Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-2005 Minutes of the Economic Development Commission City of Mounds View Ramsey County, Minnesota Regular Meeting November 18, 2005 City of New Brighton Council Chambers 803 Old Highway 8, New Brighton, MN 55112 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Torri Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:37 a.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Jackie Entsminger, Jason Helgemoe, Jerry Jaker, Torri Johnson and Greg Belting Members Absent: Tom Field, Stan McDonald Staff Present: Community Development Director Jim Ericson 3. APPROVAL OF EDC MINUTES: No minutes were available for review or consideration. 4. SPECIAL BUSINESS No special business was discussed or considered. 5. EDA BUSINESS A. Joint Meeting of the EDA and the EDC. Ericson provided the Commission with an update of the joint meeting of the Economic Development Authority and the Economic Development Commission on November 14, 2005, which was a continuation of the meeting convened on September 6, 2005. Commissioners Johnson and Belting attended this joint meeting. Ericson indicated that they appreciated the efforts of the EDC and recognized the value of the projects and priorities identified by the Commission, however the EDA did not necessarily support real estate acquisitions unless through the Housing Replacement Program. The EDA would however support financial assistance to developers or property owners wishing to undertake redevelopment activity in the corridor. The EDA’s priorities start with the County Road 10 Corridor Improvement Program followed by street reconstruction needs city-wide. Other priorities included funding for a trailway along Silver Lake Road, providing assistance for redevelopment within the corridor and continued support of the Housing Replacement Program. The EDA discussed the merits of changing how Fiscal Disparities are addressed within the three TIF districts and the financial impacts of making changes Belting reiterated that the EDC’s priorities were also focused County Road 10 and agreed with the EDA that eminent domain should not be a component of the city’s redevelopment efforts. He did express concern about using TIF for city-wide street reconstruction purposes, indicating that EDC Minutes November 18, 2005 Page 2 TIF is not a long-term funding source and should be used to strengthen the redevelopment efforts within the corridor. Jaker agreed with Belting, indicating that while street improvements are very important, perhaps TIF dollars should not be used for street improvements outside of the corridor. Chair Johnson suggested it may be a good idea to formulate some suggested guidelines for utilizing TIF dollars on general street reconstruction projects, if in fact the EDA is leaning in that direction. Johnson felt the presentation and preparations done by the Ehlers’ staff was excellent. Belting reminded the Commission of the “use it or lose it” aspect of the captured increment, in that the City needs to identify and obligate the TIF dollars to specific projects or risk losing the funds altogether. Ericson confirmed this to be the case. 6. REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS, STAFF AND EDA LIAISON A. Johnson reviewed articles that were reported in a recent issue of the local Focus newspaper relating to the hire of Bruce Nustad as president of the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce and another which reported that the Schwan’s Cup youth soccer tournament had been named the best single sport amateur sports event in the country by Sports Travel Magazine. The Schwan’s Cup is the largest youth soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere. The event is held annually at the National Sports Center in Blaine, which, at 602 acres, holds the distinction of being the largest amateur sports facility in the world. B. Reports of Staff: 1. Update on Medtronic CRM Corporate Campus: Ericson provided an update on the Medtronic project, beginning with actions approved by the City Council on November 14, 2005 which included the final plat, the rezoning ordinance, the ordinance to vacate the excess right of way and easements, and the wetland alteration permit. Ericson spoke about golf course auction held on November 9, reporting that almost every item sold with the exception of the golf course greens. The City received a check in the amount of $123,000 as auction proceeds, more than what it had been expecting. The auction was very well organized with good turn-out in spite of being cancelled and rescheduled. Finally, Ericson reported that the Medtronic groundbreaking was scheduled for December 7th and that he assumed all the EDC members would be invited. 2. Update on SYSCO Minnesota Parking Expansion: Ericson explained that there was nothing new to update on the project, which in itself is worth noting. The Ramsey County board of commissioners will be voting to “turn-back” the excess Long Lake Road right of way that bisects the SYSCO site, which the City would then vacate to create one single lot. Other issues relative to the project have been raised by the Met Council and the DNR, who feel the expansion is inconsistent with the City’s adopted Bridges AUAR. Because of this, the Met Council has not approved the Comp Plan amendment necessary for the three acre expansion. 3. Snyders Redevelopment: Ericson reported that construction is moving forward smoothly and that they are planning a December 17th store opening. He indicated that the redevelopment is an excellent example of the type of redevelopment needed in the corridor yet often difficult to achieve without City involvement. EDC Minutes November 18, 2005 Page 3 4. Laport Meadows Housing Redevelopment: Ericson distributed a single map which illustrated the wetland delineation boundary in the Laport Meadows area south and east of Ardan Park. The full delineation report would be received shortly from consultant SEH. Ericson reported that some residents have expressed concern over the possible residential redevelopment, with a few indicating that would not support selling their properties to the developer. Ericson communicated to the Commission that he and Coordinator Backman have had to respond to many rumors that the City had sold Ardan Park or would be forcing people out of their homes or that the City was a partner with Skyline builders on the project—none of which were true. Ericson indicated that the Council was not ready to support a project that eliminated the compost site and would not be willing to support eminent domain, thus the developer would need to negotiate in good faith with all affected property owners and have signed agreements in hand before even accepting such a redevelopment application. 5. Other Issues: Some discussion ensured about the Premium Stop gas station and the status of the property. Ericson confirmed that it was for sale and that he had spoken with the leasing agent for the property, who indicated the only interest they had received was from people interested in continuing it as an independent fuel station. Ericson also provided an update regarding the formed Donut Connection building, which was recently acquired and will become the Taiko Sushi Bar, the second such store for the property owner, the other being in New Brighton. Chair Johnson asked about term expirations, wondering whose terms were expiring this year and the process for renewing. Ericson responded that either he or Coordinator Backman would provide those commissioners whose terms are expiring with applications to renew, which he hoped all would consider doing. The past practice has been to reappoint those members who desire to continue serving on their respective board or commission. 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Commission, Johnson adjourned the November 18th meeting of the Economic Development Commission at 8:20 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Jim Ericson Community Development Director \\Trout\CommDev\Economic Development\EDC\Minutes\Min05\11-18-05.doc