Chris Giesen, EDA, outlined the proposal for the Enterprise Drive Development and Incentive Program at the city council’s August 23 meeting.
Program details resulted from discussions between the EDA and the Public Works committee. The program will provide an incentive to purchase a lot and to build a new commercial building by providing a rebate to the owner when construction is completed, based on the taxable value of the property after completion. Lots along Enterprise Drive zoned B-3 (Light Commercial) could qualify for the rebate.
If construction is completed within 12 months an additional rebate can be awarded. The incentive program will last 24 months. The maximum rebate total that can be awarded is $44,200 (this includes a $4,200 bonus for completing construction within 12 months).
The city will more than gain back its investment over several years as developed lots will increase the city’s tax capacity.
The rebates can be applied for with a purchase agreement of a lot. The city council will give final approval on applications. The program was approved as recommended by Giesen. Councilor Josh Broadwater abstained, saying he owned property on Enterprise Dr. and may consider buying more in the future.
Senator Carla Nelson
Senator Nelson offered her congratulations on a fantastic Western Days event. She reviewed some of the highlights of the Minnesota $52 billion two-year budget. Goals were to invest in small business and to support essential workers and their families.
Nelson noted that the last budget forecast on July 14 was $2.68 billion more than projected earlier in the year. The projected general fund receipts for 2021 are now estimated to total $26.58 billion or 11.2% more than was projected in February 2021. The budget includes more funding for broadband, public safety, and roads and bridges.
Other Business in Brief
•Craig Britton updated the city council on plans for the 2022 Water Improvement Project. This will be brought back in the coming weeks.
•The first consideration of Ordinance #455 rezoning for Gjere property was approved (Rural Residential to Low Density Residential District R-2).
•The first consideration of Ordinance #456 rezoning of Mill Creek Overlook was approved (Neighborhood Commercial B-2 to a Mixed Use District).
•Councilor Dave Frank reported on the Public Services committee. The Fire Department needs to upgrade SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) bottles. The council approved the purchase of 25 SCBA bottles at a cost of $25,861.25.
Traffic concerns on Twiford St. between First St. and Division St. were discussed. Residents have safety concerns because of increased traffic and the speed of that traffic. Frank said they will be looking into these concerns more.
•Mayor Russ Smith said the proposed 2022 budget was reviewed at the Committee of Whole meeting. During the second city council meeting in September the preliminary levy/budget for 2022 will need to be approved.
City clerk Joel Young pointed out the updates to the annual budget policy which has been in place for 13 years. Guiding principles have been added that detail what the city wants to strive for in budgeting. The guiding principles list several primary goals including, but not limited to the following: maintain a steady local tax rate with the long term goal of reducing that rate over time and maintain the city’s debt per capita at $3,500 or lower. The Annual Budget policy update was approved. The primary cost drivers for the 2022 proposed budget are in the areas of equipment, technology, insurance, personnel, and inflation.
•CCTV contracts were approved for the following people, contingent on them accepting the position: E.B. Allen as Volleyball Coordinator, Damon Lueck as Technical Coordinator, and Andy O’Connor as Football Coordinator.
•The Center for the Arts construction project is expected to begin in November.
•Mayor Smith thanked Pam Bluhm and everyone who serves on the Western Days committee for their efforts. The weather for this year’s event was great; people had a great time.
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