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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-19-2007 Minutes of the Economic Development Commission City of Mounds View Ramsey County, Minnesota Regular Meeting October 19, 2007 City of Mounds View, Council Chambers 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Jason Helgemoe called the meeting to order at 7:40 a.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Tom Field, Gary Meehlhause, Jason Helgemoe, Jerry Jaker, Torri Johnson Members Absent: Greg Belting, Jackie Entsminger Staff Present: Community Development Director Jim Ericson 3. APPROVAL OF EDC MINUTES: Motion/Second: Commissioner Meelhause moved and Commissioner Johnson seconded the approval of the September 21, 2007 EDC minutes. Motion Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays 4. SPECIAL BUSINESS None. 5. EDC BUSINESS A. Review Economic Development Component of Comprehensive Plan: Community Development Director Ericson stated that the Comprehensive Plan is the City’s guiding document/framework for the future. The last time the Plan was updated was in 2001 and Director Ericson stated that all City boards and commissions are being asked to provide input on relevant sections of the plan (i.e. the EDC is being asked to review the Economic Development component of the plan). Director Ericson stated that he is not requesting that the EDC take action on this issue today. Commissioner Johnson recalled that during the last Comprehensive Plan update, the EDC reviewed the Economic Development component in “chunks”, which seemed less overwhelming. Chairperson Helgemoe suggested that the new Economic Development Specialist facilitate the EDC’s review of the plan beginning at the November EDC meeting. Furthermore, Chairperson Helgemoe asked that the EDC “jump ahead” to item 7A on the agenda (Economic Development Specialist position update). Director Ericson reported that Heidi Steinmetz has accepted Mounds View’s offer of employment as the new Economic Development Specialist and her first day will be November 5, 2007. Director Ericson commented on Ms. Steinmetz’s experience, which includes six years of Economic EDC Minutes October 19, 2007 Page 2 Development experience in the City of Elk River. He added that Ms. Steinmetz is looking forward to a new opportunity in her career as the “lead” Economic Development person for Mounds View. Commissioner Johnson asked Director Ericson about Ms. Steinmetz’s first few projects in Mounds View. Director Ericson indicated that the first three priorities will be the Premium Stop redevelopment, the Saturn relocation/Multi-Tech vacant lot development and the revitalization of Silver View Plaza. Director Ericson added that Ms. Steinmetz’s niche is marketing and that branding Mounds View will also be an important part of Ms. Steinmetz’s job. Commissioner Field added that it will be interesting to reevaluate the EDC’s priorities in January and he looks forward to doing so. 6. REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Johnson reported that she attended the City’s Street and Utility Improvement Program Public Informational Meeting on October 15, 2007. She said that it was well attended by residents in, that the presentations were well-done, that the meeting was well set-up and that no questions were left unanswered. Commissioner Johnson continued with sincere congratulations to the Irondale High School football team for a wonderful season. She feels that their success has added to Mounds View’s community spirit, which contributes to positive Economic Development. Director Ericson added that the Irondale marching band is also doing very well this year. In addition, Commissioner Meehlhause congratulated the Irondale Cross County team and the Irondale National Merit Scholarship finalists. 7. REPORTS OF STAFF A. Economic Development Specialist Position Update: This item was discussed above. B. Premium Stop Redevelopment Update: Director Ericson stated that staff has been working with Master Development on a Preliminary Development Agreement for the site and that it is Master’s preference to include the Robert’s parcel within the project; however it is unknown at this time whether or not it is feasible. Director Ericson reported that the property was up for auction on October 11, 2007, however the auction did not result in the sale of the property. He added that the two-month redemption period for the property expires on November 11, 2007 and that he hopes to have more information to report at the next EDC meeting. Commissioner Johnson asked about the zoning of the property. Director Ericson stated that it is zoned B-3, which is one of the most permissive business uses in the community. He added that the concept plans for the project indicate a residential use, which would add roughly ten million dollars to the City’s tax base. He forecasted the potential City involvement in assisting the developer to make the project financial feasible. Chairperson Helgemoe asked if the developer has talked with the owners of the Taiko sushi restaurant. Director Ericson stated that the developer has discussed the redevelopment concept with the owners and that they are willing to participate in the project if financially feasible. Several Commissioners inquired of Master Development’s experience and requested examples of the developer’s past projects. Director Ericson offered to e-mail a copy to the EDC of Master’s response to the City’s Request for Qualifications. EDC Minutes October 19, 2007 Page 3 C. Other Various Updates (added to the agenda): Totino's: Director Ericson confirmed that Totino’s has signed a lease with Mounds View Square to locate in the building that is currently occupied by the Original Mattress Factory. Commissioner Field asked about the Original Mattress Factory’s search for a new site and if the company prefers a stand-alone building or if they’re interested in Silver View Plaza. Director Ericson believes that a strip mall is an option. Silver View Plaza: Chairperson Helgemoe asked if a Kraus-Anderson (Silver View Plaza property owner) representative other than the leasing agent or the property manager should attend the November EDC meeting. Director Ericson agreed that it is time to discuss the future of Silver View Plaza with the proper representative from Kraus-Anderson and will extend the invitation for the next EDC meeting. He added that Kraus-Anderson’s position has been to secure tenants prior to remodeling the building; however staff believes that renovating the building would better attract tenants. Director Ericson feels that 2008 is a year in which Kraus-Anderson will make a solid decision regarding the future of the property due to the high-vacancy rates over the last 1.5 years. Commissioner Johnson mentioned that the new walking trails are highly utilized and perhaps this would help boost the success of the facility. Commissioner Field asked the status of Wynsong Theater and if there are less screens being used. Director Ericson responded that he is not aware of any changes at the theater; Commissioner Johnson agreed. Commissioner Field added that perhaps there is an opportunity for a synergy to be developed between the theater and Silver View Plaza (if the mall could attract evening users). Chairperson Helgemoe took this opportunity to thank Director Ericson for wearing “three hats” as the Interim City Administrator, the Community Development Director and for taking on extra duties during the Economic Development Specialist vacancy. Skyline Motel: Director Ericson stated that the property sits on almost two acres and is zoned light industrial. The owner is willing to sell the property and Director Ericson predicts that the City may see changes on the site within six to nine months. Christmas Tree Lot (Integra Homes): The Planning Commission and City Council has approved a townhome project on this site, which is just over three acres in size. This project will include nineteen units. It is anticipated that construction will commence in the Spring of 2008. Harstad Townhomes: Three new townhome buildings were constructed this year. Director Ericson added that City staff toured some of the model units, which were impressive. Medtronic Commissioner Johnson mentioned the “Thank you, Mounds View” billboard on Hwy 10. Chairperson Helgemoe asked if the EDC could get a tour of the facility. Director Ericson said that Medtronic is more than happy to host a tour once the final fire inspection is completed. A tour could occur in December. Ferrellgas This company has requested a Conditional Use Permit and wishes to locate on Mustang Circle within 700 feet of the Townsedge Manufactured Home Park. The City Council requested a Risk Management Plan almost one year ago, which the company has not been submitted. Arden Hills TCAAP Site Chairperson Helgemoe asked Director Ericson if there are any concerns from Mounds View’s standpoint regarding this project. Mounds View’s Public Works Director has been meeting monthly with Arden Hills staff regarding the project. The develop concept includes a reconstruction of County EDC Minutes October 19, 2007 Page 4 Road H, which will benefit Mounds View however there are unknowns regarding the impact the project will have on County Road I. Traffic concerns will be discussed as the project moves forward. Johnson Property Director Ericson forecasted that a planning application may be submitted next year on this property, located on the corner of Groveland and County Road 10. 8. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Commission, Chairperson Helgemoe adjourned the meeting 8:25 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Heidi Steinmetz Economic Development Specialist