HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-2002
Minutes of the Economic Development Commission
City of Mounds View
Ramsey County, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
May 17, 2002
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 7:44 a.m.
2. ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Dr. Greg Belting, Tom Field, Dave Fox, Jason Helgemoe, Torri Johnson, and
Stan McDonald
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Economic Development Coordinator Aaron Backman
Others Present: EDA Liaison Rich Sonterre
3. APPROVAL OF EDC MINUTES:
Motion/Second: Field moved and Johnson seconded the approval of the April 19, 2002 EDC
minutes.
Motion Carried: 6 Ayes 0 Nays
4. SPECIAL BUSINESS
No Special Business Scheduled.
5. REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS, STAFF AND EDA LIAISON
A. Commissioner Reports:
There were no reports.
B. Report of EDA Liaison:
Mayor Rich Sonterre mentioned that the strike of the City of Mounds View employees was settled
on Wednesday night, May 15th and that employees returned to work yesterday morning. The City
Council looks forward to moving beyond the contractual issues and is eager to get back to the
business of the city. Mayor Sonterre highlighted the efforts of Ericson and Backman, and the
extra hours they put in during the labor dispute.
C. NB-MV Chamber of Commerce Update:
Backman discussed developments regarding the merger of the New Brighton-Mounds View
Chamber. After considering Southern Anoka, Metro North and St. Paul Area Chamber, the
Executive Committee recommended merging with the Southern Anoka Chamber. The NB-MV
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May 17, 2002
Page 2
Chamber Board of Directors considered merger options at its April 25th meeting at the Pratt-
Ordway Building in New Brighton. All but one director voted in favor of the Executive Committee
recommendations. The Southern Anoka Chamber Board of Directors met in Fridley on May 10th
and unanimously approved the merger. Over the past week all NBMV members voted on the
merger. Of the 116 paid members, 52 voted on the merger. Of those voting, 50 or 96% voted in
favor of the move. The existing office in New Brighton will close on June 30th and the new
Chamber based in Fridley will open July 1st.
The NB-MV Chamber Business of the Year Luncheon will occur on June 6th at the New Brighton
Family Service Center. Field highlighted some of the results of the Annual Chamber Golf
Tournament that was held at Brightwood Hills Golf Course on May 16th.
D. Report of Staff:
1. Revised 2000 TIF Report: Each year the City of Mounds View submits a financial report
regarding Tax Increment Financing to the State. In order for the City of Mounds View to
accurately complete the 2001 TIF District Report that goes to the Office of State Auditor
(OSA), the end-of-year balances for FY2000 need to be accurate. Both Charlie Hansen, the
City’s Finance Director and Backman did not have confidence in last year’s numbers. Shelly
Eldridge from Ehlers & Associates reviewed the 2000 TIF Report. She estimates that 75% of
the numbers in that report are not correct. Therefore, permission was sought (and approved)
from the City Council to have Ehlers reconstruct the 2000 TIF Report. Backman and Hansen
met with Eldridge on 5/14/02 to review the revised report. It is largely done and will be
submitted to the City later in June.
2. Manufactured Home Park Revitalization Activities: In 2001 the City was able to garner a
CDBG grant through Ramsey County to improve the home units at Mounds View Mobile
Home Park. The voluntary program has two elements to it—an acquisition program to
purchase and demolish substandard manufactured homes and a rehabilitation program to
upgrade existing units to eliminate health and safety violations. Following the April 10th
meeting of Ramsey County (community development staff), Durand & Associates (the
property mgmt. company), and City staff, several milestones need to be met. Ramsey
County sent a letter on April 29th delineating its expectations. Ramsey Co. wanted a
commitment on the part of the park owners to invest in needed infrastructure (eg.
water/sewer line replacements). Durand & Associates has not provided this letter yet
because it is still getting quotes from contractors. The main discussion point is whether the
main water line should be replaced or not. Perry Hansen hopes to have line testing quotes in
the next two weeks. Originally the goal was to have a community meeting to discuss the
housing program with the residents prior to Memorial Day. Due to the process taking longer,
the public meeting will probably occur in late June.
3. Highway 10 Revitalization Public Meeting: The Highway 10 Revitalization Plan was
presented by Todd Halunen, URS, and City representatives at a Public Meeting on April 24th
at 6:00 p.m. in the M.V. Community Center. Backman discussed some highlights from the
meeting. He noted that 40-50 people attended the presentation, question and answer
period, and the open house to view the plan diagrams. Sonterre felt that given the
importance of the study more citizens should be interested and attend these forums to ask
questions, and discuss community issues and redevelopment.
4. I-35W Corridor Coalition—Housing Subcommittee Activities: Backman reported attending
the Housing Subcommittee meeting on May 6th. A significant portion of the meeting was
devoted to a demographics presentation by John Carpenter from Excensus, LLC. His report
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May 17, 2002
Page 3
focuses on the relationship between demographics and housing for the Coalition
communities. In general housing does affect the population “balance” of cities. Other
discussions focused on the Housing Build-out Study. The group seeks a better
understanding of the potential for and implications of Smart Growth in terms of housing
types, site design, and linkages.
5. I-35W Corridor Coalition—Economic Development Activities: Backman attended the
Economic Development & Marketing Committee meeting on May 7th. Members discussed
developing a marketing insert highlighting all member communities for an upcoming issue of
the Twin Cities Business Monthly magazine.
7. EDC BUSINESS
A. 2002 Minnesota Business Assistance Form: Backman submitted this annual form to the Dept. of
Trade & Economic Development on May 31st.
B. Development of Second Remodeling Planbook for Split-Level Homes: In 1998 the Mounds View
EDA authorized the expenditure of $5,000 to participate in the first remodeling Planbook.
Published in 1999, the first Planbook focused on remodeling options for Ramblers and Cape Cod
homes. A consortium of 15 communities split the cost of developing and printing 5,000 copies of
the book (approx. $60,000). Citizens of Mounds View can purchase this Planbook for $10 each.
A second Planbook is currently in the works. It likewise will be undertaken by a consortium of
communities. The focus of the second Planbook is on Split-Entry/Split Level homes. Backman
suggested the City of Mounds View commit $2,500 for the second remodeling Planbook. The
City’s EDA approved this expenditure at its May 13th meeting. Other communities have
committed to the project or are in the process of doing so. Backman will keep the Commission
informed as to the status of the 2nd Planbook.
C. Business Prospects: Backman briefly discussed the status of Abbey Carpet, Now Bikes, and a
proposed laundry facility in the Silver View Plaza.
D. Met Council Livable Community Grant Application Workshop: The Metropolitan Council
administers two types of grants from its Livable Communities Fund—Opportunity Grants and
Development Grants. The Opportunity Grants fund early planning or predevelopment costs to
develop project-specific and site-specific land use plans. A total of $500,000 is available this
fiscal year. Backman intended to work with Jim Atkinson in the office to submit an application to
the Met Council by the May 15th deadline. The Mounds View strike, however, made submission
difficult. Backman requested a one-week extension to submit the application. This was granted.
E. Other: Nothing else discussed.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Backman indicated that he had arranged for a tour of Liberty Enterprises at their check printing facility at
2222 Woodale in the MV Business Park. Bruce Bednarek, Director of Facilities for Liberty and Brooks
Manning, Assist. Operations Manager, will be meeting the EDC members at the door prior to the tour.
Given that the tour is to begin at 8:30 a.m., and there being no further business before the Commission,
Chair Belting adjourned the May 17th meeting of the Economic Development Commission at 8:25 a.m.
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May 17, 2002
Page 4
Respectfully submitted,
Aaron A. Backman
Economic Development Coordinator
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