HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999.06.08 EDA MINUTES-APPROVED • CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
MINUTES
JUNE 8, 1999
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 8th
day of June 1999.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 a.m. by Jack Denzer.
ROLL CALL
110 Members Present: Jack Denzer, Glen Kleven, Fred Luden, Dick Pederson, Gerard
Weingartner, Jim Wolcott
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator
Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director
David Piggot, Metro East Development Corporation
Neil Belscamper, Secretary
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Kleven moved to approve the May 11, 1999 Economic Development Authority Minutes.
Luden seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
4.A. PROJECT UPDATES
Dave Piggot distributed the latest annual report and strategic plan from Metro East. He
updated EDA members on a manufacturing project that had located in Menomonie
Wisconsin. The strategic plan was outlined; the major goals included expanding the
economic base of the region, utilizing the region's financial and business resources to
assist business growth, creating an awareness that the region is a profitable place to
conduct business, and maintaining a high level of satisfaction with stakeholders and
• clients. Projects over $10 million would be directed through a rapid response program.
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June 8, 1999
Page 2
Wolfe said the update reports were helpful to see in regard to RFP's. Wolcott thanked
Piggot for the help Metro East has give over the years.
Wolfe said there were no new proposals. An old proposal was still in the works, and was
yet to be resolved. Schroeder said an offer had been made on property owned by the
school district with the intent to develop a hotel. Schroeder said he would write a letter to
the school district in order to perpetuate negotiations between the two parties.
Wolfe stated that the Welsh Company warehouse project was progressing. Schroeder
commented that Luden had been instrumental in the project.
Wolfe explained that discussion over a proposed factory outlet center had not led
anywhere.
Construction of the new post office building has been progressing. Schroeder outlined
some of the ponding issues associated with the industrial park.
A meeting with the owners of a local shopping center would take place in the near
future, Wolfe said. Discussion would be over the center's renovation, and the possibility
• of setting up a financial district.
Renewal by Andersen's Grand Opening had taken place a week earlier. The next DTED
report would be out in July, when statistics associated with the project would be
available.
4.B. EDA ANNUAL REPORT
Wolfe remarked that the annual report was at the print shop and should be ready by the
following week. Wolcott suggested using a concept drawing of the Wakota Bridge for the
report, and offered contacts where one might be obtained.
4.C. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRUST FUND POLICY
Wolcott said it was a good policy. Everyone commented positively on LS Power's
donation to the fund. Kleven requested clarification on a portion of the policy pertaining
to access of the trust fund.
4.D. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Economic Development section of the comprehensive plan had been approved
some months back by the EDA. Wolfe asked EDA members to review the document.
Lindquist outlined the general recommendations of the comprehensive plan. Kleven
commented on the proposed Mississippi River crossing outlined in the plan. Lindquist
stated that it had not been included in the last two comprehensive plans.
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June 8, 1999
Page 3
4.E. GENESIS BUSINESS CENTER SITE VISIT
This was an informational item. The visit would take place on June 24 at 8:30 a.m.
4.F. FISCAL IMPACT STUDY—GREY CLOUD ISLAND
Lindquist said the EDA, Planning Commission and Parks Commission had received the
draft study. Wolcott asked Lindquist to summarize the study. Lindquist said more
housing on the island would be beneficial to the City. Sewer and water to the island
would cost more than expected. She said the other agencies involved were interested in
additional fiscal impacts such as increased land values of adjoining land, and ancillary
spending by park visitors. Wolcott stated that additional acreage would benefit from
sewer and water lines, thus those properties should be factored in. Kleven asked if the
cost of a park on Grey Cloud Island was accurately portrayed in the document. Lindquist
remarked that an estimate would be compiled to come up with the amount of housing
needed to break even should a park be located on the island. Pederson noted that
public sentiment was changing in regard to parkland and revenues lost as a result.
4.G. RESIGNATION OF DONNA BOEHM
• Wolfe said Boehm had contacted her and formally resigned due to time commitment
conflicts. Wolcott said the position had originally been slotted for someone from the
banking community. Pederson felt that the banking industry had changed to the point
that the original intent might not be a valid concern at this point. Weingartner suggested
finding someone with an accounting background for the position. Kleven felt that input
from people outside the Authority could be solicited, and that a voting member might not
be essential for such input. Schroeder suggested a targeted mailing to financial
institutions, etc., to solicit applicants. Wolcott felt it would not matter so much whether
the person had a banking background, but rather be an active member of the Authority.
Kleven concurred.
4.H. GOLF COURSE LEASE APPROVAL
Kleven moved to approve the lease agreement with 3M. Weingartner seconded. Motion
carried 5-0 (Luden abstaining).
4.1. FOR SALE/LEASE INFORMATION
This was an informational item. An informal survey of available space in the community
had recently been taken.
4.J. EDA GOLF OUTING UPDATE
Wolfe circulated a draft flyer that would be sent out in the next couple days. Eighteen
holes of golf and half a cart would run each participant $34.75 for the outing. Caterers
were being contacted. Hole sponsorship was discussed. Kleven commented on the
• Economic Development Authority - Minutes
June 8, 1999
Page 4
purposed of the event, and the fees involved. Schroeder said the City needed to provide
opportunities for business relationships to develop, and that was the purpose of the
event. Wolcott suggested getting the Chamber of Commerce involved. The tour would
not be held this year, but information on the community would be passed along.
Weingartner suggested that some members of the community might also be solicited for
foursomes.
ADJOURN
Denzer moved to adjourn. Luden seconded. Motion carried unanimously
Respectfully submitted,
Neil Belsca r
Economic Develo ment Secretary
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