HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-16-2004
Minutes of the Economic Development Commission
City of Mounds View
Ramsey County, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
April 16, 2004
City of Mounds View, Council Chambers
2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Torri Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:37 a.m.
2. ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Greg Belting, Jackie Entsminger, Tom Field, David Fox, Jason Helgemoe,
Torri Johnson, Stan McDonald
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Economic Development Coordinator Aaron Backman
Others Present: None.
3. APPROVAL OF EDC MINUTES:
Motion/Second: Belting moved and McDonald seconded the approval of the February 20, 2004 EDC
minutes.
Motion Carried: 7 Ayes 0 Nays
4. SPECIAL BUSINESS
A. No Special Business Scheduled
5. REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS, STAFF AND EDA LIAISON
A. Commissioner Reports: None
B. Report of EDA Liaison: None
C. TCN Chamber of Commerce Update: On April 12, 2004 a Minnesota Vikings Rally was held at
the TPC in Blaine. Bud Grant was the keynote speaker and a new stadium was discussed. On
April 26th a Multi-Chamber event involving four area chambers with booths from local businesses
will be held at the Mermaid. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. The Annual Golf Tournament will be
held on May 25th at the Majestic Oaks Golf Course.
EDC Minutes
April 16, 2004
Page 2
D. Report of Staff:
1. Hwy 10 Business Center Project: Backman has passed along business prospects to John
Kopas for filling out the remaining space in the Hwy 10 Business Center. Nothing has been
firmed up yet regarding the fourth bay.
2. PUD Amendment to Allow Religious Institution as a Permitted Use for Building N in M.V.
Business Park (Bethlehem Baptist Church): The sale of the building is contingent upon the
City approving an amendment to the PUD to allow a religious organization to be located in
the Mounds View Business Park. The PUD amendment was discussed at a public hearing
on April 12, 2004. The issue went before the Planning Commission on March 3, 2004. The
Commission recommended approval of the amendment from a landuse perspective. (e.g.
there is sufficient parking for the church at the proposed site). The main issue is the financial
impact to the City if the property becomes tax exempt. Property tax revenue would be lost.
While a PILOT has not been agreed to, the church has offered to spend $25,000 per year
(the Service Project Fund). A committee of City and Church representatives would allocate
resources for park and rec projects. An additional $5,000 per year would be paid directly to
the City to offset the loss of TIF administrative fees. These payments would occur over ten
years. Belting asked how long the $25,000 would be paid. Backman replied that they would
continue indefinitely. Belting inquired about the termination of the TIF Agreement with
Michael Investments. Backman believes that church and the holder of the TIF Note will seek
to terminate the TIF Agreement. Field asked about legal costs reimbursement. Ericson
indicated that the applicant (the Church) is being invoiced for the City’s legal costs in this
matter. After the public hearing on April 12th, the City Council directed staff to draft a
resolution of approval for the next council meeting on April 26th, and to direct staff to
negotiate the financial contributions from the Church. Motion passed 4 to 1.
3. Preliminary Plat / Plan Submittal Developer Activities—Velmeir Companies (Amoco Site):
Backman pointed to plans of the CVS Pharmacy taped to the wall of the Council Chamber.
Loucks Associates, working with Velmeir, submitted the preliminary plat and utility plans to
the City yesterday. Staff is currently reviewing them. The preliminary plat goes before the
Planning Commission on May 5, 2004. Belting asked about the issue in the newspaper of
the CVS projects in St. Paul having siting difficulties. Ericson responded that is issue is
design standards. A local business group wants a different look for the store proposed for
the Midway area in St. Paul.
4. Purchase & Redevelopment Agreement between the City of Mounds View and by Pro Craft
Homes & (Woods of Mounds View / Hidden Hollow): Backman reminded the members that
the name of the housing project will be Hidden Hollow instead of The Woods of Mounds
View. Backman reviewed the key documents being drafted—Purchase & Redevelopment
Agreement (the document that transfers the land from the EDA/City to ProCraft & reaffirms
the Developers commitment to build the homes); the Developer’s Agreement (the document
that details responsibilities, including the public improvements and the plat); the Petition &
Waiver Agreement (the document where the developer requests that the City undertake the
public improvements), the Promissory Note and the Mortgage. Backman expects that the
Petition & Waiver Agreement will be signed today so that the City’s engineering activities
continue to move forward. The purchase price of the City’s property is $299,000, with five
payments over one year at 4.0% interest. The preliminary plat goes to the Planning
Commission on April 21st.
EDC Minutes
April 16, 2004
Page 3
5. Metro North CVB—New Executive Director Hired: The Board selected Bob Musil as the
Executive Director for the MMNCVB. He served as the Executive Director of the Red Wing
Convention & Visitors Bureau. Mr. Musil starts his position on April 19, 2004. The Mpls.
Metro North CVB has also hired a new Sales Manager to support Meeting & Convetion
activities.
6. Seeking Appraisals for Acquiring Gas & Wash (2525 Co. Hwy 10): The current owners of
the gas station at the intersection of Long Lake and Co. Highway 10 (Gas for Less) have put
the property on the market. The City of Mounds View is considering acquiring the property.
Backman indicated that the one-acre site could be acquired for several different purposes—
Long Lake Road re-alignment, land for additional public facilities, or for commercial
redevelopment. Before the City can pursue this course an appraisal is necessary. Backman
sought proposals for an appraisal from five certified commercial appraisers. This step will go
before the EDA on April 26, 2004, with an estimated cost between $2,500 and $4,000.
Johnson asked about cleanup costs. Ericson replied that if the decision is to not operate it
as a gas station, then there likely would be additional costs. Field suggested that an
environmental transaction screen or a Phase I environmental assessment be considered to
evaluate the potential liability if the property is acquired.
7. Viking Stadium in Blaine/The Preserve at Rice Creek: Backman distributed a handout and
discussed the information regarding stadium costs, etc. Anoka County/Blaine are developing
a Master Planned Community that is anchored by the football stadium.
6. EDC BUSINESS
A. Revising the Development District documents (Ehlers & Associates): Staff is working with Ehlers
to update and consolidate TIF plan documents. This includes revised TIF budgets and plan
amendments.
B. Amending the TIF Plan to Identify Parcels for Potential Acquisition: Backman distributed a map
with highlighted parcels for the Commission to consider. He asked members about properties in
the City that could be acquired by the City with TIF dollars for development or redevelopment
purposes, and if they should be added to those already identified on the map. During the
discussion Chair Johnson left for another commitment. Members discussed and added various
residential and commercial properties to the map that will be presented to the City.
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Commission, Helgemoe adjourned the April 16th meeting of
the Economic Development Commission at 8:59 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Aaron A. Backman
Economic Development Coordinator
\\Trout\CommDev\Economic Development\EDC\Minutes\Min04\4-16-04.doc