HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/11/20 - ADMIN - Minutes - Economic Development Authority - Regular Official minutes
EDA meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Nov. 20, 2023
1. Call to order.
President Mohamed called the meeting to order at 6:29 p.m.
a. Roll call
Commissioners present: President Nadia Mohamed, Tim Brausen, Lynette Dumalag,
Yolanda Farris, Margaret Rog, and Jake Spano
Commissioners absent: Sue Budd
Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), city attorney (Mr. Mattick)
2. Approve agenda.
It was moved by Commissioner Brausen, seconded by Commissioner Spano, to approve the EDA
agenda as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Commissioner Budd absent).
3. Minutes.
a. EDA meeting minutes of Nov. 6, 2023
It was moved by Commissioner Dumalag, seconded by Commissioner Farris, to approve the EDA
meeting minutes of Nov. 6, 2023 as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Commissioner Budd absent).
4. Consent items.
a. Decertification of Eliot Park, Ellipse and Shoreham TIF districts (This item was removed
from consent to the regular agenda as item 6a)
b. EDA Resolutions No. 23-25, 23-26 and 23-27 approving modifications to the tax
increment financing plans for 4900 Excelsior, West End and Park commons TIF districts
c. EDA Resolution No. 23-28 authorizing transfers of pooled increment financing districts
in the City of St. Louis Park for affordable housing purposes
Commissioner Spano asked to move item 4a of the consent items for discussion.
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It was moved by Commissioner Spano, seconded by Commissioner Dumalag, to approve the
items on consent as amended and to move item 4a to the regular agenda as item 6a.
The motion passed 6-0 (Commissioner Budd absent).
5. Public hearings - none.
6. Regular business.
a. EDA Resolutions No. 23-29, 23-30 and 23-31 decertification of Eliot Park, Ellipse and
Shoreham TIF districts
Commissioner Spano noted this item relates to the city’s use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
He wanted to make sure the public understood TIF and reminded residents we sometimes take
for granted the development the city has seen in the last few years. He explained TIF has been a
successful tool for decades and added that TIF rules were much looser in the past. For example,
the Rec Center was financed years ago with TIF, which would not be allowed now, as the rules
are more restrictive today.
Commissioner Spano said the use of TIF has brought the city hundreds of affordable housing
units which are desperately needed, adding there is still much more to do. When these districts
are paid up, they are decertified, as is being done here tonight. He reminded listeners that the
city does not bond for these types of projects like other cities do.
Commissioner Spano noted with properties in the city that have utilized TIF, they have
appreciated in value and have benefitted the community. In the interim, they bring affordable
housing, green initiatives and other benefits to the community that make up the fabric of the
city’s identity. He remarked that he is always open to new ways to finance development and it
is important to not lose sight of what TIF really is - which is similar to a 401K investment in the
city’s future.
Commissioner Spano went on to say that forgoing some money now is an investment in what
the city will receive in future returns, plus keeping costs down for homeowners. He hopes that
decades from now, people will say they are not sure who thought of TIF, but they would not be
in St. Louis Park without its benefits. He observed it is not uniformly supported but has been an
effective tool for the city.
Commissioner Brausen pointed out the Eliot Park development, Ellipse and Shoreham all being
decertified, which means they all paid back the loans the city made to them. Future tax dollars
are a wonderful return on the city’s investment.
It was moved by Commissioner Spano, seconded by Commissioner Brausen, to approve the
Decertification of Eliot Park, Ellipse and Shoreham TIF districts as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Commissioner Budd absent).
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7. Communications and announcements - none.
8. Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, EDA secretary Nadia Mohamed, EDA president
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