03/19/13 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Kuzma asked when the City will hear about the bonding bill, noting that will be an impact. HRA Executive Director Ulrich estimated the end of May, at the end of the Legislative session. He noted discussions can be held with a decision not made until the Economic Development Manager is on staff. Commissioner Riley supported holding discussion and moving forward, noting the Economic Development Manager will be taking the HRA's direction. He stated he would like to wait for the bonding bill prior to sale. Commissioner LeTourneau asked about coming up with a list of variables, conditions, and assumptions the HRA may want to consider, perhaps with 30 different directions to take including cost of the land, whether to sell in pieces or in whole, whether to use a broker or sell land in The COR to speculators. He suggested those questions be posed in a survey for the HRA and other stakeholders to fill out and staff can then aggregate that information for discussion. Commissioner LeTourneau noted that would be a way to get a lot of the assumptions on the table and focus on how to move the discussion forward. Chairperson Backous stated he hoped the Economic Development Manager has experience in how to approach these issues. He felt there may be value in getting that person's input on the best way to proceed before the HRA makes a decision that has to be reversed. Commissioner LeTourneau stated he thinks the Economic Development Manager will be asking the HRA for their standing on certain points and providing that information will allow the Economic Development Manager to respond whether it is accurate or they have another opinion. He stated if someone is interested in purchasing, he thinks that conversation should be held but he also thinks there are different expectations on what this should look like. Once gathered, that information can be given to the Economic Development Manager for his recommendation and to provide other options. Commissioner Riley asked if resumes have been received for the Economic Development Manager. HRA Executive Director Ulrich answered that about a dozen resumes have been received. Commissioner Elvig supported the suggestion of Commissioner LeTourneau to come up with assumptions since this is a new Council and the HRA is taking a different direction. He supported taking time now so when the Economic Development Director is on board, he /she can "hit the ground running " He asked if the HRA does any monthly advertising of The COR. HRA Executive Director Ulrich stated The COR is advertised through Facebook and could qualify to be included on the State listing. In addition, the City's website has a link to The COR that lists available properties and the City's newsletter includes a COR report but mailers have not been used. Housing and Redevelopment Authority / March 19, 2013 Page 3 of 5