The relationship between City Staff and the Crookston Housing and Economic Development Authority (CHEDA) has been a hot button topic as of late in Crookston. So too has the level of knowledge on the City Council about what CHEDA does for Crookston.
That continued during Tuesday’s meeting as the council approved a transfer of $350,000 to the CHEDA board with Councilmen Clayton Briggs and Dennis Regan voting against the resolution.
Briggs opened the discussion noting he had talked with several community members who were apparently displeased with the council for considering transferring money to CHEDA that was not earmarked for a specific project. He noted that the total 2018 contribution to CHEDA by the city would be $540,000 if this resolution passed and felt this was an open check.
Councilman Tom Vedbraaten, who voted for the transfer, stated the council should be giving the economic development director, Craig Hoiseth, the tools to be successful.
Councilman Dale Stainbrook, who voted against the transfer during the Ways & Means Committee Meeting on October 22, but in favor of it Tuesday, reiterated the funds would be spent with a line item budget, the City will know where the money is going. “Our street improvement fund has been down quite a bit, I don’t care if you’re public, private, non-profit you have to bring a game plan,” said Stainbrook. “Anytime one of our department heads is looking for a nickel we want to know where it’s going. Don’t get me wrong I’m all for economic development but sometimes I think there are too many secrets sitting as an ex-official on the CHEDA board with not getting the whole story on the projects.”
Councilman Steve Erickson said, it would be nice to see all the council members at the CHEDA Board Meetings and that CHEDA is not trying to hide things by any means. “If you’re really questioning this, I’d like to see you up there when we start allocating this money.”
Mayor Wayne Melbye said the funds will be used for a couple of projects that have previously been outlined at CHEDA and Council closed sessions, “but if you disclose them you know how the price of things goes up if the City is looking to buy something.” Melbye made a reference to the price of lots that CHEDA has previously should that after being discussed at a Council meeting had their price drop drastically.
The Council also had eight public hearings, seven regarding city projects, and one for unpaid water and sewer charges for current services. The only hearing any member of the public spoke during was for unpaid water and sewer projects.
Harvey Myerchin owner of 418 Ash, challenged a bill for the property, which he bought at Sheriff’s Auction. Included in the bill was a $4 a month late fee and $19 per month charge since the property was foreclosed upon. Because the last tenant didn’t have the meter removed, the charges continued to add up until the time that the purchase was finalized in May. After hearing from Myerchin, the council voted to amend his bill less $64 in late fees before closing the public hearing.
The Council then approved eight resolutions to adopt the projects and the unpaid water and service charges.
The Council also made a final approval of the downtown master plan after receiving clarification on how the City Charter would treat the document from City Attorney Stephen Larson. Larson informed council that the plan is viewed as a subset to the Comprehensive Plan and can be amended at any time before the council moved unanimously to adopt the downtown plan.
The Council also approved a resolution for the tabulation of votes cast in the November 6 election and for the sale of parcel 82.00601.00.
