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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011.05.09 EDA MinutesMINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF MAY 9, 2011 Miron called the meeting to order at 8:30 am. PRESENT: Arcand, Bever, Denaway, Graff, Klein, Puleo, and Miron ABSENT: None STAFF: Mike Ericson, City Administrator Bryan Bear, Community Development Director Rachel Juba, Planner APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF APRIL 11, 2011 Klein made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of April 11, 2011. All aye. Motion carried. DISCUSSION ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY MARKETING EFFORTS AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT The development team had a discussion with the EDA on their marketing efforts for the City owned property. They made a presentation to the EDA on their efforts. The development team also discussed a year extension of the purchase agreement for the property. The purchase agreement expires June 21, 2011. The development team showed the various site plans they have been working with to marketing the property. They have been targeting restaurants as the first piece to the development. They have also contacted the company that represents the former Carpenters Restaurant property. The site plan includes a 12,000 square foot event center that could be shared by two or three tenants. They also have created green space along Egg Lake. They have an idea for the architecture, but the details are likely to change depending on the tenants. The development team stated they want to do something unique and interesting to spark interest in downtown Hugo. Commissioner Puleo stated that the large event center would make the project unique and thinks people will be interested. Commissioner Bever stated that parking will be an important piece, make sure there is enough parking to accommodate the event center. The development team stated that shared parking will likely be proposed with this project. Commissioner Graff stated that he liked the restaurant and event center concept. He also made a recommendation to the development team to survey the commissions to see what restaurants they would like to see come to town and contact them. Commissioner Arcand stated she would like to see more than one restaurant come to town and feels that Hugo will be able to support more restaurants. Commission Bever asked what if the City owned the event center. The development team thought that was a good idea and would make the project a public/private partnership. Commissioner Denaway asked about the cost per square foot to construct the building. The development team stated approximately $150 per square foot. Commissioner Granger, who is on a temporary leave, was in the audience and stated that event space does not have a lot of cash flow, but maybe the shell can be constructed and the build outs can be sold. This will need to move quick since the bridge construction across I -35E is almost complete. Commission Klein asked the development team what their biggest hurtle has been. The development team stated the location has been struggle, but they feel the area and location has high potential. Commissioner Arcand asked if free land would bring a restaurant to this location. The development team stated that free land does have an impact, but a public/private partnership may be more enticing. EDA President Miron stated that the purchase agreement assumes the City will be a partner is some way, whether is TIF or a reduction of the purchase price. He stated that this issue will need further discussion. Commissioner Granger and Miron stated that would involve presenting numbers as to what the cost would be to the City. There would need to be discussions with the Finance Director and discussion on the administration. The EDA stated that they appreciated the work and innovation the development team has been doing for the property. Graff made a motion, seconded by Bever, to extend the purchase agreement for one year. All aye. Motion carried. DISCUSSION ON FLEXIBLE OFFICE SPACE Graff made a motion, seconded by Klein, to table this item until the next meeting. All aye. Motion carried. DISCUSSION ON COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES The EDA reviewed the draft commercial and industrial design guidelines. The EDA discussed four sided architecture and wanted to ensure that buildings that were close together and sides of buildings that are not easily seen have flexibility on four sided design. Staff stated that as long as the architectural elements are wrapped around the building and designed properly there is some flexibility. The guidelines allow flexibility for industrial buildings in regards to areas with loading docks that may already be screened with berms or landscaping. Commissioner Puleo asked about flexibility on specialty types of operations that are allowed in commercial districts, for example greenhouses. Staff stated that most specialty types of businesses are only allowed with a conditional use permit and staff would work with the applicant at that time on meeting the guidelines. In the case of greenhouses, the intent of Section 90-256 Plant Nurseries is to allow landscaping plants, shrubs, and trees, to be grown as an agricultural activity. DISCUSSION ON TAX ABATEMENT Puleo made a motion, seconded by Graff, to table this item until the next meeting. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION EDA BUSINESS CARDS During the discussions on the marketing campaign for the City, the EDA has discussed having business cards for EDA members. Commissioner Graff stated that this may not be necessary right now, but later when we have the marketing portion of the website. Miron made a motion, seconded by Arcard, to create business cards after the marketing portion of the website is complete. All aye. Motion carried. UPDATE IN DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Staff is working with Pete Sampair on applying for a Met Council Livable Communities grant. Staff discussed a joint Planning Commission and EDA meeting in January 2012, to discuss Hugo's identity. ADJOURNMENT Arcand made a motion, seconded by Graff, to adjourn at 10:40 am. All aye. Motion carried.