Community Development Committee - February 15, 2022 Minutes
The Regular Meeting of the Community Development Committee of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 15, 2022.
The Community Development Committee Members present or absent were as follows:
Present: Commissioner John Strand, Mayor Tim Mahoney, Michael Redlinger, Linda Klebe, Samantha McDonald, Ken Enockson, Rocky Schneider (Fargo Planning Commission), Jennifer Benson (Fargo Board of Education), Chris Brungardt (Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority), Thomas Hill (United Way), Mark Puppe (HBA FM), Cindy Graffeo (Downtown Community Partnership)
Absent: None
Chair Strand welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 1. Approval of Agenda & Minutes
Chair Strand noted he would like to add Item 4c. to the Agenda for General Community Development Committee Guidance.
Member Mahoney moved the agenda be approved as amended. Second by Member Redlinger. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Member Hill moved the minutes of the November 16, 2021 Community Development Committee meeting be approved as presented. Second by McDonald. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 2. Public Comment
Resident Christopher Coen spoke regarding affordable housing and rental management issues.
Member Schneider present.
Item 3. Downtown/Core Neighborhood Housing Needs – Presentation by Maxfield Research
a. Application of findings discussion, BSI Inc. & Planning Staff
Planning Director Nicole Crutchfield introduced the topic and provided a brief background.
Mary Bujold, Maxfield Research & Consulting, LLC, presented on the housing needs assessment that was conducted regarding short and long term needs.
Due to technical difficulties the presentation wasn’t able to be completed and Ms. Crutchfield stated the presentation information will be distributed to the Board Members.
Dan Madler, Beyond Shelter, Inc CEO, provided an overview of the presentation and noted that the need is for decisions to be prioritized for the greatest long term investment for the greatest number of households.
Item 4. Downtown Development Updates – Jim Gilmour
a. Riverfront Renewal Area
Director of Strategic Planning and Development Jim Gilmour provided an overview of three city-owned downtown properties in the redevelopment process. He noted that proposals have been received though an RFP process.
b. Overview of RFP process and status updates
Brief presentations were provided on the Park East site by Tom Berning with EPIC Companies, Dan Madler with Beyond Shelter, Inc., and Jon Youness with EagleRidge Development.
Presentations were given for the 419 3rd Street North site by Tyronne Grandstrand, Authentic Housing, and Keith Leier, Kilbourne Group.
The property located at 4th Street and 3rd Avenue had presentations given by Heather Whalen and Byron Schevers, Lloyd Company, and Kevin Bartram, MBA Development.
c. General Community Development Committee Guidance
Chair Strand noted with these public assets to be potentially developed, there are many options to consider.
Mr. Gilmour stated that the Renaissance Zone Authority and the Economic Development Incentives Committee will further review these proposals next week.
Discussion was held on the proposals regarding income blending in the downtown, timeliness, resource funding, transportation and parking options, meeting the City’s priorities with the greatest return, affordable housing, the riverfront renewal plan, and making the best use of the riverfront corridor and reinvesting in the rest of the community.
Chair Strand stated that an ad hoc committee to further review and provide input on the proposals and develop a road map for the Committee going forward would be a place to start and asked for volunteers.
Members Benson, Graffeo, Klebe, Hill, Brungardt, and McDonald volunteered to serve on an ad hoc subcommittee to discuss broad policy recommendations and approaches.
Member Mahoney moved to form the ad hoc subcommittee. Second by Member Redlinger. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 5. Staff Updates
a. HUD schedule update
b. Resource information
These items were not heard.
Item 6. Adjourn: Next Meeting – May 17, 2022
The time at adjournment was 4:02 p.m.