032408 EDACITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA 55428
EDA Minutes March 24, 2008
Regular Meeting City Hall
CALL TO ORDER President Opem called the meeting of the Economic Development Authority
to order at 9:20 p.m.
ROLL CALL Present: Martin Opem Sr., President
Andy Hoffe, Commissioner
Karen Nolte, Commissioner
Daniel Stauner, Commissioner
Absent: Steve Sommer, Commissioner
Staff Present: Curtis Jacobsen, Director of Community Development
Guy Johnson, Director of Public Works
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Julie Linnihan, Finance Manager
Jason Quisberg, City Engineer
Steve Sondrall, City Attorney
APPROVE MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner Nolte, seconded by Commissioner
Stauner, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2008. Voting
in favor: Opem, Hoffe, Nolte, Stauner; and the following voted against: None;
Abstained: None; Absent: Sommer. Motion carried
IMP. PROJECT 842 President Opem introduced for discussion Item 4, Request that the EDA
Item 4 authorize staff to proceed with contracting LHB Corporation for a probability
analysis report of the city center area (improvement project no. 842).
Mr. Curtis Jacobsen, director of community development, stated staff has
been meeting with Ryan Companies regarding the potential redevelopment of
the city center area and construction of a Super Target. He stated the city,
Krass Monroe and Ryan Companies have discussed contracting with LHB to
conduct a "probability review" for the parcels and ten buildings proposed for
inclusion in a tax increment district. He stated a probability analysis would be
a less extensive analysis than a full blight report, but would be adequate in
determining the structural substandard status of the buildings.
Mr. Jacobsen stated the quote from LHB Corporation to perform the
probability analysis report is $2,500 which would be split 50 -50 between the
city and Ryan Companies.
Mr. Jacobsen stated if the EDA authorizes the probability analysis, it will be
completed within 60 days.
EDA Meeting
Page 1 March 24, 2008
President Opem questioned whether a similar report was previously
conducted for the area. Staff could not recall such a report being done in the
past. Ms. Julie Linnihan, finance manager, stated she would confirm her
findings but to the best of her knowledge, a probability analysis has not been
undertaken for the city center area.
Commissioner Hoffe inquired of the timeline for learning of the project's
financial feasibility.
Mr. Jacobsen reported that staff intends to present financial information from
Krass Monroe at the April 28 EDA meeting.
Mr. Jacobsen explained the definition of "structurally substandard" and noted
a building could be considered structurally substandard if it does not meet
current building codes.
MOTION Motion was made by Commissioner Nolte, seconded by Commissioner
Item 4 Stauner, authorizing staff to proceed with contracting LHB Corporation for
a probability analysis report of the city center area (improvement project
no. 842) for a cost of $2,500 to be shared 50 -50 between the city and Ryan
Companies. All present voted in favor. Motion carried
NORTH RIDGE CARE President Opem introduced for discussion Item 5, Resolution authorizing
CENTER signatures on Termination of Covenants and Restrictions related to the North
Item 5 Ridge Care Center, 5430 Boone Avenue North, Minnesota Masonic Home
North Ridge, owner.
Mr. Steve Sondrall, city attorney, explained that he has discussed the matter
with the attorney from Minnesota Masonic Home North Ridge. Mr. Sondrall
stated from a legal standpoint it may be less cumbersome to have the
requested action undertaken by the HRA rather than the EDA as the
covenants were originally approved by the HRA. He noted the city never
abolished the HRA (Housing and Redevelopment Authority) even though its
powers were transferred to the EDA, but commented that city must post a
separate meeting notice for the HRA meeting.
The EDA agreed to postpone action on Item 5 until April 14, 2008, at which
time the Council will serve in an HRA capacity.
ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Commissioner Nolte, seconded by Commissioner
Stauner, to adjourn the meeting. All present voted in favor. Motion carried
The New Hope EDA adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
EDA Meeting
Page 2 March 24, 2008