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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-08 MINUTES CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE E CONOMIC D EVELOPMENT A UTHORITY MINUTES February 8, 2011 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Economic Development th Authority was held at Cottage Grove City Hall, 7516 80 St. S., Cottage Grove, Minnesota th 55016 on the 8 day of February 2011. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:33 AM by EDA President Bailey. ROLL CALL Members Present: Myron Bailey, EDA President Tony Jurgens, EDA Member Justin Olsen, EDA Vice President Paul Poncin, EDA Secretary/Treasurer Chris Reese, EDA Member Richard Remackel, EDA Member Members Absent: Craig Patterson, EDA Member Staff Present: Howard Blin, Community Development Director Robin Roland, Finance Director Ryan Schroeder, EDA Executive Director Ken Smith, Community Services and Communications Coordinator Others Present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by EDA Treasures Paul Poncin to approve the January 11, 2011 Economic Development Authority minutes. Seconded by EDA Vice President Justin Olsen, all present in favor. Economic Development Authority - Minutes February 8, 2011 Page 2 DEVELOPMENT UPDATE / BR&E UPDATE / BUSINESS LEADS EDA Executive Director Schroeder did not present the development update. However he did mention building permit levels. EDA President Myron Bailey stated that he attended a round table discussion on the Home Depot Site. One of the conclusions was that Home Depot needs to get real on their asking price. There was talk that to make the building viable to a buyer it might have to be split in half for several users. Currently, Home Depot is asking $4 million but many believe it should be $3 million. EDA Executive Director Schroeder stated that Home Depot was offered $2.5 million at auction. The question was put to the EDA if it would support public assistance for the Home Depot site if it came down to that. Members wanted to see a specific offer before they would say yes or no and directed staff to keep doing what it was doing. The th issue of better site access off 80 street was discussed. EDA Executive Director Schroeder stated that Jones Lange LaSalle is looking for a 150,000 SF Distribution facility with space for rd 140 trailers, probably a $6 million taxable value on 15 acres for construction during the 3 quarter of 2011. Purchase of Property at 8811, 8819 West Pt. Douglas Rd. S. and 9537 Islay Ave. S. EDA Executive Director Schroeder mentioned that some years ago the EDA directed staff to look for sites on Langdon for development in the future. These sites are now on the market. They pay about $13,000 a year in property taxes. He asked the EDA if they were interested in purchasing these sites and suggested, if so, they should move sooner than later. The house is currently being rented and staff believes we should raise the house. EDA Member Jurgens commented that with that tract and the Public Works facility we would own a larger portion of land in the area. EDA President Bailey stated he thinks purchasing the sites would be the right thing to do so the City is a land owner when things develop. EDA Member Remackel made a motion to move ahead with larger pieces but not at $7 a square foot, come in at $300,000. EDA Member Jurgens seconded the motion and all present were in favor. YMCA Survey: Community Development Director Blin informed the EDA that a survey was conducted and the results were reported to the Community Center Task Force at their last meeting. He mentioned that is was a random telephone survey conducted within a five mile radius of proposed sites. 85% of people survey responded positively when asked if they would like to see the proposed Community Center operated by the YMCA and the City of Cottage Grove become part of the community. 75% said they would like to use City funds to support the project. The average property owner would pay about $20 per year to support the project. The proposed sites to locate the community center would be Presbyterian Homes Norris Square, County Service Center and the current City Hall site. According to Director Blin, the YMCA likes our site because it’s the center of town. They also like Norris square site. They don’t view it as wrong side of highway. It was noted that the Y needs space for outdoor fields which bodes well for the Ravine Parkway site. The City is having conversations with library personnel. According to the survey, people want a pool, gym and an indoor walking track. EDA Member Jurgens stated he liked the Norris Square site. Community Development Director Blin commented that residents don’t see why they have to pay for a membership if the City is putting up the money. EDA Vice President Olsen asked about a resident discount. Mr. Blin said they don’t offer that, they just Economic Development Authority - Minutes February 8, 2011 Page 3 waive the registration fee. EDA Executive Director Schroeder reminded the EDA to always add land costs to any equation. At the Council’s Strategic Planning Session Oakwood Park was mentioned as a possible site. This presents interesting possibilities. Director Blin stated the key was to marry the YMCA to any future Library project. The land on our current site would be gifted. Lynn W. Olsen (CEO of The Innovation Group) Due to health considerations, the EDA decided not to ask Lynn Olsen to speak at the 3M breakfast, but perhaps ask him next year if he is up to it. EDA Member Poncin stated he would contact staff with a name of a speaker he enjoyed. Former Governor Pawlenty was mentioned. CALENDAR The EDA was provided a calendar of upcoming events. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS ITEMS EDA President Bailey informed the group that the City Council had a goal setting retreat the past weekend. He said it went well and lasted till almost 6:00 p.m. The top items the Council was interested in were: the new Public Safety / City Hall facility, the YMCA concept, business recruitment and retention, relations with 3M, and the commission appointment process. It was determined that staff would interview multiple candidates for each opening if possible. EDA Executive Director Schroeder stated he would provide the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce with an agenda and work with them. EDA Vice President Olsen asked if the Chamber had a work plan. EDA Executive Director Schroeder stated they have a one year plan. It was stated they should share that with the EDA. EDA Member Jurgens mentioned that Woodbury Chamber of Commerce was hiring a director. EDA President Bailey wondered if the Chamber works with the various tournaments in town to push people to local businesses with a map or something to help parents when deciding where to eat or shop. The next EDA meeting is at River Oaks Golf Course. ADJOURN EDA Vice President Olsen moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by EDA Member Jergens, all present in favor. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 AM. Respectfully Submitted, Kenneth L. Smith Community Services and Communications Coordinator