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EDA BUSINESS <br />Case #1: REVIEW REVOLVING LOAN FUND (RLF) APPLICATIONS FROM <br />WELLS CATERING AND COUNTRY CROSSINGS MALL <br />Deputy City Administrator/Director of Community Development Nelson provided a brief update on <br />Country Crossing Mall, and introduced Kirk Corson, the mall's representative. <br />Mr. Corson spoke of the many improvements that have been made to the property since the current <br />owner purchased it three years ago. Repairs include removal of debris, replacing furnaces and air <br />conditioners that were not previously up to code, and adding three-phase electric power. <br />Country Crossing Mall is interested in requesting financial assistance from the Ramsey Revolving <br />Loan Fund in hopes. of making additional improvements. The proposed improvements consist of <br />adding a monument sign located at the intersection of Highway 47 and 167 Avenue, landscaping <br />and resurfacing the parking lot, and bringing City sewer and water to the property. <br />Mr. Corson talked about the businesses that are currently leasing space in the mall. A few are <br />leasing month-to-month, and one is heavily subsidized. Mr. Corson said they hope to attract a <br />restaurant with their potential improvements to the property, as well as fill the other vacant spaces <br />with longer-term leases. <br />Member LeTourneau stated that the suggested improvements may be a bit of a "Band-Aid" right <br />now, but he is supportive of the project. <br />Discussion continued regarding the owner of Country Crossing Mall, and whether or not he would <br />be interested in investing more in the area. Member Elvig explained that the area has viability and <br />that the property south of the water tower is planned for "empty nester" type townhouses. Mr. <br />Corson said he would contact the owner, who resides in California, to see what his interest would be <br />in further investment in said area. <br />After Mr. Corson left the meeting, Economic Development Consultant Mulrooney discussed <br />Country Crossing Mall's financial information. His recommendation is to deny the loan request <br />based on repayment ability. <br />Member LeTourneau talked about the extensive studies that were done five or six years ago <br />regarding that area and questioned whether or not we should be revisiting that. Discussion <br />continued regarding the fact that TIF statutes appear to be loosening up, and that there is the <br />possibility of a TIF district supporting housing around the water tower area. <br />Motion by Member Elvig, seconded by Member Skaff, to deny the loan for Country Crossing Mall, <br />but look longer-term at redevelopment of the area. <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Members Riley, Steffen, Skaff, LeTourneau, and Elvig. Voting No: <br />None. Absent: Members Williams and Look. <br />Economic Development Authority /May 21, 2010 <br />Page 2 of 5 <br />