Ludescher says the HRA does not have the authority to fund the new PSC
When the city council met to approve CIP bonds to fund the new Public Safety Center, they were told that, should they vote to approve, some citizens would likely call for a referendum, which they have the right to do. During that June 5th meeting, Councilor Zweifel surprised most in the Chambers by making a motion to pursue lease revenue bonds, which does not allow for a public vote. The HRA would be the bonding authority meaning that they would be the “owner” and the city would lease the land and building for the Safety Center. Local attorney David Ludescher, who is also running for Council Member-at-Large, says, in his legal opinion, the HRA does not have the Authority to issue those bonds for a public safety center. He says their jurisdication only covers housing and redevelopment which he believes does not include a public safety center. He says HRA’s were created to address low income housing and blighted areas. The HRA is a citizen committee that also includes a City Staff person, Michelle Merxbauer and council representation by Erica Zweifel. The HRA has not yet approved their role in the sale of Lease Revenue bonds. They will consider action at their meeting July 12th. In the meantime, the city council will hold a special meeting tomorrow night before their work session to approve the form of the Request For Proposals for the negotiated sale of HRA Lease Revenue Bonds. That will then go to the HRA for their approval which they will discuss at their July 12th meeting. The council, tomorrow, will also consider the authorization of interfund transfers of cash to put down for the purchase of the land. Those transfers will come from 3 different sources, the General Fund, the Capital Reserve fund and the IT Equipment replacement fund, and total $1 million. The council will also authorize closing on the property at 1601 Riverview Drive, the site of the new safety center. A call to Councilor Zweifel has not yet been returned. The meeting will be streamed live online at kymnradio.net.
Dundas addresses Parks and Trails
Dundas City Administrator John McCarthy reported in his weekly letter that Dundas and Bridgewater township are still unable to come to an agreement regarding items in the Annexation Agreement. The City sent Bridgewater Township board chair Bruce Morlan a request that the Town agree to mediate the disagreements. The Township has resubmitted an invoice of over $40,000 for the 2011 tax rebate. At their meeting tonight a motion will be reviewed to authorize the updates to the Parks and Trails plan. McCarthy will be in studio tomorrow morning during the Jeff Johnson show.
The NRC gets a grant from Union Pacific
The Northfield Retirement Community (NRC) was recently awarded a $1,000 grant from the Union Pacific Community-Based Grants Program to assist in the development of Pathways of Faith Park. The park, located on the NRC campus, is designed to be a community gathering place that will provide space for relaxation, reflection and opportunities for individual meditation. President and CEO of Northfield Retirement Community, Kyle Nordine, said, they’re very grateful for Union Pacific’s financial support of this project. He says Pathways of Faith Park is a wonderful extension of their mission which is to enhance the well-being and quality of life of NRC residents and their families, as well as the citizens of Northfield.
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