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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/01/2005 EDAC Minutes 1 APPROVED CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: Thursday, December 1, 2005 MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Milbauer, J. Schwartz, B. Combs, K. Corson, J. Kuschke, K. Hansmann, J. Helgemoe (part), T. Vacha, S. Rymer MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Combs OTHERS PRESENT: M. Divine, M. Grochala GENERAL/MINUTES Minutes of September 22, 2005 were approved. EDAC APPOINTMENTS Ms. Divine reminded members that Mr. Milbauer, Mr. Helgemoe and Ms. Schwartz appointments are up in December, and to reapply if they wish to continue on the committee. VIKINGS STADIUM DISCUSSION Ms. Divine informed the committee that the city council would be considering the passage of a resolution that supported a voter referendum for a county-wide .75% sales tax for the Vikings Stadium. Currently, state law requires that local governments hold a referendum if a sales tax is proposed. The Anoka County Board of Commissioners is seeking legislation that would not require a referendum for the Vikings stadium. A representative of a group called Taxpayers Against Anoka County Stadium came to a recent open mike and proposed the resolution and requested that the city council take action. To date, the only city to pass such a resolution is Centerville. At the next work session on December 7, representatives from Anoka County will address the council and explained the stadium bill that is being proposed. Mr. Grochala explained that three years ago, Governor Pawlenty set up a task force to look at stadium proposals. Anoka County proposed a package partnering with the Vikings for funding sources and location. Originally, Lino Lakes was one of three sites being considered. The Blaine site became the preferred site. Anoka County’s agreement with the Vikings expires December 31, but could be renewed. The stadium bill being proposed lays out the establishment of an overseeing authority, state participation for road improvements, and requirements of the Vikings, and the option for the state to provide the legislative authority for a local government to decide whether to hold a referendum to adopt a sales tax. Anoka County has taken the stance that if given the authority, it would adopt a sales tax without the referendum. 2 Mr. Milbauer stated that he did not understand the city getting involved. He questioned how much consideration the council has given it, and why they would act so quickly on a request from a small group of people. Ms. Kuschke questioned what impact passing this resolution might have, since Anoka County holds the responsibility for this decision. Mr. Grochala responded that this has been a major push by the majority of the county board for several years and it doesn’t appear to have any benefit for the city to take a stand against it. Mr. Milbauer pointed out that the county pulled dollars for road improvements when the city council voted against Hodgson Road. Mr. Grochala said there are a lot of road projects in the hopper with Anoka County, including a $14 million project on County Rd. 14. Mr. Grochala also noted that this resolution could get discussed during the legislative session and it wouldn’t help Lino Lakes to be one of a large minority in opposition. Mr. Milbauer added that a stadium in Blaine could have a positive impact on commercial development in Lino Lakes, which is a goal of EDAC. He added that residents against the sales tax should take their opposition to the county, not to the city. This item was put on the agenda by Councilmember Carlson. Mayor Bergeson is opposed to approving this resolution. Mr. Grochala stated that all councilmembers have some concerns about the sales tax, but are divided on whether the city should take a position. Ms. Schwartz stated she had concerns about bypassing a state law to let the voters have a choice. Mr. Grochala stated that “bypassing” the state law, as used in the resolution, is misleading. The county is asking for a whole new state law. The legislature must give the county authorization through a special law. Mr. Helgemoe had to leave, but said he agreed with Mr. Milbauer’s point of view. Ms. Divine stated the MetroNorth Chamber has not taken a position on this other than it supports the county’s attempt to get the stadium in Anoka County. After discussion, Mr. Milbauer moved that since this is an Anoka County issue, EDAC recommends the City Council should not get involved. As a county issue, the parties promoting Resolution 05-186 should submit it to the appropriate governing body. Mr. Corson seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Grochala noted that about $115 million in accelerated road projects, including additional lanes on 35W, could be a result of the stadium. These are all needs that are currently identified, but are not included in the funding plan. The Federal Reserve Bank did a study that showed $177 per capita positive economic impact on a stadium in the community. 2005 PROGRESS REVIEW Ms. Divine summarized the progress toward the goals in the EDAC 2005 Action Plan, including: 1. Woods Edge development. City land was sold, improvements are underway, and three projects have been approved (Betty’s Pies, Country Inn & Suites, and the Workforce Housing/commercial project). Hartford has a preliminary proposal to do the Town Center Parkway/Village Drive corner. The YMCA has submitted an application. It was tabled at Planning & Zoning and staff is working with the YMCA architect on the building site and elevations. It will go back to P&Z in January. 3 2. 35E Corridor. The EDAC plan focused on industrial development, based on the current Comprehensive Plan. With the completion of the AUAR, a potential Comp Plan amendment is being requested by Hardwood Creek LLC for housing and commercial on a 362-acre site. 3. Town Center Development. Ryan Companies is completing a multi-tenant area. Schwan’s has almost completed its new facility in the Marshan Park, and the former Schwan’s site will have the buildings removed for new commercial development. 4. Lake Drive. The city’s Lake Drive/Hodgson Road site was sold to RUD Surveyors. That new facility is nearing completion. Mr. Grochala noted that budget constraints have scaled back Lake Drive master planning, but in 2006 the city will concentrate master planning at Main Street and Lake Drive and 77th Street and Lake Drive. 5. Apollo Park. The last site has been sold to Pomps Tire and is going through approvals. 6. Local Business Retention. The city has worked with Mountain Machine and Schwan’s to keep them in the community. Ms. Divine is on the Quad Area Chamber board and a member of the MetroNorth Chamber. Quad Chamber is beginning more networking opportunities. 7. Promotional Program. The city will be looking at a promotional package in 2006. PRIORITIES FOR 2006 1. City Survey. Decision Resources will be telephoning 400 randomly selected residents in early January. Generally, the surveyors will set up a time for respondents, it takes about 20 minutes. 2. Comprehensive Plan. The survey will be the first step toward redoing the Comp Plan. The city is planning a visioning process in 2006. Ms. Schwartz asked if the City Charter will be studied now that the street reconstruction referendum failed. Mr. Grochala stated there will likely be additional conversation about it. BLUE HERON DAYS Ms. Divine stated that this is an important year for the festival’s success. The major sponsor of the parade may not take it on in 2006. The Lions are interested in sponsoring the fireworks. The Jaycees are the corporate parent committee, and the Quad Area Chamber will take over a softball tournament. In January, the Blue Heron Committee will be trying to get other sponsors and helpers. HARDWOOD CREEK UPDATE The developers of Hardwood Creek have asked for the Comprehensive Plan amendment to be tabled to January. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Bergeson stopped in and thanked the committee for its work. Mr. Grochala stated the VFW sheriff’s sale is on December 16. The problem was cost overruns. Meeting adjourned.