05-23-07 EDC Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

EDC Minutes May 23,2007 Page 3 of 4 VI. REDEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION A. Redevelopment Designation Process B. Redevelopment Tools Community Development Director Barton presented a memorandum on redevelopment designation processes and tools available. She indicated redevelopment designation is helpful if the City intends to pursue grants for a specific redevelopment project. Designation can be done through Council resolution or placed in the City Comprehensive Plan. Timing for adding it to the City's Comprehensive Plan would be good as that plan is currently being updated. Community Development Director Barton noted that a Redevelopment Plan could utilize a Master Developer or the City could go in and acquire properties. The City can also choose to solicit developers as well. Some tools include creating a TIF district, tax abatement of the City portion, the Economic Development Authority (which is the City Council) could levy, grants can be pursued, the City can levy or referendum, special legislation can be created for a special service district tax. She asked the group how they wanted to proceed. The Mayor noted the City currently has two TIF districts which are the Cottage Villas area and the Gateway area. Rob asked if a TIF district time can be extended, or if it can be terminated and redesignated so it can encompass a longer time frame to help the City and Developer gain more benefits from it. The Mayor thought this was not possible. Ed noted that in his past experiences, a lot of community involvement and outreach is important when developing a redevelopment plan. He also thought developing priorities early and gaining a "buy-in" from the community early on is essential. Chair Kunkel indicated he believes the group needs to focus in on a specific property and not try to work on several properties at once. He suggested the next meeting be about selecting what property to focus the group's efforts on. The Mayor suggested the group start by working on the former City Hall site that is located along Highway 96 because it is not on the City's tax roll. He indicated it is important that it be pointed out to the purchaser of the property that any development at that location has to have a "right in" and "right out" only. VII. COUNCIL UPDATE No update was provided.