Title
Approval of the January 9, 2013 HRA meeting minutes.
Body
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Brendmoen, Carter, Lantry, Stark, Thune, Tolbert
Excused: Commissioner Bostrom
CONSENT
1. Approval of the December 26, 2012 HRA meeting minutes.
Commissioner Carter moved approval.
VOTE: Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
2. Resolution Authorizing the Funding of the Additional Position of Housing Rehabilitation Advisor in the 2013 HRA Budget, Citywide.
Commissioner Carter moved approval. Approved as set forth in resolution RES 13-37
VOTE: Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
PUBLIC HEARING
3. Resolution giving Preliminary Approval to the Proposed Issuance of Revenue Bonds for the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists Project under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.152 through 469.1651, District 17, Ward 2
Ms. Cecile Bedor, Executive Director of the HRA, stated that the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists is a charter school that was founded in 2005. Current enrollment is 550 students in grades 9 through 12. They currently lease space in the Lowry Building and Landmark Center. They plan to vacate the Landmark Center space when their lease expires, and consolidate and expand in the Lowry, purchasing about 57,000 sq. ft. in the Lowry building. This consolidation and expansion will provide for more classrooms; improved collaboration among teachers and students; increased safety and security; and reduced costs. The expansion will also provide for growth in enrollment, which is expected to reach 700 by the 2015-2016 school year. Construction is expected to begin in mid-March 2013 and be completed by the end of August 2013.
The City has supported the Conservatory for many years, primarily through Cultural STAR awards. Since 2002, they’ve been awarded $640,000 in grants for capital improvements and operating.
Ms. Bedor explained that this is a conduit bond issue; there is no obligation whatsoever on the part of the HRA or the City of Saint Paul to repay these bonds...
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