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Home My WebLink About2018-06-18 URA MINUTES - SPECIAL MTG CALDWELL URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY Special Meeting MINUTES 6:00 P.M. Monday,June 18,2018 (ROLL CALL) The special meeting of the Caldwell Urban Renewal Agency convened at 6.00 p.m. in the Caldwell Police Department Community Room with Chairman Hopper presiding. The secretary called roll. Present: Commissioner Hopper, Commissioner Porter,Commissioner Warwick, Commissioner Stadick,and Commissioner Allgood. Absent:Commissioner Ramirez. (APPROVE AGENDA) MOVED by Porter,SECONDED by Warwick to approve the agenda as printed. NEW BUSINESS: (CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT GRANT(B.I.G.)FOR PROJECT RUSSELL REGARDING JOB CREATION) Steve Fultz, Caldwell Economic Development Director, provided the staff report. He indicated that the information packet provided to the URA Commissioners included documentation with proposed first wage rates for Project Russell. The company has considered numerous sites. Caldwell and a location within the State of Washington state are being considered. A cash option has been placed on the Caldwell property for the next 60 days. The initial first phase of the development would provide approximately 140 jobs,the second phase 180 jobs, and the final phase 534 jobs. The average wage would be$26 per hour including the benefit package. The site being considered is the VanAucker property,which is a 17-acre parcel. Water, sewer, curb, sidewalk are already provided on site. Additional power to the site would be supplied by Idaho Power. There are additional costs associated with the gas line infrastructure. The existing 2-inch line must be increased to fl- inch gas line. Michael Roberts, real estate agent for Project Russell, provided an update report. He noted the relocation search has been a two-year process. The decision has been narrowed down to two locations. The Caldwell property has been secured under an option. Commissioner Stadick inquired about the location of the other site in Washington. Mr. Roberts responded that disclosure of the Washington location is not available at this time. In response to questions from Chairman Hopper, Mr. Fultz reported that a meeting has been scheduled on Wednesday for company representatives to meet with the Canyon County Commissioners for the purpose of discussing property tax exemption possibilities. The Idaho Department of Commerce has been in conversation with the State of Idaho concerning potential incentives as well. The site being considered in Washington is owned by the company; however, the labor force available in Caldwell is a key element as well as the proximity to Boise. Commissioner Stadick expressed concerns about Project Russell, a Canadian based firm. He reported on legislation being formulated concerning their operation of a potato processing firm located within the Magic Valley. He cautioned that thorough consideration should be given concerning the company's interest in relocating to Caldwell. Chairman Hopper reported that the Mr. Waite has researched the financial aspects of the company in regarding to their request of B.I.G. funding. Mr. Waite recommended approval of the Business Incentive Grant for Project Russell. He reported that historically$200,000 has been the award amount provided within the B.I.G.program. The language within the grant application could be amended to request specific amounts based on the need. The accompanying Page 1 of 2 resolution will follow once the employees are hired upon completion of construction. The $200,000 represents the reimbursement ot'construction costs. He noted that other funding considerations could also be reviewed relating to the needed infrastruCtUrC upgrades fbr the gas line. Discussion followed concerning the grant funding requirement stated on page 2 of'the application form as questioned by Commissioner Stadick. E]Jay Waite clarified the funding requirements as written. Mayor Nancolas recommended approval of the B.I.G.grant in the amount of$200,000 by motion to include an additional $200,000 fbr infrastructure improvements. This action would convey to the company that they have the needed support to move forward with the protect. The infrastructure funding would be needed belbre the B.I.G.employment reimbursement funding is released. Chairman I topper summarized the process and outlined what would be required from the business to move forward, Mr. Waite noted that URA would make a direct payment to the Intermountain Gas Company toward the cost of the intrastrUCLUrc,improvements. In response to questions from Commissioner Allgood, Mr. Fultz reported that the Intermountain Gas Company had quoted approximately$250,000 to make the needed infrastructure changes at the site. Mayor Nancolas clarified that instead of'Project Russell paying the total cost for the hfliasurueturc upgrades to the Intermountain Gas Company,the Urban Renewal Agency would pay the first S200,000 directly to the utility company. MOVED by Warwick, SECONDED by Porter to approve the Project Russell B.I.G. grant request as presented in the amount of $200,000 as well as approve an additional arnount up to $200,000 as an inftastructure co-pay that would be paid at the time of construction. Clarification of the motion by Chairman Ilopper: The B.I.G. grant would be $200,000 and the infrastructure co-pay amount would be an additional S200,000 for a total of$400,000. Roll call vote: Voting yes: Warwick, Stadick, Allgood, hopper, and Porter. Those voting no: none. Absent and/or riot voting: Ramirez MOTION CARRIED (ADJOURNMEN,r) MOVE'D by Porter,SECONDE'D by Allgood to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. MOTION CARRIED Ap ved a. written t is 9111 day ol'July 2018. —onsopner Hop mmissionc`r�Por er ommissioner Warwick Cornmi tier Stadick ELL, n issionerAll �od cco iissioner amirez AT'l 4)0 ,� to Page 2 oJ'2 V I Y