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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002.01.08 MINUTES • CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES January 8, 2002 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 January 2002. CALL TO ORDER Jim Wolcott called the meeting to order at 7:30 AM. ROLL CALL • Members Present: Dick Pederson, Sandy Shiely, Jim Wolcott, Mike Wennen and Gerard Weingartner Members Absent: Glen Kleven and Fred Luden. Others Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator Ron Hedberg, Finance Director Scott Johnson, Management Analyst. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Jim Wolcott moved to approve the November 13, 2001 Economic Development Authority minutes. Mike Wennen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Jim Wolcott moved to approve the December 11, 2001 Economic Development Authority minutes. Dick Pederson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Project Updates Grove Plaza — Currently in the process of refining plans for the building template. Store • pad preparation will begin in the spring and construction must begin in August. • Economic Development Authority- Minutes January 8, 2002 Page 2 Hotel — The footings have been constructed and the building permits will be approved in the next week. Walgreen's— In the process of pouring footings Advance—Grand opening Jan 10th Senior Housing —City Council recently directed staff to write an RFP for Senior Housing. Multi-tenant industrial —Anticipate this project occurring soon 80th Redevelopment Ryan Schroeder discussed the costs associated with this project. He explained to the EDA the infrastructure costs, the land costs, and the need for a resolution addressing the possibility of condemnation proceedings. The infrastructure costs will include the restructuring of Hardwood Avenue, storm water upgrades, and utility upgrades. • Mr. Schroeder also addressed the land costs and explained the budget for land acquisition is tight for this project. Finally, he asked for the EDA's direction on whether or not to have staff write a resolution concerning the possibility of condemnation proceedings. A number of EDA members expressed concern over condemning properties for private business for this project. Mr. Schroeder explained that this project would move forward even without the current projects because of the infrastructure benefits. The utility upgrades will help the community and the new road layout will help traffic on 80th Street. The new road layout will move traffic from Harkness Ave. to Hardwood Avenue. Sandy Shiely explained that with redevelopment projects the City is going to run into problems with new projects acquiring space. It was further explained that the Council has asked the residential property owners who are affected by this project to express their concerns to the Council publicly or privately. The EDA has also expressed concern over not allowing the 80th Street redevelopment project to move forward. By not redeveloping this part of Cottage Grove it may limit the City's possibilities for future development. Cottage Grove citizens are forced to shop elsewhere for clothing and other essential items. The EDA also expressed how condemnation is not an uncommon practice for government. However, it needs to be approached in a fair and professional manner. Dick Pederson made a motion for the EDA to give staff the authority to draft a resolution • addressing the possibility of condemnation of property associated with the 80th Street 111 Economic Development Authority- Minutes January 8, 2002 Page 3 redevelopment project. Gerard Weingartner seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. A special EDA meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at 7:30 AM to go over the resolution EDA Bylaws A special meeting will be set up next meeting to discuss with Council the EDA Bylaws. Business Breakfast Invitations were sent out last week. EDA Golf Tournament Staff needs to send out the save the date cards for the 2002 golf tournament. Renewal Meeting The meeting will take place from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM on February 6th • Advance Corp. Open house will take place from 3:30 PM until 7:30 PM January 10th Manufacturer's Week The EDA would like to have a lunch for area manufacturers at River Oaks during Manufacturer's Week. 3M's 100th Anniversary EDA members and staff will think about a possible event to congratulate 3M on their 100th Anniversary. Transit Park and Ride Council will be reviewing the final three land possibilities for the new park and ride. River Oaks Catering City Council has approved River Oaks' new catering process. 2002 Annual Report • Currently at the printers . Economic Development Authority- Minutes January 8, 2002 Page 4 Advertising EDA approved the 2002 advertising schedule Strategic Plan The EDA will send the new strategic plan to the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses for comments. Sandy Shiely had a couple of suggestions for changes on the plan. The "Transportation/Transit" section should have commuter rail going to Minneapolis. Under the "Goals" section the EDA should consider rearranging the order of the goals with new restaurants being the top priority. The EDA should also consider adding senior housing and quality town homes to the list. Finally, on Page 4 of the plan, the Langdon area does not have any significant development plan. Annual Election of Officers Next meeting will be the annual election of officers of the EDA. ADJOURN EDA President Jim Wolcott adjourned the meeting at 9:15 AM. Respectfully submitted, Scott Johnson Management Analyst ID