Other Items Hiemenz reported on the Wobegon Trail progress and the developments that are occurring with the right- of-way offering. It is his understanding that the railroad is donating property from Collegeville to County Road #2 to MNDot. From County Road #2 to mile marker 82, the railroad has put up for sale. He will keep the EDA informed of any further developments Public Comments to the Agenda: There were-none. Adjourn - Lohman made a motion to adjourn at 9:10 am, seconded by 7ivit. The motion passed unanimously. 4~ _ d CazISOn EDA Director