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Approximately 100 acres on the north edge of Lindstrom was approved by the city council April 15 to be annexed into the city.

Representing some of the family members involved; Mark Anderson told council that this is just for annexation. There are no immediate plans on development of housing or for a park that’s been talked about.

The area remains A-O zoning. If there’s no opposition presented by the township the annexation request will proceed.

Blighted building

An application from John T and Pamela J. Anderson for a Tax Increment Financing District to be established to aid them in redeveloping the old Coast-to-Coast Hardware Store was approved, 3-0 (Council members Pearson and Canine absent.)

Lindstrom has two Tax Increment Financing Districts identified already...the Scottsdale Mall project redeveloped a dilapidated corner and the Hardee’s is the other TIF district. Action by the council redirects only the city portion of the property taxes, and did not impact county or school district taxes.

The Andersons will do extensive rehabbing of the site on the north side of the highway in downtown. Hazardous materials (lead paint, lighting, VAT floor tiles) and mitigation needs are making the project cost-prohibitive. Shelley Eldridge of financial advisors Ehlers and Associates told the city the project meets all the But-for requirements in setting up tax increment assistance. Mainly that, “...but-for the aid the project couldn’t happen.”

Eldridge explained that the Andersons have taken two years “...just to get to this point...and it is obvious the structure is substandard and will continue to deteriorate without this.”

The city gives the new increment of the taxes generated off the improved value of the property back to the owners to recoup their costs in redeveloping the site. Over the years it is calculated the Andersons will need $165,390 recaptured for redevelopment expenses.

The Tax Increment District requirements call for at least 70 percent of a site to be “improved.”

Eldridge noted about 94 percent of this site is undergoing changes. Market value is $143,500 and will become $397,850. The building has been vacant since 1998.

In other matters: Lindstrom Council heard from Karl Oskar Days chair Mike Parker sr. (Lindstrom Foods) about upcoming K.O. Days events and planning. It will be his third and final year serving as chair, Connie Schmidt will take over in 2005, Parker reported.

Parker put in a good word for all the volunteers and the committee organizers, and said it is an incredible group that supports this festival every summer.

New this summer is a fundraiser for the stadium improvements at the high school. A queen’s photogallery and art show is planned at the historical society’s Gustaf’s House. A cribbage tourney is being held at the Swedish Inn.

Watch for all the details as this summer’s Karl Oskar Days July 7-11 approaches.

~ Paula Williams resigned her Planning Commission seat. The liaison Council member Tom Warner mentioned that the commission may opt to use this as an opportunity to downsize. No recommendation for filling the position was made.

~ Bids are due at the May council meeting for street work.

~ There will be discussion about the sewer and water extension feasibility report, for the proposed Bruggeman development north of town, in May.

~ Board of Review is April 29.

~ The Moriarty and Briggs variances were approved. The Morley lot split was also okayed.

~ Hobby metal detecting is now regulated under a new ordinance adopted. The state building code was also adopted.

A stop sign request on Lakelawn Dr. was denied. It is a through-street.

Stop signage at the post office intersection was denied. Parking near that intersection would cause congestion with stops added. There have been many discussions in council chambers about this site and a 4-way stop is not recommended.

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