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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[06c] Project/Program UpdatesCITY OF ST. jOSI/PH ~;~v~v~. ~ ilk o~~tjoscpli.com Administrator Judy Weyrens Mayor Al xassier Date: March 18, 2009 councilors Memo To: Steve Frank Bob Loso Renee symanietz Memo From Dale Wick EDA Members City Administrator Weyrens Cynthia Smith-Strack, MDG, Inc. RE: Project Updates Background: Following are a few updates on projects we've been addressing: 1. At the previous EDA meeting as a result of a conversation with Joe Walz and Brian Anderson information regarding infrastructure funding options was assembled and emailed to the project contacts. The information was broad in scope, divided by jurisdiction, and for information only as follows: Local Assistance Issuance of an Assessment Bond (under Mn. Statute 429). This financing method places the cost of improvements on benefiting properties. For new developments, the City requires a financial guarantee equal to 80% of the improvement costs be filed with the City. The financial guarantee protects the public from risk associated with non-successful new development projects. Tax Increment Financing -Economic Development District. Under the City's policy, this program is dependent on the construction of a new facility. Proceeds from new taxes paid can be rebated to off-set pending assessments. Maximum term of tax rebate is eight years. Tax Abatement. Same concept as TIF, however, County and School District have option of participating. Term can be longer than TIF. State Assistance Business Development/Infrastructure Grant Program. This program is occasionally funded through an allotment from the biennial budgeting process. Small amount of 2007-08 allotment remains. 2009-10 budget is not fixed at this time. The Public Facilities Authority (PFA). The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) is responsible for the administration and financial management of three revolving loan funds and other programs to assist local governments and others with the construction of public infrastructure. The PFA if used for economic growth is limited to a low interest loan (not a grant). Federal Assistance The 2009 Recovery Act includes $150 million for the U.S. Economic Development Administration to provide grants to economically distressed areas across the Nation to generate private sector jobs. Priority 36 CITY OF ST. JOSEPH au~~~r_~itvo~stjoscph.com consideration will be given to areas that have experienced sudden and severe economic dislocation and job loss due to corporate restructuring. 2. Stearns County Assistant Engineer Jodi Teich reports right of way acquisition for the CSAH 2 segment is expected to begin this year. Actual construction may be delayed until 2010. 3. The City Council authorized the Comprehensive Sanitary Sewer Study for the area west of the current corporate limits. The study will provide crucial information for persons interested in development in the vicinity of CSAH 2 and I-94. 4. The Planning Commission held agoal-setting session last month. The PC's priority project is working with the Township regarding annexation, including a pending plat submitted by the College and Monastery. A second work item for the year will be updating the 2006 Transportation Plan which was accepted by the City Council but not formally approved. 5. New Business. The Planning Commission and City Council are reviewing a request submitted by David Fimrite for a special use permit to operate a trailer sales establishment at the intersection of CSAH 75 & 8'h Avenue. Action: This item is for information only. 37