HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes
__________________________________ 5-18-11 RDA Minutes 1 Redevelopment Authority of the City of Oshkosh Minutes May 18, 2011 PRESENT: John Bermingham, Steve Hintz, Jason Lasky, Ben Schneider,
Thomas Belter EXCUSED: Archie Stam, Burk Tower STAFF: Allen Davis, Director of Community Development; Darryn Burich, Planning Director; Darlene Brandt, Recording Secretary Chairman Belter
called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. Chairman Belter introduced and welcomed new Board member Jason Lasky. The minutes of March
16, 2011 were approved as distributed (Bermingham/Schneider). Res. 11-02 Approve Determination of Necessity; Establish Fair Market Value; Authorize Purchase – Vacant Lot on East Lincoln
Avenue, 400 Block Mr. Davis explained the City was offered the lot by Winnebago County Treasurers office due to non-payment of taxes for the amount of $1,231.92. The lot is within the
Near East Neighborhood boundaries and has potential for a new house construction project or combine with the adjacent property. Mr. Bermingham inquired why the City was offered the property?
Mr. Davis believed that per State Statutes, the municipality is first offered the property. If the city/RDA were not interested, the County would offer the lot to the public and sell
it at around assessed value. Discussion ensued on establishing a possible strategy/policy for acquisition of properties in various redevelopment areas (i.e. Near East, South Shore).
Mr. Davis noted that would be discussed later in the agenda. A question was raised about either Habitat or NeighborWorks being interested in the property. Mr. Davis noted he has not
had any discussion with either organization at this time. Motion by Hintz to move Res. 11-02. Seconded by Bermingham. Motion carried 5-0 Res 11-03 Approve Determination of Necessity;
Establish Fair Market Value; Authorize Purchase -139 West 6th Avenue Mr. Davis noted this property is adjacent to another parcel the RDA purchased earlier this year. The RDA also previously
discussed the possible acquisition of this property at its last meeting. Mr. Davis felt this is a great opportunity to acqiure a property at below the assessed value. Mr. Bermingham
noted the sales history shows a lower sale price. Was there any negotiations on the property? Mr. Davis replied the property was foreclosed on and based on closing costs, attorney fees,
outstanding taxes, and other outstanding bills, the price was an acceptable offer.
__________________________________ 5-18-11 RDA Minutes 2 Motion by Bermingham to move Res. 11-03. Seconded by Hintz. Motion carried 5-0 Update on NeighborWorks /Discussion on Future
Acquisitions in Near East Neighborhood Mr. Davis stated the City has entered into an agreement with Neighborhood Housing Services of Southeast Wisconsin out of Racine to start a NeighborWorks
Program in Oshkosh. NeighborWorks has identified a larger target area from Main Street east to Lake Winnebago, north to Packer Avenue and south to the Fox River, and will be conducting
a door to door housing survey in two smaller ‘target areas’ to obtain a base line and then recheck that area again in say 5 years to see how the neighborhood has improved/changed. NeighborWorks
may be looking at collabrative projects with the City or RDA in the future. Mr. Hintz inquired what is the strategic role of the RDA and sources of funding? Mr. Davis replied NeighborWorks
has funds available to carry out programs. The City and RDA can work with them on acquisitions. Chairman Belter felt before a lot of spot locations were purchased, the RDA may want to
look at a policy on how to address these acquisitions. Mr. Burich stated the RDA approved the Near East Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan in March 2006. The purpose of the Plan is to make
certain that redevelopment occurs on a coordinated basis, blight and blighting influences are eliminated and ensure redevelopment is done in conformity with approved city plans. Mr.
Burich noted the Plan also includes a section on “implementation”, which should address the Board’s concern on policy. Mr. Burich referred to a map on the wall which identified the properties
purchased by the RDA in the Near East, those that have been sold, reconstructed on and increased the tax base, and those retained for future redevelopment sites. Mr. Burich noted a property
owner has approached staff about purchasing his property on Grand Street. The property contains 2 non-conforming homes built in the 1800’s and are assessed at $30,000. Chairman Belter
inquired if staff was offered 6 homes, how would they be prioritized? Mr. Burich felt based on the offering price, possible turn around time, keeping with the implementation standards
in the approved Redevelopment Plan. Mr. Davis also felt based on economic impact that the RDA could get back its investment. What type of standards does the RDA want to look at when
a property is being offered? Mr. Bermingham felt the scattered site acquisitions were beginning to look like a monopoly game, but the area is in transition. One criteria could be the
proximity to other properties owned by the RDA. Mr. Hintz concurred, however, part of this is a good assessment of what is in the area. There are substandard lots and houses in various
stages of upkeep. Board members should drive through the Near East and see what is out there to better inform ourselves on a strategy. Mr. Burich noted as regulations change, and they
are changing, it is getting tougher for communities to obtain property through eminent domain Mr. Davis noted the properties the RDA doesn’t see are the ones staff passes on. Staff only
looks at parcels that are a good investment. Chairman Belter felt the RDA was requesting staff to create a policy or plan on acquisitions/dispositions to address: maintaining/improving
tax base; improve blight; cluster purchases; evaluate inventory we have; and whatever else NeighborWorks might bring forward.
__________________________________ 5-18-11 RDA Minutes 3 Executive Director Announcements/Statements/Discussion Mr. Davis noted he has contacted various community members who have expressed
an interest in serving on the South Shore Implementation Advisory Committee. He inquired if additional RDA members were interested in serving on this Committee? Only Chairman Belter
will participate. He hopes to hold a meeting in late June/early July. Mr. Davis gave an update on the Marion Road redevelopment projects. The Riverwalk is on schedule and within budget.
Bids have been requested for the docks. Bid opening will be May 23rd. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 4:45 pm (Bermingham/Schneider). Respectfully
submitted, Allen Davis, Executive Director