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Councilmember LeTourneau stated he assumes that this effort can be managed while the <br />organization continues to operate. With regard to the HRA /EDA co- mingling their resources, he <br />noted the Economic Development Manager will have HRA responsibility as well. <br />Councilmember Riley stated he likes the idea of involving more people with expertise who serve <br />on the Planning Commission and EDA. At the same time, he would like staff to assure they <br />remain on task and are aimed in the direction dictated by the Council. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated he finds this to be a high priority since there are other projects <br />interested in this option. He suggested dedicating professional services and replenishing it, if <br />needed, to complete the process by the end of the year. City Administrator Ulrich also suggested <br />considering the EDA budget for funding since this is part of economic development as it brings <br />jobs and tax base. <br />Development Services Manager stated staff will provide weekly updates to assure the process <br />remains transparent. He noted the Council will be considering the proposal from MFW <br />Properties at tonight's Council meeting and asked if there was interest in considering the project <br />prior to forming policy. <br />Councilmember Backous supported offering under the current rules and policy so opportunities <br />can move forward. He stated it is a good exercise but will take time to do it right and he does not <br />want development to stop during that process. <br />Councilmember Riley concurred and noted the property is posted with a "For Sale" sign. <br />Mayor Strommen stated she would prefer to not provide direction this evening on the Council's <br />case because in the absence of policy, some direction is needed for staff in what to look at with a <br />financial assistance package. She felt it was not a good use of staff time to research and analyze <br />proposals if the Council will not support it. Mayor Strommen stated if staff is being directed to <br />pursue these projects, then the Council should determine how much to allocate towards that <br />effort as well as the level of funding and types of projects the Council would be willing to <br />entertain. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated it will be awkward tonight because the project will be presented to <br />the Council and the HRA will be asked to consider it. He stated he is against the use of TIF for <br />housing in most cases. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he understands that concern but prefers to look at each case as <br />facts present themselves until a policy is completed. He noted the point is that City resources are <br />being spent exploring these projects and while the Council wants to see the projects, he does not <br />want to spend staff time if it is not supported. <br />Mayor Strommen asked if the project should first be presented to the Council to determine if <br />there is support. She stated the Council has indicated it would like to move in the direction to set <br />the policy and then let staff bring those results so the developer is . not in the "driver's seat." <br />City Council Work Session / March 26, 2013 <br />Page 3 of 9 <br />