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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/01/2008 EDAC MinutesApproved CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: Thursday, May 1, 2008 MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Milbauer, B. Combs, J. Helgemoe, K. Corson, K. Lodico, J. Stranik, D. Roeser MEMBERS ABSENT: J. Schwartz, M. Keller OTHERS PRESENT: M. Divine, M. Grochala (part) GENERAL/MINUTES Minutes Minutes for March 13, 2008 were approved. Legacy at Woods Edge update Ms. Divine stated that she was expecting to have a risk management assessment for the Woods Edge project, but the finance director has not reviewed it. Ms. Divine explained the project’s background for the new members. There are several grants and TIF and tax abatement agreements. The purpose of the assessment was to take a look at the impact of the slowed down development on the repayment of the TIF note. The project has a set of design standards that are untypical of conventional zoning. Members discussed the impact of the housing market and the city’s housing cap on economic development. Eventually the lack of product for sale will create a housing need, and the city should be prepared. Ms. Divine stated that the new comp plan may provide more flexibility in growth. Mr. Roeser asked if the slow housing is impacting industrial development. Ms. Divine stated there’s not a close connection, but the city currently does not have much industrial land ready for development. When the 35E interchange is completed, there is a lot of interest from commercial developers. There was a commercial project approved on the southeast corner, but McDonald’s pulled out and the project is languishing. Members discussed Magnet Street, which has decided not to build at this time. Mr. Helgemoe discussed the potential of them getting a 504 loan program. Ms. Divine stated she would contact them to put them in touch. Mr. Moeser asked what EDAC’s role is, and should they be fostering going out into the community. Mr. Corson said foremost EDAC is an advisory committee, but it is a broad scope. Mr. Combs stated the group is limited, and hasn’t knocked on doors. EDAC’s primary role is giving recommendations to the council. Ms. Divine stated that EDAC has a plan, and its goal is to set the direction to implement it. The message has been defined by the committee and council and individual members should represent that message. City Council goals Ms. Divine provided the approved city council goals for 2008-09. Staff defines the action steps to meet the council goals. Goal 1 is to complete the Town Center. EDAC will have a role in 1 recommending any future changes in goals and policies for future development of Woods Edge. The long term vision was historically strongly supported by EDAC, but times and members have changed. Mr. Corson stated the intent was to have a lot of density. Ms. Divine stated she would get new members the Design Standards. Ms. Lodico stated EDAC has already had consensus to stay the course, but economies have changed. Mr. Combs said the master plan was laid out before developers came in, so that they would know the rules. But the city doesn’t have a choice of developers currently. There was no Plan B built into the plan. Ms. Divine said there are a number of these projects in the suburbs that aren’t working as quickly as hoped. She gave an example of the role EDAC may play in the future, as the developers had proposed to the council changing the planned condos to rental apartments to meet current market demand. The original agreement called for a majority of owner-occupied housing, and these are considerations that will need to be made when a future developer comes in. Goal 5 outlines the need for the city council to set guidance for EDAC and staff for objectives and strategies for economic development. Ms. Lodico stated since she has been on EDAC, the recommendations that EDAC has made have been voted down by council. Mr. Stranik questioned if EDAC should take a position on the Charter. Ms. Divine gave a summary of the issue of referendum required to build local roads. A task force recommended a change that will be on the ballot this year. The information regarding the referendum will be late summer, early fall. Ms. Lodico suggested EDAC do a Revolving Door column in the Quad. Mr. Milbauer said that the city’s bad roads reflect a poor image to businesses coming in. He questioned if the current economy would have a negative impact on the referendum. Mr. Corson moved that EDAC take a position regarding the charter change amendment. Mr. Milbauer seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Corson said he’d begin an outline for an article. Mr. Milbauer brought up the EDA, and wants EDAC’s representation on it. If the council is looking at EDAC’s role, this issue should be raised again. Mr. Stranik stated that EDAC could define its role and bring it to the council. Mr. Roeser moved that at a future meeting EDAC create a recommendation to the city council to review the possibility of redefining the structure of the EDA. Mr. Milbauer seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Hodgson Road/County Road J Redevelopment Staff brought the concept of a grocer on the west side of Hodgson Road to the council to get a feel for its acceptance. Mr. Combs had attended the meeting. Most council members are against the west side, but a few indicated they could consider the east side, if the store was smaller. The master plan for the area does not include a grocer. The grocer thinks it can succeed. EDAC had recommended that this concept move forward. Since the council work session, the developer has moved its concept to the east side of Hodgson. Mr. Grochala stated that Shoreview is putting in signals this summer. If this project were to go, that would be all torn out and major improvements would have to occur. Ms. Divine stated that Bob’s Auto Ranch would have to be relocated somewhere in Lino Lakes. Under consideration is on the Volvo Rental site on Lake Drive. The area needs sewer/water. The 2 auto ranch doesn’t need a lot of improvements, it may be a good interim type of use. All the properties along there are up for sale. Business Survey Due to the time, the business survey will be discussed next meeting. Meeting adjourned. 3