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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-09-13 EDA MinutesCITY OF COTTAGE GROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES September 13, 2005 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Economic Development Authority was held at City Hall, 7516 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota on the 13th day of September 2005. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:30 a.m. by EDA President Shiely. Rni i r-n i i Members Present: Myron Bailey, EDA Vice President Al Boche, EDA Member Glen Kleven, EDA Member Sandy Shiely, EDA President Gerry Weingartner, EDA Secretary /Treasurer Mike Wennen, EDA Member Jim Wolcott, EDA Member Members Absent: None Others Present: Joe Fischbach, Management Analyst Tom Kaiser, Bulletin Newspaper Jessica Sandin, Management Analyst Ryan Schroeder, EDA Executive Director APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by EDA Member Glen Kleven to approve the August 9, 2005 Economic Development Authority Minutes, seconded by EDA Vice President Myron Bailey. All Present in Favor. Economic Development Authority - Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 2 DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Ryan Schroeder updated the EDA on the Presbyterian Homes Project. They have successfully relocated tenants that represent over 50% of the leasable space. That still leaves five businesses left in the Cottage Square buildings. They are New Moon restaurant, Demori's restaurant, Tom Moy restaurant, Snyders Drug Store, and East Suburban Resources. Two of these five businesses have already found relocation sites. Under the terms of the development agreement once PHM reaches that 50% threshold and enters an agreement with the EDA to cover all costs, the EDA will condemn any remaining real estate interests in the property. Ryan Schroeder indicated that the agreement has been drafted but it has yet to be signed by the interested parties from PHM. Discussion ensued around the tenants who have not yet found an alternative place for their business. Members of the EDA asked if all was being done to make sure they were properly compensated and /or given appropriate alternatives for relocation. Ryan Schroeder indicated that he has heard nothing to indicate otherwise. Staff proposed tabling the motion to authorize eminent domain proceedings until the next EDA meeting, October 11, 2005. That would give PHM and the remaining tenants another month to try and find relocation spaces and to settle on a relocation reimbursement. That would also give PHM time to sign the agreement they have with the EDA. Motion by EDA Member Jim Wolcott to table voting on the agreement with PHM until the October 11, 2005 EDA meeting, seconded by EDA Member Mike Wennen. All Present in Favor. Motion by EDA Member Jim Wolcott to direct EDA Director Ryan Schroeder to contact the 5 outstanding lease holders to offer assistance with regards to relocation. Seconded by EDA Member Al Boche. All Present in Favor. The EDA also suggested bringing the latest plans for the Presbyterian Homes project to the next EDA meeting. Starbucks is expected to open on or before September 30, 2005. Oak Park Commons is expected to be completed by October 31, 2005. There are no firm proposals on the Aspen Grove LLC or Frattalone parcels. They have indicated, however, they are interested in mixed use projects. Ryan Schroeder then shared some possible layouts for the parcels but did not have a timeline. On September 8, 2005 the City hosted a neighborhood meeting to ask for feedback on the redesign of Oakwood Park, open space developments proposed on the Aspen Grove LLC and Frattalone parcels and the 73,000 square foot, city- owned, parcel north of Ruby Tuesday. Ryan Schroeder indicated the feedback was positive with a desire for more restaurants in the area that could be accessed from surrounding neighborhoods by foot. 2 Economic Development Authority - Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 3 The fee owners in the Industrial Park have been talking with large, national developers such as Ryan Companies and OPUS. This has greatly hindered the City's ability to acquire the right to market property. The fee owners do not want to jeopardize the ability to sell a larger portion of the land to the developers because of smaller projects initiated by the City. As a result the City could not deliver sites in a timely manner this year, which negatively impacted development results. It now appears as if the fee owners and one of the large developers are close to a deal. This deal supposedly includes the opportunity for the EDA to market and promote the Park as it has in previous years. Members of City staff have a meeting with the developer the day before the next EDA meeting and will have more to report after that meeting. The owner has also authorized releasing a site for a proposed Graphics company. Motion by EDA Member Jim Wolcott to approve the EDA Development Agreement with the Graphics Plant, seconded by EDA Member Mike Wennen. All Present in Favor. EAST RAVINE Ryan Schroeder reported that the Met Council is currently reviewing the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Other than that no significant news to report. GATEWAY FENCING UPDATE Jessica Sandin gave an update on the Gateway Fence project. She indicated that the project is now complete and the new fence looks great. 2005 GOLF OUTING UPDATE Jessica Sandin gave the final numbers to the EDA regarding the 2005 EDA golf tournament. 120 golfers participated this year and 22 businesses sponsored the event held at River Oaks Golf Course. Jessica also indicated that the tournament fees have not gone up in a few years and it may be time to look at an increase. It was also suggested that the foursome and bronze sponsorship levels be increased to cover expected deficits. Jessica also reported that the 2006 EDA golf tournament will be held on August 15 at River Oaks. CALENDAR The EDA members were reminded of upcoming meetings and events. 3 Economic Development Authority - Minutes September 13, 2005 Page 4 MISCELANEOUS BUSINESS ITEMS EDA members were given a copy of the invitation to the Chamber Fall Picnic. It will be held Friday, September 23 at Heritage Park in St. Paul Park. ADJOURN Motion by EDA Member Mike Wennen to adjourn the meeting, seconded by EDA Member Jim Wolcott. All Present in Favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:47 AM. Respectfully Submitted, Joe Fischbach Management Analyst 4