The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About02-23-1995 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA 111 FEBRUARY 23, 1995 6:00 P.M. MOUNDS VIEW CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER o •°3 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL (Present = P, Absent = A) if, Goff ,/ Schmidt If Malone ✓ Seipp Letwe-4,1i-bsegtalfountin V Welsch V Nelson ✓/ Hankner (EDA Liaison) ✓ Bennett (Staff) 3. APPROVE EDC MINUTES • • No minutes for approval 4. SPECIAL BUSINESS A. PresentationeRegarding Proposed Improvements for Mounds View Square RicMo►rd'7atoke Edward P__i_r, Paster Enterprises (Tentative) 5. EDC BUSINESS A. Discuss Promotion of the Value of EDA & EDC Action: Motion Second Vote Comments: B. Consideration of Target Industries for Mounds View's Future Development Action: Motioneat, -,,,,,,o- , Second , ,7� Vote o � ` Comments: � . I 2010, C. Review Results of the Hotel Development Survey Action: Motion Second Votepri.e:Aofi, Comments: D. Consideration of Action Regarding the Realignment of Old Highway 8 L'24.4,hccJ-4.-_. fro gS -E1x..623 Action: Motion 06-41-' Second 1... 6,o Vo Vote la Comments: E. Review of Business Sign Issues Action: Motion Second Vote . • e Comments: o� -4"116 -frk..A LA 0LAA.A.a& p/i/L 7. ADJOURN i •a P.M. Attach ent: Highway 10 Vision Statement and Action Steps Next Meeting March 23, 1995 Sd Det\L- 0113 4 s4- 'Le 4-"k cc- a��x � -eatPloltt -bm- l'Ue,ka4. 44.A._ x; 14 ,; --NI. (Le% Pie...e.w0ack. •-clunmosvit) (p0W-0, 0-11-0-t-Lwo-L-- 0 of Nyjapet • EA)d, Iv t0-c. OA- -e. -f--u.Sk Fle<-52-- ` ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA iFEBRUARY 23, 1995 6:00 P.M. MOUNDS VIEW CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER P.M. 2. ROLL CALL (Present = P, Absent = A) Goff Schmidt Malone Seipp Mountin Welsch Nelson Hankner (EDA Liaison) Bennett (Staff) 3. APPROVE EDC MINUTES • No minutes for approval 4. SPECIAL BUSINESS A. Presentation Regarding Proposed Improvements for Mounds View Square Edward Paster, Paster Enterprises (Tentative) 5. EDC BUSINESS A. Discuss Promotion of the Value of EDA & EDC Action: Motion Second Vote Comments: • B. Consideration of Target Industries for Mounds View's Future Development Action: Motion Second • Vote Comments: C. Review Results of the Hotel Development Survey Action: Motion Second Vote Comments: D. Consideration of Action Regarding the Realignment of Old Highway 8 Action: Motion Second Vote Comments: E. Review of Business Sign Issues • Action: Motion Second Vote Comments: 7. ADJOURN P.M. Attachment: Highway 10 Vision Statement and Action Steps Next Meeting March 23, 1995 • • Staff Memo To: Economic Development Commission Members From: Cathy Bennett, Economic Development Coordinator Date: February 17, 1995 Agenda Item: Mounds View Square Proposed Improvements (Special Business) In January, Samantha and I met with Edward Paster, owner of Mounds View Square and Leasing Rep, Richard Janke to discuss future plans for the retail center. Currently, and since I started with the City, Mounds View Square has had a 38% vacancy rate. This is very high for such a small center especially since most of the vacant space is all together. Apparently, when any improvements are made to the Center the cost elassociated with the improvements are paid by the existing tenants. After discussions with Paster regarding several different options we asked that they put together a wish list of the things they would like the City to assist them on to make the center more attractive without having to increase the rents. Some of the suggestions that we talked about are as follows: Construct a small building for a high profile company in the middle of the parking lot such as one hour photo drive through. Replace Old Pylon Sign Eliminate hallway common area and bring stores out to the parking lot. Combine smaller floor plans for a larger tenants. The City of Crystal assisted Paster improve the Crystal Shopping Center which increased the overall appearance by adding sidewalks, decorative lighting, benches and landscaping. This has proven to be of value since before the improvements the center was under leased and now they are fully leased. Ed Paster will be present at the EDC meeting to discuss options for ways that the City could help make the center more competitive. I have included the letter from Paster Enterprises outlining the proposed improvements and a map of the Center for your review. III pAtte 3:70,ketitegiseb DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF SHOPPLI 2227 University Ave.•St.Paul,ASPJ 55114-1677•612-646_7401 0 PH.)4 13%� January 24, 1995 CENTRAL PLAZA 45th&Central Ave.N.E. Ms. Samantha Orduno, Ci Administrator Minneapolis,Minnesotaty Ms. Cathy Bennett, Economic Development Coordinator City of Mounds View CRYSTAL.SHOPPING CENTER 2401 Highway 10 Bass Lake Road M WestuBroadway Mounds View, MN 55112-1499 Crystal, Re: "Wish list" for Property Improvements at DODDWAY SHOPPING CENTER Mounds View Square Dodd Road&Bernard Street West SL Paul,Minnesota Dear Ms. Orduno and Ms. Bennett: FARIvfINGTON MALL Thankyou for meetingwith Edward Paster and me to discuss we S. H .50&S. Hwy.3 how Farmington,Minnesota might be able to work together for our mutual benefit. We agree with your goal of attracting more businesses and jobs to the City of Mounds LEXINGTON PLAZA SHOPPES V1ew. Lexington&Larpenteur Roseville,Minnesota The following are improvement items that we feel would make the Mounds View Square shopping center more attractive to both custom- titENDOTAPLAZA ers and new retailers coming to the area: State Hwy. 110&Dodd Road Mendota Heights,Minnesota 1) TENANT IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION MONEY: This money would be used to "build out" the spaces and remodel them to MOUNDS VIEW SQUARE the specific needs of tenants wishing to lease space. Typical Hwy. 10&Long Lake Road items would include floor covering, lighting, partition walls, Mounds_View,_Minnesota plumbing and electrical modifications. TORTH\VAY SHOPPING CENTER 2) REMODEL/REPLACE OLD PYLON SIGN: Since the Mounds View State Hwv.22 &Woodland Square pylon sign is one of the most visible points of the shop- Circ'.e Pines.Minnesota ping center seen from Highway 10, it would benefit the shopping center to replace the pylon sign with an updated look, and could SIB LEY PLAZA also provide spaces for tenants to place their business names. West 7th Sweet This would �� .,. and St.Paul.Minnesota advertise the center businesses to the traffic on Highway 10. DUTHVIEW SHOPPING CENTER 3) ADDITIONAL PARKING LOT LIGHTING: This would also give the Southview Blvd. & 12th Street South Sc. Paul,Minnesota shopping center an updated look similar to Target and Rosedale Mall's parking lot lighting. This would create a more comfortable and safe feeling for our customers at Mounds View Square and provide higher visibility during the evening business hours. S 4) ILLUMINATED PARKING LOT ENTRANCE SIGNS: Entry signs would provide identity and safety to incoming traffic to the center with easily identifiable and well lit entry ways. Improved identity and access would ensure greater safety to our custom- ers. Sincerely, PAS • ENTERPRIS S Richarid W. Jahnke Senjdr Leasing Representative RWJ/jlf • • • rfts Irra am, MOM 3W1 own n /( • C I I I MWUhIJj' • �� n 4d-1-7-77.1 MI ' (11111 :. r I/PEI A - / - y'r: ILFrb I . . _ S-.— • r - ' •_ �1 17.P.= :I. _ \ Yeo' _ v N. 3 S 17 `\ u J • g • ` I CF um 7t— .4.11. 1/46.11.1 \ \ JS . P i • i ::. • / a. A • / C ; f 6 t l \ ,/ / U d c 3 _. /Cr ' 0 0 0 0(0 0 0 0 0 N Q 0 N��0 0 0 0(0 N OO�TOf%OI��G°N O1t'lC7MtDOCi*--01.03 RlM�rQ�Tr-1-• NrNr� N'N tC��7 M r L T• ',.._..---.4-----....'r a . W � F ' . vaZZ URI Z .4 Eicil CU V544zn WWj FW =... W s� w U V O V :4 cd Q enp-1 rn Z > F CI8� � �zc ca •UZQaO op U ,. . a =. = 0 z 0 .. .Gt7.}'[�000TO.r NeryQh,Ot4000TN O.r O //]� 11J 5O fofVN �� _ NNN 2 (cn (l1y. j Rl 1 ,a7 k I • Staff Memo To: Economic Development Commission Members From: Cathy Bennett, Economic Development Coordinator Date: February 17, 1995 Agenda Item: Discuss Promotion of the Value of EDA & EDC (5.a.) With the establishment of the EDA, EDC and the addition of an economic development position at City Hall over the past year, there have been several rumors regarding the programs and goals relating to the EDA and EDC. In an effort to be more proactive in communicating with the public, it may be beneficial to prepare a summary report regarding the new approach the City has taken to improve the quality of life of the area through economic development efforts. Another reason is to dispel some of the false "rumors". Some of the rumors include the following: IIIProperty taxes are increasingdue to the increased p y economic development activities. The EDA\EDC is going to condemn my house if it doesn't fit into their plan. The City is going to use taxpayers dollars to improve highway 10. The market will drive economic development and we don't need this assistance. The EDC\EDA is going to bring a grocery store to the area. It has been suggested that we educate the public on the value of tax increment financing and that these funds are driven by new development not by residential property tax. I would like your suggestions on how to address this issue. III Staff Memo To: Economic Development Commission Members From: Cathy Bennett, Economic Development Coordinator Date: February 17, 1995 Agenda Item: Consideration of Target Industries for Mounds View Future Development (5.B.) As part of the 1995 work plan, the EDC is to develop a list of target industries for future development. The list will assist staff prioritizing projects on the basis of needs for the community and also in weeding out types of industries that are not may not be the best value for the community. Some of my suggestions are as follows: • Retail: The Gym (small workout facility) Dance Studio Printing\Copying Center Specialized Furniture Store Small Discount Clothing Store Bookstore Bakery Commercial: Professional Service Industries Medical Industry - Doctors, Dentists, Optometrist, Specialized for Elderly Financial Services Accounting Travel Agency Industrial: Corporate Headquarters Facilities Environmentally Conscious Industries High Tech computer electronics Non Polluters Printing & Publishing Industry Recycled Products Biotechnology Medical Technology Medium Sized light Manufacturing with limited outside storage a 0 Staff Memo To: Economic Development Commission Members From: Cathy Bennett, Economic Development Coordinator Date: February 17, 1995 Agenda Item: Review Results of Hotel Development Survey (5.C.) I have attached an overview of the results from the Survey sent to over 600 businesses in Arden Hills, Blaine, Mounds View and New Brighton. The results are generally very positive but I noticed that most of the businesses that responded were generally small in size. • There was a 12 percent return with most of the businesses responding from Mounds View and Blaine. Over 85 percent would be in support of a conference center\hotel. There was only a few who felt the North Metro didn't need this type of facility and the remaining were too small to answer because they do not currently have no use for hotel\conference center. Even though I mentioned in the letter that this would not be a City owned facility there were still several comments that they would not want to see their tax dollars increase due to City's participation in the project. To date I have not heard on any progress from Mr. Hall on the project. The City is awaiting needed financial proforma to be able to determine if TlF can be or should be used for the project. Hotel Development Survey 'Summary of Results General. 600 Survey's Sent 12 percent return or 70 companies Arden Hills-7 Blaine- 17 Circle Pines-1 Coon Rapids- 1 Fridley- 1 Minneapolis-4 Mounds View-20 New Brighton- 10 White Bear Lake-2 Other-8 Hotels Conference Centers Currently Used- Airport Hilton Mall of America Grand Hotel American Inn Maplewood Inn Bandanna Inn McGuires Comfort Inn Mounds View Inn • Country Suites Coon Rapids Northland Inn Crown Sterling Suites Park Inn Days Inn Radison Bloomington Earl Brown Center Radison South Edinburgh Ramada Embassy Suites Bloomington Ruberto's Emerald Inn Sheraton Metrodome Hampton Inn Shoreview Plaza Hilton St.Paul Hotel Hilton Towers Super 8 Holiday Inn Roseville The Seasons Hyatt Thunderbird Current Needs? A. Seminars,Training: 30 or 43% frequency ranged from 1-24 times per year and averaged 4 times per year. • B. Conferences: or 26% • ency ranged from 1-12 times per year and averaged 2.5 times per year. C. Company Banquets: 19 or 27% frequency ranged from 1-12 times per year and averaged 2 times per year. D. Annual\Monthly Lunches: 12 or 17% frequency ranges from 2-12 times per year and averaged 7 times per year. E. Client Accommodations: 23 or 33% Frequency ranged from 1-200 times per year and averaged 30 times per year. Average Annual out of town guests: 36 companies answered or 51% that they have out of town guests iiheir nights stay ranges from 1-10 nights with an average of 3 nights stay e of Room currently Use: Single Occupancy-30 or 43% Double Occupancy- 11 or 16% Suites-6 or 8.5% Is there a need fora Hotel i Conference Center in North Metro? 63 or 90%answered this question i ut o e •i'o answere•, ',:i ' ai• ere was a nee., ;'o ai• no nee.,an• 'o were unsure or did not use the services of a hotel\conference center. Some of the comments include: There are enough in the area,we do not need another There is no 1st class places to stay in the Northern Suburbs,except the Northland Inn. There are no good selections for top locations for business use. There is a lack of quality meeting rooms in the area It would be a great addition since most businesses have to use downtown facilities. Would be nice for scheduling,price competitiveness and space availability. I need two separate areas for 300 people each for my largest meetings It would be great as long as it wasn't a tax burden. • Would you be supportive of a new quality hotel conference center in North Metro? 65 or 93%answered this question. Out of the 93%that answered, 85%(55)would be supportive, 6%(4)would not, and 12%(8)had no opinion or where not sure. Some of the comments were as follows: I would be concerned if highway 10 could accommodate the increased traffic. As long as there are no tax dollars involved. Not City owned. We would use for the right price Many of our sales associates are located in the Northern part of the State so this would be very convenient. This would be great for the retail businesses in area. We would use as long as the rate was not higher than$45 per night. It would be nice to have choices. We like to have our events in the communities that we serve. How large of conference rooms do you need? 0-25 26 25-50 12 50-100 9 100-200 8 200-300 5 over 300 2 (411111) What amenities needed? Type of Amenity #Answered Yes Pool 27 Game Room 10 Exercise Room 16 Suites 22 Tours 8 Lrg. Banquet Rooms 44 Sm. Breakout Rooms 42 Shuttle Service 26 Restaurant 43 Teleconferencing 14 Family Oriented 18 Other: Rooms with Spa. Coordinated Advertising with businesses in area. Allow small dogs. Copying,faxing,overheads,flip charts. • Wedding reception room. Rooms set up for laptop computers. Work with parks for recreation opportunities. Be known as the Best. ei Staff Memo To: Economic Development Commission Members From: Cathy Bennett, Economic Development Coordinator Date: February 17, 1995 Agenda Item: Consideration of Action Regarding the Realignment (5.D.) of Old Highway 8 During the Retention interviews, several of the businesses located in the Mounds View Industrial Park off of Old Highway 8 complained about the condition of the road and especially about the safety hazard of Highway 10, H and 8 intersection. This is such an issue with several of these businesses that they avoid going into Mounds View and use the services in New Brighton instead. This is clearly an economic deterrent for • Mounds View. The City has been working with Ramsey County for several years to have the road realigned and currently it is on their schedule for 1996. In an effort to put some pressure on the County with regards to the importance of the project, it may be beneficial to encourage the businesses to write to the County Commissioner showing their support. In addition, this would also show the businesses that the City is anxious to see the work done as a response to their concern thought the retention survey process. The County Commissioner for Mounds View is Dick Wedell, Ramsey County Courthouse, Suite 316, St. Paul, MN 55102. I will bring a resolution of support that can be sent to the County to the meeting for your consideration. III AWN-- IntW 0 Staff Memo To: Economic Development Commission Members From: Cathy Bennett, Economic Development Coordinator Date: February 17, 1995 Agenda Item: Review of Business Sign Issues (5.E.) At the request of the Planning Commission, I have attached the responses from local business with regards to signs in Mounds View for your review. This issue is primarily concerning the retail and professional services sector. Of 40 companies which completed the retail and professional services supplement, 33 percent were dissatisfied with their current sign. Some of their comments are in the attachment. • In addition, 46% of the companies felt that the City should place a high priority on revising the sign ordinance. 0 SIGN ORDINANCE ISSUE • General Comments: 4 City is too restrictive for signage - portable be checked. 4 Bad temporary sign ordinance. 4 sign ordinance 4 lack of signage on 10 4 Sign ordinance is bad. 34 companies completed the Mounds View Supplement whereby a question was asked with regards to priority of project. 46 percent felt that the City should place the revision of the sign ordinance on a high priority. Under the retail and professional services supplements, a question was asked with regards to the adequacy of current sign. Out of 48 that answered the question, 33% were not satisfied with their current sign. Some of the reasons are as follows: 4 Would like to stand out more with a lit sign. 4 Current Sign is outdated. 4 Like a sign closer to the road. • 4 Larger than 2 square feet. 4 A larger reader board. 4 Would like a directional sign on Highway 10 because we are tourist related. 4 Bigger sign. -4 Would like larger free standing sign greater than 15 feet. • Minutes of the Economic Development Commission City of Mounds View Ramsey County, Minnesota Regular Meeting February 23, 1995 N??V\ ;\11 Lic13 City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. by Chairperson, Phil Seipp. 2. Roll Call: Members present were as follows: Rosemary Goff, Mark Malone, Dan Nelson, Ron Schmidt, Delane Welsch and Phil Seipp. In addition, EDA Liaison Sue Hankner and Economic Development Coordinator Cathy Bennett were present. Member Peg Mountin is on leave of absence. 3. Approval Of Minutes: There were no minutes for approval. 4. Special Business SA. Presentation Regarding Proposed Improvements to Moundsview Square Richard Janke, Leasing Agent for Moundsview Square gave an overview of the retail shopping center located on Highway 10. Mr. Janke mentioned that the nature of shopping centers has changed due to the big box centers whereby the center is supported by large stores such as Cub, Target or Menards. Also, he mentioned that it is very unlikely that Moundsview Square will attract a grocery store or hardware store. In any case they are currently working with a Mattress Store, Furniture Store and Copy Center. Mr. Janke gave an overview of improvements that they would like to make to the center such as a new pylon sign, tenant improvements to eliminate the common area, parking lot lighting and illuminated entrance signs. Mr. Janke mentioned that other Cities have contributed Tax Increment Financing for these improvements and would like Mounds View to consider this as well. Staff will work with Paster Enterprises on a plan to present to the EDC. 5. EDC Business: A. Discuss Promotion of the Value of EDA\EDC. Coordinator Bennett mentioned that there has been some concern in the community regarding the increased economic development activities. Most of the concerns stem from the notion that property tax dollars are being used for these activities. The EDC discussed options to • educate the public on the economic development programs and explain that all these activities are funded solely from development revenues generated from the use of Tax Increment Financing. 1 Commissioner Seipp suggested that we prepare a package to give to people when they have concerns and put an article in the Mounds View Matters regarding Tax Increment Financing. A • suggested item is to look at what the residential property taxes would be if the property had remained undeveloped. B. Consideration of Target Industries for Mounds View's Future Development. Coordinator Bennett presented some target industries for consideration by the EDC. This is a requirement under the 1995 work plan and the target industries will assist staff in prioritizing projects on the basis of needs for the community. Commissioner Goff suggested adding a Gift Shop and Commissioner Seipp suggested adding a white table cloth restaurant (fine dining) and mailing facility. Motion/Second: Goff/Schmidt move to accept the list of targeted industries as amended. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried C. Review results of Hotel Development Survey. Coordinator Bennett presented the results from the Hotel Development Survey. Over 600 businesses received the survey with a 12 percent return. Eighty-five percent of the respondents were in support of the hotel\conference center, only a few were opposed and the remaining did not currently use or have use for a hotel/conference center. EDC directed staff to relay the results of the survey to Mr. Hall and continue to contact some of • the larger companies in Mounds View who did not respond. D. Consideration of Action regarding the Realignment of Old Highway 8 Coordinator Bennett noted that in her interviews with businesses on Mustang Drive there was a concern regarding the condition of Old Highway 8 and the intersection of 8, Highway 10 and County Road H. Recently it was learned that the County have pushed the realignment of Old Highway 8 from 1996 to 1997. In an effort to send a message to the County regarding the importance of the realignment it was suggested to send a resolution to the County Commissioner Dick Wedell expressing the EDCs concern from an economic and health and safety standpoint. Motion/Second: Welsch/Goff move to accept Resolution No. 95-EDC6 strongly encouraging the County to keep the realignment of Old Highway 8 on schedule for 1996 rather than move it to 1997. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried E. Review of Business Sign Issues At the request of the Planning Commission, Coordinator Bennett reviewed the results from the business retention survey regarding the City's sign ordinance. Forty six percent of the companies felt that the City should place a high priority on revising the sign ordinance. 110 The EDC encouraged the Planning Commission to place a high priority on revising the sign ordinance keeping in consideration that Mound Views sign issues need to at least be competitive in relation to surrounding communities. The summary of the report will be passed onto the Planning Commission through a memo from the EDC. • 6. Reports From Chair, Commissioners and Staff: Coordinator Bennett noted that Mounds View School District has set up a task force to explore the needs of the elementary schools in Mounds View. The task force will be reviewing the possibility of the City providing up front funds for expansion of the schools using tax increment financing. These funds will be repaid over time from the School District. A representative from the EDC is requested to sit on the task force which will meet 3-4 times between March and May 1995. The EDC's input is valuable since the school's proposal involves the use of TIF funds. Motion/Second: Schmidt/Welsch move to assign Dan Nelson as the EDC representative on the task force. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried 7. Adjournment There being no further business before the Commission, this meeting of the Economic Development Commission adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Res,�ctfully Submitte, • // rl Economic Develop4ent Coordinator • 3