Laserfiche WebLink
Regular City Council Meeting <br /> Monday, October 22,2012 <br /> Page 28 <br /> Mayor Roe opined that this was a fair question from staff: if the City Council <br /> majority wanted the framework revised as it related specifically to job creation; <br /> or to wait. <br /> Councilmember Willmus advised that he was interested in long-term jobs, such <br /> as those found at a corporate headquarters; and opined that this proposal did not <br /> get there. However, Councilmember Willmus recognized that a new City <br /> Council may provide a different perspective. <br /> Mr. Trudgeon sought to make sure, if there was any misperception for use of <br /> TIF for this project, or projects down the road, that sufficient funds would be <br /> generated from this project for use for future projects. <br /> Mayor Roe concurred, noting that sufficient increment would be generated for <br /> future projects and purposes. <br /> Councilmember McGehee advised that her perspective went beyond job crea- <br /> tion; and recognized the difficulties this presented for staff. Councilmember <br /> McGehee opined that the re-visioning should be completed as it related to TIF; <br /> and personally questioned whether this TIF District should continue to exist at <br /> all, since it took away from the County and School District. Councilmember <br /> McGehee suggested that cost-sharing, on a pay-as-you-go status, could be set up <br /> outside a TIF District. <br /> Mr. Trudgeon clarified that the City could not capture tax dollars outside a TIF <br /> District without the express approval of Ramsey County; and advised that Ram- <br /> sey County did not do tax abatements, leaving the only option available that of a <br /> TIF District. <br /> Councilmember McGehee suggested the funding gap could be addressed <br /> through an exchange of services once the project was up and running, with all <br /> parties receiving the full tax benefit. <br /> Mr. Trudgeon clarified that the City could limit TIF increments, but could not <br /> give any more (e.g. site clean-up). <br /> Discussion ensued regarding other funding avenues open to the City (e.g. grants <br /> through various agencies for development/redevelopment; bonding; use of re- <br /> serves; or use of the City's Port Authority bonding ); difficulties in obtaining or <br /> availability of some of those funding options; applicable policy decisions at the <br /> City Council level (e.g. use of reserves); and upfront costs for various options. <br /> From a different perspective, City Manager Malinen noted the Twin Lakes Re- <br /> development Area and Mixed Use Zoning Designation; and questioned whether <br />