HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-06-18 Midtown URB minutes
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APPROVED minutes from December 6, 2018 special board meeting
Voted on and approved during January 3, 2019 board meeting
held at the City Hall, Madison Room
TO DO List:
Everyone attend January 3 board meeting
In attendance: Carl Solvie, Andrew Cetraro, Susan Fraser, Scott Hedglin, Valerie Wyman,
David Fine, Bill Fogarty, Terry Cunningham, Nolan Campbell
A. Call to Order – Andrew called the meeting at 4:30pm.
B. Changes to Agenda – moved NCOD letter to third action item so presenters could go
first.
C. Public Comment – it was noted that board member Kevin Cook had emailed to say he
would not be able to attend today. Emily Talago at 416 W Short Street, neighbor of
Whittier School, spoke to the timeline on the bigger picture of the district. She also noted
money spent hiring on Ruh and Aspen Crossing projects with no public comment period
until projects scheduled for site plan review. She would like information shared before
getting to that point. Emily went on to add that when blight designation pitched it was
going to be great, then district lines were drawn and no single family neighbors able to use
TIF funds.
Andrew thanked Emily for attending and noted that the Midtown meetings are the place to
comment. He added the board shares the same interests with example of K12’s Steve
Johnson sitting next to her. The hope is to include all constituents.
D. Approve Minutes from November 2018 meeting
Scott motioned acceptance; Carl seconded the motion. All in favor.
E.2. Action Item – Ruh Building TIF Assistance Request
(see Attachment A for staff report) JDS Architect presented project. 16 residential units,
brewery and hoping for a restaurant, with rooftop patio for residents and brewery.
Requesting ~$726K. Questions and discussion. Brit Fontenot added this infill project is in
line with the City’s and Midtown’s vision, is a good example of a project. Presentation
closed and went to board for discussion.
Scott asked David about fiber optics and David confirmed the project has requested $25K
for such with existing access point next to the building. Another question on engineering
fees at 80K and JDS answered fees actual, formed by three different engineering design
fees.
Discussion continued. Scott asked staff, after this project is complete, to see a listing of
the actual dollars spent on city requirements such as alleyway for fire service, etc. Carl
asked David if will be funded through a bond and David responded with probably but
MURB has cash but could consider splitting funding between cash and bond. David went
on to note reasonable target rates of return (actual language included in last page of staff
report, Attachment A). Also in public audience was Mike Hope at 2215 Arrowleaf, noting it
is great to see this presentation as is learning for him. Emily Talago added that she’d like
data-driven feedback from neighbors what they would like to see along the corridor. Emily
added as example that the districts’ plan notes parking requirements based on Minnesota
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where public transport is close and available every 15 minutes. Nolan noted it is a project
we want to see, will be a catalyst for Midtown.
Scott motioned to direct staff to negotiate a development agreement with the applicant for
Midtown TIF assistance not to exceed $726,667 and to draft a resolution to designate the
Ruh Building as an urban renewal project with the condition that landscaping is similar to
overall vision of the district. Carl seconded. Terry Cunningham asked if could add
language determining landscape/streetscape and Scott said the vision/choices are already
out there, just asking for blending along the corridor. All in favor.
E.3. Action Item – Aspen Crossing TIF Assistance Request
(see Attachment B for staff report) Mike Hope joined the table to present the project.
Public comment – Tracy Munuez with HRDC commended Mike on contacting them early to
work on tenants’ relocation as he is concerned about it. Tracy added it is a difficult market
for their clients.
David asked Tracy to join the table. David went over the state code 7-15-4217 and how we
must manage funds for relocation work. Discussion.
David added the board will see bond language at its January meeting. Discussion also
included festival street support – will have wider sidewalk, parallel parking only, narrow
drive lane.
Bill made two motions:
1) to direct staff to negotiate a development agreement with the applicant for
Midtown TIF assistance not to exceed $684,262 and to draft a resolution to
designate the Aspen Crossing as an urban renewal project; and
2) to direct staff to develop a relocation plan for existing residents as recommended
by the staff report.
Carl seconded both motions. All in favor.
E.1. Action Item – Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District advisory letter
All in favor as presented. David will print draft included in agenda attachments so Andrew
can sign tonight.
FYI
none
Adjournment
Andrew adjourned the meeting at 6:00pm.
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Attachment A
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Attachment B
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