02-14-2000 Council Work Session Minutes

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I • MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION HELD AT 5:00 P.M., MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2000 1. Tax Increment Financing Rusty Fifield of Ehlers Associates provided a general explanation of what tax increment financing is and how it works. Kelley indicated a concern that the City could sell bonds for improvements; and a future Council could use the TIF revenue for other purposes, and find itself without funding for the bonds. Kelley also indicated a concern that the City would use the TIF revenue for operating expenses, and would become dependent on the TIF revenue to fund significant services. At the time that the TIF district expired, the City would be left without the TIF revenue, but would still have the demand for the services. Fifield indicated that statutory restrictions regarding how the TIF revenue is used, and the way the City structures its obligations regarding the TIF revenue, can prevent these problems. The Council indicated an interest in obtaining more information regarding a potential TIF district, specifically the potential benefits of a TIF district in Navarre. The Council directed that staff put together information on all parcels along County Road 15 adjacent to the City's public parking lot and those parcels on the south side of County Road 15. The information will include the current assessed value and taxes paid for each parcel, and the assessed value and taxes related to potential • development or redevelopment of specific parcels. The Council questioned when the district would have to be in place in order to capture the new taxes related to the new development on the Church property. (Rusty Fifield has indicated the district has to be in place before a building permit is issued for the development.) 2. Governance Issues Jabbour indicated many things are accomplished due to relationships established with key people. It can take years to build these relationships. It is not possible for one person to build the necessary network of relationships. If all Council Members are involved in building these relationships, it would strengthen the City's ability to impact key issues. Kelley suggested the City take advantage of the knowledge, experience and networks of those who have served the City in the past, such as former mayors and former commission members. Jabbour indicated there are many good people in the community who would make good mayors and council members, but they will be surprised and potentially overwhelmed by the time and effort required to be an effective mayor or council member. The Council needs to create some sort of a job description so that potential mayors and council members can be clear about what is expected of them. Moorse indicated the Mayor, Council and City Administrator have not discussed how they can best work together. This includes the most basic aspects, such as communication - who is responsible •