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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011.02.14 EDA MinutesMINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF FEBRUARY 14, 2011 Miron called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. PRESENT: Jan Arcand, Jim Bever, Phil Klein, and Fran Miron ABSENT: Tom Denaway and Mike Granger APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JANUARY 10, 2011 Arcand made motion, Klein seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of January 10, 2011. All aye. Motion carried. BIOSCITEX — PHYSICAL THERAPY OFFICE Bioscitex is a new physical therapy office in Hugo located at 5525 141St Street. The building was previously occupied by a daycare. The business is expected to be open to the public in spring 2011. Samantha Goodmanson was present at the meeting to represent the business and answer any questions regarding the business. Ms. Goodmanson explained to the EDA that the main portion of the business was physical therapy, but they did offer other services for clients with neurological disorders. She stated that she is working with the owner, Santiago Santino from Spain, to open the first U.S. branch. Miron asked why they decided to locate their business Hugo. Ms. Goodmanson stated that the owner wanted the business to be located away from the twin cities area and that there are not physical therapy office's in Hugo. She stated that they would employ about five people, with one main physical therapist. She stated that they also offer advanced therapy that includes stem cell therapy in Europe. The EDA welcomed Bioscitex as a new business to the City of Hugo. UPDATE ON EDA VACANCY INTERVIEWS On Monday, February 7, 2011, the City Council and Tom Denaway from the EDA conducted interviews of three EDA member candidates. These included Frank Puleo, Mike Graff, and Gretchen Boyd. Staff updated the EDA and stated that the final decision will be made at the Tuesday, February 22, 2011 City Council meeting. DISCUSSION ON THE RUSH LINE CORRIDOR There have been updates presented to the City on the Rush Line Corridor in the last couple months. They are changing the Rush Line Commuter Coach stops, inbound, and outbound times. The commuter coach goes from the Forest Lake Transit Center to the Union Depot in St. Paul. They have also completed a ridership survey of how many people are using the route. The route does not stop in Hugo. Staff met with Washington County and Ramsey County staff to talk about the Rush Line Corridor and the practicality of a transit center in downtown. They stated that they have studied the route and there are two options they think are viable considering the ridership projections. 1. Light rail only to White Bear Lake 2. Rapid Bus Transit (RBT) on I35 from Columbus to St. Paul These options will be studied more in the future. They stated that there may not be a need for a transit center in downtown for a long time. There will also be a Met Council park and ride at the interchange at I35E and County Road 8/14. Staff has also been working with Washington County to abandon a portion of the rail road along Highway 61 between 145th and 140' Street. This portion of the rail road is no longer being used for trains. The abandonment processes continues to move forward. Staff will continue to work with Washington County for funding to extend the Hardwood Creek Trail down to 140th Street. DISCUSSION EDA ANNUAL REPORT Enclosed in the packet was the 2010 EDA Annual Report. The report showcases commercial and industrial activities and other economic development projects that happened in 2010. The EDA wanted to add sections to the report on the Hanifl Fields Athletic Park and the park dedication policy. Staff agreed to make the changes to the report and bring back to the EDA at its March meeting. Bever made a motion, seconded by Klein, to approve the EDA Annual Report for 2010. All aye. Motion Carried. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT The CD Director updated the EDA on the progress of downtown redevelopment. The CD Director gave an update on the meeting he had with Brian Wurzer, owner of Country Video Barn. Mr. Wurzer stated that he was concerned with the taxes on his property and the high percentage increase in one year. He stated that the property value seems fair. Ricci's Restaurant property may have a possible buyer and the redevelopment would include the demolition of the building. National Recycling Inc, continues to work with staff on completing the site plan applications. The process has been slow, but the applicant has continued to make progress in cleaning up the property. KIDZ N' BIZ SPONSORSHIP REQUEST On April 16, 2011, the 7th Annual Kidz n' Biz Fest will be take place at Oneka Elementary School. This annual event is an opportunity for the HBA and Hugo EDA to directly connect with the Hugo families and children in a PTA Carnival atmosphere. This event is expected to attract more than 500 Hugo children and their families; and will once again feature an assortment of games presented by Hugo businesses with assistance from the White Bear School District. Last year the EDA sponsored the event in the amount of $750. The HBA is asked for the EDA to sponsor in that same amount again this year. Arcand made a motion, seconded by Bever, to sponsor Kidz n' Biz in the amount of $750. All aye. Motion Carried. ADJOURNMENT Bever made a motion, seconded by Klein, to adjourn at 10:30 am. All aye. Motion carried.