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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-2003 • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA October 2412003 7:30 A.M. MOUNDS VIEW CITY HALL - CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER A.M. 2. ROLL CALL (Present = P, Absent = A) Belting Fox Field Helgemoe Johnson Entsminger McDonald Backman (Staff) Ericson (Staff) 3. APPROVE EDC MINUTES August 22, 2003; September 19, 2003 • Motion: Second: Vote: 4. SPECIAL BUSINESS A. No Special Business Scheduled 5. REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS, STAFF AND EDA LIAISON A. Report of Commissioners -No Materials Attached B. Report of EDA Liaison -No Materials Attached C. Chamber of Commerce Update -No Materials Attached D. Report of Staff 1. Developer Activities—Velmeir Companies (Amoco Site) 2. Developer Activities—LandCor/ Long Lake Rd. & Hwy 10 Office & Retail 3. Developer Activities—Colliers Towle (Woodale Dr. & Hwy 10) 4. DEED Development Conference—October 8-10, 2003 5. Mounds View Community Center—Banquet Center 6. New Planning Assistant 410.comffiDevEconomic Development1EMAgendas\Agenda0319-19-03.doc • . 6. EDC BUSINESS A. Review of Potential Questions for Mounds View Community Survey B. Amending the TIF Plan to Identify Parcels for Potential Acquisition C. Other 7. ADJOURN at A.M. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting: November 21, 2003 1 1 . Ah W , 1 I i 1 1 rout\CommDevEconomic DevelopmentEDC1Agendas\Agenda03\9-19-03.doc 1 Not Approv Minutes of the Economic Development Commission • City of Mounds View Ramsey County, Minnesota Regular Meeting October 24, 2003 City of Mounds View, Council Chambers 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Greg Belting called the meeting to order at 7:42 a.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Dr. Greg Belting, Tom Field, David Fox, Jason Helgemoe, Torri Johnson Members Absent: Jackie Entsminger, Stan McDonald Staff Present: Economic Development Coordinator Aaron Backman Others Present: None. 1111. APPROVAL OF EDC MINUTES: Motion/Second: Field moved and Johnson seconded the approval of the September 19, 2003 EDC minutes. Motion Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays 4. SPECIAL BUSINESS No Special Business Scheduled. 5. REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS, STAFF AND EDA LIAISON A. Commissioner Reports: Johnson inquired about EDC members whose terms are expiring this year(12/31/03). Backman noted there are three—herself,Stan McDonald,and Jason Helgemoe in this category. Members can speak with Backman or others at City Hall regarding there interest in continuing on the Commission. Members may need to fill out the application again. Backman will look into the matter. B. Report of EDA Liaison: None C. TCN Chamber of Commerce Update: On October 22, 2003, the first Business Council meeting 110 sponsored by the City of Mounds View and the TCN Chamber was held at City Hall. Backman was pleased by the attendance(over 20 attended). The Business Councils are an opportunity for businesses to express their views and ask questions about a variety of topics, and for city staff to communicate activities that may impact businesses. For the October meeting city staff had EDC Minutes October 24, 2003 Not Approved Page 2 several presentations—Mike Sommer, Police Chief, discussed the referendum that adds additional police officers; Charlie Hansen, Finance Director, discussed the 2004 City budget and reductions in state aid; Backman discussed the status of development projects in the City. During the question and answer time period,some attendees expressed their concerns regarding taxes and fire code enforcement. The Business Council meetings are tentatively to be held on a quarterly basis. They are open to both Chamber members and non-Chamber members. On October 23, 2003, Steve Novak from Anoka County spoke about the effort to attract the Vikings to Anoka County, and the proposed site in southern Blaine. The group involved is quite serious and has spent a significant time and money getting the necessary information. Six weeks from now the financing plan will be presented. D. Report of Staff: 1. Developer Activities—Velmeir Companies(Amoco Site): Backman distributed the site review application and the request for a setback variance. This was prepared and submitted by Brian Alton, a St. Paul attorney representing Velmeir. Backman reviewed the latest version of the site plan. As the Commission is aware, Velmeir is proposing a 13,000 sq. ft retail facility for CVS Pharmacy. One change is an attached tenant space of 2,500 sq. ft. for one or two smaller retail businesses. Truck traffic would enter the site from the eastbound lane of County Highway 10 and circle behind the building. On October 16, 2003, Backman met with Jerod Andrews, Loucks Associates and the John Kauppila, Director of Construction Services for Velmeir to discuss setback and parking requirements. Loucks Associates (planners/architects)will be handling some of the Velmeir sites and URS others. To facilitate the development,the applicant is requesting a variance to encroach into the front setbacks of both Silver Lake Road and County Road 10. This request will go before the Planning Commission on November 5th. Backman believes that the Planning Commission will look favorably on this request. Field asked whether a trail is being planned in front of CVS along Hwy 10. Backman responded that the Planning Commission would likely address that issue. Belting asked when construction could start. Backman indicated that Velmeir, once approvals have been obtained, would like to start this fall. 2. Developer Activities—LandCor/Long Lake&Hwy 10 Office&Retail: Backman highlighted the groundbreaking picture in the newspaper. LandCor, the developer, held the groundbreaking for the projects on Monday, September 29, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. McDonald attended on behalf of the EDC. Others attending included Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator; Sherry Gunn, City Council; Greg Johnson, Planning Commission; Robert Fields, CEO of LandCor. Backman expects that the building permits will be issued shortly for the two buildings by the theater. 3. Developer Activities—Colliers Towle (Woodale Dr. & Hwy 10): There have been some activities related to this site. A week and a half ago Backman received a call from Jim Paron (2300 Co. Hwy 10). Paron family members own three of the four homes on the south side of Co. Hwy 10. He indicated that Terry Moses, a developer from the Prudential Group, had approached his uncle and aunt (the Kroonblawds) about purchasing their property for an undisclosed user. Backman speculates that the two-acre development would be a retail or office project. He noted that the City views this 7-9 parcel area as a top redevelopment opportunity along the City's busiest thoroughfare. The City would prefer to see a comprehensive redevelopment project as opposed to development occurring on a parcel by • parcel basis. Backman had an extended meeting on October 21, 2003 with the Paron family members regarding their properties and development. Backman mentioned to them that another developer, Greg McDonald from Colliers Towle,was interested in the site for a hotel EDC Minutes October 24, 2003 Not Approved Page 3 and/or other commercial users. Backman discussed the Paron meeting with Mr. McDonald 111 and he had a positive meeting with family members on October 23rd. 4. DEED Development Conference—October 8-10, 2003: Backman attended the Annual Minnesota Development Conference at the Radisson South in Bloomington. A major focus this year was on the state biosciences effort. Gov. Pawlenty and Robert Elde (U. of MN) made presentations. Backman toured Cargill's Biotechnology Development(R&D)Center in Navare (near Wayzata), MN. 5. Mounds View Community Center—Banquet Center: An inventory of the Banquet Center equipment was conducted by Public Works staff. Backman spent time over the past month reviewing overhead costs at the MVCC. After looking at space use and other factors with the City's Finance Director, the allocations were changed as follows: YMCA was reduced from 59% to 51%, Creative Kids was unchanged at 19%, Banquet Center was increased from 11% to 19%, and the former Community Education area was unchanged at 11%. This impacts the 2004 budget and a potential agreement for new Banquet Center management. The City Council as already authorized (on 9/22/03) Kurt Ulrich to negotiate a buyout of the Banquet Center's current management. Discussions continue between the City Administrator and Dabney Bradley, ETC, regarding a settlement or buyout of the existing catering contract. ETC may signoff on the settlement as early as tonight. The City has been losing about $3,000 a month under the current contract. Backman's goal is that the City recovers all overhead costs at the Banquet Center, and sets aside additional monies for capital improvements. Field stated that a commercial rule of thumb is that setaside should 4110 be 25% above the overhead costs. Backman will keep that in mind. 6. New Planning Assistant: Kristin Prososki has been hired as the City's new Planning Assistant and started work this week. She previously worked as a Planning Intern for the City of Chanhassen. 6. EDC BUSINESS A. Review of Potential Questions for Mounds View Community Survey: A majority on the City Council would like to move forward with a community survey. Backman noted that in 1988 the City of Mounds View contracted with Decision Resources to perform a community survey(Sec.6 was Development and Growth). Belting expressed amount of time needed to complete the last survey (23 minutes). Johnson asked if it would be cheaper if economic development was not part of the survey. Backman responded that 50 questions would probably be asked regardless. Belting stated that the last survey was"a joke", had questions of limited value, and was too long. Field concurred. Johnson felt that better information would come from town meetings. Helgemoe expressed the view that it might be cheaper to mail out surveys than for a telephone survey. He also felt the maybe the purpose of the survey was to rank city services and staff. Belting moved that the EDC recommends that no community survey be done at this time; and if one is done by the City, that it be more limited in scope and duration (5 minutes to complete, not 23 minutes), and that the cost to the City not exceed $2,000." This was approved unanimously. B. Amending the TIF Plan to Identify Parcels for Potential Acquisition: Due to time constraints,the Commission decided to consider this matter at a later meeting. EDC Minutes October 24, 2003 Not Approved Page 4 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Commission, Belting adjourned the October 24th meeting of the Economic Development Commission at 8:47 a.m. Respectfully submitted, et/ter— 62, Aaron A.A. Backman Economic Development Coordinator \\TroutCommDev\Economic Development\EDC\Minutes\Min03\10-24-03.doc 4110 S ME • Not Approv (c0 Minutes of the Economic Development Commission City of Mounds View Ramsey County, Minnesota Regular Meeting October 24, 2003 City of Mounds View, Council Chambers 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Toni Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:42 a.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Dr. Greg Belting, Tom Field, David Fox, Jason Helgemoe, Toni Johnson Members Absent: Jackie Entsminger, Stan McDonald Staff Present: Economic Development Coordinator Aaron Backman Others Present: None. 3. APPROVAL OF EDC MINUTES: Motion/Second: Field moved and Johnson seconded the approval of the September 19, 2003 EDC minutes. Motion Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays 4. SPECIAL BUSINESS No Special Business Scheduled. 5. REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS, STAFF AND EDA LIAISON A. Commissioner Reports: Johnson inquired about EDC members whose terms are expiring this year(12/31/03). Backman noted there are three—herself, Stan McDonald,and Jason Helgemoe in this category. Members can speak with Backman or others at City Hall regarding there interest in continuing on the Commission. Members may need to fill out the application again. Backman will look into the matter. B. Report of EDA Liaison: None C. TCN Chamber of Commerce Update: On October 22, 2003, the first Business Council meeting sponsored by the City of Mounds View and the TCN Chamber was held at City Hall. Backman was pleased by the attendance(over 20 attended). The Business Councils are an opportunity for businesses to express their views and ask questions about a variety of topics,and for city staff to communicate activities that may impact businesses. For the October meeting city staff had EDC Minutes October 24, 2003 Not Approved Page 2 several presentations—Mike Sommer, Police Chief, discussed the referendum that adds • additional police officers; Charlie Hansen, Finance Director,discussed the 2004 City budget and reductions in state aid; Backman discussed the status of development projects in the City. During the question and answer time period,some attendees expressed their concerns regarding taxes and fire code enforcement. The Business Council meetings are tentatively to be held on a quarterly basis. They are open to both Chamber members and non-Chamber members. On October 23, 2003, Steve Novak from Anoka County spoke about the effort to attract the Vikings to Anoka County, and the proposed site in southern Blaine. The group involved is quite serious and has spent a significant time and money getting the necessary information. Six weeks from now the financing plan will be presented. D. Report of Staff: 1. Developer Activities—Velmeir Companies(Amoco Site): Backman distributed the site review application and the request for a setback variance. This was prepared and submitted by Brian Alton,a St. Paul attorney representing Velmeir. Backman reviewed the latest version of the site plan. As the Commission is aware, Velmeir is proposing a 13,000 sq. ft retail facility for CVS Pharmacy. One change is an attached tenant space of 2,500 sq. ft.for one or two smaller retail businesses. Truck traffic would enter the site from the eastbound lane of County Highway 10 and circle behind the building. On October 16,2003, Backman met with Jerod Andrews, Loucks Associates and the John Kauppila, Director of Construction Services for Velmeir to discuss setback and parking requirements. Loucks Associates (planners/architects)will be handling some of the Velmeir sites and URS others. To facilitate the development,the applicant is requesting a variance to encroach into the front setbacks of • both Silver Lake Road and County Road 10. This request will go before the Planning Commission on November 5th. Backman believes that the Planning Commission will look favorably on this request. Field asked whether a trail is being planned in front of CVS along Hwy 10. Backman responded that the Planning Commission would likely address that issue. Belting asked when construction could start. Backman indicated that Velmeir, once approvals have been obtained, would like to start this fall. 2. Developer Activities—LandCor/Lonc Lake&Hwy 10 Office&Retail: Backman highlighted the groundbreaking picture in the newspaper. LandCor, the developer, held the groundbreaking for the projects on Monday, September 29, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. McDonald attended on behalf of the EDC. Others attending included Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator; Sherry Gunn, City Council; Greg Johnson, Planning Commission; Robert Fields, CEO of LandCor. Backman expects that the building permits will be issued shortly for the two buildings by the theater. 3. Developer Activities—Colliers Towle (Woodale Dr. & Hwv 10): There have been some activities related to this site. A week and a half ago Backman received a call from Jim Paron (2300 Co. Hwy 10). Paron family members own three of the four homes on the south side of Co. Hwy 10. He indicated that Terry Moses, a developer from the Prudential Group, had approached his uncle and aunt (the Kroonblawds) about purchasing their property for an undisclosed user. Backman speculates that the two-acre development would be a retail or office project. He noted that the City views this 7-9 parcel area as a top redevelopment opportunity along the City's busiest thoroughfare. The City would prefer to see a comprehensive redevelopment project as opposed to development occurring on a parcel by 410parcel basis. Backman had an extended meeting on October 21, 2003 with the Paron family members regarding their properties and development. Backman mentioned to them that another developer, Greg McDonald from Colliers Towle,was interested in the site for a hotel EDC Minutes p October 24, 2003 Not Approved Page 3 and/or other commercial users. Backman discussed the Paron meeting with Mr. McDonald and he had a positive meeting with family members on October 23`d 4. DEED Development Conference—October 8-10, 2003: Backman attended the Annual Minnesota Development Conference at the Radisson South in Bloomington. A major focus this year was on the state biosciences effort. Gov. Pawlenty and Robert Elde (U. of MN) made presentations. Backman toured Cargill's Biotechnology Development(R&D)Center in Navare (near Wayzata), MN. 5. Mounds View Community Center—Banquet Center: An inventory of the Banquet Center equipment was conducted by Public Works staff. Backman spent time over the past month reviewing overhead costs at the MVCC. After looking at space use and other factors with the City's Finance Director,the allocations were changed as follows: YMCA was reduced from 59% to 51%, Creative Kids was unchanged at 19%, Banquet Center was increased from 11% to 19%, and the former Community Education area was unchanged at 11%. This impacts the 2004 budget and a potential agreement for new Banquet Center management. The City Council as already authorized (on 9/22/03) Kurt Ulrich to negotiate a buyout of the Banquet Center's current management. Discussions continue between the City Administrator and Dabney Bradley, ETC, regarding a settlement or buyout of the existing catering contract. ETC may signoff on the settlement as early as tonight. The City has been losing about $3,000 a month under the current contract. Backman's goal is that the City recovers all overhead costs at the Banquet Center, and sets aside additional monies for capital improvements. Field stated that a commercial rule of thumb is that setaside should 111 be 25% above the overhead costs. Backman will keep that in mind. 6. New Planning Assistant: Kristin Prososki has been hired as the City's new Planning Assistant and started work this week. She previously worked as a Planning Intern for the City of Chanhassen. 6. EDC BUSINESS A. Review of Potential Questions for Mounds View Community Survey: A majority on the City Council would like to move forward with a community survey. Backman noted that in 1988 the City of Mounds View contracted with Decision Resources to perform a community survey(Sec.6 was Development and Growth). Belting expressed amount of time needed to complete the last survey (23 minutes). Johnson asked if it would be cheaper if economic development was not part of the survey. Backman responded that 50 questions would probably be asked regardless. Belting stated that the last survey was"a joke", had questions of limited value, and was too long. Field concurred. Johnson felt that better information would come from town meetings. Helgemoe expressed the view that it might be cheaper to mail out surveys than for a telephone survey. He also felt the maybe the purpose of the survey was to rank city services and staff. Belting moved that the EDC recommends that no community survey be done at this time; and if one is done by the City,that it be more limited in scope and duration (5 minutes to complete, not 23 minutes), and that the cost to the City not exceed $2,000." This was approved unanimously. B. Amending the TIF Plan to Identify Parcels for Potential Acquisition: Due to time constraints,the Commission decided to consider this matter at a later meeting. • * EDC Minutes October 24, 2003 Not Approved Page 4 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Commission,Johnson adjourned the October 24th meeting of the Economic Development Commission at 8:47 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Aaron A.A. Backman Economic Development Coordinator Wirout\CommDev\Economic Development\EDC\Minutes\Min03\10-24-03.doc • •