03/19/13 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Deputy Executive Director Gladhill reported the Northstar Station has been a big marketing piece and most inquiries have been tied to that station now being opened. HRA Executive Director Ulrich stated he and Deputy. Executive Director Gladhill met with the Northstar Corridor Development Association who had ranked Ramey as the number one station for commercial and retail development and population growth potential. He stated once that report is received, it will be provided to the HRA and can be posted to the City's website. Commissioner Elvig supported moving forward so momentum in The COR is not lost between now and when the Economic Development Manager is hired. Commissioner Riley stated the City has a story to tell and agreed with the importance of keeping a positive spin in front. He stated the City needs to be proactive with the contracts that are wavering, noting they were announced in October and not yet finalized. Commissioner LeTourneau stated he does not disagree with the idea of a marketing focus or being concerned about inertia and moving forward. However, the bigger question is whether there is an assumption the City is not doing enough or not enough is occurring. He stated the City has been doing a lot including the hiring of an Economic Development Manager as well as a new City Engineer. Commissioner LeTourneau asked if the question is the need to do even more or to be more cognitive of the greater need. Chairperson Backous acknowledged there has been a lack of communication from January to now and agreed with the need for regular and valid updates. Commissioner Elvig stated with growth, he has found you are always behind. He supported the suggestion to discuss the direction of The COR prior to hiring an Economic Development Manager. HRA Executive Director Ulrich stated tax increment financial projections will be part of the 2013 Work Plan and considered after hiring the Economic Development Manager. A financial consultant will be hired to perform this work utilizing TIF administrative funds. Commissioner Elvig stated support to transition away from Landform as soon as possible since otherwise it can become distracting. HRA Executive Director Ulrich stated he will contact Chairperson Backous relating to the legal review. The consensus of the HRA was to move forward with discussion of The COR including a survey of HRA, EDA, and pertinent staff members on their assumptions relating to the 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, etc. Housing and Redevelopment Authority / March 19, 2013 Page 4 of 5