HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-07/27/2015COUNCIL WORK SESSION
July 27, 2015
4:20 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Jones, Schmitt, Lind, Morrissey, Welper, and Hart. Absent: Cole.
Moved by Hart seconded by Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved.
Objective: Progress report by Residential Development Partners, LLC for residential
development, per their Development Agreement, on the following sites: Baltimore Field,
Williston Field, former Lafayette School site, and the former Van Eaton site area.
Jim Ellis, GMJ2 Industries, explained that Residential Development Partners LLC had the
original development agreement and now the southern half of Baltimore Field is owned by Mr.
Ellis. The northern half is owned by John Rooff. There is one house sold on the southern half and
there are three more in the design phase along Vermont Street. They are working on erosion
control. The Williston field site could not begin until the release of flood designation which
happened in 2014. That is when the five year term to complete the project should begin. The
former Lafayette and Van Eaton sites have not begun because the GMJ2 does not own them yet.
Mr. Hart questioned how materials are being stored on the school sites if they are not owned by
the developers yet and clarified that the clear titled properties are being given first priority.
Mr. Schmitt asked if the 5 -year term was to begin the home or complete the project.
Mr. Ellis explained that the intention was not that it would take years to get the properties
transferred. The development agreement calls for 32 lots out of 64 to be built on by the end of
the five years. Only 34 lots have been deeded to Mr. Ellis making that agreement impossible.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if the Van Eaton site is the property on Burton Ave.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director, explained that the eastermhalf
of the Van Eaton School site is part of the development agreement.
John Rooff, explained that they have built over $8 million in homes on the north side of the river.
The $150,000 homes require tax credits to be feasible. The enterprise zone credits were put on
hold until 2016 and then the workforce housing tax credit took their place but they did not
replace all of the tax credits. The credits are first come, first served, and Des Moines has received
most of those credits. Out of 42 lots only 9 homes can be built because only 8 properties received
tax credits. The fill dirt was to be used on the lots so the black dirt can used on top. He assumed
the property was being transferred. They will continue to build approximately 10, homes per
year.
Mayor Clark explained that the Iowa League of Cities and the Cities are working to get. the
Enterprise Zone issues resolved.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning acid Development Director, explained the staff is working
to get infill development and these sites were chosen. Cloverdale Park is owned by Black Hawk
County and there is some concern about losing the Ray Tiller Park because the land is not owned
by the City. There have been issues getting correct legal descriptions and that delayed the land
transfers along with the FEMA flood plain issues. The Development agreement requires. an
update and this is why we are having a work session. Lafayette School is still delayed to the
utilities and easements and it is anticipated that it should be deeded in upcoming weeks. The Van
Eaton site is delayed due to the issue with moving the park. The five year time frame was to
start construction and the issues. The language in the agreements allows for some delays ,and
postponing start dates.
Mr. Lind nofed that lending institutions will not lend if the properties have not been deeded so
extensions to the agreements need to be given.
Michelle Weidner; Chief Financial Officer, explained that it was not put into place.
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Mr. Rooff explained that the Lafayette School site requires the entire infrastructure to be put into
place. MidAmerican is charging to run electrical to the lots.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if Roof received state money to help subsidize the Lincoln School site
lots and if he was building spec homes or if he was pre selling them.
Mr. Rooff explained that he received tax credits but he did not receive infrastructure funds from
the State. He is able to build a few specs but he usually builds once he has some interest.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if the •St. Joseph square.
Mr. Rooff explained that two of the five are spoken.for and there is some interest in renting them
and then they would be sold to an investor.
Mr. Hart commended Mr. Rooff for doing the infill properties.
Mr. Morrissey requested an update on the Kiefer Addition.
Jim Ellis explained the platting is complete and four homes are in design currently.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Hart seconded by'Schmitt that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:06 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Suzy Scharer, CMC
City Clerk/Human Resource Director