02/18/1997 - City Council Special
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MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
Eagan, Minnesota
February 18, 1997
A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, February 18, 1997, at 5:00
p.m. in the Community Room of the Eagan Municipal Center Building. Present were Mayor Egan and City
Councilmembers Awada, Blomquist and Wachter; City Councilmember Masin arrived at approximately 5:20 p.m.
Also present were Senior Planner Freese, Chief Building Official Reid, Director of Parks & Recreation Vraa, Director
of Finance VanOverbeke, Communications Coordinator Foote, Assistant to the City Administrator Hohenstein and
City Administrator Hedges. Also present were representatives of the Dakota County Housing Redevelopment
Authority staff.
SENIOR HOUSING ALTERNATIVES
City Administrator Hedges provided background on the agenda item. The City Council had
requested an analysis of the Town Centre site and the Oak Woods site to determine cost differential. City
Council members had questions regarding how multi-family housing, including Cinnamon Ridge, was financed.
Director of Finance VanOverbeke stated that there has been no risk to the City with the method in which the general
obligation bonds were structured. Mayor Egan stated that the cost factors for the HRA multi-family senior housing
project for Town Centre should be given further review. City Councilmember Awada stated that she is not inclined to
support the City or County becoming involved in a nursing care facility. Mark Ulfers, Executive Director of the
Dakota County HRA, stated that it has been their intention that the HRA and City would seek a private provider for
both the assisted care and nursing home facility.
It was determined that the HRA does not have the same mechanism for funding available as they
did at Oak Woods. Senior Planner Freese reviewed the possible City funding sources identified for the independent
living building. Finance Director VanOverbeke discussed the intent of the Multi-Family Revenue Bond Fund and the
Cinnamon Ridge TIF lean. City fees and assessments could be a way of keeping the project costs and the rents
lower.
City Council member Blomquist stated that siting the next senior housing project, similar to Oak
Woods of Eagan, at Town Centre appears to be a good choice for the community. She further stated that it would
be advantageous for both the HRA and the City to hold a neighborhood meeting to present the concept of a senior
housing facility for the Town Centre site to the adjacent neighborhood. Mayor Egan agreed that the Town Centre
site is a good choice and suggested that the HRA staff prepare a financing plan that would reduce rents for the new
facility to be consistent with the senior housing facility at Oak Woods of Eagan. City Councilmember Wachter also
agreed and stated that he would like to preserve the Town Centre site and keep the rents constant with Oak Woods
of Eagan.
After further discussion, there was consensus by the City Council that HRA and City staff proceed
with an informational meeting to consider a senior housing project at the Town Centre site.
Mark Ulfers explained the process for public acquisition of tax forfeited property. He stated that the
HRA is hoping to gain clear title to the property in the near future.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Egan stated that, along with the City Administrator, they were invited to a retirement
birthday recognition for John Nasseff. He stated that he would like authorization from the City Council to proclaim
February 24 as John Nasseff Day and present Mr. Nasseff with a framed proclamation from the City of Eagan for all
the work he did in bringing West Publishing Corporation to the City. City Council members agreed and provided
direction to Mayor Egan to proclaim February 24 as John Nasseff Day and extend the funds for a framed
proclamation.
City Council member Awada raised concerns about the proposed expenditure for the Economic
Development Partnership, stating that most of the annual expense goes to the executives salary. City
Councilmember Blomquist stated that she appreciated the information provided by City Councilmember Wachter on
the history of the Partnership and further that time will not allow her to perform fund raising if that is still an objective
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Page 21Eagan Special City Council Meeting Minutes
February 18, 1997
of the Partnership. There was further discussion regarding whether the City of Eagan should continue as a member
of the Economic Development Partnership.
Mayor Egan stated that every city in Dakota County is a supporter of the Partnership and he is of
the opinion that the City of Eagan should continue its membership. City Councilmember Wachter stated that he is
still uncertain whether the Partnership is a benefit to the City. Mayor Egan stated that the Partnership is not limited
to economic development, but also provides local corporations with education and training programs. City
Counci/member Blomquist stated that she is curious about the success of the Partnership during its first few years.
City Councilmember Masin stated that there has been some entrepreneurial teaching by the Partnership this past
year that has been a benefit to local corporations. She further stated that the City's Economic Development
Committee supports the Partnership, which is an important consideration to her. City Council member Blomquist
stated that she will agree to the Partnership for 1997 and as a member of the Board, intends to scrutinize the cost
benefit very carefully.
February 18, 1997
Date
TLH