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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-21-2007 Minutes of the Economic Development Commission City of Mounds View Ramsey County, Minnesota Regular Meeting September 21, 2007 City of Mounds View, Council Chambers 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 1. CALL TO ORDER: Acting Chairperson Torri Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:38 a.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Greg Belting, Jackie Entsminger, Jerry Jaker, Torri Johnson Members Absent: Tom Field, Gary Meehlhause, Jason Helgemoe Staff Present: Community Development Director Jim Ericson Others Present: Building Official Kathi Osmonson 3. APPROVAL OF EDC MINUTES: Director Ericson requested consideration of a motion to waive preparation of meeting minutes for meetings occurring on December 15, 2006, January 19, 2007, February 16, 2007, April 6, 2007, and May 11, 2007. Director Ericson indicated it was his intent to prepare minutes for this meeting and all subsequent meetings. Commissioner Jaker asked if there were any exposure as a body in doing so. Director Ericson responded that there was video documentation of all meetings which would serve as minutes for future reference, if ever the need arose. Commissioner Entsminger moved approval of staff’s request to forego the preparation of minutes for the dates indicated. Commissioner Jaker seconded the motion. Motion Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays 4. SPECIAL BUSINESS Director Ericson introduced Building Official and Fire Marshal Kathi Osmonson, who had not previously appeared before the EDC. Building Official Osmonson talked about the Medtronic project and the status of the development. She referenced copies of a bimonthly report that she’s maintained during the 18 month construction schedule. She indicated that Medtronic employees were beginning to move into the north tower. Equipment is being installed in the labs. At the end of October, the central tower will be occupied and toward the middle of November the south tower will be occupied. Upon full occupancy, Osmonson plans to walk through the facility with Medtronic safety staff. The buildings are fully sprinklered, designed and tested to meet the standards of a high rise facility. It’s most certainly the most complex building ion the City. EDC Minutes Sept 21, 2007 Page 2 Commissioner Entsminger asked Building Official Osmonson which fire departments would be responding if there ever were an incident at Medtronic. Building Official answered that Station 1 would be the first one the scene and then provided some background regarding the mini-pumper that was purchased by Medtronic and provided to the fire department to respond to incidents within the parking ramps. Commissioner Johnson asked what Building Official Osmonson was most proud of as a result of working on this project. Building Official Osmonson indicated that the project has been a career defining experience and appreciated the opportunity to pull together such a wide variety of consultants and peer professionals to manage the breadth of the work involved. Commissioner Jaker wondered when the project would be considered officially completed. Building Official Osmonson indicated that when all the labs are moved in and inspected, after the short list of issues have been addressed, then after the Occupancy Certificate has been issued and the fire inspection has been passed. Probably by the end of the year, she anticipated. Commissioner Belting asked if it would be possible to get a tour of the facility after the work has been completed. Building Official Osmonson responded that it would be her pleasure to schedule such a tour with the EDC, the City Council and Staff. 5. EDC BUSINESS A. Review potential unfinished Commission business. Director Ericson asked the Commissioners if there was any unfinished business that needed to be addressed. He mentioned the Business Improvement Partnership Program as one potential issue. He updated the EDC regarding the status of The Station’s request for funding through the BIPP and that The Station decided to move forward without the assistance after it became clear that the City Council had some issues with the program. Director Ericson confirmed that there are no present or pending requests for assistance through this program. The EDC members suggested they should revisit the program perhaps after the economic development specialist position has been filled. B. Discuss future potential Commission business. Director Ericson asked the Commissioners if there was anything on the horizon that needed to be addressed by the EDC. Commissioner Johnson remarked that the Commission usually prepares an annual redevelopment priority list which could be discussed in January. Commission Belting asked that at a future meeting the Commission be updated on the comprehensive trailway project, especially since TIF dollars are being used on the project. Commissioner Johnson asked if the EDA had made any requests of the EDC. Director Ericson indicated that the EDA has been meeting rarely as of late. 6. REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS There were no reports from the commissioners. 7. REPORTS OF STAFF A. Medtronic Update. Director Ericson echoed Building Official Osmonson’s comments about how incredibly educational and enlightening the project has been, and that he has been impressed by Building Official Osmonson’s ability to stay on top of all the issues and for not being afraid to bring in assistance when it was determined necessary. He indicated that OPUS has been great to work with. EDC Minutes Sept 21, 2007 Page 3 B. Status of the Economic Development Specialist position. Director Ericson indicated that the position was posted and candidates were interviewed with an offer extended to the most qualified candidate. The candidate ultimately did not accept the offer and staff decided to readvertise for the position, starting the process all over again. Interviews were again conducted and qualified candidates have been identified. Action will be delayed however until more is known about how the Council plans to deal with the vacant city administrator position. Director Ericson admitted that action would need to occur soon as there are many projects that have been put on hold as a result of Aaron Backman’s resignation and he is concerned that opportunities will be lost and some things will fall through the cracks if put off too long. Commissioner Entsminger expressed her hope that the Council supported filling the position as there is an immediate need to bring someone in to further the economic development goals of the City. She reiterated that the City is not fully developed and this position helps grow the tax base. Commissioner Johnson indicated that not filling the position would be terribly shortsighted. The money that the position can bring in far exceeds the cost of salary and benefits. C. Premium Stop Redevelopment Update. Director Ericson provided copies of a preliminary development agreement that had been prepared by the City Attorney that was forwarded to Master Development. Master had submitted the only response to the City’s Request for Qualifications and they had indicated concurrence with the planning study the City conducted with the assistance of Bonestroo and DSU. Director Ericson reviewed the preferred land use plan for the Premium Stop site as well as Robert’s and the adjoining properties. Director Ericson confirmed that the Robert’s parcel is scheduled for auction on October 11, 2007. Commissioner Johnson asked whether Robert’s would be able to re-open. Director Ericson indicated that it appeared unlikely that Robert’s would be re-opened by the Waste family, however others have expressed interest in re-opening the facility under new ownership and management or perhaps as a retail use. Director Ericson indicated that the zoning is B-3, Highway Business commercial, which is a fairly permissive zoning district. The City’s goal is to have a complete redevelopment of the parcel and tie it in with the City’s parcel, however this cannot be guaranteed unless the City or the preferred developer purchases the land. Commissioner Belting asked to confirm whether the auction was for the contents of the building or the land and the building. Director Ericson confirmed that the auction was for the building and land, although there may be some fixtures and other assets within the building that might be included. D. Other. 1. The Commission asked for an update on the Saturn site. Director Ericson indicated that the Blaine City Council had approved a rezoning application and it appeared certain that Saturn would be moving at some point in the near future. Director Ericson indicated he has been in contact with Saturn officials who confirm they have been talking with other auto dealers who may have an interest in the site. He mentioned that it would not be the City’s desire to see another dealership replace Saturn, as it seems to be an underutilized property, especially when combined with the vacant Multi-tech land adjacent to Saturn. Saturn has confirmed that they would be willing to sell the property right away if an entity would agree to a lease-back arrangement until the new Blaine facility is ready to go. Director Ericson admitted the City would be more involved if it had an economic development specialist on staff. EDC Minutes Sept 21, 2007 Page 4 2. The Commissioner asked for an update on Totinos. Director Ericson indicated that he’s been in close contact with the leasing agent for Mounds View Square who remains very optimistic that a lease would be signed soon, however there have been delays with the purchase of the Totino land in Northeast Minneapolis which has resulted in a delay in getting the lease signed. 3. Commissioner Johnson asked about a building project on County Road H next to the Mermaid. Director Ericson responded that the construction was for Herbst and Son who was expanding the business to keep more of their work indoors. 4. Director Ericson updated the Council on the Skyline Motel and the fact that some developers have expressed an interest in the property and was hopeful there would be more to update by the next meeting. 8. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Commission, Acting Chair Johnson adjourned the meeting 8:16a.m. Respectfully submitted, James Ericson Community Development Coordinator \\Trout\commdev\Economic Development\EDC\Minutes\Min07\09-21-07.doc