Laserfiche WebLink
Member Rieck stated that the committee should begin by asking this TIF request be <br />considered by the Council. <br />Member Smith stated that he didn't have any further questions; Member Jurchen had <br />covered all of his issues. He will vote in favor of moving forward with the request but <br />would have had a preference for Justin Bolz - Andolshek to be doing the project. With <br />their roles as economic development, anything but to recommend to move forward would <br />have been a disservice to the community. <br />Member Jurchen stated he was trying to remove the emotions; if the dollars and cents <br />make sense, he would consider going forward. <br />Chair Larsen stated he does not see a direct conflict of interest with Member Jurchen. <br />Member Smith also has financial dealing with some people involved. Redevelopment <br />spurs other redevelopment. He would like to recommend continuing to look at the <br />project and leave the final decision up to the Council. A lot of questions need to be <br />answered before the final decision can be made. <br />Mr. Bolz - Andolshek, speaking as a businessman and not as a member of the Committee, <br />stated the past week or so has been very challenging. He and his wife have contemplated <br />what they can do to redevelop their store. Over the past 9 years they have looked at <br />several new sites and done feasibility studies. Their last conversation with a land owner <br />was right before the Council switched the alignment of the highway to the bypass route. <br />They preferred to have long term exposure. <br />Mr. Bolz - Andolshek stated he would like to have a meeting with the City Planner to <br />possibly find a suitable location. He will be requesting an update of the feasibility study <br />tomorrow. He has contacted a contractor and will be obtaining multiple bids. He plans <br />to more forward quickly. He hadn't wanted to ask the City for almost a million dollars <br />and didn't want to make the tax payers of Pequot Lakes business partners. There has got <br />to be some regulation of TIF. He will be asking the Council for some consideration and <br />most likely will be coming back with a proposal, an additional project. There may be two <br />different stores, but he is not backing down and going away. He is discouraged, but <br />engaged. <br />Chair Larsen stated he is in favor of moving this forward. The decision is at the City <br />Council level. <br />Member Jurchen recommends further consideration of the request. There are more <br />questions that need to be answered. <br />Chair Larsen suggested that after all of the information is in place, that information could <br />be brought back to this group as follow -up. <br />Member Smith stated this is a good project to warrant further consideration. People have <br />made huge investments in town. The bypass has affected new investment and <br />redevelopment. A project like this could bring people to town, shopping at other <br />businesses. <br />Minutes 2 <br />Economic Development Committee <br />July 28, 2009 <br />