HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-15-2024 EDCCITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA
MOUNDS VIEW CITY HALL
THURSDAY, February 15, 2024
7:30 a.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL: Chair, Jeff Moritko, Vice Chair, Jim Freichels, Commissioner Jason
Helgemoe, Gary Stevenson, Gary Rundle, Andrina Moe, Andrew Kovacs
3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
4. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes: January 18, 2024
5. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
A. None
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Citizens may speak to issues relating to business and economic development and
not on the agenda. Before speaking, please give your full name and address for the
minutes. Also, please limit your comments to three minutes.
7. EDC BUSINESS
A. Review EDC Bylaws
B. Review and Develop 2024 EDC Priorities
8. REPORTS
A. Reports of Staff
B. Reports of Council Members
C. Reports of EDC Commissioners
8. NEXT REGULAR EDC MEETING:
A. March 21, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. As-Needed
B. April 1, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. for a joint City Council/Planning Commission/ECD
meeting
9. ADJOURNMENT
Minutes of the Economic Development Commission
City of Mounds View
Ramsey County, Minnesota
Regular Meeting
January 18, 2024
City of Mounds View, Council Chambers
2401 County Road 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Jeff Moritko called the meeting to order at approximately 7:30 a.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Chair, Jeff Morito, Vice Chair, Jim Freichels, Commissioners, Gary
Stevenson, Gary Rundle, & Andrew Kovacs
Members Absent: Jason Helgemoe & Andrina Moe
Staff Present: Assistant City Administrator, Brian Beeman
Meeting Attendees: Gary Meehlhause
3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion/Second: Commissioner Freichels moved and Commissioner Stevenson seconded the
approval of the January 18, 2024 EDC Agenda.
Motion Carried: 4 Ayes, 0 Nays
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion/Second: Commissioner Rundle moved and Commissioner Moe seconded the approval of
the November 21, 2023 EDC minutes.
Motion Carried: 4 Ayes, 0 Nays
5. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
Assistant City Administrator Brian Beeman conducted the Oath of Office for Andrew Kovacs
who’s term ends December 31, 2026.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Moritko called for public comments. There being no public comments, the EDC moved to
the next agenda item.
7. EDC BUSINESS
A. Elect Chair and Vice Chair
Motion/Second: Commissioner Freichels moved and Commissioner Stevenson seconded
approving the recommendation to the EDA to appoint Jeff Moritko as the EDC Chair.
Motion Carried: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays
Motion/Second: Commissioner Stevenson moved and Commissioner Rundle seconded
Commissioner Freichels to serve as the Vice Chair.
Motion Carried: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays
B. New Member Appointment Discussion
EDC Minutes
January 18, 2024
Page 2 of 2
The Commission decided to forego this agenda item due to having just sworn in Commissioner
Andrew Kovacs, making the item mute.
C. Future Topics & Presentations
The Commission discussed the topic of TCCAP. Staff recommended that when Rice Creek
Commons hold open housed and public forums that the EDC consider attending. Staff will also
line up a joint meeting with the Council, Planning Commission, and EDC and try to line up a
MNDOT speaker to update on 2024 road improvement projects.
8. REPORTS:
A. Reports of Staff
Assistant City Administrator updated the Commission on the Rice Creek Commons open
house, informed the Commission that the Mounds View Business Council has merged with
New Brighton’s Business Council and has a variety of speakers, provided the Long Lake
Woods development, the old Simon’s building site, Ardan Park redevelopment which may
become a wetland banking area, an update on the Forgivable Loan program, and the EDA
purchase of two property to be demolished and rezoned, and finally, an update on the
Mounds View Square redevelopment study, then turned it over to Chair Moritko.
B. Reports of Council Members
Council Member Meehlhause provided an update on the EDA’s purchase ot two properties
for redevelopment purposes, announced that he is the new EDA Chair, an update on the
property tax levy, update on the water plant mediation, update on the proposed new
Commission Member evaluation process.
C. Reports of EDC Commissioners
There was no Commissioner reports.
9. NEXT REGULAR EDC MEETING
Chair Moritko reminded the Commission that the next EDC meeting will be held February 15,
2024 at 7:30 a.m.
10. ADJOURN
There being no further business, Chair Moritko adjourned the January 18, 2024 meeting at
approximately 8:56 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Brian Beeman
Assistant City Administrator
Item #: 7A
Meeting Date: February 15, 2024
Type of Business: EDC
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Economic Development Commission
From: Brian Beeman, Assistant City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Review Economic Development Commission Bylaws
Background
Section 408.07 of the City Code indicates that the EDC should review its Bylaws
annually, and that this should be done at the first regular meeting in February.
Subd. 6. Bylaws: The Commission shall adopt bylaws for its governance and for
the transaction of its business. The bylaws will be reviewed on an annual basis at
the first regular meeting in February.
The EDC reviews its Bylaws annually. The last time the Bylaws were amended was
November 21, 2019 to follow the City Code regarding meeting times.
Staff Recommendation
Please review the attached Bylaws. If any changes are needed, staff will prepare a
resolution to formalize the amendment. Staff is not recommending any changes at this
time.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
Brian Beeman, Assistant City Administrator
Attachments:
1) Current EDC Bylaws (Amended November 21, 2019)
2) Chapter 408 City Code EDC
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
BYLAWS
I. AUTHORITY: These Bylaws are established in accordance with City Ordinance 408.07,
Subdivision 6. "The Commission shall adopt bylaws for its governance and for the
transaction of its business." There shall be no conflict between the Bylaws of this
Commission and the provisions of the City Charter and the Municipal Code.
II. MEETINGS. The regular meetings of the Commission shall be held in accordance with City
Ordinance 408.07, Subdivision 2. “The Commission shall hold at least one (1) regular
meeting as-needed each month at a time which the Commission shall fix by resolution.”
Regular meetings may be changed, added or canceled by the chairperson or vice-
chairperson. Special meetings may be added by the chairperson or vice-chairperson.
A. The regular business meeting shall be for the purpose of making recommendations
to the Economic Development Authority, herein EDA, conducting public hearings,
drafting of reports, and for other discussion not requiring action (ie. vote) by the
Commission.
B. Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with State Open Meeting Laws.
III. INFORMATIONAL PACKETS. Each commissioner shall receive an informational planning
report for the items that are on the regular meeting agenda no later than the Tuesday
preceding the regular meeting. Each commissioner is responsible for reviewing the material
within the packet prior to the regular agenda meeting.
IV. ATTENDANCE. Commission members shall advise the designated Staff member or
chairperson of an anticipated absence from any regularly scheduled Economic Development
Commission meeting. Any member attending less than eighty percent of the meetings per
year without consent of the commission shall be deemed to have vacated the office, and
EDC Bylaws
Revised November 21 2019
2
such vacancy shall be filled by the EDA pursuant the Chapter 408.06 of the Municipal Code.
A leave of absence may be granted by the consent of the commission.
V. PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS. Advice from, consultation with, and/or requests for
review by the City Attorney, Bond Attorney, City Engineer, City Planning Agency, or other
paid consultants shall be in accordance with the Municipal Code.
VI. ADJOURNMENT. Meetings shall adjourn on or before 90 minutes from the time of call to
order unless a two-thirds majority of the members present agree to extend the time of
adjournment.
VII. MINUTES. Approved minutes shall be the official record of the Economic Development
Commission.
A. The minutes shall state:
1. The kind of meeting, whether regular business or special and the date, time
and place.
2. Roll call of members present and whether absent members are excused or
unexcused.
3. Corrections to and approval of the previous minutes and the vote taken.
4. Description of each item being discussed.
5. A motion and second is required for each action item and the motion shall be
recorded as accurately as possible.
6. The vote on each motion (ayes, nays, and abstentions), a statement of
reasons for nay votes or abstentions, and whether motion carries or fails.
7. Specific concerns addressed to the chairperson for inclusion in the minutes.
8. Reports by members.
9. Time for adjournment.
10. Signature of the Staff designated member.
B. All minutes shall be clearly marked to indicate either "APPROVED" or
"UNAPPROVED". Each commissioner shall receive a copy of the previous regular
business meeting minutes "UNAPPROVED". Approved copies may be obtained
EDC Bylaws
Revised November 21 2019
3
upon request. A copy of the approved minutes shall be filed with the EDA Executive
Director.
VIII. LIAISON TO EDA. In the event of the absence of the EDA ex-officio member, a commission
member may be appointed by the chairperson to represent the Economic Development
Commission at the next regular EDA meeting.
IX. POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST. When a potential conflict of interest may exist for
commission member or members, the member(s) shall ask to be excused and step down
from the commission prior to discussion on that item.
X. SUPPLEMENTARY PUBLICATIONS. All commission members shall receive a copy of the
Municipal Code, Chapter 408, as well as other materials as provided by the EDA, Staff or
other commission members.
408.01 408.02 (Rev. 6/94)
City of Mounds View
CHAPTER 408
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SECTION:
408.01 : Establishment
408.02 : Purpose
408.03 : Composition, Members, Qualification of Members, Terms of Office
408.04: Conflict of Interest
408.05 : Compensation
408.06 : Vacancies
408.07 : Organization, Meetings
408.08 : Expenditures
408.09 : Duties of the Commission
408.01 : ESTABLISHMENT: The Economic Development Commission is hereby
established. The Economic Development Commission is referred to herein as the
“Commission”. (Ord. 542, 6-27-94)
408.02 : PURPOSE: The Commission shall serve as an advisory commission to the
Economic Development Authority, hereinafter the “Authority”, on matters relating to fostering a
positive economic climate, encouraging economic development and enhancing the tax base of
the City. The Commission shall also make recommendations to the Authority regarding
retention and expansion of existing businesses, attraction of desirable new businesses,
redevelopment and rehabilitation opportunities, and other appropriate economic development
strategies. (Ord. 542, 6-27-94)
City of Mounds View
408.03 408.05 (Rev. 6/4)
408.03 : COMPOSITION, MEMBERS, QUALIFICATION OF MEMBERS, TERMS
OF OFFICE: (Ord. 677, 2-12-01)
The Commission shall be composed of seven (7) equal voting members, including three (3)
business representatives and four (4) residents, appointed by the Authority Board of
Commissioners based on the recommendation of the Economic Development Commission, from
the applications submitted. Members shall have diverse qualifications with practical experience
consisting of, not limited to, but including one (1) of the following areas: economics, finance,
accounting, real estate, social services and marketing. For the purpose of initiating the
Commission, the terms of all members shall expire December 31, 1994. (Amended,
Ord. 741, 6-28-04)
Beginning January 1995, three (3) members shall serve a one (1) year term, two (2) members
shall serve two (2) year terms and (2) members shall serve three (3) year terms. Thereafter,
members shall serve three (3) year staggered terms, with terms expiring December 31 of each
year. At least two (2) of these terms, but not more than three (3) terms shall expire each year.
The appointees shall be duly sworn and take office at the first regular meeting of the
Commission in the month of January each year. Both original and successive appointees shall
hold their offices until their successors are appointed and qualified. (Ord. 546, 7-25-94;
Ord. 677, 2-12-01)
408.04 : CONFLICT OF INTEREST: No person shall be appointed with private or
personal interest likely to conflict with the general public interest. If any person appointed shall
find that their private or personal interests are involved in any matter coming before the
Commission, they shall disqualify themselves from taking part in action on the matter;
alternatively, they may be disqualified by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Commissioners
in attendance. (Ord. 542, 6-27-94)
408.05 : COMPENSATION: Members of the Commission shall serve without
compensation. (Ord. 542, 6-27-94)
City of Mounds View
408.06 408.07 (Rev. 5/10)
408.06 : VACANCIES:
Subd. 1. Termination of Appointment: Any Commission member designing to terminate
their appointment to the Commissioner before the expiration of their term shall give
written notification to the Commission chairperson of their intentions. It should be the
duty of the chairperson of the Commission to notify the Authority promptly of any
vacancies. The Authority president, with approval of a majority of the Authority Board
of Commissioners, shall appoint a new member from applications received for the
unfulfilled portion of the term.
Subd. 2. Removal from Office: Any member of the Commission may be removed from
office for just cause and on written charges by at least four-fifths (4/5) of the entire
Authority. Such member may be entitled to a public hearing before such a vote is taken.
An appointed member may also be removed by the Authority for nonattendance at
Commission meetings if a Commissioner is absent from five (5) regularly scheduled
meetings per year or from three (3) consecutive meetings, without the consent of the
Commission. (Ord. 542, 6-27-94)
408.07 : ORGANIZATION, MEETINGS:
Subd. 1. Organization: At the first regular meeting of the year, the Commission shall
appoint a chairperson from among its voting members. This appointment shall be subject
to Authority approval and shall consist of a one (1) year term. The position of chair shall
rotate among members, with no Commissioner serving in that capacity for more than two
(2) consecutive terms. The Commission shall also elect a vice-chair from among its
appointed members for a term of one (1) year. The Commission may create and fill such
other offices from its members as it may determine to transact Commission business.
Subd. 2. Regular Meetings: The Commission shall hold at least one (1) regular meeting as-
needed each month at a time which the Commission shall fix by resolution.
Subd. 3. Special Meetings: Special meetings may be called by the chairperson or by any
two (2) members of the Commission by a written notice filed with the City Administrator
who then shall notify all members of the Commission of the time and date of the special
meeting, at least three (3) days before the meeting date. (Amended, Ord. 844, 5-20-10)
Subd. 4. Quorum: A majority of the appointed voting Commission members shall constitute
a quorum.
Subd. 5. Voting Privileges: Each of the appointed members shall have equal voting
privileges.
City of Mounds View
408.07 408.09 (Rev. 6/94)
Subd. 6. Bylaws: The Commission shall adopt bylaws for its governance and for the
transaction of its business. The bylaws will be reviewed on an annual basis at the first
regular meeting in February.
Subd. 7. Records: A recording secretary shall keep a record of attendance at Commission
meetings, a record of resolutions and votes and abstentions on each question requiring a
vote. The record of the Commission shall be a public record.
Subd. 8. Report: The Authority may request an annual report from the Commission without
having received consent of its content by a majority of the Commission members at a
regular or special meeting of the Commission. (Ord. 542, 6-27-94)
408.08 : EXPENDITURES: The Commission may request from the Authority such funds
as may be necessary and proper for the conduct of its duties. (Ord. 542, 6-27-94)
408.09 : DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION: In order to carry on its purpose, the
Commission shall:
Subd. 1. Confer with and advise the Authority on all matters concerning the industrial and
commercial development and redevelopment of the City.
Subd. 2. Publicize, with the consent of the Authority, the industrial and commercial
advantages and opportunities of the City.
Subd. 3. Collect data and information as to the type of industries and commerce best suited
to the City.
Subd. 4. Survey the overall condition of the City from the standpoint of determining whether
the City has a community climate for industry and to determine the general receptiveness
of the City of particular types of industry.
Subd. 5. Publicize information as to the general advantages of industrial and commercial
development and redevelopment in a community.
Subd. 6. Cooperate with all industries and businesses in the City and in the solution of any
community problems which they may have, and to encourage the expansion,
development and management of such industries and business so as to promote the
general welfare of the City.
Subd. 7. Coordinate the Economic Development activities of the various groups active in
the City.
City of Mounds View
408.09 408.09
Subd. 8. Recommend zoning changes and development of areas suitable for industrial and
commercial development and redevelopment to the Planning Commission.
Subd. 9. Develop, compile, coordinate and publicize information such as, but not limited to
the following:
a. Existing industrial and commercial concerns within the City, their addresses, types
of business, number of employees and whether each serves local, regional or national
markets.
b. Available industrial and commercial sites including number of acres and square
footage, approximate price, existing zoning and proximity to highways.
c. Available buildings for industrial and commercial operations, including type of
buildings, number of square feet, existing zoning and proximity to highways.
d. Transportation facilities, including railroads, motor carriers, water transportation,
air transportation and highway facilities that serve the area.
e. Electric power available.
f. Fuels available for industrial and commercial use.
g. Sewage disposal facilities.
h. Water supply facilities.
i. Community facilities such as fire, police and educational.
j. Recreational facilities.
k. Going wage rate in the City for the trades, skilled and semi-skilled and white collar
workers.
l. Availability of labor.
m. General community attitude toward industrial and commercial expansion,
development, redevelopment and attraction.
n. Experience and programs of surrounding communities in regards to industrial and
commercial expansion, development, redevelopment and attraction.
o. Financial and technical resources available to new and existing businesses at the
local, County, State and national levels for economic expansion and vitality.
City of Mounds View
408.09 408.09 (Rev. 6/94)
Subd. 10. Recommend Authority and Planning Commission policies and particular actions in
regards to industrial and commercial expansion development, redevelopment and
attraction.
Subd. 11. Cooperate with and use the services of the Minnesota Department of Trade and
Economic Development, Minnesota Housing Finance Authority and any other
organizations at the national, State, County and local levels that are deemed conducive to
the overall vitality of the City.
Subd. 12. The Commission shall have the power to appoint task forces of a size and nature it
may deem necessary and may enlist the aid of persons and/or organizations who are not
members of the Commission.
Subd. 13. The Commission shall have no power to make contracts, levy taxes, borrow money
or condemn property, but shall have the full power and responsibility to investigate the
necessity and recommend the taking of these and any other actions related to the
industrial and commercial development and redevelopment by the Authority and all other
officers of the City responsible to formulate the terms of and the procedure for taking
such action.
Subd. 14. Review the City’s existing housing stock analysis and make recommendations to
the Authority regarding mechanisms for the rehabilitation of said housing stock.
(Ord. 542, 6-27-94)
Item #: 7B
Meeting Date: February 15, 2024
Type of Business: EDC
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Economic Development Commission
From: Brian Beeman, Assistant City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Review EDC’s 2024 Economic Development Commission Priorities
Background
Annually, the EDC reviews the priorities for the upcoming year. At the EDC’s meeting February 16, 2023 the Commission
reviewed the priorities from the previous year. For the most part, the adopted priorities for 2023 remained unchanged.
Discussion
The EDC to review and discuss the 2023 EDC Priorities list as a reference to assist with developing a 2024 Priorities list.
Assistant City Administrator, Brian Beeman will review the list. The adopted 2023 priorities list is attached.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the EDC review and adopt the 2024 priorities my motion.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
Brian Beeman
Assistant City Administrator
Attachments: 1) 2023 Priorities
2023 Economic Development Commission (EDC) Priorities
Amended and Revised by EDC February 16, 2023
1) Redevelopment along the Mounds View Boulevard corridor:
a. Improve the aesthetics of properties located on Mounds View Boulevard-
(Public Works and Comm Dev. Depts. Working together on a phased
improvement plan)
b. Silver View Plaza-(Owned by Krause Anderson no immediate plans)
c. Simon’s, & EDA-Owned Lot-(Local dentist is developing)
d. The Bear Lot & Adjacent Bio Life Lot-(Tied up in a REIT 30 mortgages)
e. Five lots along Mounds View Boulevard & Woodale Drive Lots Southeast of
Bel Rae-(Multiple multi-family developers inquiring, this is the highest and best
use)
f. Five lots west of The Boulevard Apartments-(Developers have inquired but
the three single-family homes are too costly. Ramsey County requires this to
be multi-family housing)
g. American National Bank Lot-(They are willing to split the lot a long as bank
and drive-thru remain)
h. Steve’s Appliances Redevelopment-(No immediate plans)
i. Retail mixed-use at the Movie Theater-(AMC has long-term lease until 2032,
new owners have talk about adding a new restaurant, considering a feasibility
study to determine highest and best use)
j. Mounds View Square
2) Monitor development plans for the Rice Creek Commons site in Arden Hills-(New
Arden Hills City Council is pro-development.)
3) Ardan Park Redevelopment Area: Consider purchasing additional lots including
rear lot & house with no city service connections and adjacent lots for a larger
housing redevelopment-(EDA acquired the house next to City lot along Longlake
Rd. EDA interviewed several developers who have shown interest in the area and
chose to work with Pulte Homes and Yard Homes for a townhome development
and smaller Yard Homes development)
4) Monitor Mounds View commercial properties in transition-(On-going, staff has an
updated list of redevelopment sites and properties)
5) Skyline redevelopment & Bauer Welding vacant lot-(Skyline’s “The Village at
Mounds View” affordable senior living project broke ground June 2022, may open
summer or fall of 2023. Bauer Welding may use their 2 acre lot for an expansion
project)
6) Monitor and assist with Citywide housing issues and projects & older properties as
well as cooperating with residential property owners to assist with upgrading
facilities-(Increased code enforcement, EDA taking note of older homes that need
to be taken down, City and Ramsey
County have fix-up loan programs for homeowners, Addressing absentee
landlords is a new 2023-25 Strategic Plan Goal)
7) Monitor & explore new business categories through trade groups like Medical Alley
and identify available spaces in Mounds View with the intent to fill those spaces
with new companies-(Little has been accomplished in this area since the EDC
Commissioner moved)
8) Continue business retention & expansion program-(BR&E program was halted
during COVID pandemic shut-down, businesses are still swamped trying to find
and hire employees and have no time to meet the City until the workforce issues
are resolved)
9) Potential Community Center Expansion-(Pending proper funding and voter
approval).
The Mounds View Vision
A Thriving Desirable Community
Item #: 8A
Meeting Date: February 15, 2024
Type of Business: EDC
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Economic Development Commission
From: Brian Beeman, Assistant City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Reports of Staff
A. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Development Update
In late spring of 2019 project engineers were in the process of plans for mass grading, utility installation,
and primary roadways on the site. This work was slated to be completed in 2019. Initially, the first phase
of housing and early commercial construction was expected to begin in 2020 and when fully realized, the
mixed-use development was expected to offer 1,460 housing units, support at least 4,000 living-wage
jobs, and generate approximately $8.6 million in property taxes annually. Ramsey County Commissioner
Nicole Joy Frethem met with the Mounds View City Council January 11, 2021 and stated that the law suit
is still in effect however, neither party is at liberty to mention any details of the lawsuit. However, she
stated that they feel progress is being made and they are nearing an agreement. As of November 2022,
all construction is still on hold. At the November 1, 2023 open house, the developer is proposing
additional density. The Arden Hills City Council did direct Staff to bring the necessary code amendments
through, which will happen in December 2023. In a perfect world, master development agreement
discussion will begin January 2024 with the goal of having a final agreement in 2024. For more
information: https://www.cityofardenhills.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09272023-1166
B. Mounds View Business Council Meeting
The next meeting will be held at Dalco Enterprises, Inc. in New Brighton Wednesday March 21, 2024
from 8:00-9:00 a.m. The Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce has combined Mounds View with
New Brighton into one Business Council. All meetings are free and all EDC Members are encouraged
to attend. The featured speaker is from the MN Retailers Association and will be providing an update
on the retail industry as well as the new cannabis law updates for municipalities.
C. Long Lake Woods
Marty Harsted is moving forward in creating 12 new single-family residential lots. He would like to
break ground in 2024. He apparently has about four homes that would be built right away once the
development has been completed.
D. Tom Fields Estate
A developer had planned to purchase three lots from Tom Fields located across from Lambert Park to
construct three assisted living homes, however Mr. Fields has delayed the project. Therefore, the
developer has backed out of the project. Several more developers have inquired about these lots,
however the asking price is too high and they have backed out as well. This project is on hold until
the land owners agree to move forward. Another developer interested as of 02-08-24. (No Change)
E. Simon’s Building
The Simon’s property has been purchased by Sabry Shrara, the owner of Mounds View dentistry. He
initially, wanted to construct a new professional building consisting of a new dental office and two
additional suites to be leased to a future tenant with apartments on the upper levels. However, he
couldn’t get lending for that type of use, so he is reevaluating and the project is on hold until he can
get his current dental office build out completed near the movie theater.
Reports of Staff
February 15, 2024
Page 2 of 2
F. Kusina Restaurant
The Kusina Restaurant and Fillipino Village are taking advantage of a Critical Corridors grant through
Ramsey County to finish exterior painting of the entire building. They are hoping to get that
accomplished in the spring of 2024.
G. MV Square
Staff met with Paster Enterprises in September 2022 to seek their interest level in redeveloping the
Mounds View Square area. They see the potential need to redevelop the site. Staff met with Paster
Enterprises to brainstorm ideas. Then the City submitted and received a grant for $50,000 from
Ramsey County to help with redevelopment planning for this area. The City hired a consultant to
complete a market study and concepts for the site. Meetings were held at two City Council work
sessions and they also held a public engagement open house to capture comments from the public.
The City Council accepted the final findings and recommendations at its December 11, 2023 meeting.
It is up to Paster Enterprises to determine the next steps and what they will do if anything with the
property.
H. Forgivable Loan Program
The EDA offers three forgivable loan programs each year to local businesses in the amount of $5000
each. It is a first-come, first-served basis. As of January 10, 2024 all three loans have been fulfilled.
(Shifty’ s Barber Shop, Big Dipper Creamery, & Sandwich King) Since that time, four more loan
requests have come in. (Pink Flower, Kusinas, Filipino Village, E-Z Grocery) The other loan program
is the Business Improvement Loan. When funded, it allows businesses to apply for up to $50,000 for
business improvements to the building, landscaping, façade, signage, remodel, etc. This is a
participation loan, meaning the EDA can approve up to $25,000 at 2%, however the business must
first find a participating lender to fund the first $25,000 for a total of $50,000. The lender would set
their own rates, but the EDA rate is set at 2%. The lender would take first position, do the credit
checks and due diligence and collect and keep track of payments then disperse the EDA amount
monthly. As of January 10, 2024, the EDA only has $9,000 remaining for this type of loan. There are
three business requests for this program. The EDA will consider funding this program once the
seriousness and viability of the applicant is determined. The City also has three other loan programs
for residential purposes.
I. Ardan Park & Greenfield Park Redevelopment
Wetland delineation studies were completed in the fall of 2022 on both sites. Several developers
showed interest and the Council ultimately chose Pulte Homes to develop market rate town homes as
per the City’s Strategic Plan. Since then, the Council voted against the development. The City is
currently researching wetland banking for that area and the possibility of a nature park.
J. EDA Property Acquisitions
The EDA recently acquired a single-family residential lot next to Steve’s Appliances with the idea of
rezoning to allow for a commercial use. The EDA also closed on a residential lot near American
National Bank January 19, 2024.
K. Other Upcoming Events/Reports
April 1, 2024 The EDC is invited to attend a joint City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, and
EDC meeting starting at 6:00 p.m. Agenda: 1) MNDOT Road Construction update for 2024, 2) Twin
Cities North Chamber of Commerce update 3) Round Table of Commission Updates
______________________________
Brian Beeman
Assistant City Administrator
Attachment(s): None