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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.22.92 Special Council Minutes MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING JOINT COUNCIL/BRA JUNE 22, 1992 1. Mayor Kuchera called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. Members Present: Kuchera, Mayer, Orr, Rotty, Galler. Members Absent: None. Also Present: Administrator Thompson, HRA Executive Director Henricks. 2. The purpose of the meeting was to meet with the HRA to discuss the Exchange Bank Building project. 3. HRA Executive Director Henricks gave a brief background of the Exchange Bank Building project noting that the CDBG guidelines required that the blighted conditions be "eliminated" by June, 1993. The elimination could be accomplished by rehabilitation or demolition. It was noted that the purpose of the meeting was for the Council and HRA to receive public input and determine the future of the building and potential uses. 4. Mayor Kuchera opened the meeting for public comments. Since this was not a public hearing, the following summary of comments is listed rather than actual testimony. 1) Why did the HRA purchase the building? 2) Does the rehabilitation/demolition have to be completed by June, 1993 or planned? 3) Is a decision on the building going to be made at this meeting? 4) Can the deadline be extended? 5) How were potential developers contacted? What were the responses? 6) Would the City own the building or sell it to a private developer? 7) The building must be saved to preserve the City's heritage. 8) The City also has to look at additional parking. 9) The building should be restored but not at any cost to the taxpayers. 10) The building is in poor shape. 11) Because the building is on the National Historic Registry it must be restored to 75% of its original appearance. Substitute materials may be used. 12) Council should hold a referendum on the project. 13) Has any thought been given to oversaturating the market with restaurants? 14) Surety should be used to eliminate City risk. 15) Other cities in Dakota County envy Farmington because of its downtown and the City should work towards preserving it. 16) While tax subsidies may seem as unfair competition, that is the way of life in business today. 17) Wasn't the HRA established to assist business? 18) If the building is torn down there will be no future property taxes generated. 19) Renovation of the building could attract people to Farmington. 20) In all reality, rent levels are not sufficient to support the renovation, but the City should balance tax subsidies with historic preservation and enhancing the downtown. The building can be a focal point of the City. Minutes - Special Council/HRA - 6/22/92 - Page 2 21) The Council and HRA should be commended for their efforts to date, but the projec~ will not succeed without support from the citizens and downtown business community. 22) The bottom line is a private developer has to be able to make money on the building. 23) The City should ask surrounding communities (Red Wing, Hastings, Northfield, New Prague) how their downtowns are doing. 24) The City should not tear old buildings down in the name of progress. 25) The City should look beyond the Exchange Bank Building. 26) Will this project affect the City's bond rating? 27) The City should immediately ask for an extension. 28) The City has had a history of raising local dollars for projects such as the hospital, ice arena, swimming pool and senior center. 29) There was a lengthy discussion on the results of the survey with no consensus on the conclusions. 30) What is the cost of renovation? 31) Can the HRA own and rent the building? 32) The HRA should not ultimately own the building. 33) Because of the deadlines, the Exchange Bank Building should be an HRA priority. 34) Have other grant programs been researched? 35) If there is no developer available by the deadline, perhaps only the exterior could be renovated. 36) The project must have broad community support if it is to succeed. 37) People should not focus on why it can't be done but, rather, on how it can be done. 38) What example are we setting for our kids by tearing buildings down? 39) The Dakota County Pioneer Village has been a success. 40) The City should set architectural standards for the downtown area. Discussion followed regarding the public input and the future course of action. It was noted that there appeared to be general support for the project and that the Council and HRA would be remiss if it didn't examine every possible financial mechanism or possible use. It was suggested a citizens committee be formed to research the project. Chairperson Sprute asked for volunteers to serve on the committee and that the HRA ask for an extension. Councilmember Orr suggested the citizens committee meet with the HRA to begin formalizing strategy and to also look at developing archi- tectural standards for the entire downtown area. Councilmember Galler also suggested the HRA look at a loan program to assist developers in meeting more stringent design standards. 5. MOTION by Kuchera, second by Rotty to approve the various licenses and permits for Mt. Dew Days and to waive the fees. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 6. MOTION by Galler, second by Orr to adjourn at 9:10 P.M. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. ~ec~y submitted, / Lalt Thor- City Administrator Approved