HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-22-1999 MinutesCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
JUNE 22, 1999
Call To Order Vice Chair Dahlquist called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. Present: Commissioners
Vogt and Wasescha. Absent: Commissioners Dwyer and Hedlund_ Staff Present: Community
Development Director Danielson. Absent: City Planner Richards and Community Development Secretary
Hultman.
Visitors David Beaudet, City of Oak Park Heights Councilmember.
Old Business None
New Business
A. A request to consider a resolution of the Oak Park Heights Planning Commission concerning th
Oak Park Heights Economic Development Authority's redevelopment project and tax incremen
financing proposals
Community Development Director Danielson provided a history of the project to the Planning
Commission members. A tax increment financing district (TIF) was created in 1989 to finance
improvements at the St. Croix Mall and is scheduled to expire on June 30, 1999. The resolution
before the Commission for consideration is to allow for the remaining $100,000 of tax increment
in the district to be put to further public use. These uses might include redevelopment of existing
property, construction of public utilities and infrastructure, etc that can be foreseen to occur in the
project area. The Commission was provided with budget outlines as to these potential projects.
Danielson explained that while it was necessary for the Commission to discuss this item at their
meeting, they are not required to act on the resolution or maize a recommendation to the City
Council.
Commissioners Dahlquist and Vogt expressed concern that the budget items were not detailed and
asked for further explanation of the expected projects. Danielson explained that all the budget
items represented a forecast of what could take place in the project area, especially as the St. Croix
River Bridge project moved forward. She noted that the budget did not identify specific projects or
commit the City to any projects.
Commissioner Waseseha requested clarification as to what action was expected of the Commission
regarding the TIF District resolution. Danielson again noted that while the Commission needed
to discuss the project, no action was required and recommended that the Commission adopt the
resolution.
Visiting Councilmember Beaudet expressed his concern that the amendment was not specific to
any projects and that it was his preference that a representative of Briggs and Morgan be present to
answer questions rather than staff.
Commissioner Dablquist stated that he had spoken to Jim O'Meara of Briggs and Morgan and did
not feel the conversation added more clarity to the issue.
Informational /Update None.
Adjournment Wasescha, seconded by Vogt, moved to adjourn at 5:55 p.m. Carried 3 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Kris Danielson
Community Development Director
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