09/04/12 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chairperson McGlone stated he would like this information presented to the public in a PowerPoint format. Development Manager Lazan stated the business plan will not be ready to present on September 11, 2012. Commissioner Ramsey stated it will be hard to consider this budget at the next meeting and not comment since other cities have used leverage to force the hand of Anoka County to use HRA funds. He noted that money has been levied from Ramsey citizens. Chairperson McGlone stated whether the City Council gets to use the Anoka County HRA money in lieu, it will never be lost and at some point the funds will be spent in Ramsey. Commissioner Backous stated the HRA should have received a business plan prior to budget discussion. HRA Executive Director Ulrich stated that is a valid point and explained the genesis of this discussion occurred at the EDA meeting about shifting staffing and use of Anoka County EDA funding. Commissioner Elvig stated the HRA has the mechanism and he thinks it can take the EDA levy down through the business plan and other methods to shore up this project. He stated support of using Anoka County EDA funds since they have been levied against Ramsey's residents. HRA Executive Director Ulrich noted the HRA does not need the whole $236,000 fund and if a lower amount is requested and programmed, he thinks Anoka County will approve an amount for housing in The COR. Mayor Ramsey stated The COR is a project that the HRA has to get done and it does not make sense for Anoka County to not approve the request because it also needs this to work. Commissioner Strommen stated she feels the Anoka County piece is irrelevant because as Chairperson McGlone noted, it is still City money and there will be a project to invest those funds. She noted a business plan will tell the HRA at what point it is starting to cash flow and can stop levying. Commissioner Strommen stated she wants to see the point when the HRA's role shifts and inputs are no longer needed. Commissioner Ramsey stated he agrees but it has to be recognized that a lot of things are in the HRA budget that are expenses, such as the parking ramp and salaries. He agreed that creating a business plan is going in the right direction. Commissioner Ramsey asked whether the HRA supported considering the max levy now with the intent of lowering it or wanted to set a lower levy with the intent of getting Anoka County HRA funds. Development Manager Lazan stated all have a desire to recover the fund balance for what has been depleted over the past several years. He noted an option is to put Anoka County HRA Housing and Redevelopment Authority / September 4, 2012 Page 4 of 9