2020-03-11 CC Minutes - Approved

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City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes March 11, 2020 Mr. Brian Beert, 1829 Houle Circle, stated the he has been asked where Centerville is and that it is an island surrounded by Lino Lakes. He stated that years ago an annex attempt failed for the property along the border of 35E in Lino Lakes. He said that it is now developing. He reported that when he moved to Centerville there was one (1) lane west and one (1) lane east on the freeway and the rest were farm fields. He questioned whether the City received more money from taxes on homes or businesses? He also stated that the City is limited on available space. Administrator Statz stated that businesses are taxed roughly double the rate of a home. Finance Director DeJong stated that businesses are roughly taxed at 2% on the amounts over $150,000 and residential is 1% on up to $500,000 and 1.25% after that. Administrator Statz stated market rate apartments are at 1.25 times, low income apartment are 0.75 times. He also stated that it is important to have businesses in town because they pay more taxes than residential properties. Mr. Beert stated that Forest Lake is seven (7) miles away, White Bear Lake is seven (7) miles away, Hugo across the freeway and Lino Lakes, and Circle Pines. He felt that if the City waited they could chose the type of development that was desired because available space will become scarce. He asked much of the undeveloped area is available in Centerville for businesses? Administrator Statz stated that there is very little remaining for development. He presented the audience with a map showing the location of the Memory Care Facility and pointed out the 22 th acres east of 20 Avenue along with several other parcels. Administrator Statz stated that they have turned down a number of proposals for housing in these areas. He also pointed out land available along Commerce Drive near Gateway Circle that is zoned commercial/industrial. He stated that these parcels would be taxes similar to businesses. He reported that the City had 22 acres of commercial and 55 acres of industrial. He stated that the property along Centerville which is 110 acres is zoned residential. Ms. DuFault asked council if there was another night during the week that council could hold their meetings rather than Wednesday evenings as it is a church night and it may be difficult for others to attend. Mayor Paar stated that there have been discussions multiple times regarding this and it has been determined that Wednesdays are the dates. He stated due to the fact that the Fire Steering Committee, Police Governing Board and all the other committees and commissions meet on dates other than Wednesdays it makes it difficult to schedule on those same evenings. Administrator Statz explained that there are many different meetings that happen during the week and change is hard but could again be considered. Mayor Paar noted the time (10:00 p.m.) and that he would close the open forum. Council Member Lakso stated one of the best things was to hear everyone speak. At first it sounded like the audience desired for the lot to remain vacant but residents are willing to work with the City in regards to it development but not a 3-story apartment building or TIF financing. She feels that the vacant property is a disservice to the residents of the City because there is no tax base being obtained from it. She looks at the property with so much potential and there is room for discussion for what gets developed there. The Comprehensive Plan is where there is little wiggle room because the plan opens the door to developers. The Plan states what can be built and she is glad to have received the input from this meeting and has had time to process because this is a difficult decision to make. She does like the idea of having a diversity in homes. She stated that the challenge that Council will face is that the site is valuable and that the City makes a profit to offset the general fund. Page 13 of 18