Redevelopment Authority Meeting Minutes – October 9, 2019

REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF KAUKAUNA

A meeting of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Kaukauna was called to order at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, by Chairman Feldt.

Members Present: Feldt, Kohne, Landreman, Smith, VanderWyst, Verhagen.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Mayor Penterman, Principal Planner Brunette, Kristen Fish Peterson and Marisa Mutty from Redevelopment Resources.

Absent and Excused: Windorff.

1. Introduction of New Member. Chairman Feldt introduced Lisa Verhagen and welcomed her to the Authority.  Verhagen is a lending officer at East Wisconsin Savings Bank and is filling the term of Jim Natrop who resigned his seat.
2. Absent and Excused. A motion to excuse the absent member was made by Kohne, seconded by Smith.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.
3. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the July 30, 2019, meeting was made by Landreman, seconded by Kohne. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

4. Update on Loan Program Restructuring. Ms. Fish Peterson explained that the loan application draft is 90% complete with minor revisions on the section regarding micro-loans still needed. The focus of the program will remain on the downtown.  Chairman Feldt asked about the possibility of PACE loans for residential properties.  Smith explained that residential lending comes with substantial regulations.  Mr. Jakel explained that the PACE program has been very beneficial for downtown commercial buildings and brought down some utility costs as much as 60%.  Ms. Brunette explained that staff will be meeting with financial institutions to market the revised program.  Ms. Fish Peterson suggested “this project made possible” signage in the windows of project sites as well as offering architectural renderings of proposed projects as an incentive.   Ms. Smith suggested removing references to specific interest rates in the application as they may change.
5. Update on Foreclosure of Quencher’s Food and Spirits. Brunette explained that RACK took ownership of the property in late August – which was staff’s first chance to inspect the property.  There were several elements of the structure missing, trash throughout the building, and new locks and keys to all areas were needed.  Ms. Brunette estimated approximately $1,500 to $2,000 for trash removal, cleaning and plumbing and electrical work will be needed to bring the building to a condition where it can be shown.  Ms. Brunette explained that she has already received seven calls from interested parties.  Ms. Brunette explained that there are currently no liquor licenses available so a bar would not be an option at this time.
6. Executive Session – Quencher’s Food and Spirits. A motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:55 a.m. pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes 19.85(1)(e) to discuss the disposition of property was made by Landreman, seconded by Kohne.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.

7. Open Session – Quencher’s Food and Spirits. A motion to return to Open Session at 10:15 a.m. was made by VanderWyst, seconded by Landreman.  All members voted aye.  Motion carried.   A motion to authorize staff to spend up to $5,000 for cleaning, trash removal, electrical and plumbing services to bring the building to a condition where it can be sold was made by Kohne, seconded by Landreman.  All members voted aye. Motion carried.

8. General Matters. Brunette explained that agenda items at the next meeting will include plans for the former Carnegie Library building.  Mr. Jakel explained that RACK will be asked to consider purchasing the building and ultimately returning it to the tax roll.

There being no further business to be brought before the Authority, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 a.m. was made by Kohne, seconded by Smith. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted –

Julianne Schroeder

Community Development Coordinator