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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012.02.13 EDA MinutesMINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 2012 Miron called the meeting to order at 8:40 am. PRESENT: Arcand, Denaway, Graff, Klein, Puleo, and Miron ABSENT: Bever STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, Planner APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JANUARY 3, 2012 Klein made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of January 3, 2012. All aye. Motion carried. DISCUSSION ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY The development team that has a purchase agreement on the City owned property was present at the meeting to discuss their marketing effort and new ideas for the property. Planner, Rachel Juba, gave an introduction to the development team. City Administrator, Bryan Bear, stated that the development team has held a purchase agreement for the property for almost 2 years (since May 2010) and staff has brought them to the EDA meeting periodically to get an update in their progress. Mark Finnemann and Mike Brass represented the development team and went over the several iterations of development plans they have come up with for the site. Their ideas include commercial and hospitality aspects that have integrated an event center. They have been trying to find users that will fit those categories. They have provided potential users with a brochure that features information on Hugo and concept drawings for the site. They have looked at the idea for housing on the property. Senior housing and assisted living are options that they think would fit the area. Miron stated that it is good to hear the excitement for the project and the work that is being done. Commissioner Graff asked if there was enough room on the site for senior housing and a restaurant. Mr. Finnemann stated that a 50 unit senior housing project would consume most of the site. Commissioner Klein stated that there are other areas in the City of senior housing or assisted living. He asked what the biggest obstacles for the property were. Mr. Brass stated incentives are a plus in this economy; there have not been many pure market deals in the last several months. He stated that they have been look for a restaurateur that wants to build, but everyone is looking for existing space. Graff stated that the EDA and the City are looking for a restaurant in Hugo. He stated that we need someone that has a successful business and wants something long term. Senior housing will not bring the restaurant to downtown Hugo. Commissioner Denaway stated that he would support a smaller housing component and a mix of commercial uses, not a senior housing project that would take up the entire site. He stated do not give up on commercial retail and marketing should mention the other options. Miron thanked the development team for presenting to the EDA. The EDA agreed that the development team should continue to work on development concepts for the property and they expect the purchase agreement to be extended in June. DISCUSSION ON INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AT TH61 AND 1701H - STREET MnDOT has plans to construct intersection improvements at TH61 and 170th Street (CSAH 8). The discussions include the options of a traffic signal or a roundabout. The construction will begin in 2013. If a roundabout is selected there will be a center island that can be improved. MnDOT has a basic landscape model for center islands, but other designs can be approved by MnDOT. Jay Kennedy, City Engineer, presented options to the EDA on possible designs for the center island and the projected costs of each design. Staff recommended that the EDA discuss the center island designs options and make a recommendation to the City Council. Klein made a motion, seconded by Denaway, to recommend to the City Council to authorize preparation of concepts/associated costs for consideration. All aye. Motion Carried. UPDATE ON MINNESOTA STABLE OWNERS ASSOCIATION Commissioner Graff addressed the EDA with an update on the Minnesota Stable Owners Association meeting he attended last week. He also discussed the possibility for future equestrian events in Hugo, such as a barn tour event. Commissioner Graff stated that he attended a stable association meeting that included six stables in Hugo. He stated that the stable association liked the idea of a barn tour event and would like to reach out to other stables in the area. There have been no dates set, but Commission Graff will keep the EDA updated. UPDATE ON FIBER OPTICS INSTALLED IN TH61 During the summer of 2011, fiber lines were installed along TH61. Staff met with Enventis the company that installed the fiber line through Hugo. The fiber line is available at a lease rate to anyone who would like to connect to the line. The line can accommodate even the largest data users. There were Federal funds that helps Enventis install the line from St. Paul to Duluth. DISCUSSION EDA ANNUAL REPORT Enclosed in the packet is the 2011 EDA Annual Report. The report showcases commercial and industrial activities and other economic development projects that happened in 2011. Staff recommended that the EDA review the report and provide feedback to staff. Denaway made a motion, seconded by Graff, to approve the 2011 EDA Annual Report. All aye. Motion Carried. UPDATE ON THE BUSINESS NETWORKING BREAKFAST — STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS On Tuesday, February 7, 2012, the EDA in partnership with the HBA held the Business Networking Breakfast State of the City Address. The Blue Heron Grill hosted the event and 70 people attended the business breakfast. Members of the EDA attended the event that stated that the audio visuals of the State of the City Address were great. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Staff provided an update on the railroad abandonment process along TH61 between 145th and 140th Street. Staff has met with Washington County to discuss the trail extension design and construction. Staff encouraged them to review the grade of the trail as it extends south to CSAH 8. The grade of the trail is higher from 145th to 140' Street than the rest of the trail. To ensure a safe and adequate crossing over CSAH 8 the trail will need to be lowered from 145th extending beyond CSAH 8. The trail grade is also high as it extends south of CSAH 8. There is a residential neighborhood that benefits from the height of the grade and the tree line as a buffer from TH 61. During the meeting staff encouraged the grade to be lowered from 145th to beyond CSAH 8. Staff also encouraged the grade and tree line to remain south of CSAH 8 to continue to provide a buffer for the residential neighborhood. Denaway made a motion, seconded by Graff to recommend to the City Council to direct staff to continue working with Washington County to ensure the grade of the trail will be consistent with the rest of the trail to ensure accessibility and visibility for businesses. All aye. Motion Carried. ADJOURNMENT Puleo made a motion, seconded by Klein, to adjourn at 10:35 am. All aye. Motion carried.