HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP August 21, 1986
CITY of ANDOVER
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - AUGUST 21, 1986
AGENDA
l. Call to order - 7:30 P.M.
2. Public Hearing - Tax Increment Financing District (Shopping
Center Site)
Continued August 19, 1986 Meeting
3. Approve Specifications for Rural Street Construction
4. Conroy Assessment Split
5. Lower Rum River Water Management Organization Budget
6 . Andover vs. M.R. Olson
7. Request County to Remove Designation from Crooked Lake
Boulevard
8 . Joint Meeting
9 . Budget Discussion
10. Comprehensive Sanitary Sewer Plan/Authorization
ll. Appoint Deputy Clerk
August 21, 1986 Items
12.. Computer Demonstration
13. Meeting Date/M. LaPanta
14. Dehn's Addition/Round Lake Storm Drainge/86-l9
15.
16. Adjournment
CITY of ANDOVER
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - AUGUST 21, 1986
MINUTES
A Special Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Jerry
Windschit1 on August 21,1986,7:35 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown
Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Councilmen present: Elling, Lachinski, Orttel
Councilman absent: Kni ght
A lso present: City Attorney, William G. Hawkins; City Administrator/
Engineer, James Schrantz; and others
PUBLIC HEARING - TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT (SHOPPING CENTER SITE)
Jeff Wickert, representin~ Boisclaire Corporation - reviewed the proposed Tax
Increment Flnanclng Dlstrlct 1-2, notlng the strlp center is to be deleted from
the district. He stated they are going through a rep1atting of the site, which
will make it easier to describe.
Counci 1 also reviewed with those present the substitutions made to the proposal
of modifying Tax Increment District 1, which is being redesignated as District 1-1,
the addition of the administrative expenses to the budget sheet, and the correction
of the one parcel that is to be acquired and sold back to the developer after the
improvements have been made.
James Casserly, Miller & Schroeder Financial, Inc. - then reviewed the structure
of the proJect. ThlS plan lS allowing the Clty to provide an investment in this
project by paying for public improvements with funds from the tax increment
financing plan. The developers are putting on a project which provides' for an
estimated market value of $3,346,833, representing $1.65 per square foot in taxes
for a net renta 1 space. The net rental space in the project is 91,500 square feet.
To be competitive in the marketplace, the developer is agreeing to $1.65 per
square foot as a mjnimum guarantee in taxes. That equates to captured taxes off
this project of $1,439,160.
Mr. Casserly then explained the size of the bond the City could issue today on
that project would be for a value of approximately $812,000 toward the project.
The project has contemplated approximately $900,000 would be needed to make it
work. The approach has been to use about half that amount for land write-down
and the other half for the public improvements. It is also anticipated that
approximately $600,000 of those funds would be an outright investment by the City
in the project, and approximately $300,000 would be a loan by the City to the
project, that loan to be repaid over approximately a IS-year period at 5\ percent
interest. The loan repayments could be used to offset any contribution that
would be lost as a result of fiscal disparities, so the City would never have an
impact from fiscal disparities.
I
Mr. Casserly went on to explain the contract lays out in detail when the funds
are to be expended by the City, and it includes $65,000 for signalization the
City feels would be necessary for safety and traffic management next to the project.
The costs of establishing the plan, the bond issue, fees, and expenses,1 etc., are
to be paid from the bond proceeds. The contract also spells out the method of
securities, some of which are still to be determined.
Special City Council Meeting
August 21, 1986 - Minutes
Page 2
(Public Hearing - Tax Increment Financing District/Shopping Center, Continued)
r1r. Casserly then outlined the three issues which remain to be resolved: 1) The
length of the district and/or term of the bond issue needs to be established. They
don't need to be the same, suggesting the district be a couple years longer than
the bond issue itself. The term of the bond is 17 years with a call half way
through. 2) The level of public support of investment needs to be established.
Using current market conditions, the City can support a project investment of
$812,000. On top of that is the $65,000 for signalization plus approximately
$45,000 for all costs associated with establishing the project. The bond would be
sold for $1,025,000. It was est·imated the taxable interest rate at 9.3 percent
after discount. 3) The Council needs to determine the securities desired. Persona 1
guarantees on this have always been contemplated, but the Council may wish to
consider something additional.
Counci 1 agreed to leave the term of the bond at 17 years and to set the length
of the district at 20 years.
Council then discussed the level of public support. Because of the negative
arbitrage, Mr. Casserly advised the bonds not be sold immediately. Under the
terms of the agreement, the funds from the tax increment financing bond would be
the last dollars going into the project, anticipating those funds would not be
needed until next April or May. Therefore, the bond would not be sold until
March, which could mean a variation in the dollar amounts because of a~ change
in interest rates. Th e concept is any increment from this project over and
above the debt service payments and the loan payments to the City would go to pay
the difference between the bond issue and the $900,000.
Mr. Wickert - stated they have submitted a completed set of drawings and specifica-
tlOns to the City. He stated they are committed to building according to those
plans unless there are changes requested by the City or themselves, and that
insures the quality of the project and the amount being spent.
Council generally agreed with the terms of the contract relative to public support
of the project, but also agreed to tie the TIF documents to the submitted plans
and specifications as a baseline for dollars spent on the project.
It was noted on Page 18 of the Contract for Private Redevelopment between the City
of Andover and Andover Limited Partnership, Section 6.3 Assessment Agreement, the
last sentence, "If the City issues tax exempt Bonds, the effect of the Assessment
Agreement sha 11 be suspended...." shou 1d be deleted as it refers to tax exempt
bonds and this will be a taxable bond.
Council then discussed the third issue raised by Mr. Casserly, that of guarantees
and securities desired. Section 6.5 Guaranty, Page 18 of the contract, should
guarantee the note as well. Mr. Wickert stated with the taxable bond, they have
been asked and agreed to a full-term personal guarantee of the debt service. He
also stated they would be willing to supply the appropriate financial information
of the parties for examination by the City or its representatives as to the
quality of those guarantees. He suggested appointing an independent CPA firm to
do that assessment.
Discussion as also on what happens in the event of default, reviewing Article IX
in the document, Pages 24 and 25.
Dave Kenned , LeFevere, Lefler, Kenned , O'Brien & Drawz - stated in many instances
a etter 0 re lt lS lssue to cover t e lrst ew years to cover the critical
time of construction. Once the project is built, there is no need for that kind
of assurance. He recommended one year's increment, a Letter of Credit for $150,000
until the project is built in addition to the personal guarantees.
Special City Council Meeting
August 21, 1986 - Minutes
Page 3
(Public Hearing - Tax Increment Financing District/Shopping Center, Continued)
Mr. Casserly - felt a Letter of Credit should be outstanding until one full year's
taxes would have been paid, feeling the Letter of Credit should be in place to
guarantee the payment on the bond debt service. He stated such guarantee wouldn't
be needed prior to the issurance of the bond because there is no risk on the part
of the City until that point.
Further discussion with the developers was it is their intent to put in the footings
yet this fall. They have signed the major tenants of the grocery store and drug
store but are still working on leases of smaller tenants to gain the required 70
percent pre lease agreements prior to construction. Cbuncil was concerned that this
document not be held open indefinitely. The intent is to do the project, suggesting
the possibility of adding a sunset clause in the document.
Council recessed at 9:00; reconvened at 9:16 p.m.
The Hearing was then opened for public testimony.
Walt Sonners - has been successfully running a small supermarket in northeast
Mlnneapo11s which has been in his family for 67 years. He has been on this
project for about six months, stating he can't wait for Andover to get started with
the grocery store. He felt Jeff Wickert, Wayne Rademaker, and Boisc1aire are the
right people to put the project together, hoping it will work.
Rick Lund, 13864 Si1verod - stated the homeowners in that area are excited to see
somethln9 going. They are happy with what has taken place so far and the things
Boisclaire has done for them.
Council discussion returned to the issues of the security of a Letter of Credit
and a sunset clause in the contract. Mr. Casserly and Mr. Kennedy reviewed their
opinions as to why a Letter of Credit should be required and the length of time
it should be in place, those opinions being different as to the length of time it
should be in place.
After some discussion, the Council generally agreed with the $150,000 Letter of
Credit from the developers from the time the bond funds are disbursed to cover
the first tax year, the dates to be set when the bonds are issued. Given the
nature of the contract whereby the City's funds would be the last dollars going
into the project, it was felt the length of the Letter of Credit could be from 12
to 18 month's depending on when the funds are disbursed. Council also agreed the
payment for the Letter of Credit would come out of the tax increment bond, as it
should be a relatively small amount.
Council ther discussed a sunset provision in the contract. Mr. Wickert - again
stated they expect to have footings in the ground this fall and wou Id 11ke to build
the building faster than two years, but he'd like some fleðibi1ity. He estimated
the time ofl construction to be 12 months, possibly quicker. The building is out
for bids. He suggested a starting construction date of June 1, 1987 be used for
a sunset clause, with the right for him to present progress reports to the Council
should theY1 not meet that date.
Further discussion with the developers was that another 15,000 feet needs to be
pre leased before they can begin construction, hoping that can be done by September
or October, though there is no way to predict when those leases will actua 11y be
signed. Council discussed various methods for establishing a sunset clause. It
was final1ylagreed to insert on Page 28 of the Contract, Article XI, Termination
of Agreement, a new Section 11.3, that the contract would terminate if construction
does not start as of May 1, 1987.
Special City Council Meeting
August 21. 1986 - Minutes
Page 4
(Public Hearing - Tax Increment Financing District/Shopping Center, Continued)
Discussion was then on the maps provided in the Development Program for Development
District No.1, noting the corrections to the map made at the public hearing for
District No.1 have not been incorporated into the Development Program dated
August 21, 1986. Also. the strip center of the shopping center, Lot 1, Block 3.
is not to be included in Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-2. Lot 1, Block 1
is to be included.
Council then agreed to continue the public hearing to September 2 at which time
the final documents with the changes agreed to this evening will be acted upon.
MOTION by Elling, Seconded by Lachinski, to continue the hearing to the September 2
meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing continued to September 2, 1986. 10:08 p.m.
CONROY ASSESSMENT SPLIT
Attorney Hawkins didn't know whether the County has the ability to subdivide the
property without going through the City's Lot Split ordinance. Council expressed
disagreement that the County has the right to subdivide land within the City
contrary to the City's ordinance.
In discussing the item further, it was noted an 80-foot strip is a developable
parcel, questioning wehther it should then receive a full assessment. That area
was assessed on a front-footage basis. Council directed the staff to prepare a
report noting the assessments prior to and after the 80-foot split done by the
Cwn~.
LOWER RUM RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION
Mr. Schrantz reported the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization's budget
will remain at $12,500 for 1987. Council agreed.
ANDOVER VS. M.R. OLSON
Attorney Hawkins noted the proposed settlement agreement with M. R. Olson which .
basically states Mr. Olson agrees to have all the cars off the property and stop
operating as a used car lot by October 1.
MOTION by Elling, Seconded by Lachinski, that we accept the settlement stipulation
as presented fram the Attorney for the City of Andover versus M. R. Olson property,
and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the agreement. Motion carried
unanimously.
REQUEST COUNTY TO REMOVE DESIGNATION FROM CROOKED LAKE BOULEVARD
MOTION by Ortte1, Seconded by Lachinski, introducing a Resolution requesting Anoka
County to change the State Designation of Crooked Lake Boulevard and designate the
Verdin Street alignment as proposed in the Hidden Creek plat to 133rd, the City
limits. (See Resolution R136-86) Motion carried unanimously.
JOINT MEETING WITH COON RAPIDS
Council directed Mr. Schrantz to attempt to set up a joint meeting with the Coon
Rapids City Council for September 8, 1986.
Special City Counci 1 Meeting
August 21, 1986 - Minutes
P age 5
BUDGET DISCUSSION
Mr. Schrantz highlighted the proposed rough draft of the 1987 budget. After
reviewing several aspects of the proposal, Council generally felt the mill rate
for 1987 should not go above 15 mills, suggesting the most probable figures be
used for the proposed budget.
APPOINT OEPUTY CLERK
MOTION by Elling, Seconded by Lachinski, that we appoint Victoria Vo1k as Deputy
Clerk. Motion carried unanimously.
COMPREHENSIVE SANITARY SEWER PLAN/AUTHORIZATION
MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Elling, that we authorize the firm of TKDA to prepare
an update as needed to our Sanitary Sewer Plan for an amount not to exceed $5,800.
DISCUSSION: Councilman Elling reported on a meeting he attended regarding the
remedial action of the Waste Disposal Site. The Agency and CRA are taking a close
look at the gradients underneath the landfill as to what happens to the lower sand
aquifer with all the surrounding residential wells. Th ey defi nite ly fee 1 a
municipal water system would not influence the gradient system as having the many
private wells does. Vlith the other possible developments along Hanson and north
of Andover Boulevard, it could affect the water table so it no longer has the upward
gradient; and they are asking that the City not al low private residentia1s wells
in the lower aquifers within 4000 feet of the landfill. Council briefly discussed
the matter, the potential development northeast of the 1andfill.site, and the
possible future location of a new elementary school within Andover. Mo t ion
carried unanimously.
COMPUTER DEMONSTRATION
It was agreed Councilman Lachinski will attempt to schedule a demonstration at
Ameridata for September 10 at 4:30 or 5 o'clock for the Council and Office Staff.
MEETING DATE/M. LAPANTA
f1r. Schrantz reported Mr. LaPanta has stated he is being harrassed and wants to
meet with the Council regarding the tire operati on and request for zero count on
the tires. Discussion noted that the County is the agency which has licensed the
operation; and if the license requirements are not being met, the County should
be dealing with that matter. Council also noted the apparent pile of tires that
have accumulated on site and other violations of the licensing requirements.
MOTION by Lachinski, Seconded by Orttel, that we request Anoka County to consider
the wlthdrawa1 of the license of the LaPanta Tire Operation if he is not
meeting all current requirements.
VOTE ON f10TION: YES-Lachinski, Orttel, Windschitl; NO-Elling as he felt the Council
should meet with Mr. LaPanta on this matter first; ABSENT-Knight.
Motion carried.
PROJECT 86-19/DEHN'S ADDITION/ROUNO LAKE STORM DRAINAGE
Mayor Windschitl noted the County is starting the County 116 project. Counci 1
briefly reviewed the problem of assessing the project in a reasonable manner and
to be able to meet the debt service on the bond, on the possibi 1ity of receiving
sane dollars fran the County or Good Va lue Homes toward this project; on the
question raised at the previous meeting regarding the City's participation in the
Special City Council Meeting
August 21, 1986 - Minutes
Page 6
(Project 86-19/Dehn's Addition/Round Lake Storm Drainage, Continued)
cost of any future replacement of the Rum River outlet as proposed by the City
of Anoka, and on the possibility of establishing a storm drainage taxing district.
Council asked that the assessment against the larger property owners in the
district be determined. This is to be discussed at the August 27 special meeting.
L. JOHNSON PROPERTY/BUTTERNUT STREET
Mr. Schrantz asked the Council's opinion as to whether a proposed parcel is a legal
lot because Butternut Street is not a full-width roadway.
Counci 1 thought Mr. Johnson was going to dedicate the other 30 feet fran the other
side so there would be a full 50-foot wide easement for Butternut. Because the
property in question has already dedicated two rods for the roadway, it was felt
it is not appropriate to require the remainder of the easement from this parcel.
Council di rected th e proposed lot is a le ga lone and that the remai nder of the
easement for Butternut would be dedicated fran the property across the road when
that develops in the future.
APPOINT ENGINEERING SECRETARY
Mr. Schrantz stated he has not yet been able to check the references of those
applicants interviewed for the Engineering Secretary position. Council agreed to
authorize Mr. Schrantz to hire the secretary at his discretion following reference
checks.
MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Lachinski, that we authorize the City Administrator
to offer employment to either of the two employees fran the list of names, either
Nancy Sue Howland or Janet Chamberlain, whose resumes were reviewed this
evening, salary not to exceed $6.50/hour. Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION by Elling, Seconded by Orttel, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 11:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
~.~~.~~
Ma cella A. Peach
Reco ,~ing Secretary