08-18-97 Regular
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
August 18, 1997
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Harms at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
HRA Members
Present:Thomas Harms, Chair; Kristal Stokes; Michael Sandahl and Russ
Susag.
HRA Members
Not Present:Joan Helmberger.
Staff Present :James Prosser, Executive Director; Steven Devich, Acting City
Clerk; Bruce Palmborg, Community Development Director; and
Bruce Nordquist, Housing & Redevelopment Manager.
The Special Joint HRA/City Council/Planning Commission/Community Services
Commission meeting was then called to order by Mayor Kirsch and Chair Harms.
City Council
Members Present:Martin J. Kirsch, Mayor; Russ Susag; Susan Rosenberg; Mike
Sandahl; and Kristal Stokes.
Planning Commission
Members Present:Mitchell Hadley, David Gepner, William Kilian, Daniel Linnihan, and
Kevin Hansen.
Community Services
Commission Members
Present:Robert Dietl and Arnie Auchstetter.
HRA Meeting Minutes-2-August 18, 1997
Item #1DISCUSSION OF STATUS OF RICHFIELD LAKE AREA. HRA LETTER NO. 48
Fred Hoisington, Hoisington Koegler Group Inc., planning consultant for the
Richfield Lake Area study, presented an overview of the planning process, public
discussion process, and general vision for the area. He listed the following as the
building blocks for the planning process:
x
Center of community life
x
A sense of place
x
Richfield Lake and Wood Lake - water, wildlife, and trails
x
Senior high rise housing and seniors
x
Strong neighborhoods
x
Strong businesses
x
Lake Shore Drive parkway atmosphere
x
Lyndale Avenue - longest continuous street in metro area
x
Entry from the south - Wood Lake Nature Center
x
Mixed use
Mr. Hoisington discussed some of the following questions related to the planning
process:
x
Location and type of new housing opportunities in the City
x
Redevelopment
x
Pedestrian, transit, and traffic accessibility
x
Accommodation for stormwater pond for I-35W improvements
x
Keeping Richfield competitive
Mr. Hoisington stated that the issues of a parkway concept and transit hub in the
composite concept remains unresolved.
Michael Schroeder, Hoisington Koegler Group Inc., presented the Richfield Lake
Area Composite Concept describing the following key ideas:
x
The most intensely developed area - “the core” - is bounded by a parkway that
separates it from less intensely developed housing areas.
x
A parkway unifies the entire area, linking parts of the Richfield Lake area that
are east of Lyndale Avenue and south of 66th Street.
x
Development within the core is organized to provide consistency between sites
and to provide pedestrian connections between sidewalks and storefronts.
x
A park-like connection is created between Richfield Lake and Wood Lake.
x
Entries to the Richfield Lake area from the freeways reflect the character of the
lakes.
x
Gathering spaces at Richfield Lake are small, more passive and “garden-like.”
x
The character of 66th Street and Lyndale Avenue is enhanced by pockets of
“nature” - more like the character at Lyndale Avenue adjacent to Wood Lake.
HRA Meeting Minutes-3-August 18, 1997
x
Accommodation for a stormwater pond.
x
Undefined housing changes but maintain residential strength.
Mr. Hoisington discussed how the concept was consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan in some areas and different in other areas.
Bill Kilian, 6620 17th Avenue, Planning Commission Member, asked if any
measurements had been set as a goal for accomplishing the plan vision.
Mr. Hoisington stated that none would be set until direction has been given
regarding determination of a preferred concept.
Dan Linnihan, 6345 Logan Avenue, Planning Commission Chair, asked how the
concept would connect the area to the neighborhood west of I-35W.
Mr. Hoisington discussed improved pedestrian access on 66th Street crossing I-
35W and other pedestrian access issues in the Richfield Lake district.
Elmer Hanson, 6409 Harriet Avenue, stated concerns about the loss of homes
which would result from the parkway concept, the loss of K-Mart or US West, and the
costs for such acquisitions.
Shelley Jaeger, 6420 Harriet Avenue, stated concerns about the taking of homes
for the parkway concept and the people who live in the homes.
Mark Pedersen, 500 West 64th Street, stated concern that the parkway concept
would increase traffic impacts on residential areas.
Mike Dillon, 6521 Fifth Avenue, stated that the concept seemed to concentrate on
pedestrians and he wondered where the additional pedestrians would come from since
the area is surrounded by freeways. He stated it was a very expensive plan just to build a
stormwater pond.
Brian Stewart, 6415 Harriet Avenue, stated that they had bought their home to be in
a quiet, low traffic area and that this plan would force them to leave.
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, stated concerns that there should be a
drainage report justifying the need for the stormwater pond, concerns that the concept
does not connect to adjoining neighborhoods, and concerns about who is the responsible
body for this issue.
David Brown, 6716 Garfield Avenue, stated concerns about safety, the impact on
Little Bob’s Park, and the loss of homes hurting this neighborhood resulting from the
parkway concept.
Robert Dietl, 6837 Newton Avenue, Community Services Commission Member,
noted that the concept did not address the park spaces located in the area.
HRA Meeting Minutes-4-August 18, 1997
Pat Rickert, 6710 Garfield Avenue, stated that his neighbors feel they have a sense
of place in Little Bob’s Park and that the parkway concept would ruin this asset.
City Manager Prosser discussed the stormwater storage and water quality issues
related to the expansion of I-35W.
Mike Meter, 7415 Humboldt Avenue, stated that if housing changes are to occur in
the area, perhaps the stormwater pond could be incorporated into that area. He
suggested that the parkway would be a barrier for pedestrians.
Harriet Berg, 6400 Harriet Avenue, stated concerns about how long there would be
uncertainty as to whether homes would be lost.
City Manager Prosser discussed how the 77th Street acquisition process worked,
indicating that the people felt they had been dealt with fairly. He encouraged residents to
contact the City if they have any concerns or questions.
The Special Joint Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. and after a recess, the
regular HRA meeting reconvened at 8:05 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Sandahl, S/Stokes to approve the minutes of the Regular Housing &
Redevelopment Authority Meeting of July 21, 1997 and the minutes of the Special HRA
Study Session with City Council of August 4, 1997.
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #1OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE HRA.
No one wished to address the HRA.
Item #2PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF
PROPERTY AT 6633 WASHBURN AVENUE TO STEVEN MARLIN GRANT
HOMES, INC. (SMG HOMES) FOR RICHFIELD REDISCOVERED SINGLE
FAMILY HOME DEVELOPMENT. HRA LETTER NO. 49
HRA Meeting Minutes-5-August 18, 1997
Executive Director Prosser reviewed HRA Letter No. 49 regarding public hearing
and consideration of authorization to sell 6633 Washburn Avenue to Steven Marlin Grant
Homes, Inc. (SMG Homes) for Richfield Rediscovered single family home development.
M/Susag, S/Stokes to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 4-0.
M/Sandahl, S/Susag that the following HRA resolution be adopted, that it be spread
in the HRA resolution book and that it be made part of these minutes:
HRA RESOLUTION NO. 640
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 6633 WASHBURN AVENUE
TO STEVEN MARLIN GRANT HOMES, INC.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
Motion carried 4-0. This resolution appears as HRA Resolution No. 640 in HRA
Resolution Book No. 5.
Item #3CONSIDERATION OF VARIOUS REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR
THE 7600 BLOCK OF LYNDALE AVENUE AND ADJACENT RESIDENTIAL
HALF BLOCKS. HRA LETTER NO. 50
Executive Director Prosser reviewed HRA Letter No. 50 regarding consideration of
various redevelopment proposals for the 7600 block of Lyndale Avenue and adjacent
residential half blocks.
Gary Tushie, Mainstreet Shops on Lyndale, L.L.P. (Local Partners Group) stated
that their proposal is the same as previously described and stated he was available to
answer questions.
Jack Torvick, Richfield Development Partnership, and Scott Helmes, Skaaden-
Helmes Architects, Inc. described their redevelopment concept proposal. Mr. Helmes
stated the main goals of their proposal are as follows:
1.Retains existing businesses.
2.Stresses new urbanism.
3.Different approach to physical environment.
Mr. Helmes requested an extension of time to work further on the proposal
concepts.
Chair Harms asked how much more time was needed.
HRA Meeting Minutes-6-August 18, 1997
Mr. Helmes stated the concept lacks a specific site plan and other detail and
requested an additional 30 days.
Executive Director Prosser stated that an analysis of the three plans was performed
by the Hoisington Group. He indicated based on that analysis, the recommendation was
that the Local Partners Group be selected. He stated Ehlers & Associates had performed
a financial analysis of the three proposals, and the Local Partners Group appears to be
the closest to the tax increment projections of available funding.
Commissioner Sandahl asked about the probability of the office building in the
Local Partners Group “new” plan materializing.
Mr. Tushie responded that he was not certain and that it was an issue of timing to
allow the firm that needed the office space to get a new site within the time constraints of
their existing lease.
M/Susag, S/Stokes to work with Mainstreet Shops on Lyndale (Local Partners
Group) to finalize the “new” plan, confirm financial feasibility and negotiate a development
agreement with the intent that the Mainstreet Shops on Lyndale (Local Partners Group)
would ultimately become the developer of the 7600 block of Lyndale Avenue; and that if
the “new plan” does not work out, then all proposals come back to the HRA for
reconsideration.
Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner Susag stated his reasons for favoring the Local Partners group
proposal verses the other concepts. He also stated that he was concerned with traffic
congestion in the area under any proposal.
Commissioner Sandahl stated that his decision was based on the financial
considerations of the Local Partners Group “new” plan.
Commissioner Stokes concurred with Commissioner Sandahl.
Chair Harms summarized his reasons for supporting the Local Partners Group
plan. He stated that he felt that time was a significant issue in the proposal and thought it
was in the best interest of the HRA to not further delay the selection process.
Item #4CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSAL TO CONTINUE THE COMMUNITY
APARTMENT PROGRAM (CAP) WITH PROJECT FOR PRIDE IN LIVING,
INC. (PPL) AND AFFORDABLE SUBURBAN HOUSING (ASH) FOR 90
DAYS. HRA LETTER NO. 51
Executive Director Prosser introduced Bill Schatzlein, representing Affordable
Suburban Housing.
HRA Meeting Minutes-7-August 18, 1997
Mr. Schatzlein presented a status report of the Community Apartment Program
(CAP) with Project for Pride in Living, Inc. (PPL).
Peder Jothen, Project for Pride in Living, Inc., presented a summary of the CAP
promotion plan. He described how they have showcased these programs to the
community.
Chair Harms stated that he wished to see emphasis on how the HRA is addressing
the development and redevelopment of the physical apartment infrastructure in the
community when requests for proposals to continue the CAP program are evaluated.
Executive Director Prosser stated that he would appreciate input from all the HRA
Commissioners and Council Members regarding what criteria they were seeking. He
stated that the Human Services perspective may also be an important criteria.
Commissioner Susag stated that he would also like input from apartment
managers.
M/Stokes, S/Susag to approve the execution of a contract with Project for Pride in
Living, Inc. and Affordable Housing for a period of 90 days or until November 29, 1997 for
an amount not to exceed $12,500 and direct staff to solicit proposals for submission to the
HRA at the November 17, 1997 HRA meeting.
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #5CONSIDERATION OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT TO THE
TRANSFER OF PROPERTY FROM CSM INVESTORS, INC. TO CSM
SHOPS, INC.; CONSENT TO ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACT FOR
PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT; AND APPROVAL OF SUBORDINATION
AGREEMENT; STATUS OF SITE WORK ENCUMBERED BY LETTER OF
CREDIT; SHOPS AT LYNDALE, PHASE II. HRA LETTER NO. 52
Executive Director Prosser reviewed HRA Letter No. 52 regarding consideration to
transfer property from CSM Investors, Inc. to CSM Shops, Inc.; consent to assignment of
contract for private development; and approval of Subordination Agreement; status of site
work encumbered by Letter of Credit; Shops at Lyndale, Phase II.
Commissioner Sandahl asked when the signs would be in place.
Murray Kornberg, CSM Corporation, stated that the signs are on order.
Mayor Kirsch requested that cart racks and cigarette butt receptacles be included
in Shops at Lyndale, Phase II.
HRA Meeting Minutes-8-August 18, 1997
Mr. Kornberg stated that he would address those requests. He indicated that cart
corrals take away from the limited parking in the lot.
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, asked what an Allonge agreement was
and does this change the values.
Mr. Kornberg responded that the Allonge was a term for endorsing the financial
instrument.
M/Sandahl, S/Susag to approve the transfer of property from CSM Investors, Inc. to
CSM Shops, Inc.; the assignment of the Contract for Private Development (and Limited
Revenue Tax Increment Notes as part of the Contract); and the Subordination Agreement.
Motion carried 4-0.
Item #6CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY
FOR PAYABLE YEAR 1998 FOR CERTIFICATION TO HENNEPIN
COUNTY AND SET DATE FOR OPTIONAL PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING
FOR THE 1997 REVISED/1998 PROPOSED BUDGET AND PROPERTY
TAX LEVY. HRA LETTER NO. 53
Executive Director Prosser reviewed HRA Letter No. 53 regarding consideration of
approval of proposed property tax levy for payable year 1998 for certification to Hennepin
County and set date for optional public budget hearing for the 1997 Revised/1998
Proposed budget and property tax levy
Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, asked the HRA to reduce the tax levy.
M/Sandahl, S/Susag that the following HRA resolutions be adopted, that they be
spread in the HRA resolution book and that they be made part of these minutes:
HRA RESOLUTION NO. 641
6
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REVISION OF THE 1997 BUDGET OF THE
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF RICHFIELD
HRA RESOLUTION NO. 642
RESOLUTION APPROVING PROPOSED 1998 HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY BUDGET AND CERTIFYING THE 1998 TAX LEVY
Motion carried 4-0. These resolutions appear as HRA Resolution No. 641 and No.
642 in HRA Resolution Book No. 5.
Item #7 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
HRA Meeting Minutes-9-August 18, 1997
None.
Item #8CLAIMS AND PAYROLL
M/Sandahl, S/Susag that the following claims and payrolls be approved:
FIRSTAR BANK
Section 8 Checks: 11217 - 11321$138,306.04
HRA Checks: 18325 - 18346; 18452 - 18503$537,309.36
Motion carried 4-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:24 p.m.
Date Approved:
Thomas E. Harms
Chair
Steven L. DevichJames D. Prosser
Acting City ClerkExecutive Director