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<br />Case #10: <br /> <br />Anoka County Housingand Redevelopment Authority (ACHRA) Update <br /> <br />Community Development Director Trudgeon reviewed that on July 31, 2007, the City Council <br />held a work session to discuss the expanded powers of the Anoka County Housing and <br />Redevelopment Authority (ACHRA). The ACHRA now has the powers of an EDA and is able <br />to participate in economic development projects. Karen Skepper from the County Community <br />Development Department outlined the process that the County went through to expand the <br />ACHRA's powers and explained why the powers were expanded. The results of a study <br />conducted by Springsted identified gaps in the economic development programs of some cities <br />and townships throughout Anoka County. It was pointed out that the gaps identified do not <br />necessarily apply to Ramsey. The City would be required to opt-in to this agreement and there <br />was a lot of discussion about a couple of things, one being the total amount of levy that is in <br />place. Mr. Trudgeon stated Karen Skepper has provided the City information regarding the <br />current HRA levy levels and the potential increases that the County EDA levy would create. The <br />Payable 2007 taxable Market Value for the ACHRA was $29,567,533,100. The Maximum HRA <br />Levy is $4,257,724 and the HRA Levy currently certified is $1,163,738. By adding the EDA <br />powers to the HRA, the maximum levy would grow to $5,360.593. Mr. Trudgeon indicated it <br />was also a concern that the money raised by this tax would be spent in Ramsey. Apparently the <br />policy being considered would do that. One of the main initiatives is the feasibility study of fiber <br />optics infrastructure throughout the County. There was discussion that this may be of interest for <br />Ramsey to participate in, but not necessarily to opt-in to the EDA portion of the ACHRA. The <br />fiber optics is something that could be l()oked into at a future date. Mr. Trudgeon advised staff <br />recommends to City Council to write a letter to Anoka County stating that the City does not wish <br />to participate in the ACHRA economic development program. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec commented with the City's EDAlevy he cannot see any reason to participate with <br />this. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson clarified with Community Development Director Trudgeon that the City <br />does not need to commit any dollars towards the funding for the fiber optic study at this time. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look stated this would be an additional tax levy and tax increase for residents, <br />and he opposes this at this time. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Look, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to authorize staff to write <br />a letter to Anoka County stating that the City does not wish to participate in the ACHRA <br />Economic Development Program. <br /> <br />Further discussion: Councilmember Elvig commented from the County's position he does not <br />know that the interest is necessarily in taxing more. This gives the County the ability to bond <br />and he can appreciate why they would want to do that. However, he agrees with Councilmember <br />Look. They have the service and a levy in the community, and this would double that. He is in <br />agreement to opt-out of the agreement. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Look, Olson, Dehen, Elvig, and <br />Jeffrey. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Strommen. <br /> <br />City Council! August 28, 2007 <br />Page 26 of 33 <br /> <br />P74 <br />