HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 [03] Mar 19 [Joint Council/EDA] March 19, 2019
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St.Joseph met in joint session with
the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 6:00 PM at the St.
Joseph Government Center.
Citv Council Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz. Councilors Anne Buckvold, Troy Goracke, Bob Loso,
Brian Theisen, EDA Director/Administrator Judy Weyrens.
EDA Members Present: Chair Rick Schultz. Board Members Doug Danielson, Troy Goracke, Dale Wick
EDA Members Absent: Larry Hosch
Citv Representatives Present: Community Development Director Therese Haffner
Others Present: Megan Sand Carr, Nicole Sand, Neil Fortier, Stephanie Dickrell
Affordable Housinp Proiect, Sand Companies:Weyrens stated that city staff met with Sand Companies
regarding their proposal for an affordable housing project located on Outlot C in the Liberty Pointe
subdivision.The property is in tax forfeiture.Weyrens stated the property was zoned R-3 with the
understanding that the property would be developed with an apartment complex. The Comprehensive
Plan also guides this property for multiple family. Weyrens introduced Megan Sand Carr with Sand
Companies. Carr introduced herself and provided background on Sand Companies and shared the
project in St. Joseph would be a 48 unit apartment building with a mix of one, two, and three bedroom
units. Carr highlighted the various amenities on-site. Carr explained the project was dependent on
receiving a grant which requires a municipal contribution.
Loso questioned height of building. Carr said it would be a three story building. Loso questioned if all of
the units would be ADA compliant. Carr said all of the units would be Universal Design and some would
be designated ADA units. Universal Design allows people to age in place and incorporates similar
components of ADA design.
Goracke questioned if the units would be for 55 years of age and older. Carr said there would be no age
restrictions. Loso commented on people on fixed income and questioned how social security, 1RA's and
so forth are calculated when reviewing eligibility. Carr said it is complicated and applications are reviewed
on a case by case basis.
Theisen questioned whether criminal background checks were completed on prospective tentants. Carr
stated they are screened by a third party. Theisen questioned if one with a criminal background would be
allowed to live at the apartment. Carr stated it depended on the criminal background findings. For
example, it would need to be a conviction, crime against person and/or property. Carr commented that it
is scrutinized heavily.
Carr stated that Sand Companies would need to submit the grant application by June 3rd of this year
provided the City would support the project through reduction if fees,tax increment financing(TIF),or tax
abatement for the purpose of affordable housing where residents would need to income qualify. The grant
is competitive and would require assistance from the City. Carr discussed Stearns County participating as
well by seliing the property to the City at a reduced rate. Neil Fortier, Executive Director for Stearns
County Housing and Redevelopment Authority(HRA)spoke for the need for affordable housing in the
area. Stearns County HRA could commit to up to five vouchers.Weyrens presented the options of TIF or
Tax Abatement.
Wick questioned if the City EDA would purchase the property.Weyrens said that would be an option.
Wick questioned if there would be an on-site manager. Carr said that was not determined yet but it may
be a part-time manager and they usually hire a part-time caretaker who lives on-site.
Schultz questioned the timing of constructing 20th Avenue SE.Weyrens discussed the extension of Dale
Street East and 20th Avenue SE. There was further discussion on access and consensus was that 20rn
March 19, 2019
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Avenue SE should be extended with the project. Consensus was for Weyrens to get an estimate on the
cost of doing 20'h Avenue SE now.
Loso suggested putting together a spreadsheet with TIF and Tax Abatement showing how the project
could work.Weyrens said she could put that together within the next day or two. Consensus was for staff
to continue to work with Sand Companies and bring back options.
Fortier commented that the need for affordable housing was substantial and said this was a great site for
the project. Buckvold commented on the need in the community.
Wick questioned whether college students would be able to live here. Carr said full-time college students
do not qualify.
Carr shared that public transit was a factor in the rating of the grant application.There was further
discussion on public transit.
Ad'o rn: Mayor Schultr adjourned the meeting at 7:04 PM
Therese Haffner
Community Development Director