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Draft EDC Minutes Sept 19, 2014 Page 3 of 5 Beeman reported that he has made contact with over 70 businesses in health and welfare visits. Beeman explained the difference between formal BR&E visits and health and welfare visits, noting that appointments are made and tours provided by the company in BR&E visits, while health and welfare visits are less formal g iving the owner or manager on duty a chance to provide a quick snap shot of their business operations while allowing the city to establish a point of contact and learn of any issues the business might have that the city might be able to assist with. Beeman noted that some trends or common questions from businesses are about temporary signage, when County Road 10 will be renamed, and available lots and lease space. Overall, businesses are doing well. Beeman is working with a few companies in expansions, contractions, and relocations. While the expansions are normally positive for the community, it creates challenges in Mounds View due to the limited developable land availability. Beeman’s goal is to meet with every business in the city the first year, about 130 total, then establish a regular schedule, meeting with at least one business per week, so as to stagger visits each annually Beeman provided an update from the December 10, 2014 Mounds View Business Council meeting, summarizing County Commissioner Blake Huffman’s comments on the TCAAP development site, otherwise known as Rice Creek Commons. It is a 430 acre site purchased by Ramsey County for $28.5 million. It will be a city within a city becoming a premier spot for restaurants, entertainment, and grocery store chains. Over 1,400 housing units are expected to be built in the northeastern and northern edge of the site and about 4,000 residents, and 4,300 jobs. Beeman reported the breakdown of the zoning and number of acres dedicated for each type of zoning. Beeman noted, the City of Arden Hills will be adopting the TCAAP Master Plan and zoning code as soon as February 2016. Beeman also updated the Commission the I-35W & County Road H interchange project which will be completed in the spring of 2016 which will include a roundabout on the east side of 35W. The intersection of County Road 10 and County Road H will also be completed in 2016. I - 35W and County Road I interchange is proposed to be completed in the spring of 2015 and will also include a roundabout on the TCAAP side. An intersection will be completed connecting the spine road through the TCAAP site to Highway 96. Finally, the I -35W and Highway 96 interchange will be a divergent diamond intersection and is expected to be completed spring 2015. Coordinator Beeman provided updates on a number of other projects: Construction of the new Biolife facility is about 20% complete and is on track to open July 2015. It is a $6 million investment. Build to Suit, the developer, is also selling the 2.78 acre site north of the new Biolife facility and Beeman is working with a local company on an expansion project for the site. Snap Grocery Store, formerly known as Sam’s, is renovating the building located at County Road I and Edgewood Drive. New refrigeration units have been installed to the new neighborhood grocery store. The business is expected to open after the first of the year. Beeman reported that Tom Frazen Sports Collectibles has moved from its Mounds View Square location to its new Edgewood Plaza location next to Carmike Cinema. They are using the vacant space adjacent to them for card shows and events. Chair Belting encouraged residents and other Commissioners to visit the store noting the high volume of merchandise and its appeal to sports minded individuals.