HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-2015
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
AGENDA
MOUNDS VIEW CITY HALL
FRIDAY, June 19, 2015 7:30 A.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
4. APPROVE MINUTES FROM February, 20, 2015
5. EDC BUSINESS
A. None
6. REPORTS OF STAFF
A. Mounds View Project Updates
7. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS
8. NEXT REGULAR EDC MEETING – July17, 2015 if needed
9. ADJOURN
Commissioners: Chair Jason Helgemoe, Dan Larson, Jim Freichels, Gary
Stevenson, Jessica Rieland, Laurie Shoop, and Royal
Dahlstrom
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
February 20, 2015
City of Mounds View, Council Chambers
2401 County Road 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Jason Helgemoe called the meeting to order at approximately 7:30 a.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Chair Jason Helgemoe and Commissioners, Gary Stevenson,
Jessica Rieland, Royal Dahlstrom, and Laurie Shoop
Members Absent: Commissioner Jim Freichels
Staff Present: Business Development Coordinator, Brian Beeman
3. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 16, 2015, AGENDA
Motion/Second: Commissioner Stevenson moved and Commissioner Dahlstrom
seconded the approval of the January 16, 2015, EDC agenda.
Motion Carried: 6 Ayes, 0 Nays
4. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 16, 2015, EDC MINUTES
Motion/Second: Commissioner Dahlstrom moved and Commissioner Stevenson
seconded the approval of the January 16, 2015 EDC minutes, as presented.
Motion Carried: 6 Ayes, 0 Nays
5. EDC BUSINESS
Administer Oath of Office
Acting Chair Helgemoe called for the oaths of office. Business Development Coordinator
Brian Beeman administered the oath of office for Commissioner Laurie Shoop.
Bel Rae Senior Living Update
Coordinator Beeman reported that representatives from the Bel Rae Senior Living
project were in attendance to provide and update.
Kelly Royten, Executive Director, Miriam Aaland, Director of Sales and Outreach, and
Heather Harstad, an Owner Liaison, reported that the facility will be managed by
Ebenezer and developed by Hart Development. They are expecting to receive the
Draft EDC Minutes
February 20, 2015
Page 2 of 6
certificate of occupancy the first of April, at which point, the Ebenezer leasing office will
be moved to the new facility and staff orientation will begin. Construction is nearing
completion with cabinets and internal features being installed. There are 65 independent
and assisted living apartments. Residents can stay in their room for life and still receive
both independent and assisted living services as needed. One and two bedrooms will be
offered ranging from 410 to 995 square feet and featuring full-size kitchen appliances,
ample storage, walk-in closets, and in-unit laundry. The 32 memory care apartments will
consist of two secure neighborhoods with 16 pods and dedicated outdoor spaces, open
plan studios and one-bedrooms ranging from 410 to 525 square feet. The units surround
the commons area where the meals and activities take place.
The common spaces consist of a community room, rooftop deck & garden, movie
theater, hair salon & spa room, library with public computer, guest suite for visitors, a
craft room & workshop, fitness center with physical training equipment, heated
underground parking, and a bus for group outings. Three meals per day will be offered
with a variety of menu choices.
Memory care services include dedicated specially trained staff offering 24/7 care and
specialized abilities based activity programming. Both memory care and independent
living rental leases are month to month. The independent living includes heat, electricity,
internet and satellite T.V. services. Assisted living rentals include a large menu of
homecare services, three-chef prepared meals a day, Wi-Fi-enabled pendant system,
enriching activities and programing, weekly housekeeping and laundry.
Ebenezer management services are part of the Fairview Health Services providing
senior services since 1917. Fairview provides homecare and hospice, a visiting
physician group for general care, and also affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Association,
and partnered with the University of Minnesota & Medical Center.
Ebenezer has been receiving several phone calls with residents interested in the new
facility. Eleven units have been rented consisting of 16 people. Many couples have
shown interest. The Good Times Club membership will be offered acting as a founders
group for the first group of renters. An informational session will be held F ebruary 27 at
10 a.m. and residents can call 763.784.7863 or go the website,
www.belraeseniorliving.com. On site tours will begin April with a Grand Opening
celebration June 20, 2015. A ribbon cutting ceremony is also being planned; however,
no dates have been set.
Chair Helgemoe thanked the presenters and asked Commissioners if there were any
questions. Helgemoe asked what the price point would be for a two bedroom rental. The
presenters reported that the two bedroom price is $2,200 for independent living.
Helgemoe asked the price for studios. The price is $1,200 to $2,800 depending on
square footage and amenities like decks etc. Helgemoe asked about the rooftop garden.
The presenters clarified that they were raised gardens and not part of the roofline.
Helgemoe asked about vacancy levels. It was reported that with the strong interest,
Ebenezer believes they are ahead of schedule and should stay on track by the time they
open. Ebenezer has also been receiving many calls about job availability. They are
actively hiring and anyone interested should go to, www.fairviewebenezer.org or call the
Draft EDC Minutes
February 20, 2015
Page 3 of 6
phone number on the website. There being no further questions, Chair Helgemoe
thanked the group for presenting.
Review EDC Bylaws
Chair Helgemoe called for the review of the ECD By-laws. Business Coordinator Brian
Beeman informed the Commission that according to City Code, the EDC bylaws should
be reviewed at the first regular meeting in February of each year. The last time the
bylaws were amended was in 2002.
Helgemoe asked if any Commissioner recommends any changes to the bylaws. Staff’s
recommendation was to leave the bylaws as-is. Hearing no changes, Chair Helegoe
called for a motion to approve the bylaws as-is.
Motion/Second: Commissioner Larson made a motion and Commissioner Shoop
seconded the motion to approve they bylaws as-is.
Motion Carried: 6 Ayes, 0 Nays
6. REPORTS OF STAFF
Business Retention & Expansion and Project Updates
Business Development Coordinator, Beeman provided the Commission with an update
on the Crossroad Pointe redevelopment site. Coordinator Beeman is waiting to hear
back from three developers who have shown interest in the site and staff will be
contacting the developers again in March. If there is no interest, staff will conduct
another marketing push to developers in an attempt to gain interest in the site.
Coordinator Beeman informed the Commission that Business Retention & Expansion
visits were completed with Quanex and Allegiance Fitness and another visit is planed
with Medtronic immediately following the EDC meeting. Businesses are still recovering
from the recession with retail growing slower than the manufacturing industry. Many
businesses have had issues with theft, however business are pleased with the Police
response. Businesses are generally pleased with the city and its services. Staff always
does a follow-up with business owners who have questions or needs.
Beeman reported that the pharmacy chain, CVS is showing strong numbers and adding
stores across the country. Beeman reminded the Commissioners that the Tires N More
building is up for sale at $550,000, Pat’s Muffler is for sale for $350,000, and the
Silverview Plaza is for sale listed at $3.8 million. Colliers International of Minnetonka has
all three listings. Staff is gathering information for the area as a possible redevelopment
site so that when the time comes, staff will be ready with the information for the area.
Chair Helgemoe asked about the current zoning for the area. Beeman reported that it is
B-2 and B-3, Commissioner Stevenson confirmed. Heidi Heller, Planning Associate, who
was in the audience, provided specific uses that could be constructed in the area such
as retail, auto repair, office, and said the area has a lot of flexibility, but no manufacturing
would be allowed. Commissioner Dahlstrom asked if the city was actively encouraging
existing businesses that have outgrown their facilities to fill space in other areas of the
Draft EDC Minutes
February 20, 2015
Page 4 of 6
city. Beeman reported that he has a list of all properties available in the city, including
the number of square feet, prices for sale and lease, as well as other information
bringing it with him as he meets with businesses. Once he understands the business’s
needs he conducts follow-ups and he is proactive in this effort.
Beeman provided an update on the Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) site stating, that
there is a new website for the development area and anyone interested is encouraged to
view the new website at http://ricecreekcommons.com. Local businesses recently
attended a preliminary construction planning meeting February 2, 2015 and raised their
concern with the proposed closure of Clifton Drive and a driveway at McDonalds. Jim
Ericson, City Administrator sent a letter to the County expressing the city’s concern with
the closures. As of the February EDC meeting the city has not received a response and
is requesting that the county provide an alternative to the closures. Chair Helgemoe
asked if they would be changing the Park N Ride configuration. Beeman stated that the
road is expected to have a slight modification and the circle roadway that is currently
being used as an on-ramp to I-35 will be closed. Commissioner Dahlstrom expressed his
concern with the effects on businesses if the Park N Ride is closed for construction.
Beeman said he would bring it to the county’s attention. Commissioner Shoop raised her
concern with turning into the gas station at the first turn after the light, with a number of
accidents in the past. People are traveling fast and there isn’t a turn lane. She wanted to
know if it would make more sense to close off the two small entrances to the gas station
and leave Clifton Drive. Beeman stated that the county plans to construct five lanes at
that intersection which will allow for turning lanes and the plans are preliminary allowing
time for changes if the county allows them.
Commissioner Rieland provided an update on the Biolife construction project, stating
that construction is ahead of schedule and they will gain access to the building in July.
Move in is planned for August 17. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony in September.
Reiland will start receiving update calls starting March 10 and can provide more details
at that time. Beeman showed the Commission a series of pictures on the progress of the
building.
Coordinator Beeman provided an update on Snap Market, stating that they are open for
business and working out arraignments to install a new sign and obtain garbage service.
Beeman also showed the Commission a marketing video for the North Metro Community
Home & Garden Show to be held Saturday February 28, 2015 at the National Sports
Center’s Sport Expo Center in Blaine. Beeman informed the Commissioners that the
information and link has been posed to the city’s Facebook site and admission is free.
Beeman reported that he has been in regular contact with the realtor who has listed the
vacant Snyder building. The listing information was provided in the packet. Several
businesses have shown interest in the building; however the price and lack of parking
are recurring issues, which means that restaurants would not be able to locate at the site
limiting the options to retail businesses. Chair Helgemoe expressed his concern with the
price, recognizing that not much could be done if the prices are set by the corporation in
Canada. Beeman concurred, and informed the Commission that he remains proactive in
trying to fill vacancies. Beeman has contacted Silverview Plaza, Mounds View Square,
and Edgewood Plaza on several occasions for a variety of possibilities and he has
recently attempted to get the building owners interested in a vitamin shop among other
Draft EDC Minutes
February 20, 2015
Page 5 of 6
types of businesses. Beeman informed the Commission of the vacancies in each
location stating his efforts to stay on the forefront identifying which business are coming
in and leaving. Commissioner Stevenson made the statement that this is a challenging
job with Helgemoe concurring. Helgemoe asked if anything was being done with
redevelopment efforts just north of the Tires N More area. Beeman informed the
Commission that he is actively working on gathering information about that area as a
future redevelopment site stating that the Crossroad Pointe redevelopment site would
need to be sold first, and then those monies could be used to purchase the parcels in
the Tires N More area. Once that site has been developed, then those monies could be
used to purchase parcels across County Road 10, north of the Tires N More area.
Beeman has been in contact with a resident showing interest in one of the parcels to
build a new single family home. A couple of the parcels are in tax forfeiture and a
housing redevelopment project would seem to make more sense in that area. Beeman
and Heidi Heller, Planning Associate, took two Ramsey County Economic Development
employees on a tour of Mounds View showing them potential redevelopment sites and
gathering information on funding opportunities for each project. Beeman is exploring
options for Tax Increment Financing, Tax Abatement, County, Met-Council, and State
financing options.
Beeman reported that the more he is in contact with several of the businesses, the more
follow-up is needed, and stressed the importance of staying ahead of any business
moving into or leaving the city and understanding how it affects the community with the
number of jobs etc. Commissioner Dahlstrom asked who a business owner would talk to
if they were moving into the community or expanding. Beeman informed the Commission
that he is the point of contact for any business wanting to locate to Mounds View.
Beeman can work with small, medium, and large companies. He has done business
planning, and can assist with financial incentives and lease/buy space among other
types of business information and assistance. If the business needs more detailed
information on zoning, setbacks, conditional use permits, etc., then Heidi Heller,
Planning Associate is able to answer those types of questions and if needed, Jim
Ericson, City Administrator can be brought in once the business gets to that stage.
7. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS
Hearing no further questions, Chair Helgemoe asked if there were any reports from
Commissioners. Hearing none, Helgemoe provided an update on the Mounds View
Business Council. Helgemoe is working on getting an Economist from the Federal
Reserve to speak at the next Business Council meeting in March. All meetings are held
at the Mounds View Community Center at 7:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of each
month. The Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce is holding their Annual Gala March
19.
Council Member, Gary Meehlhause provided an update on the County Road H project
slated for 2016 from an open house he and Council Member Sherry Gunn had attended,
including a new County Road H off ramp from I-35 W. The intersection at County H and
10 will be a huge improvement with controlled left hand turning lanes, making it much
safer to make turns. If going east on County Road H, there will be a designated right
hand turning lane, The City Council met to discuss the proposed road closures that
would affect some of our local businesses as discussed earlier in the EDC meeting. The
Draft EDC Minutes
February 20, 2015
Page 6 of 6
County and MNDOT is also talking about a light signal at Old County 8 and H. Also, the
Council talked about rehabilitating Mustang Circle slated for this year. A public meeting
will be held Monday night February 23, 2015 at the Council meeting because
assessments are being considered for those businesses near the road improvement.
This would affect Commissioner Freichel’s business as well.
Coordinator Beeman informed the Commission that if there are no actionable items
and/or enough content to hold a meeting in the future, then staff may send out an update
through email. The Commissioners were in agreement that if there isn’t a reason to
meet, then an email update would be fine. Chair Helgemoe requested that if any
Commissioner knows that they will be gone for any upcoming meetings, then they
should notify Coordinator Beeman.
8. NEXT REGULAR EDC MEETING – March 20, 2015
9. ADJOURN
There being no further business, the February 20, 2015, meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m.
Motion/Second: Commissioner Stevenson made a motion and Commissioner Shoop
seconded the motion to adjourn.
Motion Carried: 6 Ayes, 0 Nays
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Brian Beeman
Business Development Coordinator
Item #: 6A
Meeting Date: June 19, 2015
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
Since the May EDC update, staff has been busy contacting developers to attract
interest in the 4.25 acre Crossroad Pointe Redevelopment site. During the week of May
25, city staff fielded phone calls from several commercial brokers representing
developers looking for land. Staff provided them information on the city’s redevelopment
sites and sent them additional details to assist them as they consider Mounds View for
potential future development.
A developer’s tour is planned with the City Council, Planning Commission, and EDC
June 29 at 4:45 p.m. box lunches will be available with the bus returning to City Hall
before 8:45 p.m. The purpose is to gain a better perspective of some of the building
products that a few of the developer’s city staff met with, have to offer. After the tour, it
is anticipated that each participant will have a better idea of the type and quality of work
each developer can offer. A few of the developers tha t staff met with in May are working
on preliminary site plans.
In addition, city staff contacted more developers beyond the 50 plus that has already
been contacted and has a meeting scheduled with anothe r developer the week of June
15. City staff will continue to press developers until the land is sold.
B. Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Visits
In the month of June, BR&E visits have been completed with Central Tra nsport and
Apple Tree Dental.
Central Transport: Terminal Manager, Mike Forcier stated they have been in Mounds
View for about 15 years. They plan to move to a 20 acre site in the Blaine or Brooklyn
Park area within a year or so. They have outgrown their current space in Mounds View,
which has 65 dock doors and a maintenance shop of 65,000 SF on 13 acres. A new
unnamed company, also a trucking company, is planning to move into the Mounds View
location and plans to purchase and own the site.
They have struggled getting drivers in the past because when the drivers get out of
driver's training school, companies are requiring two years of experience and the only
Reports of Staff
January 16, 2015
Page 2 of 6
way to get experience is to work over the road in teams and away from home for weeks
or even months. Not many drivers are willing to do that, so the company increased the
wages and that has helped keep drivers. Because many trucking companies are not
able to get good drivers, several companies are shipping via trains. They ship pretty
much everything all over the U.S. They have about 55 FT and 10 PT employees on site
and plan to hire more if they can attract enough drivers. Their only concern is the
Mustang Drive & Old Hwy 8 intersection needs to be salted more in the winter because
their trucks are sliding. They give the city 8 of 10 points for service and likability.
Apple Tree Dental: Melissa Herbst, Center Director, provided that the company started
in Coon Rapids, MN about 30 years ago with four founders and is a 501c Non-profit
specializing in providing special needs dental care and offering payment plans for
anyone in need of care but without the financing to do so. They receive grants to help
pay for any gap in payment plans. They accept all major insurances and anyone can
receive care, it’s not just income based. They use the hub & spoke model where they
have outpatient clinics and mobile service as well as on site care at schools, assisted
living, nursing homes, etc.
Having branches in Mounds View, Holly, Madelia, Rochester, Fergus Falls, and San
Mateo, CA which has a large elderly population, they mainly serve the Twin Cities, and
do some business in St. Cloud and Cambridge. They provide a unique service in that
they can service a large population by going to the patients. They also have an IV
sedation program, overhead lifts, sliding chairs, 3D x-ray machines as well as hospital
dentistry at the Rochester branch. The company was modeled using the Mayo system.
They plan to complete the 2nd floor build out next year as long as they can secure the
proper funding. The industry is increasing overall due to a larger aging population
especially in assisted living facilities. They have 22 FT & 2 PT and plan to hire more
next year. They will need more parking once the 2nd floor is completed for their
executive offices. As the Coon Rapids staff will be moving to Mounds View.
C. Silver View Plaza
Silver View Plaza sold late spring 2015. The new owner is not known. However, on May
13, 2015 city staff met with the new property manager of the Silver View Plaza building
from Suntide Commercial Realty. According to Suntide, they are investing $15,000 into
new outdoor lighting. There are 7 security lights in the rear of the building and 31
canopy lights in the front. They recently completed parking lot swee ping and new
striping. New flowerpots are on order for May 27 and they are contemplating what to do
with the support beams to make them more aesthetically pleasing. When asked about
the signage, they said it is on the radar for 2016. They are also in the process of
updating their fire alarm/sprinkler system with new panels.
Reports of Staff
January 16, 2015
Page 3 of 6
D. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Development Update
Remediation activities are expected to be completed on the TCAAP site by October
2015 with construction starting in the spring of 2016 and final completion late 2016.
Much discussion has been had between Ramsey County, MNDOT, the Mounds View
City Council, and local businesses on the proposed County Road H & 10 intersection
improvements slated to begin in the spring of 2016. The latest alternative to prevent the
closing of Clifton Drive is a proposed roundabout east of 35W Auto Repair.
As you may recall, Ramsey County met with local Mounds View businesses owners
with details surrounding the preliminary construction layout February 2, 2015. Ramsey
County met with city staff shortly after, and again with business owners March 12. On
April 6, 2015 the County met with the Mounds View City Council in a Council Workshop
to provide an update on the project. The County maintained that they needed to get
approval of the roundabout alternative from MNDOT.
According to Ramsey County staff, the layout is still under review by MNDOT. Once it
has been finalized and approved by MNDOT the county will be coming to the Mounds
View City Council to request municipal consent at a public hearing, likely in mid-July.
The County does not anticipate having other meetings with the city or the businesses
until it gets closer to construction, perhaps in early 2016.
Reports of Staff
January 16, 2015
Page 4 of 6
Reports of Staff
January 16, 2015
Page 5 of 6
E. Mounds View Project Updates
Biolife. Construction of the new Biolife facility is expected to be completed July 2015.
This building will be about a $6 million investment with an expected move in mid -
September 2015. Details on the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony wi ll be released later in the
year. Commissioner Jessica Rieland, will provide a verbal update.
Bel Rae Senior Residential Facility. Ebenezer, the management company, has stated
that the new facility is now over 30% filled. The ribbon cutting event was held at the new
Bel Rae Senior Living Monday May 11 at 4 p.m. and was well attended. Staff has
conversed with the owners, who will be providing ideas for possible uses of the
Crossroad Pointe redevelopment site. One idea is to cooperate with a medical clinic to
locate to the site with the idea of providing services to the Bel Rae residents and
community.
F. Snyder Building
Staff is in regular contact with the realtor offering ideas and leads. The main issue is the
price and lack of parking. The asking price is $2.5 mill and the lease is over $14 p/sq. ft.
Staff continues to field phone calls from interested parties and m any businesses like the
location but can’t afford the price and/or require more parking spaces. Since it is
privately owned, the city can only suggest they reduce their price.
G. Mounds View Business Council Meeting
The May 13, 2015 Business Council meeting was reported on in the May EDC update.
There will not be any Mounds View Business Council meetings in the months of June,
July, and August. We will start up again September 9, 2015 at 7:30 a.m. at the MV
Community Center. A speaker is TBD.
H. Other Upcoming Events
Music in the Park: Free Concert Series! June 18 @ 7:30 p.m. at Silver View Park,
featuring Vinnie Rose, musician with styles ranging from rock, country, pop,
blues, soul and everything in between. Official website for Singer/Songwriter,
Vinnie Rose vinnierose.com|By Soire Design, LLC
Bel Rae Senior Living: Grand Opening Celebration June 20 from 1:30 p.m.-3:30
p.m., Enjoy an afternoon of delicious food, entertainment, tours, prizes and fun
as we celebrate our beautiful new community.Overflow parking will be available
at the Mounds View City Hall and Community Center with shuttle busses running
to Bel Rae and back to parking.
Music in the Park: July 16 @ 6:30 p.m. at Silver View Park featuring the Teddy
Bear Band. Children are encouraged to bring their Teddy Bear. Richard Alan
teddybearband.comIRichad Alan Productions
Music in the Park: August 20 at Silver View Park, featuring a fun-lovin’ Acoustic
Trio dishing out all of your favorite Country tunes! Two Hicks and a Chick
Reports of Staff
January 16, 2015
Page 6 of 6
combine powerful pipes and professional pickin’ with three -part honky-tonk
harmony. Musicians Ali Gray, Jeff Becker, & Mark Knoll, Classic and Modern
Country, Facebook.com, jeff.becker@comcast.net
I. Reports of Commissioners (Agenda Item 7)
J. Upcoming EDC Meetings (Agenda Item 8)
We will most likely have a meeting September 18 at 7:30 a.m. if needed. If further
development occurs with any of the city’s redevelopment areas a meeting may be called
earlier than September. Staff will keep the Commission informed.
______________________________
Brian Beeman
Business Development Coordinator