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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012.01.03 EDA MinutesMINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JANUARY 3, 2012 Miron called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. PRESENT: Arcand, Bever, Denaway, Graff, Klein, Puleo, and Miron ABSENT: None STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, Planner APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF DECEMBER 12, 2011 Klein made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of December 12, 201 L All aye. Motion carried. Denaway made a motion, Puleo seconded, to approve minutes for the City Identity Workshop on December 15, 2011. All aye. Motion carried. UPDATE ON CITY IDENTITY WORKSHOP DECEMBER 15, 2011 AT 7 PM Staff updated the EDA on the December 15, 2011, City Identity Workshop. All the EDA members attended the workshop. The workshop included a presentation to the commissions. Slides were shown of other cities known identities including sports teams, physical features, architectural achievements and many others. There were several discussion topics that arose during the discussion. Some of those topics included: - Equestrian background and other horse operations - Hugo's close vicinity to the Twin Cities - Economic slowdown - Focusing on many things the City does well, instead of one identity - Promotion and marketing of the City The discussion ended with many commissioners asking how we can promote and market the City. The focus of marketing tended to be more toward commercial businesses. Many people agreed that marketing some of the City's benefits could attract new businesses. UPDATE ON LCDA GRANT FOR PETE SAMPAIR'S PROPERTY The Met Council approved a $73,000 LCDA grant for the redevelopment planning of Pete Sampair's property. Staff presented the press release of the grantees. The next step will be to complete grants agreements with the Met Council and Pete Sampair. The grant was awarded and activities related to the grant funded activities can be started. Staff will continue to update the EDA on the progress of the grant and redevelopment planning process. DISCUSSION ON 2012 EDA GOALS Staff discussed EDA goals for 2012. Staff included the 2011 EDA goals for the commission's review. Below are the 2012 EDA goals. 1. Business Retention and Expansion • Implementation of the BR&E Strategies Program • On-going site visits • Continue collaboration with HBA a. Business Networking Breakfast b. Kidz N Biz fest • Continue participation in events. (groundbreaking, ribbon -cutting ceremonies) 2. Continue Marketing of the City • BR&E Marketing Action Plan o Updating and expanding City website • Downtown Promotions o Trade shows • Continuation of the City's cable access show • Evaluation of 2010 US Census data o Include in marketing information • Greater MSP • Continue involvement with area business chambers • Discussion on City Identity • Discussion on community signage o Portable Sign 3. Event Marketing 4. Continue working on downtown redevelopment projects • Coordinate public infrastructure o Stormwater management planning & funding o Trail and sidewalk improvements o Railroad abandonment o City Beautification 1. Evaluate landscaping and lighting needs along Hwy 61 • City owned properties • Implementation of the LCDA Grant 5. Establish quality industrial and commercial development • Focus on gateways • Coordinate site planning for 165th & 61 • Begin area plan for 170th & 61 (Mixed Use) • Review development policies and incentives within the approval process 6. Transportation • Interchange @170th St & 35E • Intersection @ HWY 61 & CSAH 4 (170th St) • Elmcrest Ave • County Road 8 Trail on the south side o Parks Commission 7. Encourage the County on Economic Development Efforts The EDA's goals for 2012 will be forwarded to the City Council as they discuss their goals for 2012. Puleo made a motion, seconded by Graff, to approve the EDA goals for 2012. All aye. Motion carried. Commissioner Graff made a presentation to the EDA on the City Identity Workshop and the idea of Hugo as equestrian city. He stated that he and Commissioner Puleo have been brainstorming ideas of how Hugo can be known for being equestrian friendly. They have met with Dan Ramberg who owns a stable and conducts rodeos on his property. He stated that they have a stable association that may be interested in equestrian related events in Hugo. Commissioner Puleo stated that there could be an event that would showcase the business or properties that have relation to horses. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Staff updated the EDA on the progress of downtown redevelopment. The property located at 13997 Forest Boulevard, previously Superior Market, is proposed to be rezoned from Neighborhood Service (NS) to General Business (C-2). Hugo Outdoor Power Equipment that has an existing business in Hugo has a purchase agreement for the property. In order for the business to be in that location a rezoning of the property needs to be approved by the City. The Planning Commission and City Council will consider the request this month. The development team that has the purchase agreement for the City owned property are planning to present their ideas and marketing efforts to the EDA in February. National Recycling has started to transport scrap metal in rail cars using the team track in the Bald Eagle Industrial Park. ADJOURNMENT Klein made a motion, seconded by Puleo, to adjourn at 9:07 pm. All aye. Motion carried.