HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-19-2014 Minutes of the Economic Development Commission
City of Mounds View
Ramsey County, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
September 19, 2014
City of Mounds View, Council Chambers
2401 County Road 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Greg Belting called the meeting to order at approximately 7:30 am.
2. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Chair Greg Belting and Commissioners Jim Freichels, Gary
Stevenson, Jim Paron, Jessica Birken and Dan Larson
Members Absent: Commissioner Jason Helgemoe
Staff Present: City Administrator Jim Ericson
3. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2014, AGENDA
Motion/Second: Commissioner Freichels moved and Commissioner Stevenson seconded
the approval of the September 19, 2014, EDC agenda.
Motion Carried: 6 Ayes, 0 Nays
4. APPROVAL OF MAY 23, 2014, EDC MINUTES
Motion/Second: Commissioner Stevenson moved and Commissioner Larson seconded the
approval of the May 23, 2013, EDC minutes, as presented.
Motion Carried: 6 Ayes, 0 Nays
5. EDC BUSINESS
None.
6. REPORTS OF STAFF
Project Updates
City Administrator Ericson provided the Commission with an update on Coventry,
now known as Bel Rae Senior Living of Mounds View. The project was reported to
be behind schedule. Administrator Ericson indicated that it was his understanding
that the work was planned to be completed by March of 2015. There is signage now
with a phone number in front of the development in case residents want to inquire
about living there.
EDC Minutes
Sept 19,2014
Page 2 of 3
Administrator Ericson described the new major subdivision taking place at the
southwest corner of Ardan Avenue and Eastwood Road. The subdivision will create
five new single-family lots on excess Abiding Savior Lutheran Church property.
Administrator Ericson updated the Commission on the new BioLife project which will
be located between the Former Saturn dealership and Multi-Tech. The new building
will be about 17,000 square feet with enough parking to satisfy all their current and
projected future needs. There would be a second developable lot created from this
project that would front County Road H2 behind the BioLife building.
Administrator Ericson reported on two new businesses that will be locating in the
community—ProGuard Sports in the Mounds View Business Park South and
Louisiana Po' Boy which has taken over the former KFC building next to Taco Bell.
Three other updates were offered concerning a business locating in the building
behind Multi-Tech, a magazine distributor company, which will be taking 22,800
square feet of space; the ten-lot Longview Estates subdivision east of Silver Lake
Road and south of County Road 1-12; and the Red Oak Estates Townhome
development at the southwest corner of County Road H2 and Long Lake Road.
There are 40 townhome lots remaining to be developed in red Oak Estates.
Commissioner Stevenson asked about the Cindy Johnson property near the
intersection of Groveland Road and County Road 10, suggesting that there could be
some movement associated with the site. Administrator Ericson confirmed that staff
had met with the property owner and a developer and that staff is hopeful that this
area will once again become a development focus.
Chair Belting indicated that it was his understanding that the school district had
moved into their space at Silver Plaza. Administrator Ericson confirmed this to be
the case.
Business Development Coordinator Update
Administrator Ericson introduced Brian Beeman, who had been selected to be the
City's new Business Development Coordinator, pending City Council approval and
satisfactory background checks. The appointment is scheduled for Council action
on September 22, 2014. Administrator Ericson provided the Commission with some
information on Mr. Beeman's previous employment experience and that he expects
good things from Mr. Beeman.
Chair Belting expressed his support for Brian Beeman's hire and looks forward to
working with him, suggesting that his background is a good fit for Mounds View.
EDC Minutes
Sept 19,2014
Page 3 of 3
7. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Birken reported that the County had approved a "right in" access from County
Road 10 into the BioLife development. Originally the County had denied any access from
County Road 10 out of concerns for safety.
Chair Belting reported that Tim Roche, President of the Twin Cities North Chamber of
Commerce, has taken a new position elsewhere, and that the Chamber had appointed a
new president.
Commissioner Larson reported that the current street project was coming along great.
Administrator Ericson reported that the weather had put us behind schedule a bit but agreed
things were coming along well.
Commissioner Stevenson reported that the mounds View Lions would be holding a
"Spaghetti Dinner" fund raiser on October 7, 2014, at the Kraus-Hartig VFW in Spring Lake
Park.
Commissioner Birken asked if there were any updates on the TCAAP project. Administrator
Ericson reported that the County and Arden Hills had rebranded the site as "Rice Creek
Commons" and that more information will be made available in the coming months.
Commissioner Birken wondered whether the transportation improvements associated with
the TCAAP project would create an opportunity to replace signage for County Road 10.
Administrator Ericson responded that at every opportunity to push the issue, the City is
always exploring ways to address the County Road 10 name and signage needs.
Chair Belting again expressed his support for moving ahead with the hire of Brian Beeman.
8. NEXT REGULAR EDC MEETING — October 17, 2014
9. ADJOURN
There being no further business, the May 23, 2014, meeting adjourned at 7:57 am.
Respectfully submitted,
James Ericson
City Administrator