2012.05.14 EDA Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Miron agreed. He is not convinced that housing is the best for this location. He stated that he would like to be patient and wait for the market to come back for commercial or a restaurant user for the City owned property. He stated that he is encouraged by the development team, their marketing efforts, and the contacts that they have made along the way. Miron made a motion, seconded by Puleo, to recommends a one year extension on the purchase agreement for the City owned property. All ayes. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON WASHINGTON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS Staff has attended and there have been discussions during Greater MSP meetings regarding what Washington County's role should be for economic development. Molly O'Rourke, County Administrator, has also been at the meeting and stated that she was going to be more active in educating the board members on the importance of economic development. At the next Greater MSP meeting at the County they will be discussing the County's role in economic development. Klein asked if the County was working on providing fiber optics to all property in Washington County. The EDA discussed ways the County could become involved in economic development. • Market Washington County as a place to locate a business • Business attraction • Review tax abatement policy as it relates to businesses locating in Washington County • Create other economic incentives UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT The bank that owns the Ricci's property is getting ready to list the property Xcel Energy Inc. has applied for site plan approval for Phase 2 of its gas and electric training center. This includes a second building. Glamos Wire has been talking to staff about an expansion on its existing building. MnDOT will be completing a mill/overlay reconstruction project this summer. An open house is scheduled on Monday, May 21St at City Hall. ADJOURNMENT Denaway made a motion, seconded by Klein, to adjourn at 10:45 am. All aye. Motion carried.