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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-21-2015Minutes of the Economic Development Commission City of Mounds View Ramsey County, Minnesota Regular Meeting August 21, 2015 City of Mounds View, Council Chambers 2401 County Road 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 2. 3 4. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Jim Freichels called the meeting to order at approximately 7:30 a.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Vice Chair, Jim Freichels, Commissioners, Gary Stevenson, Jessica Rieland, Laurie Shoop and Dan Larson Members Absent: Chair Jason Helgemoe, Commissioner Royal Dahlstrom Staff Present: Business Development Coordinator, Brian Beeman Meeting Attendees: Council Member, Gary Meehlhause APPROVAL OF AUGUST 21, JUNE 19, 2015, AGENDA Motion/Second: Commissioner Stevenson moved and Commissioner Shoop seconded the approval of the August 21, 2015 EDC agenda. Motion Carried: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays APPROVAL OF JUNE 19, 2015, EDC MINUTES Motion/Second: Commissioner Larson moved and Commissioner Shoop seconded the approval of the June 19, 2015 EDC minutes, as presented. Motion Carried: 5. EDC BUSINESS None 5 Ayes, 0 Nays 6. REPORTS OF STAFF Crossroad Point Redevelopment Proiect Business Development Coordinator, Beeman provided the Commission with an update on the Crossroad Pointe redevelopment site. Staff has received a proposal for a three story apartment with 114 units or a four story with 151 units. Staff is expecting 2-3 more proposals and is planning to discuss the proposals at the City Council's September workshop. Anyone is welcome to attend the meeting. Commissioner Rieland asked if they were proposing luxury apartments. Beeman informed the Commission that the EDC Minutes August 21, 2015 Page 2 of 6 developer didn't think luxury apartments would fit the business model for this area. However, they are a grade below luxury. Commissioner Freichels mentioned how much he enjoyed the developer tour and learned of the new trends in modern apartments. Business Retention & Expansion Visit (BR&E) Updates Coordinator Beeman informed the Commission that he has been very busy visiting businesses in the past month. Nine businesses were visited. Zero Gravity: Started because the owners wanted to start a business that fit the lifestyle of their five kids that was fun. They were looking at installing a commercial kitchen but found that it was cost prohibitive. They are, however, looking at starting their second location soon. Jonco Die: They manufacture steel rule cutting dies. The industry is moving to digital technology. They moved to Mounds View from Minneapolis in 2000 because of Eminent Domain. The company staff expressed their appreciation of Mounds View accepting them with open arms during that time when they needed space right away. They like the current location near 1-35W but have a concern with high schools no longer offering shop classes which make it hard to recruit qualified candidates. Coordinator Beeman said this is a common comment with local manufacturing companies. UL: They test medical devices and certify them. With branches all across the country, their fastest growing markets are the Asian markets. They test and certify any type of electronic devices. ACE Supply Company, Inc.: They distribute HVAC parts with contractors in the 40 mile radius as their largest customers. They specialize in sheet metal and say their industry is growing. Midway Industrial Supply: The company has been in Mounds View for the past 30 years. In 2012 they sold the business to a private equity firm in Milwaukee. They recently built a new facility in Kansas City, Missouri where they have room to grow since they are maxed out in their Mounds View building. Their one concern is the City of Mounds View not allowing them to expand the building a few years ago and instead, forcing them to build a three car garage. Their business has doubled in the past six years and at this rate, they will be looking for a new building soon. Min Valco: They are another HVAC distributor of parts like gas valves, building controls, and pneumatic Honeywell parts. They receive much walk-in traffic and have been in Mounds View for the past 15 years. They like the location near I -35W and their only concern is they think Mounds View needs more dining facilities. J & W Instruments, Inc.: They distribute gauges, valves, meters, and other control devices in a five state region. They have been in Mounds View for 30 years and they are looking for a more modern building. Trailwood Transportation Inc.: Started in 1929 hauling live cattle and transitioned into hauling candy and chocolate, then transitioned again in 2012 to warehousing for EDC Minutes August 21, 2015 Page 3 of 6 companies in a five state region. Their business is cyclical, ramping up during the Halloween candy sales then dropping off slightly after Christmas. They are maxed out and looking to double their warehousing space in the next year or so if the industry continues at the same rate. Commissioner Stevenson added that they have air cooled space for specialty products at a premium. Commissioner Freichels mentioned that they do have land available to the south if an expansion is needed. Beeman said they are also looking at resurfacing their front parking area and have additional office space if anyone is looking. Hagemeyer: Beeman stated that they distribute virtually everything and have branches all across the U.S. with each branch specializing in different types of products. For example, the Texas branch handles more life safety equipment, while Mounds View specializes in respiratory training & servicing, maintenance, and fittings. They like Mounds View because it is closer for their employees. Their only concern is the upcoming construction in 2016. Commissioner Larson thanked Beeman for a job well done. Beeman said he enjoys meeting with the businesses and believes it is important to have someone who acts as the liaison between the city and local businesses. Some companies don't understand who they should be contacting at the city and if they call Beeman's number then he takes care of the rest and finds an answer for them as soon as he can. Commissioner Freichels said he believes businesses appreciate that because at the state level in government it can become very cumbersome trying to find the right person to talk to. Freichels has been doing business in Mounds View for many years and has found that Mounds View is a much easier city to work with than others his company has had to deal with. Beeman said most of the businesses always have positive things to say about the city and Beeman has to try and pull any type of negative information out of them. The only thing they can normally come up with is that the city needs more restaurants. Silver View Plaza Coordinator Beeman updated the Commission on Silver View Plaza, stating that the city has been watching this property for the maintenance upkeep and appearance. Beeman said the pot holes have been filled and the new property manager has inquired about replacing the large sign along County Road 10 in upcoming year. The property management company has the sign earmarked in their budget for 2016. They are looking at city codes and dimensions and pricing. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Development Update Next, Coordinator Beeman provided an update on anticipated improvements relating to Rice Creek Commons. An aerial picture and project timeline was posted for the Commission to review. Many projects relating to TCAAP will be completed at the end of 2016 and a few into 2017. Beeman stated the projects that affect Mounds View is the intersection of County Road 10 and H where turning lanes will be added and roundabouts both on the east and west sides of 1-35W. Beeman reiterated that Ramsey County has met several times with local businesses and has tried several times to contact the Lucky's gas station owner with no success. As a result, Ramsey County completed a study that determined a fuel truck would be able to turn around in the EDC Minutes August 21, 2015 Page 4 of 6 existing space even with two accesses being closed. Beeman informed the Commission that there will be an upcoming Council workshop meeting Monday August 24 at 7:00 p.m. where Ramsey County will be asking for municipal consent on the project. Beeman reminded the Commission that this meeting is open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend. Ramsey County is hoping that MnDOT will have signed the final plans before Monday night's meeting. Mounds View Prosect Updates Commissioner Rieland provided an update on the Bio Life building project. Bio Life has moved into their new building over the weekend. On Tuesday August 18 they had over 800 donors which was a record day. The ribbon cutting ceremony is set for October and all Commissioners are welcome to attend. The new site has alleviated the parking issue and the employees are happy to be there. Beeman asked Rieland if she has heard of anyone looking at filling the old Biolife space. Rieland said she had not. Beeman said he had talked to the property manager who was trying to find a tenant to fill the space, but so far hadn't heard of anything new. Beeman has knowledge of a company in town that was looking at the space, but they need taller ceilings. Coordinator Beeman updated the Commission on the new Bel Rae Senior Living facility stating that they are now 40% filled and taking on new reservations each week. Apple Tree Dental is planning their second floor buildout spring 2016 and may be adding 10 or more administrative staff. They are looking for parking solutions and staff has assisted them in working with the owner of the Movie Theater and Ramsey County Library. Other options may be parking at EI Loro or along each side of Mounds View Drive. If deciding upon the library option, the library would install the path and Apple Tree Dental would maintain the path. The path would be about 100 feet connecting the library building to the existing city trail. The owner of the building where Pat's Muffler Shop used to be has leased out the building to Auto Tech, an auto repair shop, for a three term. There are two owners and two to three employees. Rick Austin, owner of the building, is still considering the sale of the property to interested investors. A new business called Sankheda Wedding Services, Inc. has leased out the space where Holly Hood used to be. They sell Indian wedding materials. They will be using the Mounds View location as storage instead of a retail shop. As, they already have a store in the twin cities. Outsource Receivables is a new business that located across the street from City Hall. They are a medical billing business and a business retention and expansion visit will be scheduled soon. Snyder Building Beeman updated the Commission on the Snyder building. The owner is from Canada and built the building during the construction peak, then when the "Great Recession" hit, Snyder's handed over the keys and didn't honor their lease, leaving the owner stuck EDC Minutes August 21, 2015 Page 5 of 6 paying the mortgage. The owner is accepting reasonable offers above $1 mill and below $2 mill. The original asking price was $2.5 mill. The owner is an accomplished investor, owning some strip malls and three other pharmacies in Canada. He is open to any creative financing for a tenant or buyer and would like to see something happen but he is not willing to give it away either. County Road 10 Addressing Beeman then provided an update on the County Road 10 addressing stating that City Administrator, Jim Ericson had sent the Post Office some emails outlining the issue surrounding the addressing confusion. The Post Office had refused to deliver to the new Bel Rae Senior Living facility because the old County road signs have never been replaced to reflect the newer County Road 10 name. The Post Office was under the impression that the signs were city signs when in reality they are county signs. The County has the authority to change the signs and is the responsible entity to come up with the funding to change the signs. The city had at one time; gone to the extent of meeting with other cities agreeing on a name. However, that effort was halted when exploring resources to pay for the new signs. Businesses are still using three to four variations of County Road 10 and U.S. trunk highway 10 is to the north, also running through Mounds View, adding to the confusion. The Post Office has agreed to continue delivery to the different variations of the address for now. However, the bottom line is that this will continue to be an issue into the future until enough money is allocated to the project to change the signs. City staff will update the Commission if conditions change. Mounds View Business Council Meeting Next, Beeman informed the Commission that the Mounds View Business Council meetings will start up again September 9, 2015 at 7:30 a.m. at the Mounds View Community Center. They are still working on getting a speaker for the meeting. Commissioner Jessica Rieland said she has a speaker from Biolife that is interested in speaking at the meeting however, she hasn't heard back if this is confirmed. Beeman asked Rieland to copy him on the email and he will take care of it. Other Upcoming Events Beeman informed the Commission of some upcoming events. Music in the Park was held August 20, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at Silver View Park. Commissioner Rieland said she had attended and it was a fun time. The band was a country band called, "Two Hicks and a Chick". The Festival in the Park will be held Saturday, August 22. Beeman said the festival starts with a classic car show, then a parade at 10:00 a.m. and a fly -in at the Anoka County/Blaine airport. There will be lots of people, traffic, some street closures, and limited parking. There will be a 5K fun run and bike race, live music, crafts, food vendors, with a fireworks finally. Beeman encouraged everyone to attend and he has been advertising the event on the city's website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts, but word of mount is just as good. EDC Minutes August 21, 2015 Page 6of6 Beeman reminded the Commission that Monday, September 7, 2015 is Labor Day and the city offices will be closed. 7. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS Acting Chair, Jim Freichels thanked Coordinator Beeman for his comprehensive report and that it was nice to learn that most of the businesses are happy to be in Mounds View. Freichels then asked if the Commissioners had anything to report. Commissioner Stevenson reported that the Festival in the Park 5K Fun Run will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the parade starting at 10:00 a.m. Food and drinks will start at 7:00 a.m. in the City Hall parking lot. 8. NEXT REGULAR EDC MEETING Hearing no further comments from Commissioners or the audience, Freichels stated the next meeting will be held September 18 at 7:30 a.m. if needed. 9. ADJOURN There being no further business, Acting Chair Freichels adjourned the August 21, 2015, meeting at approximately 8:08 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Brian Beeman Business Development Coordinator