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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/11/2007 EDAC Minutes1 APPROVED CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE:Thursday,January 11,2007 MEMBERS PRESENT:T. Vacha,J. Kuschke,J. Schwartz, K. Corson (part),K. Hansmann MEMBERS ABSENT:J. Milbauer, J. Helgemoe, M. Keller, B. Combs OTHERS PRESENT:M. Divine;Gordon Heitke, Mike Grochala,Dave Anderson, Greg Anderson GENERAL/MINUTES Minutes of November 2, 2006 were approved. SUCCESSES 2006 Ms. Divine reviewed progress made in 2006 with the committee: First completed project in Woods Edge TIF District: Country Inn & Suites Closing in first affordable housing project in the City of Lino Lakes. Occupancy expected by December 2007 YMCA under construction Funding for reconstruction of Lake Drive and 35W bridge, with construction 2007 Anoka County Library site purchased Hampton Inn under construction Sheet Metal Workers Credit Union under construction Master Plan of Hodgson/Cty Rd J underway Website improvements: Available land and buildings Quality of Life Survey Community Visioning Members noted that Hardwood Creek is a priority to move forward in 2007.Ms. Schwartz commented she was disappointed that EDAC was not allowed to participate in the visioning.Mr. Heitke noted there will be ample opportunity throughout the process for advisory board participation. The economic development vision is a general direction put together by people interested in seeing it occur. Ms. Divine stated that she believes when EDAC sees the draft document, they will have a level of comfort that the vision won’t conflict with EDAC goals. Mr. Vacha brought up a concern that he would like EDAC to explore an ordinance so that two similar commercial entities are not put near each other, because one can put the other out of business.Other members agreed it sho uld be a goal to protect existing business.Ms. Kuschke said she saw EDAC’s goal as retention, not protection.Ms. Divine said if EDAC is interested it can be studied in 2007, since there are pros and cons to regulating the free market. 2 ANDERSON BUILDERS Dave Anderson and Greg Anderson introduced their business and a synopsis of their work. They have done some other developments that entailed purchasing city property and redevelopment/infill. They are involved in retail, office, medical and industrial areas. The partners stated they are interested in the 3-acre city-owned site on Lake Drive and have met with staff to explore development potential. They are aware of the city’s interest in realigning 77th Street. They have ideas about the site, but also look to the cities for direction as to what types of uses would best fit the site.They are hoping to bring private development to the site that can help catalyze the infrastructure improvements needed. A larger project than the 3-acre site will be more effective in the long run, but they will enter the market incrementally. Ms. Divine explained they are seeking a preliminary development agreement with the city to provide some exclusivity for six months while they perform their market and site analyses. Ms. Schwartz noted that an acquisition of a private home is necessary for realignment of the road.Discussion included the need to eventually remove driveways.Mr. Grochola noted all the properties are aware that something may happen eventually. Any acquisition would need to come from private development, since adversarial condemnation is unlikely. Mr. Anderson said their position would be to look at private acquisition of the properties and holding, but would require knowing that the road improvement would eventually happen. This is a process that needs to be worked through. Mr.Corson excused himself and noted he agreed with the concept presented. Mr. Anderson stated that the northern part of the development would have to stand on its own and work with the existing street pattern, but be able to work into the future pattern. The master plan would take that into account.Uses could include medical, office, or retail. They will share the potential uses with EDAC as they move through the process. They are also working with a small private school.Office condo may have potential at some point. Recognizing there was not a quorum but that Mr. Corson had indicated his approval,Ms. Kuschke moved to recommend the city council enter into an exclusive preliminary development agreement for a specified period of time to allow the developers and the city a period of time to negotiate in good faith toward execution of a purchase agreement. Ms. Hansmann seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.EDAC discussion noted that this preliminary agreement had not sale terms. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE Ms.Divine suggested members look at the Website lists of available land and buildings that is still in development stage and make suggestions. Next meeting February 1. Meeting adjourned.