HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000.04.11 MINUTES CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
MINUTES
April 11, 2000
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 11th
day of April 2000.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 A.M. by Mayor Denzer.
2. ROLL CALL
• Members Present: Jack Denzer, Glen Kleven, Fred Luden, Dick Pederson, Gerard
Weingartner, Jim Wolcott, and Shannon Green.
Members Absent: None.
Others Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator
Dan King, Management Analyst
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Kleven moved to approve the March 14, 2000 Minutes, Pederson seconded. Motion carried.
4. BUSINESS ITEMS
A. Project Updates
1. CCE — Lot split for the TIF District was approved by the City Council on March 15th, the
closing date is set for early May. Sanitary sewer and storm water relocation work is
complete, and the storm water flume is out to bid.
2. Hotel/Restaurant/Office — Traffic study is now complete and the results are expected to
be presented to the School board in late April, and to the City Council in early May.
3. APi— Council member Pat Rice, Luden, Kleven, Wolfe and Schroeder toured the current
facility on March 15th. Company officials stated they are finishing up their strategic
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April 11, 2000
Page 2
planning process in the next few weeks, and a decision would be made soon after.
Schroeder said they should hear from them in the next month or two.
4. Cushman & Wakefield — Project that requires rail access. No new information at this
time.
5. Corporate Real Estate — Client will be meeting within a month to decide how project will
proceed.
6. DTED— International client, awaiting further information from DTED.
7. Shoe Company — Staff has been in contact with one of the primary owners who lives in
Cottage Grove. Wolfe stated that both Metro East and NorthCo had called regarding
the same project. Metro East had sent the request for proposal to several SE
Washington Co. cities. Client has two years left on current lease. Awaiting further
information.
8. Hughes Institute — Wolfe stated the group is a 501 non-profit organization with total
revenues of about 40 million. They require around 300,000 — 400,000 sf of office,
• partially tax exempt, with some "hospital bonds".
9. High Tech Manufacturing —Cresa Partners project, looking for 65 acres.
10. Paper/cup Manufacturer — client looking for about 100,000 sf facility with rail access.
Would employ about 100 people. Staff has been corresponding with the client, and is
coordinating with CP Rail.
11. Grove Plaza — No new news at this time.
12. Post Office — Closing set for late April or early May.
13. Murphy warehouse— No new news at this time.
14. Grey Cloud Island —Wolfe summarized the work group presentation to the City Council.
Council directed the work group to meet with the Met Council and Washington County.
Wolcott stressed the need for more "Move-up" housing in the area, and stated this was
an aspect of the EDA work plan.
15. MISCELLANEOUS—Wolfe discussed various leads, including:
Simek's Meats Office and Distribution facility. Staff has sent marketing material and has
been in discussion with Jay Bruber, owner. More information to follow.
A road groove company requested information. Staff informed them of exterior storage
requirements and sent appropriate information on Industrial Park.
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April 11, 2000
Page 3
DTED requested information for a 50 — 100 acre manufacturing/distribution project.
Another DTED project involving a tractor repair business is proceeding in a different
location.
A broker from Grubb & Ellis inquired about a location for a manufacturer of heavy
equipment. Promotional material sent.
A commercial broker called looking for general information for a retail client, staff has
invited him in for further discussions, no response as of yet.
A Welsh Co. broker called lookingmanufacturing building.a site for a 400,000 sf buildin . A
cover letter and general information was sent.
City Council approved the Office Max project.
Staff met with representatives from Equity Commercial Services, who represents St.
Paul Companies property along W. Pt. Douglas. Updates were provided on current
development and transportation issues.
A broker from Colliers Towle called regarding available commercial property.
. Information was sent.
An inquiry regarding a senior housing project (Section 202 HUD), referred to Planning.
A broker from CB Richard Ellis inquired about 150 acres for a warehouse/distribution
facility, more info to come.
A broker from Welsh is interested in a 380,000 sf facility, build to suit, for an internet
retail company. No further information at this time.
Lastly, Wolcott initiated a discussion on voice mail and the need for a specific line for
Economic Development efforts.
B. Strategic Plan Update
Wolfe summarized the changes to the draft strategic plan and reviewed the goals section.
Kleven motioned to approve the strategic plan, Weingartner seconded, approved unanimously.
C. WEB Site
Wolfe stated that the MIS Coordinator is preparing an RFP for WEB design services for the City
WEB site. She solicited opinions as to the content of the EDA section. Wolcott stated there
should be information on residential areas and "move-up" housing, as well as links to brokers
and information on current and future MUSA line adjustments. Wolcott also suggested
highlighting 3M and Renewal. Kleven remarked that the site should be kept simple, and could
also be used to generate revenue through banner advertisements.
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April 11, 2000
Page 4
D. EDA Golf Outing
Wolfe stated that plans are underway for the fall tournament. Pederson suggested having
registration materials available at the Chamber tourney on June 26`h
E. Business Retention and Expansion Interview
King stated a BRE interview had been conducted with Bob Carlson of Carlson Auto.
5. Miscellaneous Business
A. Video, Lyle Wray, Citizens League
A video of Lyle Wray discussing the labor shortage was viewed.
B. Metro East Information Update.
A discussion regarding the name of the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce followed.
Members stated the name is adequate, as Cottage Grove has some recognition within the
• metro region.
6. ADJOURN
Wolcott motioned to adjourn, Kleven seconded, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Daniel King
Management Analyst
•