RDA Board 8-16-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The Board held a public hearing to receive comment regarding the proposed 700 West Community Development Area.  Several residents, land owners and business representatives were present, and a handful offered mixed opinions.
• The Board approved a resolution (3-1) that creates the official plan for the new 700 West CDA.
• The Board approved a resolution (3-1) that creates a budget for the 700 West CDA.
• * I will note here that I opted to vote against approval of the new Community Development Area and budget for many reasons; including, but not limited to:  
• It is clear that the CDA has been planned and created specifically for just 2 land owners in the very large area, whose planning and efforts towards new developments preceded the approval to create the draft plan for the CDA.  Other land owners throughout the CDA were not consulted, and had no idea what was going on until the public hearing about approving the plan.  Along with staff, only two developers know what has been going on through this planning phase; certainly not the other land owners and not this Board.  These 2 land owners are certainly capable of making these develpments happen in this current market climate without government handouts.
• It is clear that the current market climate is driving development in the area without the assistance of government subsidies.  The “planned imminent developments” in the CDA plan are notable, along with recent preliminary and final site plan approvals that have been approved by the Planning Commission and City Council.  Our city’s current General Plan and Title 10 ordinances can properly guide these developments through the free market, and in the best interests of our city without the oversight of a CDA.
• There was some concern expressed by the Board and staff that without this “tool” retention and recruitment of businesses could prove difficult.  To that I would say that we already have two similar “tools”.  One that already has a better and guaranteed (pre-approved by the taxing entities) budget.  But it sits with no action while willing and able possible developers have not been approached properly with enough relevant information for them to make informed decisions.  The other one (of which the city is heavily invested) has been half done for a long time but mostly stagnant in my 8 months on the Board.  Both of these areas include very prime parcels that are equal to or greater than those of concern in the new CDA and should be more than sufficient to entice or retain desirable businesses.
• With the participation of the taxing entities being optional, and the terms negotiable, there stands a fair chance that the city may be the only entity of note participating at a meaningful level due to many reasons; not the least of which would be that it will be clear to any entity that looks into the matter that the free market is already driving re-development in the area, the current local climate on property taxes (multiple entities raising and attempting to raise taxes) and the fact that the Riverdale RDA currently has an approved budget agreement with these entities for another project area that has seen no action half way through its time frame.  It wouldn’t be a good bet financially for them to concede tax gains on these properties for 20 years.
• The past precedent of the city has clearly shown that we have not offered assistance to auto dealers who were re-developing or who were looking to move into the city.  Two auto dealers opted to make very large investments in Riverdale on their own; paying a premium for land and demolitions that vastly improved the aesthetics at two major intersections on Riverdale Road, one even donating a parking lot for a community church.  These investments, both made during a less advantageous economic climate, have done very well for both the business owners and our city.  
• Although I am disappointed in the result of this resolution, opposing it does not mean I do not support smart re-development in the area.  As it is, going forward I will push for that, while continuing to push for conservative financial agreements that are in the best interests of our city’s tax payers. 

City Council 8-16-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• Lynette Limburg was honored for 30 years of service at the City.  She is great!
• The Council approved an ordinance (3-1) adopting the 700 W CDA Plan.
• The Council approved a resolution adopting a SECAP (system evaluation and capacity assurance plan) for sanitary sewers.
• The council approved the purchase of a new work truck for the Public Works Dept.
• The council awarded a bid to Rosenbauer to build the previously approved new fire truck. $628,002.

City Council 8-2-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• During Open Communications Lori Fleming gave a brief summary on the status of real estate in the city.
• The council approved a resolution (4-1) to enter/remain in an Inter-local Agreement with area Fire Departments regarding “Paramedic on board” fees.   * I will note here that I opted to vote against this resolution for a number of reasons.  The main reason being that this inter-local agreement is presented to the participating cities as a cooperative effort of working together; when in fact it is very much the opposite.  The situation is more of a county organized and controlled monopoly on paramedic service, in addition to some other obvious flaws in the program.  Our city approving or not approving this agreement has no affect on medical service to citizens, and no affect on our revenue.  The same people will be helped (and invoiced) no matter what.  The agreement just mandates the city paying up, protecting only the paramedic providers revenue.

RDA Board 8-2-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The Board had a brief discussion and set a public hearing for 8-16-16 regarding the proposed new 700 W Community Development Area.
• The Board approved the listing of a home it owns at 4425 S 900 W (next door to the senior center).

LOOKING AHEAD:

City Council meetings for September will be held on the 6th and 20th.  The RDA Board will meet on the 20th.  Some city officials will attend the 2016 annual ULCT conference in Salt Lake City September 14-16.  You can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.