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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-17-1994Minutes of the Economic Development Commission City of Mounds View Ramsey County, Minnesota Regular Meeting December 17, 1994 City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Vice -Chairperson, Ron Schmidt. [ Members present were as follows: Mark Malone, Peg Mountin, Dan Nelson, Ron Schmidt and Phil Seipp. In addition, EDA Liaison Gary Quick and Economic Development Coordinator Cathy Bennett were present. Members Rosemary Goff and Delane Welsch were not present. Approval Of Minutes: Motion/Second: Nelson/Malone moved approval of Minutes of EDC Meeting, November 17, 1994. 4 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried 4. Special Business A. Presentation Regarding Proposed Expansion of Dynex Industries Brian Sjoberg, Secretary/Treasurer of Dynex Industries located on Mustang Drive in Mounds View gave an overview of their proposed expansion. Dynex is fully developed at 25,000 sq.ft currently and would like to expand by 50,000 sq.ft. Dynex would initially occupy 15,000 sq.ft. of their expanded space and lease the remaining with plans to expand into those areas in the future. The expansion would consolidate their other Twin Cities locations into one corporate headquarters facility in Mounds View with a total of 70 employees initially. Dynex has approached the City for financial assistance. Since Dynex is not located in a current TIF district, a typical development agreement would not be feasible. It was recommended by staff that the City apply for an Economic Recovery Grant to provide Dynex with a low interest loan. The grant amount would be for the maximum $500,000. Coordinator Bennett mentioned that the City applied for the same grant for Wolf & Associates. At that time there were no State funds available. Commissioner Malone suggested that staff contact Wolf & Associates to see if they were still interested in applying for the grant as well. Coordinator Bennett said that the City is not restricted to applying for only one company but that only one grant per fiscal year is eligible to be awarded to a City. Vice Chair Schmidt noted that Dynex has been an excellent corporate citizen and taking measures to support their expansion is very valuable to the community. Motion/Second: Nelson/Malone moved to direct staff to pursue and facilitate applications for Economic Recovery Grant for Dynex Industries and Wolf & Associates. 4 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried. 5. EDC Business: A. Consider Draft Business Assistance Program for Existing Businesses in the City of Mounds View. Coordinator Bennett presented an outline of the Business Loan Program discussed at the November meeting. The outline presents goals, eligibility requirements, qualified improvements, terms of the loan interest rate and how to apply. The key element of the program are for exterior and interior improvements geared toward existing businesses in Mounds View. Commissioner Malone noted that the EDA should consider a program that is community oriented with a break-even philosophy. This would be a business friendly program that encourages improvement to property for the betterment of the entire community. Motion/Second: Malone/Mountie to approve the draft Business Loan Program with the following amendments. Eligibility Requirements - Existing MV business - at least two years Delete sales amount under small business Qualified Credit History - Loan "request" package required Interest Rate: Change to "City Participate at 50% of the total loan request at a below market interest rate." 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried B. Consideration of Resolution No 94-EDC3 in Support of the Mounds View Business Association. Motion/Second: Nelson/Mountin move to table resolution No. 94-EDC3. 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried C. Consideration of the Economic Opportunities of Purchasing Blighted or Non -Conforming Parcels of Property in the City of Mounds View. Coordinator Bennett noted that there were several vacant properties in Mounds View that have the potential for redevelopment. Commissioner Mountin feels it is important to discuss the pros and cons for the City of proactively purchasing property that may be in a potential redevelopment area. The basic premise is to purchase the property when it is for sale rather than wait until the property is occupied. Once property is occupied, relocation costs would need to be incurred and it can become very expensive. There was discussion regarding property along Old Highway 8 and the development opportunity in this area. The commission directed staff to gather research with regards to redevelopment in the area and contact other Cities who may have implemented a similar strategy. Motion/Second: Nelson/Seipp move staff to research the redevelopment opportunity for property along Highway 8. 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried APPROVED D. Discussion of Draft Hotel Development Survey Coordinator Bennett presented a survey which Vadnais Heights send to business leaders when evaluating the options for a hotel development. Coordinator Bennett discussed minor changes to the survey and said Mounds View's survey would be mailed to a total of 500-600 companies in the Cities of Blaine, New Brighton, Arden Hills and Mounds View. This will be approximately 500-600 companies. Commissioner Seipp noted that a cover letter should accompany the survey explaining the purpose of the information. Commissioner Mountin suggested to add a question with regards to amenities at the hotel\conference center. Coordinator Bennett noted that postage\paper and cost for the labels would be taken out of the Economic Development budget and is estimated to be $300. 6. Reports From Chair and Commissioners: Commissioner Mountin requested a leave of absence for the months of January and February. Commissioner Mountin noted that she will continue to participate in the Highway 10 subcommittee during those months. Commissioner Mountin also requested that the Planning Commission appoint a member to participate in the subcommittee for Highway 10. Commissioner Nelson noted that the Planning Commission will be reviewing the sign ordinance and requested a list of business issues for their consideration. Coordinator Bennett said she would gather information regarding problems with the sign ordinance from the business retention program and prepare a list for the EDC's consideration. Adjournment There being no further business before the Commission, this meeting of the Economic Development Commission adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, abnomic C el pment Coordinator