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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-1996Minutes of the Economic Development Commission City of Mounds View Ramsey County, Minnesota Regular Meeting August 22, 1996 City of Mounds View, Council Chambers 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:09 p.m. by Chairperson, Dan Nelson. Roll Call: Members present were as follows: Cindy Carlson, Rosemary Goff, Dan Nelson, Brian Sjoberg. Ron Scl m dt is on leave of absence. Members Delane Welsch and Bev Terhark and EDA Liaison Sue Hankner and Alternate Liaison Gary Quick were absent. Economic Development Coordinator Cathy Bennett was present. Approval Of Minutes: Motion/Second: Goff/Sjoberg moved approval of Minutes of May 30, 1996 Meeting. Motion Carried 4 ayes 0 nays Special Business Coordinator Bennett noted that the EDC loan committee, comprised of at least 4 members (Dan Nelson, Cindy Carlson, Bev Tarhark and Rosemary Goff), met to discuss a loan request from Mounds View Fina located on County Road 1. Member Carlson explained that the committee reviewed the application and financial information to make sure the request fit into the goals of the program. The loan will be used to enhance the gas station operation. The loan comm ttee recommended the approval of the loan which was formally approved by the EDA on August 12, 1996. A. Discussion of EDC's Advisory Responsibilities and Procedures for Communication Between the EDC and EDA Coordinator Bennett explained that EDC members were able to attend other EDC meetings over the past month to evaluate how communication and discussion flowed between the advisory group and EDA/Council's. Coordinator Bennett explained that she attended the Coon Rapids EDC where discussion focused on the distribution of CDBG funds that are allocated to the City. The EDC makes recommendations to the EDA where they are formally approved, Other topics they discussed included recommending participation in civic and membership groups. Member Carlson attended the New Brighton EDC meeting which has been in existence for about 10 years. There are two Council members which are members of the EDC which shows a strong linkage and communication tie between the two entities. Most all development projects go through the EDC first for evaluation. They are involved in the strategic planning sessions with the Council on economic development. Member Sjoberg attended the Arden Hills EDC which has been meeting for approximately 3 years. The group is very project specific. They view their role more as staff to the EDA/Council. A project is given to them and they bring back a recommendation on how to approve it rather than bringing options for the EDA/Council to choose. There is strong Council representation and a report is given on major Council activities to improve communication. Member Welsch attended the Crystal EDC meeting. He was unable to attend this meeting therefore forwarded his comments in writing (see attached). After discussion, the EDC directed staff to incorporate the following items into recommendations for communication between the EDC\EDA for review at the next meeting. Strong EDA interaction is a must. A report by the EDA liaison should be given at every EDC meeting on the key activities at the EDA level. Develop a sequence of review for (re)development projects. Develop a system of communication between other commissions. Hold a joint meeting, accompanied by a tour of the City, every year with the EDA. Possibly eliminating the work session at the EDA\Council level will allow the Council members more time and commitment to attend commission meetings where background discussion on items can take place. B. Update on Housing Program and Discuss Ways to Market the Program Under the Guidelines of the Program. Coordinator Bennett noted this was an item that was tabled in May. Bennett explained the basic parameters of the housing program and reported that the EDA has already purchased its first house as part of the program. Since there is a variety of expertise on the EDC, coordinator Bennett asked for ideas regarding marketing the program to the community without actually calling up a homeowner who's house could be a candidate. EDC members came tip with the following ideas: Educate representatives of HUD; Invite local Realtors to a meeting to discuss the program; Advertise in the local paper; Send direct mail to residents and break it up into sections of the City that should be focused on first. Coordinator Bennett will pass these ideas along to the Mounds View Housing Coordinator to incorporate into her marketing plans for the housing program. C. Review EDA's Priorities for Highway 10 and Identify Strategies for Redevelopment in these Priority Areas Coordinator Bennett gave an overview of the three redevelopment priority areas along Highway 10. Several requests for development of 2625 Highway 10 have been presented to City staff. In addition, the owner of property next to the Silver Lake Pointe Apts. is interested in marketing his site for development These properties are in Priority Area No. 3, which is from County Road I to Silver Lake Road. Coordinator Bennett explained that there are many issues that need to be taken into consideration such as access to the sites, market demand for uses, wetland and drainage issues, compatibility with residential uses, zoning restrictions etc. prior to evaluating what type of assistance or role the City would play in planning the development for this area. Coordinator Carlson suggested that the EDC develop a request for proposal for the area. The RFP should include studying the area to address the issues mentioned and draft plans be put together for what types of development would be most beneficial to the City in terms of tax base, jobs and aesthetics. Motion/Second: Carlson/Sjoberg moved to request approval from the EDA to develop a RFP and interview candidates to study Priority Area No. 3 (Section 9) of the Proposed Draft Highway 10 Redevelopment Plan Motion Carried 4 ayes 0 nays D. Discuss and Review Revised Tax Increment Policy Coordinator Bennett discussed changes to the draft tax increment policy taking into consideration the recommendations from tax increment consultants from Briggs 6t Morgan, Casserly Molzan and Associates and Kennedy Sc Gravin. It was suggested that the point system be used only as a tool for the EDC but should not be considered a procedure to determine the amount of tax increment. In addition, it was recommended that the point system be reevaluated to address redevelopment vs. new development. Chair Nelson suggested that staff bring back an example of a redevelopment project that could be plugged into the point system. E. Discussion of Everest Proposal for TIF Assistance Coordinator Bennett noted that since there was not a quorum at the July meeting that Everest requested that they present their proposal to the EDA for consideration. Staff is still evaluating the proposal and has requested additional information from Everest before further negotiations take place. Motion/Second: Goff/Carlson moved to table this item until further information is received by staff. Motion Carried 4 ayes 0 nays Reports From Chair, Commissioners and Staff: Chairman Nelson suggested that the next EDC meeting be held at 7:30 a.m. instead of in the evening. This may be a more convenient time for the members to attend meetings since many times he gets stuck at work in the evening but usually can arrange to be a little late. Motion/Second: Nelson/Sjoberg moved to hold the September 26, 1996 meeting at 7:30 am instead of 6:00 pm if this time is more convenient for the majority of the Commission Motion Carried 4 ayes 0 nays Adjournment There being no further business before the Commission, this meeting of the Economic Development Commission adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Econom c Dev ment Coordinator