Committee Minutes

MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday, July 31, 1996 - 4:00 p.m.

Members present: Beach, Hanson, Polovitz.

1. Request from GF Central High School to use riverbank for Homecoming event (bonfire) on September 19.
LouAnn Burris, cheerleader advisor at Central High School, presented request and stated that some of the students and Booster parents have started organizing some of the Homecoming activities for Homecoming Week, September 13 (Monday through Friday), and that they would like to hold bonfire and outdoor pep rally at parking lot under walking bridge on September 19, some place close to Central or another site they might suggest. She stated they are expecting 200-250 kids. She reported she has contacted Max Allard, fire inspector, and they will do survey of the area to make sure it's okay and issue permit. She stated they would be at the bonfire and extinguish, etc.; parents and committee etc. would provide cleanup. There will also be security at the activity. No alternate date in case of rain.

Polovitz reported present.

Committee questioned why this was at this committee and not public safety; Mr. O'Leary stated that Urban Development charged with care of the riverbank. It was noted that there is construction scheduled on that parking lot (resurfacing of lot), and Mr. O'Leary stated he didn't think request would interfere with construction activities.

Moved by Hanson and Polovitz to approve the request. Motion carried.

Ms. Burris also presented request for fireworks at the football game; and was advised to contact the fire department. It was suggested that she write letter to let River Forks Commission know they will be using area for that purpose and was authorized by committee and council; and to notify Parking Authority re. closing of that lot that evening.

There was also some discussion whether this would become annual event, whether build fire pit with curb, etc.

2. Matter of specifications and request for bids for removal of box elder trees in near northside neighborhood - Beautifica- tion Project.
Ray LeClerc, Planning Office, reported they modified specs. from Park Dist. for removal of trees, that they included listing of local contractors; they have listing of proposed properties which was compiled by intern in the planning office. The committee noted that there is provision in communication for owner to pay $45 per tree, and Mr. LeClerc stated that money set aside for this rather small and felt property owner should pay something, City will collect fee, applicant submit deposit with

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July 31, 1996 - Page 2

application. It was noted that there could be waiver of fee in case of need, with determination by Mr. LeClerc and Urban Development Office staff.It was also questioned whether property owner occupied or tenant, whether landlord would pay cost. It was noted that hiring of the contractor would be handled administratively.

Moved by Polovitz and Hanson to proceed with the project. Motion carried.

3. Request from North Valley Arts Council for temporary office
space during construction on Empire Theatre building.
Mr. O'Leary reported they have received request from North Valley Arts Council for temporary office space in the City Center Mall during the construction phase (their offices are currently in lobby of the old Empire Theatre). He reported that NVAC has visited with Dick Jackson, and they are looking at space on second floor of the former NSP building, that space vacant; they have agreed that if space rented, they would move to another location, etc.; Berg Bldg. being remodeled, that is ground floor space, and available; but they can work out those details. Moved by Hanson and Polovitz to grant authoriza- tion to City Center Mall to allow North Valley Arts Council to utilize space without charge in the City Center Mall during construction phase of the Empire Theatre project. Motion carried.

4. Matter of lot at 2611 N. 42nd Street (Oscarville Subdiv.)
Mr. O'Leary reported that houses moved into that area, that the rest of that area is industrial (Baltimore Spice, Young Mfg., Senske's), and it has been suggested that as those properties become available to acquire and convert that area to industrial site. He stated that property at 2611 N. 42nd Street is available, is an empty lot (98'x140), wouldn't see lot of maintenance (cut weeds, etc. and clean up debris). He stated that when get enough, offer as industrial site. He reported that Curt Siewert contacted owner, who had inherited property and put out sign; that realty company said value $15-20,000; that property on the tax rolls at $11,700 and that also sounds high. He reported there are funds in the Acquisition & Demolition Fund, and it is staff's suggestion that they submit offer to the owner. Chairman Beach stated he supports this, thinks this area next industrial area to be developed.

Moved by Polovitz and Hanson to authorize staff to offer up to $8,000 for the property. Motion carried. (comm. only).

5. Request from Community Violence Intervention Center, Inc.
to relocate to City-owned space in City Center Mall with
waiver of rent (incl. heat and utilities).
Mr. O'Leary reported they have a request from CVIC who have indicated that they have outgrown their present facility at 111

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South 4th Street and would like to move into second floor of former NSP building, and as part of this project would need some remodeling done (offices added, HVC problems, lighting, access, etc.) He stated that if this is to be CDBG project should go through the CDBG process which they are now starting, and ask them to submit proposal. He stated that CVIC looked at some alternative at their present site (addition, second floor); that City has put lot of money into that building (roof, HVC, storefront, remodeled inside, painted building) and that's been rent free; and questioned how large this agency is going to get if they need entire second floor of the NSP building; large project and not budgeted in any CDBG line items and since just starting process of allocation of funds for next year, go through that process. Committee questioned what happens to building at 111 S. 4th Street, and Mr. O'Leary stated that the Parking Authority owns that building which will probably be an easy building to rent - close to Court House, etc. and Parking Authority will get revenue. Committee questioned whether agency of their type would they be better off in stand-alone building or in commercial building, and hoped that CVIC had considered that.
Committee also stated that perhaps CVIC could continue to operate building at 111 S. 4th St. for support groups off site.

Moved by Polovitz and Hanson to recommend that Community Violence Intervention Center, Inc. go through CDBG process with their proposal. Motion carried. (Comm. only)

6. Matter of purchasing properties through Acquisition &
Demolition Program, and relocation of buildings, for
affordable housing program.
Mr. O'Leary stated that the City is in the process of acquiring properties in the block to the south of the water plant for expansion, that about half those properties acquired, and in the process of acquiring more. He stated that some of those houses need to be demolished, ie., 621 S. 4th Street; that this week Joel Manske received several calls from individual who wants to buy this property, which is HUD foreclosure and Housing Auth. has access to the property; that individual wants to buy, sit on it and then sell to the City. He stated that Housing Auth. can buy this property at 10% below their asking price and it makes sense for City to acquire that through Housing Auth. and get reimbursed through water treatment funds; and that building should really be torn down. He reported there are several other properties that need to be saved and their thoughts were that the best of the houses being purchased by the City between 3rd and 4th and south of Minnesota, be relocated to other areas (Dyke Avenue) 4 lots available. Curt Siewert reported there might be some environmental problems with those lots.

Mr. O'Leary reported that Plan A was to relocate houses from water plant area and move to this location and sell, provide MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
July 31, 1996 - Page 4

affordable housing, but with environmental issues probably won't work. He stated that Plan B was to give those houses to Habitat; have opportunity to make substantial impact on the neighborhood; he stated it makes sense to move those houses but probably not possible with CDBG funds. He stated he would encourage committee to look at those houses. He stated that some of those houses currently rented but as turn over, not re-rent because subject to the Uniform Relocation Act if federal monies involved in the water plant expansion project; either move or dispose of. He reported they do have an 80x150' lot on 8th Avenue South (across from Charlie's Bakery) where they demolished a HUD repo. house; He stated they have had call from individual interested in house at 4th and Minnesota for relocation to lot on Reeves Drive. He also reported that they have some funds available for remodeling after moving to another lot. He also cited other properties that might be considered.

Mr. O'Leary questioned how active committee wants to get in providing alternative housing opportunities for lower and middle income families; could let Housing Authority become more involved in housing development. Committee discussed various financing suggestions to package these: TIF monies, CDBG monies, private development; and it was noted that biggest obstacle is lots.

Comm. suggested staff come up with listing and how might work and bring back to comm. It was noted that Parking Auth. has houses advertised for sale this week, can see what their response is.

Moved by Hanson and Polovitz that we authorize staff to negotiate purchase of property at 621 South 4th Street with final purchase price to be determined Monday night. Motion carried. (Held until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 5, for firm purchase price.

Mr. O'Leary questioned whether it would be committee's wishes to authorize staff to seek possible uses for the re-use of the housing being acquired south of Minnesota between 3rd and 4th Sts. Committee agreed.

7. Update on matter of Continental Homes.
Mr. Manske gave brief update on status of Continental Homes. He reported that a number of families have been permanently relocated; that Baukol Builders and Community Contractors have been brought in by the insurance agent and insurance company to give assessment, and to do cost estimate of damages; DuBois was pulled off the job. He reported that they have well over $250,000 in total damage estimates; and will be several weeks before settlement reached.

Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Alice Fontaine, City Clerk
Dated: 8/01/96.