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City of Centerville <br />EDA Meeting Minutes <br />May 15, 2024 <br />V. BILLS AND COMMUNICATIONS <br /> <br />1. Bills <br />a. Check List <br />Executive Director Lewis reviewed the bills as presented in the packet. <br /> <br />Motion by Commissioner Taylor and seconded by Commissioner Swenson to approve the <br />bills. All in favor. Motion carried. <br />2. Communications <br />a. None <br />VI. PRESENTATION <br />a. Karen Skepper, Anoka County Director of Community & Government <br />Relations <br />Karen Skepper, the Anoka County Director of Community Development & Government Relations, <br />spoke with the EDA about the formation of Anoka County Housing and Redevelopment Authority <br />(HRA) and the HRA levy that is set into separate accounts for each community. In 2012, economic <br />development powers were added to the Anoka County HRA, expanding eligible uses of HRA <br />funds in communities. With the addition of economic development powers, cities who opt in <br />(Centerville has opted in) can use funds for housing projects, studies, redevelopment activities, <br />etc. <br />The EDA asked if executive office suites or incubator space are eligible use(s) and Ms. Skepper <br />advised the board to ask two questions when thinking about projects: 1. Who would you serve, <br />noting that you do not want to do something for just one person. 2. Can the project be replicated, <br />noting that the project and/or activity must be able to be replicated. <br /> <br />The EDA asked if HRA funds could be used on development and/or predevelopment activities to <br />enhance a façade, site readiness, etc. Ms. Skepper advised that HRA funds cannot be used to help <br />just one development, adding that the use of funds for developers/developments/businesses must <br />be treated equally. Ms. Skepper noted that a robust façade enhancement program would benefit <br />many and be a good option for the use of HRA funds. <br />The City of Centerville has one housing project (Chauncy Barret) and a portion of HRA funds are <br />set aside to maintain these facilities. The cityÓs unassigned HRA balance is approximately <br />$450,000. The EDA asked if funds could be used for a community center, and Ms. Skepper advised <br />that they cannot be used for this purpose. All eligible uses are defined in State Statute (Chapter <br />469, Economic Development). <br /> <br />VII. REPORTS <br /> <br />1. Partner Agency Reports <br />a. Anoka County Regional Economic Development (ACRED) <br />Executive Director Lewis reviewed the report as presented in the packet. <br />2 <br /> <br />