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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999.07.13 EDA MINUTES-APPROVED CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES July 13, 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 13th day of July 1999. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:30 a.m. by Jim Wolcott. ROLL CALL • Members Present: Glen Kleven, Fred Luden, Dick Pederson, Gerard Weingartner. Jim Wolcott Members Absent: Jack Denzer Others Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Neil Belscamper, Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES Kleven moved to approve the June 8, 1999 Economic Development Authority Minutes. Luden seconded. Motion carried unanimously. 4.A. PROJECT UPDATES Wolfe commented that Metro East had sponsored a site visit to the industrial park on June 29th. Schroeder remarked that the proposal was for a plating shop. Another proposal had been submitted through Metro East for light manufacturing and distribution on a 30- to 40-acre site. A proposal for a hotel/restaurant/office complex was still on hold for the time being, as the land owner was reconsidering whether to sell the parcel; Schroeder noted that an offer had been made on the land at the appraised value. Kleven suggested that a site • adjacent to Menard's might be suitable for the hotel project, but Wolcott raised concerns over the visibility of the location. • Economic Development Authority - Minutes July 13, 1999 Page 2 Wolfe said she had been contacted again by a broker trying to locate a factory outlet center. Wolfe had met with the architect regarding the proposed reconstruction of a local shopping center. Schroeder explained some of the parking problems with the proposal. Two different plans had been presented, one of which would eliminate most of the parking problems, but at considerably more cost. Wolcott asked if there was the possibility of more parking space in another area of the project. Wolfe said Renewal by Andersen had created an additional 53 jobs and would need more office space. The City had been contacted in regard to a business desiring to relocation from South St. Paul. 4.B. RECOMMENDATION FOR NEW EDA MEMBER • Since the last meeting, three people had been contacted in regard to the Economic Development Authority appointments; two, however, stated that they had conflicts, but Shannon Green, a human resources representative from Renewal, had expressed her interest in the appointment. Pederson felt that she would be a good addition. Kleven said he supported the appointment, feeling that a human resources person would be a good fit. Pederson moved to appoint Shannon Green to the Economic Development Authority. Kleven seconded. Motion carried unanimously. 4.C. PROPOSED 2000 EDA & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND BUDGETS Wolfe highlighted the changes made to the budgets. Discussion centered on the need for two separate budgets. Pederson remarked that he saw the need for more economic development activity, and was concerned over the budget being too restrictive. Wolcott and Kleven concurred. 4.D. EDA ANNUAL REPORT AND INTRODUCTION LETTER Members commented that the annual report was well-done, and a very presentable document. Pederson requested that some copies be sent to the Chamber office. 4.E. GENESIS BUSINESS CENTER SITE VISIT Kim Lindquist, Ryan Schroeder, and Michelle Wolfe had visited the Genesis Business Center site in Columbia Heights. Wolfe said it would be good for some of the EDA • members to visit the site. Most of the business owners at Genesis had commented that the actual location of the site was irrelevant and that the business opportunity was the most important factor. Occupants are provided space for the first year, rent-free, and then pay market value thereafter. Weingartner asked if Genesis was interested in doing • Economic Development Authority - Minutes July 13, 1999 Page 3 a similar project here. Schroeder replied that they might be, but capital would have to be fronted by someone if the project was to go forward. Luden expressed some concerns over who would benefit from such a business center. Kleven felt it was a concept worth pursuing, but said that it was geared more toward communities with vacant building space. Wolcott, Pederson and Weingartner said they would be interested in going out to visit the Genesis site. 4.F. OTHER SITE VISITS: UP NORTH PLASTICS AND COGENTRIX This was an informational item included in the packet. 4.G. ANNUAL GOLF OUTING Wolfe said the invitations sent out so far numbered 415. Hats were being ordered, catering had not yet been finalized, and follow-up calls would be made. Wolcott requested that the school district be invited to the event. Kleven felt that everyone aside from City Council, EDA, and City Staff should pay to participate in the event. There was some discussion over coordinating the start of the event in order for the timing of the dinner and awards presentation afterward to work well. Catering options were also discussed. • 4.H. MARKETING/ADVERTISING UPDATE Wolfe asked for direction on marketing/advertising for the year 2000, and wanted to know if other resources should be pursued. Kleven asked if most of the inquiries received by the City were being generated from advertising. Wolfe said she was receiving calls from the City's web page and Real Estate Journal. Kleven felt that advertising could be cut back once it had been established. City Business was being considered as another advertising source. ADJOURN Respectfully submitted, d Neil B' scamp- , Eco •mic Developm- Secretary •