Title
Approving the minutes of the July 8, 2015 HRA meeting.
Body
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Bostrom, Finney, Thao, Thune, Tolbert, Chair Brendmoen
Absent: Commissioner Stark
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approving the minutes of the June 24, 2015 HRA meeting.
Commissioner Thao moved approval. Approved as set forth in Min 15-43.
VOTE: Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 Absent - 1
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Resolution giving preliminary approval to the proposed issuance of conduit revenue bonds for the High School for Recording Arts Project under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.152 through 469.1655, District 13, Ward 1.
Acting Executive Director Patty Lilledahl stated that the High School for Recording Arts has been operating as a public charter school since 1988 and is located at 1166 University Ave, with a current enrollment of 230 students. The school would like to acquire the property they are currently leasing and construct an 8,000 sq.ft. Gym, movement studio, and renovate their existing space to add additional classrooms. Closing will be in early September, new construction completion by March 2016, and renovation completed next summer. The project will result in 75 construction jobs, 2 new full time jobs at the school, and increased education opportunities for up to 325 students in improved facilities.
Commissioner Bostrom asked if there is any liability to the City of St. Paul. Ms. Lilledahl stated there is no obligation to the St. Paul Taxpayers.
Commissioner Thao shared his appreciation and thanked the staff and all parties involved for their support in this project.
Chair Brendmoen announced the public hearing. Commissioner Thao moved approval. Approved as set forth in RES PH 15-196.
VOTE: Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 Absent - 1
3. Approval of the Sale and Conveyance of Parcel 698 4th Street East, Dayton’s Bluff, District 4, Ward 7 under the Inspiring Communities Program.
Ms. Lilledahl stated that this one of our 3 remaining properties for sale where the HRA staff acted as developer through the Inspiring Communities Program. All 3 properties are next door to each other and are in the Dayton’s Bluff Historic District. At the next Board meeting we will be asking to sell 688 4th St and the final property, a duplex, is nearing completion. This historic rehab, single family home, is being sold to Amy Zier for $155,000 and includes a restriction for owner occupancy. Sarah Zorn, Planning and Economic Development, shared before and after pictures of the property.
Chair Brendmoen thanked staff for sharing before and after pictures of the interior and exterior of the property. And also shared her enthusiasm for how wonderful the neighborhood looks.
Commissioner Finney shared his excitement for how the neighborhood is being stabilized, is attracting new buyers, and has been revitalized.
Commissioner Finney moved approval. Approved as set forth in RES 15-193.
VOTE: Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 Absent - 1
4. Resolution amending the 2015 budget for the HRA Loan Enterprise Fund to include the Great Minnesota Fix-Up Program.
Ms. Lilledahl stated that this is a technical amendment to the 2015 budget to include the Great Minnesota Fix-Up Program in the HRA Loan Enterprise Fund under the new Infor chart of account structures. The Great Minnesota Fix-Up Program is a State of Minnesota grant program that provides assistance to homeowners to rehab, remodel, and make energy saving improvements to their homes. The State of Minnesota reimburses the HRA up to $500,000 for the fix-up loans. The HRA Enterprise Fund provides up to $35,000 to write down the interest rate of the loans through an intra-fund transfer.
Chair Brendmoen asked what the income guidelines or restrictions are on that program. Ms. Lilledahl stated she will send that information to the Chair.
Commissioner Tolbert moved approval. Approved as set forth in RES 15-195.
VOTE: Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 Absent - 1
5. Resolution Authorizing $190,000 Principal Redemption for the Section 108 HUD Note, Series HUD 2003-A and Related Budget Amendment.
Ms. Lilledahl stated that this is another technical amendment to the 2015 budget to accommodate an additional $55,000 in unanticipated principle amount from the Port Authority on the existing Section 108 loan related to the West Minster Junction Business Center. The original budget estimated that $135,000 would be the principle reduction. Due to access TIF funds, HUD allowed an additional principle redemption.
Commissioner Thao moved approval. Approved as set forth in RES 15-194.
VOTE: Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 Absent - 1
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Bostrom moved adjournment. The HRA meeting was adjourned.