HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 01-12-2010 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
January 12, 2010
Mayor Slavik called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:42 p.m. in the
Medicine Lake Conference Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on January 12, 2010.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Johnson, Murdock, Stein, Willis, Black
5:47 p.m.), and Bildsoe (5:50 p.m.).
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Park Director Blank, Administrative Services Director
Portner, Community Development Director Juetten, Housing Manager Barnes, and City Clerk
Engdabl.
Discussion of Modifications to TIF Districts
Mark, from Ehlers, discussed with the Council the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District
Management and Review Analysis Report which was requested by the Council at their November
24, 2009 Council meeting. Briefly, he stated that the City has seven outstanding districts with
three of those housing districts and the remainder redevelopment districts. The length of the
districts is 26 years after the first increment is made.
Councilmember Johnson asked what the future holds for cities regarding the legislature and TIF
districts. Mark stated that some cities are pushing to extend the terms of the TIF districts to
spawn redevelopment. He noted the opportunities for affordable housing and minimizing the use
of general obligation bonds for TIF projects.
Councilmember Willis asked why TIF District 7-6 is providing pooling Rinds to TIF District 7-5.
Mark replied that TIF Districts 7-6 and 101 are authorized on an contingent basis to assist with
TIF for senior housing.
Councilmember Willis stated he's concerned about how TIF money flowing in the funds will be
spent. The Council should give that careful thought before approving the extensions. He noted
the Council will need to think about the tax impact when the general operating levy is increased,
which will be under continuing pressure. It would be harder for the Council to increase the levy
with this issue. He also asked if TIF District 7-6 could be paid off earlier which could reduce the
levy by $100,000. Mark replied yes.
There being no further discussion, staff stated the proposed modifications of development
program for Development District 7 and TIF District 7-6 and redevelopment plan for
Adopted Minutes 1 of 2 Special Meeting of January 12, 2010
Redevelopment Project Area No. 1 and TIF District 1-1 would be on the January 26 Council
agenda.
Visit Minneapolis North
David Looby, Executive Director of Visit Minneapolis North, discussed with the Council the
possibility of the City joining Visit Minneapolis North. He explained that Visit Minneapolis
North derives its funding from a local option lodging tax of 3% that would be collected from
individual guests of hotel/motel properties and administered by the local governments of the
member cities. In return, Visit Minneapolis North would market the hotels/motels and the
Plymouth area for conventions, sporting events, trade shows, etc. Currently, the cities of Maple
Grove, Brooklyn Center, and Brooklyn Park are their member cities.
Councilmember Willis asked how many of the seven hotel facilities in Plymouth support this.
Mr. Looby replied they have met with the hotels and motels, but they are unsure how many
support the tax.
There were a few representatives from the hotels/motels in Plymouth, but those representatives
were unsure if they supported the proposal. The Council thanked Mr. Looby for meeting with
them, and they requested that if any of the hotels/motels are supportive of this program, to please
contact the City Manager or the Councihnembers.
Set Future Study Sessions
Mayor Slavik stated she would add this to the regular agenda this evening.
Adjournment
Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 7:03
pi",
andra R. Engdahl ity Clerk
Adopted Minutes 2 of 2 Special Meeting of January 12, 2010