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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-09 EDA MinutesCITY OF COTTAGE GROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES May 9, 2006 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 9th day of May 2006. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:30 a.m. by EDA Vice President Rice. ROLL CALL Members Present: Paul Poncin, EDA Member Pat Rice, EDA Vice President Gerry Weingartner, EDA Secretary /Treasurer Mike Wennen, EDA Member Jim Wolcott, EDA Member Members Absent: Myron Bailey, EDA President Paul Narpaul, EDA Member Others Present: Howard Blin, Community Development Director Joe Fischbach, Management Analyst Ron Hedberg, Finance Director Tom Kaiser, Bulletin Newspaper Jessica Sandin, Management Analyst Ryan Schroeder, EDA Executive Director Sandy Shiely, Mayor APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by EDA Member Wennen to approve the April 11, 2006 Economic Development Authority minutes. Seconded by EDA Member Weingartner, All Present in Favor. Economic Development Authority - Minutes May 9, 2006 Page 2 DEVELOPMENT UPDATE EDA Executive Director Schroeder gave the EDA a development update. Specifically he gave them the latest news about the Cottage Square Mall redevelopment project and what is happening with the eminent domain process. Synder's recently signed a Lease Termination and Settlement Agreement with a May 31 closure date. A public hearing is scheduled on May 12 for the Demori's lease. In addition, the City met with Presbyterian Homes on May 8 th to negotiate changes within the development agreement necessary because of the protracted nature of the lease termination phase of this project. Amending the agreement and TIF will be brought before the Commission at their next meeting. Robert Muir has backed away from an option on the Cottageview Theater site. They have determined that a commercial development on the site is premature at this time. In addition, the recent ground breaking for the 40,375 square foot Washington County South Service Center was a success and took place on May 2nd EDA Executive Director Schroeder also gave an update on the residential development with unit counts since 1990. The City is projecting a moderate pace of housing construction for 2006. There has also been a request from Health East to amend the zoning to the PUD at 70 and Hinton. WASHINGTON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL (Deferred) INDUSTRIAL PARK MARKETING EDA Executive Director Schroeder presented the current land interests in the park. Developers now control the majority of the land in the industrial park and therefore the City will play a smaller role in developing the land. The question presented to the Commission is whether the level of marketing and commitment to funding should continue given this shift in City involvement. The Commission agreed we should request the developers be involved and help fund the high cost of marketing. EDA Members stated the direct mail postcards are a unique and effective marketing tool they would like to see continued. GROWTH PARTNERS AWARDS EDA Executive Director Schroeder reminded the EDA Members that the past three years we have presented "Growth Partner Awards" to recognize those companies /individuals who are our "Partners" in building a quality community. He requested input on the manner of choosing future Growth Partners. Ideas for award categories from EDA Members include: community, longevity (3M), individuals or entities that have impacted Cottage Grove development (Wakota Bridge), and a general award category to allow for banks or others. EDA Member Wennen also recommended we lessen the number of awards given to heighten the prestige of the award. 2 Economic Development Authority - Minutes May 9, 2006 Page 3 STRATEGIC PLAN The EDA undertook a strategic planning process in 2000. Since there has been some turnover on the Board, it seemed appropriate to remind the Board of the stated 2005 -2008 goals and priorities of the City. The EDA requested we update the objectives in strategic plan when OPUS decides what to do with the industrial park. EDA Member Wennen also corrected objective #11 to read 2008 instead of 2007. TRANSFER PARCEL OWNERSHIP TO THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE The EDA owns property where the property tax exempt status has expired after the 7 year holding period making it appropriate to transfer the property to the City of Cottage Grove. EDA Member Wolcott moved to approve the purchase agreement and resolution authorizing the sale of these properties to the City of Cottage Grove. Motion seconded by EDA Secretary /Treasurer Weingartner, All Present in Favor, FINANCIAL HISTORY OF THE EDA TRUST FUND Ron Hedberg presented information on how funds will be used according to the Economic Development Trust Fund Management Policy. This agenda item is intended to be informational only for new members and a reminder to all other members. INFORMATION ON COMMERCIAL ASSESSMENT POLICY Ron Hedberg presented information to the EDA members on the Commercial Assessment Policy. The Policy only applies to reconstruction activity, not construction of new streets. The next project that is being contemplated that would require the use of this policy would be the upcoming Jamaica roundabout project in 2008. Many of the details of the actual assessment will need to be considered throughout the feasibility process. GATEWAY NORTH — US BANK CONSTRUCTION PROJECT /SIGN EASEMENT AGREEMENT Based on the public and private improvements that have occurred in the Gateway North area, US Bank has decided to make additional investments in the appearance of their property. The changes include replacement of the retaining wall and fencing and the addition of masonry and signage that is similar to the Coldwell Burnett Gateway monument. The retaining wall is owned by the bank, but is located on public right -of -way that was acquired during the Gateway North platting process. EDA Member Wolcott moved to approve the sign easement agreement. Motion seconded by EDA Secretary /Treasurer Weingartner, All Present in Favor, 3 Economic Development Authority - Minutes May 9, 2006 Page 4 DECISION - MAKING BODIES IN REGARDS TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Joe Fischbach provided the EDA members with a list of Washington County cities and whether they have a decision - making body other than the City Council in regards to Economic Development. This information is in response to a question from the April meeting. DEVELOPMENT SUMMARIES Joe Fischbach gave the EDA members development summaries on: Gateway North, Jamaica /Cottage View, West Draw, East Ravine, and Industrial Park. This information is also on the City website. CALENDAR The EDA members were reminded of upcoming meetings and events. MISCELANEOUS BUSINESS ITEMS None. ADJOURN EDA Member Wolcott moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by EDA Secretary /Treasurer Weingartner, All Present in Favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 AM. Respectfully Submitted, Jessica Sandin Management Analyst 4