Committee Minutes

Minutes of Grand Forks City Council/Growth Fund
Authority (JDA) - Monday, March 1, 2010 - 5:30 p.m.____

The city council of the city of Grand Forks sitting as the Growth Fund Authority met in the council chambers in City Hall on Monday, March 1, 2010 at the hour of 5:30 p.m. with Chairman Gershman presiding. Present at roll call were Council Members Bjerke, McNamara, Glassheim, Gershman, Christensen, Bakken, Kreun, Mayor Brown - 8; absent: none.

APPROVE PROPOSAL FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF
THE CIVIC AUDITORIUM AREA

The staff report from the director of urban development relating to redevelopment of civic auditorium, with recommendation to authorize conveyance of the parcels as described in the report, subject to review and approval of documents by the city attorney. (Properties are owned by the JDA and the recommendation is that the JDA convey the civic auditorium, 615 First Avenue North, described as Lots 2 and 3, Block 1, Renewal Resubdivision #5 to Civic Place, LLC; and that the JDA convey the civic auditorium parking lot, described as Lot 1, Block 2, Renewal Resubdivision #5 to Civic Auditorium Limited Partnership.)

Chairman Gershman stated these are excellent projects, however, there was some concern re. the bidding process, and that he wanted it on the record that this was a public request for proposals and those that put their plan in are the ones we are going with.

Howard Swanson, city attorney, advised that the motion in addition to approving the project is to authorize appropriate officials to execute the necessary documents and deeds.

It was moved by Mayor Brown and seconded by Council Member Bakken that the recommendation be approved.

Ray Dohman questioned whether anyone had offered to purchase the building. It was noted there was an offer to purchase the building prior to that and was refused by the City as the offer was too low. The developer will be demolishing the building and covering the expenses; and when this project is completed will be $6.325 million on the tax rolls. It was also noted that funding for the project was from stimulus money, NSP money and from the private sector.

Council Member Christensen called for the question.

Upon call for the question and upon voice vote, the motion carried 7 votes affirmative, Council Member Bjerke voted against the motion.

ADJOURN

It was moved by Council Member Kreun and seconded by Council Member Glassheim that we adjourn. Carried 8 votes affirmative.

Respectfully submitted,


Saroj Jerath
City Auditor