HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-19-2014
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
AGENDA
MOUNDS VIEW CITY HALL
FRIDAY, December 19, 2014
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
4. APPROVE MINUTES FROM October 17, 2014
5. EDC BUSINESS
A. EDC Applications – Provide Recommendation to EDA
B. Approve a Meeting Schedule for 2015
6. REPORTS OF STAFF
A. Mounds View Business Retention & Expansion and Project Updates
7. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS
8. NEXT REGULAR EDC MEETING – January 16, 2014
9. ADJOURN
Commissioners: Chair Greg Belting, Jim Freichels, Jason Helgemoe, Dan
Larson, Jim Paron, Gary Stevenson and Jessica Birken
City Staff: Jim Ericson, City Administrator
Brian Beeman, Business Development Coordinator
Minutes of the Economic Development Commission
City of Mounds View
Ramsey County, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
October 17, 2014
City of Mounds View, Council Chambers
2401 County Road 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Greg Belting called the meeting to order at approximately 7:30 am.
2. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Chair Greg Belting and Commissioners Jim Freichels, Gary
Stevenson, Jason Helgemoe, Jessica Birken and Dan Larson
Members Absent: Commissioner Jim Paron
Staff Present: City Administrator, Jim Ericson
Brian Beeman, Business Development Coordinator
Introduction of new Business Development Coordinator
Chair Belting welcomed Brian Beeman, the new Business Development Coordinator to the
city. Coordinator Beeman provided his background and expressed his interest in meeting
with the local businesses and getting to know the residents.
3. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 17, 2014, AGENDA
Motion/Second: Commissioner Stevenson moved and Commissioner Larson seconded the
approval of the October 17, 2014, EDC agenda.
Motion Carried: 6 Ayes, 0 Nays
4. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2014, EDC MINUTES
Motion/Second: Commissioner Freichels moved and Commissioner Birken seconded the
approval of the May 23, 2013, EDC minutes, as presented.
Motion Carried: 6 Ayes, 0 Nays
5. EDC BUSINESS
Presentation from Tim Koes, Technical Life Care, located at 2720 County Rd 10.
Tim Koes, President of Technical Life Care provided an overview of his new business
located at 2720 Highway 10 NE, Mounds View. His business provides medical equipment to
15 regional hospitals and approximately 300-400 medical clinics. The company has about
20 full time employees and may add an additional 20 employees in the next 2 -3 years. They
are also working on obtaining their International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
certification and a business expansion.
Draft EDC Minutes
Sept 19, 2014
Page 2 of 3
6. REPORTS OF STAFF
Project Updates
City Administrator Ericson provided the Commission with an update on BioLife’s ground
breaking. The new building will be located between the former Saturn dealership and Multi-
Tech. The project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2015.
Administrator Ericson reported on the Bel Rae Senior Living of Mounds View project
(Coventry) Senior Living project. Ebenezer is renting space in the Community Center until
the project is completed. Administrator Ericson indicated that it was his understanding that
the work was planned to be completed by March of 2015.
Commissioner Larson asked about the Sam’s market property near the near the intersection
of Edgewood Drive and County Road I. Administrator Ericson informed the Commission that
the owner is improving the exterior of the building and working to fill the space.
Commissioner Freichels asked about the County Road 10 and H2, (Crossroad Pointe)
property currently being leased to Ebenezer leasing agency for the construction of the Bel
Rae Senior Living of Mounds View project. Coordinator Beeman mentioned that a new
brochure was recently produced and distributed to the City Hall lobby and also posted on
the city website. A sign is also being created and is expected to be installed soon.
Review of 2014 EDC Priorities
Administrator Ericson reviewed the Amended 2014 EDC Priorities from the March 2014
meeting. Commissioner Birken asked about item 1. G., the Simon’s & City-Owned Lot.
Administrator Ericson noted there is a liquor store north west of city hall on the south side of
Hwy 10 and adjacent to that was the Simons Sports Shop. The city owns a property behind
those sites. The property was purchased nearly 15 years ago for a planned redevelopment.
Commissioner Frerichels asked about the Silver View property. Coordinator Beeman
informed the Commission that he is working on scheduling a meeting with the property
manger to hear about any planned improvements to the property. He will inform the
Commission after a meeting has been held. It was noted to strike 1. i) Thrifty Car Rental j)
Bel Rae Senior Living (Coventry) and 4. from the list since these priorities have been
completed. Commissioner Belting suggested that businesses could contact Coordinator
Beeman to determine available retail and industrial sites for sale or lease.
7. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Stevenson reported that the Mounds View Lions held a “Spaghetti Dinner”
fund raiser on October 7, 2014, at the Kraus-Hartig VFW in Spring Lake Park. The dinner
went well with a 50 person increase from last year.
Commissioner Helgemoe asked about item 1. b) from the EDC 2014 priorities. Administrator
Ericson informed the Commission that Council Member Gunn attended a meeting for 35W
and there seems to be some movement. Staff is also talking to County Commissioners to
get County Hwy 10 signage.
Draft EDC Minutes
Sept 19, 2014
Page 3 of 3
Chair Belting reported that the next meeting will be November 21, 2014 the Friday before
Thanksgiving.
8. NEXT REGULAR EDC MEETING – November 21, 2014
9. ADJOURN
There being no further business, the October 17, 2014, meeting adjourned at 8:00 am.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Brian Beeman
Business Development Coordinator
Item #: 5A
Meeting Date: Dec 19, 2014
Type of Business: EDC
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Economic Development Commission
From: Brian Beeman, Business Development Coordinator
Item Title/Subject: Review Applications to the Economic Development
Commission, Make Appointment Recommendations to the
EDA
Background:
The Economic Development Commission is comprised of seven members—three
business representatives and four resident representatives. The terms are for three
years and are staggered to ensure continuity of service.
Dr. Greg Belting and Jim Paron will not be resubmitting their application for another
term on the Economic Development Commission. Their terms expire December 31,
2014. Dr. Belting, a Business Representative has served on the Commission for
fourteen years, starting in 2000 and he believes the city is in good hands and it is time
to let someone else take the reins. Jim Paron, a Resident Member, is moving out of
Mounds View and has served on the Commission since 2011. Ms. Birken, a Resident
Member, is resigning from the Commission due to her many other priorities. Her term
expires December 31, 2016. This will leave one Business Representative opening and
two Resident openings. All members will be missed.
Discussion:
After posting notice online, on the Cable TV channel and in the City newspaper ,
applications were received from residents Royal Dahlstrom and Laurie Shoop. Royal is
an award winning Executive Chef and he is a business owner and has been a resident
for 2.5 years. Ms. Shoop has resided in Mounds View for 35 years and “Is interested in
the community and businesses.” Jessica Rieland, submitted a Business Representative
application. All three applicants have been invited to attend the EDC’s meeting so that
they may introduce themselves and answer any questions the Commission may have.
Recommendation:
Review the three applications for seats on the Economic Development Commission and
make a recommendation to the EDA to fill the three vacant seats on the EDC.
________________
Brian Beeman
Business Development Coordinator
Attachments:
1. Applications from Royal Dahlstrom, Laurie Shoop, & Jessica Rieland
MOUNDS VIEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 14-EDC-38
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING CALENDAR OF MEETING DATES FOR 2015
WHEREAS, The Mounds View Economic Development Commission plans to hold one
business meeting per month throughout 2015, with the exception of Special Meetings; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of a list of meeting dates provides an orderly system of
advance notification for the benefit of the EDC, City staff and the general public.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Economic Development Commission
hereby adopts the calendar of 2015 meeting dates attached hereto.
Adopted this 19th day of December 2014.
Chair
ATTEST:
City Administrator
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
2015 MEETING DATES
January 16, 2015
February 20, 2015
March 20, 2015
April 17, 2015
May 15, 2015
June 19, 2015
July 17, 2015
August 21, 2015
September 18, 2015
October 16, 2015
November 20, 2015
December 18, 2015
(All meetings will be held at Mounds View City Hall at 7:30 a.m. unless otherwise noted)
Item #: 5B
Meeting Date: December 19, 2014
Type of Business: EDC
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Economic Development Commission
From: Brian Beeman, Business Development Coordinator
Item Title/Subject: Establish EDC Meeting Calendar for 2015
Background
Section 408.07 and the EDC Bylaws require that the Economic Development
Commission establish a meeting calendar. The Bylaws specify that the meetings shall
occur on the third Friday of each month. The Commission has traditionally met at 7:30
am. If there is a desire to meet on alternative days, a new resolution would need to be
adopted, per Bylaws. If the Commission wanted to meet at a different time on the third
Friday, that could be accomplished by motion.
The following dates represent the third Fridays through 2015.
January 16, 2015 February 20, 2015 March 20, 2015
April 17, 2015 May 15, 2015 June 19, 2015
July 17, 2015 August 21, 2015 September 18, 2015
October 16, 2015 November 20, 2015 December 18, 2015
It does not appear that any of the above dates conflict with observed holidays.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends the Commission approve Resolution NO. 14-EDC-38 establishing
the calendar of meeting dates for 2015 and confirm the time of day.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
Brian Beeman, Business Development Coordinator
Item #: 6A
Meeting Date: December 19, 2014
Type of Business: EDC
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Economic Development Commission
From: Brian Beeman, Business Development Coordinator
Item Title/Subject: Reports of Staff
A. Crossroad Pointe Redevelopment Project
In the month of October, staff selected Jack
LaSota, of Traffix Graphix owned locally, to
construct two 4’ X 8’ signs on three 4’ X 4’
posts. The sign was installed Monday October,
27, 2014. The sign is positioned so that traffic
can see the sign from both County Rd 10 and
County Rd H2. Staff has also created brochures
which have been distributed to about 30
developers and also placed copies in the front lobby of City Hall. Staff has received
about five phone calls on the property and has met with a developer specializing in
medical facilities. Regular correspondence is also being made with a restaurant that has
shown interest in the property.
B. Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Visits
Staff has visited ten businesses in a formal BR&E visit. A BR&E visit consists of
approximately 10 pre-determined questions. Appointments are normally made with the
company before the visits. The first 20-30 minutes of the visit allow the owners to
provide a company history and an in-depth explanation of the pre-determined questions.
The second part of the visit is a tour of the company facilities. Staff tries to never go
over an hour in any one visit. Overall, businesses seem to be doing well and they are
pleased with the city. Many of them are still in recovery mode from the Recession but
reporting increases in productivity. The fourth quarter is a very busy time for these
companies and some of them are not able to meet until the first quarter 2015. As a
result of a recent BR&E visit with a local manufacturing company, the city is working
with the company to find an adequate lot for a new building.
Albert’s Organic Foods will be relocating to Prescott, Wisconsin around Ju ly 2015. They
are building a 300,000 Sq. Ft. facility. While they seemed tight lipped about it, I suspect
that Wisconsin was able to offer them more land and business incentives.
Reports of Staff
December 19, 2014
Page 2 of 4
C. Business Health and Welfare Visits
Since October, staff has visited over 70 local businesses in health and welfare visits.
Health and welfare visits are different from BR&E visits, in that they are less formal.
They are meant to provide the business owner a business point of contact from the city
in a short meet and greet interaction. The business owner/manager or person on duty
normally gives a quick snapshot of their busi ness and production. They may or may not
offer a quick tour of their facilities and they provide valuable information to city staff who
in turn, can make a determination of business needs, overall health of the business , and
identify any issues the city may be able to assist with. A follow-up is conducted if the
business requests additional information or if staff deems necessary. Once, several
visits are conducted, staff normally is able to identify trends and patterns. Some
examples of trends identified so far are questions about yard signs and temporary
signs, when and if the name of County Rd 10 will be changed, lots available for
expansion, and space available for lease.
Overall, businesses seem to be maintaining or increasing productivity since last year.
Many of the manufacturing companies are increasing production and having preliminary
discussion of future expansions. While this is normally beneficial, it also creates an
issue in Mounds View since there is limited land available. This may cause som e
companies to leave to other communities that have larger acreages available for
development. The businesses very much appreciated someone from the city showing
interest in their operations. Some business owners said that this is the first time they
have been visited since they started their operation. Some seemed skeptical at first,
thinking I was an inspector. However, once they realized that I was there to help, they
appreciated the visit. Follow-up has been completed with most of the businesses. Staff
will attempt to visit every business in the city the first year, then establish a regular
schedule and alternate business visits over a 12 month time frame thereafter with the
goal of visiting at least one business each week. (Please see Attachment 6A for a
summary list of BR&E and Business Health and Welfare visits)
D. TCAAP Development Update
Remediation activities are expected to be completed on the TCAAP site by October
2015. The Environmental Document, Area wide Urban Alternative Review (AUAR) has
been completed and the preliminary land use plan has been approved by the Arden
Hills City Council. The site regulations and policies will be completed early 2015 and the
site infrastructure design and County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 96 & CR H
interchange design is underway. Based on the current Master Plan, redevelopment of
the site could generate 4,000 residents and 4,000 jobs. A new diverging diamond
interchange is proposed at the I-35W/Highway 96 Interchange. Design is being finalized
and construction is expected to begin in spring 2015. More information can be found at
http://www.sehinc.com/online/35W96
A public open house was held at the Ramsey County Public Works facility in Arden Hills
on December 9, 2014 providing information on roadways, site grading, drainage,
wetlands, and storm water management, utilities, I -35W interchanges, parks and trails,
Reports of Staff
December 19, 2014
Page 3 of 4
status of remediation work, and process/next steps. The link to the TCAAP website is:
http://tcaap.net/. The next step is to request municipal support January 2015 then
submit the layout to MNDOT February 2015. The final design will begin April 2015 with
construction starting in the spring of 2016 and final completion late 2016.
E. Mounds View Project Updates
Biolife. Construction of the new Biolife facility is nearly 20% complete. They are
expecting to open July 2015. This building will be about a $6 million investment. Build to
Suit, the developer, is selling the 2.78 acre lot on the north side of the new building.
Snap Grocery Store (formerly Sam’s). Renovations are underway for the new Snap
Grocery Store located at 2410 County Rd I & Edgewood Drive. A $22,000 refrigeration
unit has been installed and the outside of the building has been painted. The business
is expected to open after the first of the year 2015.
Tom Frazen Sports Collectibles. Tom Frazen Sports Collectibles has moved from
Mounds View Square to 2436 County Rd 10, Suite #120. It is located on the opposite
end of the building of Subway in Edgewood Plaza. They will use the 2,464 Sq. Ft.
vacant space adjacent to them for card shows and events. Brian has been in contact
with Paster Enterprises regarding the Mounds View Square vacancy left by Tom Frazen
Sports Collectibles, the leasing agent and Paster is working on filling the vacancy. They
didn’t indicate what type of business they were trying to recruit.
State Farm Insurance Company. The vacancy next to Subway is being filled by State
Farm Insurance. They will be occupying 1,449 Sq. Ft. Permits for the build-out has been
issued. They should be open for business starting January 2015.
Apple Tree Dental. Work has been completed on the building located at 2442 County
Road 10 for Apple Tree Dental. Apple Tree Dental opened June 2014. The permit value
for the renovation work was $2.9 million, and another $1 million or so for equipment.
Including what they paid for the building, their total investment will be close to $5 million
here. They still need to do the build -out on the second floor for their corporate offices in
the next year or so.
Bel Rae Senior Residential Facility (Coventry). Building construction is well underway
and is about 40% complete. There are units that have been painted with cabinets ready
to be installed and there are units that are still getting electrical installed. The expected
completion date is spring 2015. Ebenezer, the management company has leased
temporary space at the Mounds View Community Center for a leasing sales office until
the new building is ready.
Pat’s Muffler Shop. Located at 2848 County Road 10 (SW corner of County Rd 10 &
Groveland) closed the business recently and the property is currently for sale. All
interest so far has been for used-car businesses. The city code does not allow car sales
on lots less than two acres.
Reports of Staff
December 19, 2014
Page 4 of 4
F. MnDOT Project Updates
There are two upcoming MnDOT projects which will impact the City having to do with
the intersection of County Road 10 and County Road H. The City applied for a nd
received federal funding a few years back to improve the intersection. The City
transferred responsibility for the project to Ramsey County, who controlled three legs of
the intersection (MnDOT controls the fourth leg.) The County then partnered with
MnDOT on the project, bundling the intersection improvements into the project to
replace the County H bridge over 35W. The bridge, along with access to 35W, will be
upgraded to address existing needs while handling the anticipated future volume of
traffic generated by the TCAAP development. MnDOT and Ramsey County recently
held an open house to exhibit the various design scenario s. A final design however has
not yet been determined. The project is programmed for 2016 construction.
______________________________
Brian Beeman
Business Development Coordinator
N
35W
County
RD H
Road H
TCAAP