02/15/2007 Special Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-SPECIAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 15, 2007
Mayor Vossler called the special meeting of the City Council to order at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall. Advanced notice of the meeting was given by posting meeting notices in three prominent places throughout the community. All proceedings shown were taken while the meeting was open to the attendance of the public.
The Mayor, James Vossler, presided and City Clerk, Debbie Gilmer, recorded the proceedings. The following Councilmembers were present: Dan Fricke, Dale Lawver, Dan Drake, and Harlan Schrock. A quorum being present and the meeting duly convened, the following proceedings were had and done.
As required by the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, Mayor Vossler announced that a copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act has been posted on the south door of the City Hall meeting room for all in attendance to review.
William Schellpeper, Attorney at Law with Rembolt Ludtke LLP attended the meeting to discuss with the Council issues relating to TIF and the Community Redevelopment Authority/Community Development Agency.
Mr. Schellpeper stated that on February 6, 2007 the Friend City Council determined a portion of Friend as blighted and substandard. As a result of this, areas within this blighted and substandard area are eligible for projects to be done utilizing Tax Increment Financing.
Attorney Schellpeper explained that the City Council needs to create, by ordinance, a community development agency (CDA) which would consist of the governing body, or a community redevelopment authority (CRA) which would consist of five appointed members. Mr. Schellpeper explained that generally, a CDA gives the City Council more control, but it requires more work on the part of the Council, and it gives the City Council greater political responsibility in the event politics become an issue (i.e., denying a developer’s TIF request). A CRA allows the City to put individuals with expertise on the TIF committee (i.e., individuals familiar with finance).
Attorney Schellpeper reviewed a general outline/time line for completing a TIF project. Attorney Schellpeper explained that a TIF committee needs to be formed. (This would be a CRA or a CDA.) Then, notice inviting redevelopment proposals will be published. These redevelopment proposals will be considered by the TIF committee. Based on submitted proposals, a redevelopment plan will be prepared and a cost-benefit analysis will be considered. The proposed redevelopment plan will then be submitted to the Planning Commission for their consideration. The City Council will again need to hold a public hearing on the proposed redevelopment plan, which will require Council’s approval by resolution.
Discussion was had regarding Tax Increment Financing, how TIF funds can be used, and types of projects eligible for TIF. (Information provided by Attorney Schellpeper regarding TIF and community development matters can be reviewed upon request at City Hall during regular business hours.)
With no further business to come before the Council, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake. On roll call voting aye, Fricke, Schrock, Lawver, Drake. Nays none. Meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.