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Home My WebLink About2012-09-11 MINUTES.docx CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE E CONOMIC D EVELOPMENT A UTHORITY MINUTES September 11, 2012 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 55016 on the 11th day of September, 2012. I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:30 a.m. by EDA President Bailey. II. ROLL CALL Members Present: Myron Bailey, EDA President Paul Poncin, EDA Secretary/Treasurer Tony Jurgens, EDA Member Craig Patterson, EDA Member Laura Maciejewski, EDA Member Ramona Westerberg, EDA Member Members Absent: Justin Olsen, EDA Vice President Staff Present: Ryan Schroeder, EDA Executive Director Danette Parr, Economic Development Director Robin Roland, Finance Director Laura Bolstad, Economic Development Specialist Zac Dockter, Parks & Recreation Director Others Present: Jon Avise, South Washington County Bulletin Dr. Alex Sheppard, Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by EDA Member Jurgens to approve the corrected August 14, 2012 EDA minutes distributed during the meeting. The motion was seconded by EDA Member Patterson, all present were in favor. IV. DEVELOPMENT UPDATE / BR&E UPDATE EDA ED Schroeder provided the development update. Economic Development Authority - Minutes September 11, 2012 Page 2 Stonehenge/ Home Depot The Council approved the resolution on the modifications to the Tax Increment Financing Plan for TIF District 1-3, which allows for spending revenues from that district through 2013. $1.1M of that money would require legislative approval to spend after the deadline outlined in current state statute. Stonehenge has informed the City that they anticipate closing on the real estate on or about October 15. Building Permits The number of permits issued in August demonstrates an increase in construction activity, with a total of 37 new home permits to date in 2012. Four developers were recently in town looking at land in the West Draw and East Ravine areas, which bodes well for development in this coming year. EDA Member Jurgens asked if developers are moving through their inventory elsewhere. EDA ED Schroeder answered that yes, developers’ lot inventory is becoming low enough that they are seeking new lots to develop. EDA Member Jurgens asked if there is anything the City can do to spur movement on our developable land, such as build infrastructure. EDA ED Schroeder replied that the city has already piped to them already, which is the most important piece. V. REFERENDUM DISCUSSION Parks and Recreation Director Zac Dockter outlined the two referendum questions: 1) Family Aquatic Center, & 2) Indoor/Outdoor Play Center and Hamlet Park Improvement & Expansion. The aquatic center would be larger than the one in Hastings, but not as big as Cascade Bay Water Park in Eagan. The facility would recoup expenses through user fees revenue, but it may still operate at a loss similar to the operating loss of the former Thompson-Grove pool. EDA Member Westerberg said that some residents are asking why would the aquatic center be built if LA Fitness will have a pool? Parks and Recreation Director Zac Dockter replied that the pool at LA Fitness would just be an indoor lap pool. In comparison, the aquatic center would be be designed to have a family play atmosphere, with slides, zero entry pool access (sloping like a beach) and interactive fountains. The EDA members provided ideas on how to improve the informational brochure, and they asked Zac clarifying questions on what the referendum items entail. VI. GROWTH PARTNERS GOLF OUTING ED Director Parr reported that the golf tournament was quite successful this year, with increased sponsorship, attendance, and more people staying through the banquet. There were a number of new elements this year that contributed to the overall positive feedback on the event, such as interaction with staff at the holes, the wine tasting, the charity component, etc. We were on budget, with the exception of the cost of postage. While the event went very well, there are some things that we can improve on next year, such as perhaps choosing a different charity to partner with, eliminating the live music, eliminate the “String It Out” fundraiser component, provide better instructions on the button hole, etc. EDA President Bailey stated that he’s received very positive feedback about the golf outing this year. There were some problems with people not understanding the rules with the string, but everyone loved the carts. The goal was not to make money, but to host a great outing that people will remember. It would be good to have a more local component to the wine tasting, Economic Development Authority - Minutes September 11, 2012 Page 3 and he agrees that we would not have to have live music next time—or instead get a school jazz group to perform. EDA Member Patterson said that it was good to have live music, and that we would not want to take a step backwards next year. Director Parr suggested that next year perhaps the charity component could be a fundraiser for the Robotics team or BEC. She also reported that people emailed & called to follow up after the event to say that they had a good time. She recommended that we keep the event exciting by tweaking things each year. EDA Member Jurgens stated that the gift certificates to the pro shop were well-received. EDA Director Parr agreed that yes, people liked getting the certificates, but it was also a challenge because of the low stock at the Pro Shop. Staff have been discussing possible solutions, such as allowing attendees to select items from catalogues, and other options that extend beyond the tournament. ED Specialist Bolstad thanked the EDA for their involvement with the golf tournament this year. VII. COTTAGE VIEW COMMERCIAL AREA ED Director Parr provided an introduction to the marketing of the Cottage View commercial area, and asked for the EDA’s help in naming the site to aid with marketing the property to developers. EDA Director Parr presented a list of potential names. EDA Director Schroeder introduced a discussion about clarifying the geographic boundaries of the area. The area will include the red barn and some of the land just North on Keats. The EDA discussed the various naming options. EDA Member Jurgens said that developers will know exactly where Cottage View is, so since we are marketing to them it makes sense to reflect how they will recognize the site—even if they change the name later. EDA Member Westerberg said that a name with Ravine in it would be nice because the Ravine will be there long after people have forgotten the drive-in. EDA Member Jurgens moved to recommend the following names to the Council: 1) “Shoppes at Cottage View” and 2) Staff will develop an option with the word “Ravine” in it. EDA Member Westerberg seconded the motion, and the motion carried with all present in favor. VIII. CALENDAR The EDA members were reminded of upcoming meetings and events. ED Director Parr pointed out that the Chamber Breakfast will be on Friday and is not listed on the calendar of events. IX. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS ITEMS ED Director Parr reported to the EDA that Sue O’Connell received a very positive thank you letter from a bride who recently had her wedding/reception at River Oaks. EDA Member Patterson said that something has changed this year at River Oaks. The golfing experience is a much better now because the course is not so congested or double-booked. It only takes 3-4 hours to get through the course rather than all day. EDA Member Jurgens agreed that in the past it had been known as a slower course. ADJOURN EDA Member Patterson moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by EDA Member Poncin, all present were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:31 a.m. Respectfully Submitted, Laura Bolstad Economic Development Specialist