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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-12 PACKET 03.01.CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES March 8, 2016 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Economic Development Authority was held at Cottage Grove City Hall, 12800 Ravine Parkway, Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016 on the 8th day of March, 2016. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:30 a.m. by EDA President Bailey. ROLL CALL Members Present: Myron Bailey, EDA President James Celkis, EDA Member Jeff Carter, EDA Member Trent Cole, EDA Member Steve Dennis, EDA Vice President Tony Jurgens, EDA Treasurer Ramona Westerberg, EDA Member Members Absent: None Staff Present: Charlene Stevens, EDA Executive Director Jennifer Levitt, Community Development Director/City Engineer Christine Costello, Economic Development Director Robin Roland, Finance Director Ken Rohlf, City Attorney Alicia McMonigal, Economic Development Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.1 EDA Vice President Dennis motioned to approve the February 9, 2016 EDA Meeting Minutes. EDA Member Cole seconded. Motion passed unanimously (7 -to -0 vote). BUSINESS ITEMS 4.1 Development Update / BR&E Update Community Development Director/City Engineer Levitt discussed the development update items that were presented in the packet. EDA Member Jurgens expressed concern about headlight glare from the second drive-thru lane at the proposed Merchants Bank and asked about adding landscaping to mitigate any issues. Community De- velopment Director/City Engineer Levitt responded that one of the conditions of approval for the project Economic Development Authority — Minutes March 8, 2016 Page 2 of 3 was additional landscaping to mitigate any concerns with vehicles in the drive-thru lanes of the bank. Levitt stated that staff will work with the applicant to ensure the landscaping features are added and will monitor the situation to ensure that a safety issue is not created. 4.2 Grove -Rainbow Area Title Work — Resolutions City Attorney Rohlf discussed the four resolutions that were included in the packet regarding the title work for the Grove -Rainbow and Home Depot redevelopment site. EDA Member Carter motioned to approve the four resolutions related to the title work for the Grove -Rainbow Area. EDA Member Celkis seconded. Motion passed unanimously (7 -to -0 vote). 4.3 Dominium Program Modification: TIF Plan Finance Director Roland summarized the information included in the EDA packet regarding the TIF Plan for the proposed Dominium housing project. EDA Member Jurgens asked if this TIF District is specific to Dominium or will any other lots be part of this district. Finance Director Roland responded that the Dominium TIF Plan is exclusive to the three parcels being purchased for the development. EDA Member Westerberg made a motion to approve the TIF Plan Modification for TIF District 1- 17 for the Dominium project. EDA Member Jurgens seconded. Motion passed unanimously (7 -to - 0 vote). PUBLIC HEARING None OTHER BUSINESS 6.1 Calendar EDA Members viewed the various upcoming events listed on the calendar. EDA President Bailey en- couraged attendance at the 3M Chamber Business Breakfast on March 15th, the Volunteer Recognition Banquet on April 12th, and the Spring Business Showcase on April 16, 2016. 6.2 EDA Comments EDA President Bailey introduced the new Economic Development Director, Christine Costello. Economic Development Director Costello provided a brief background on her experience. EDA President Bailey announced that Economic Development Assistant Alicia McMonigal is leaving the City of Cottage Grove for another opportunity and thanked her for her service to the EDA and the City. 6.3 Response to Previous EDA Comments EDA President Bailey noted that a response was provided to a previous EDA meeting question on the size of the proposed Kwik Trip. EDA Member Jurgens stated that one of the concerns he has is that the Kwik Trip proposed for Cottage Grove is about 20 percent smaller with fewer pumps. EDA President Bailey stated that the reason for the difference is the size of the parcel and what can be accommodated on that parcel for development. 6.4 Hotel Workshop — St. Croix Room Economic Development Director Costello explained that the workshop discussion would be about the Request for Proposal (RFP) that was sent out for a hotel on the vacant parcel next to Ruby Tuesday and Oakwood Park. EDA President Bailey noted that two proposals were received and representatives from one of those companies are present. Economic Development Authority — Minutes March 8, 2016 Page 3 of 3 EDA President Bailey adjourned the regular meeting. The EDA reconvened in the St. Croix Room for the workshop. WORKSHOP Community Development Director/City Engineer Levitt stated that representatives are in attendance from one of the firms who responded to the Hotel RFP and would provide information on their proposal. Jerry Kane with the Goldridge Companies introduced himself and his partner, Jeff Rurher, who is the operator of the Country Inn & Suites in Cottage Grove. Mr. Rurher provided background on their involve- ment in the City and summarized the packet of information that was provided in advance of the workshop to the EDA Members. Mr. Rurher noted that they are proposing a Hampton Inn for the proposed hotel site. There was a general discussion about how the location of the parcel would impact a hotel and on the configuration of a hotel on the site. Mr Rurher also discussed why they proposed a Hampton Inn; the potential for other sites in Cottage Grove to be considered for hotel development, and the importance of a pool being included as an amenity for a hotel and its assistance in helping occupancy. EDA President Bailey noted that the City received two responses to the RFP from developers looking for some type of financial subsidy. Community Development Director/City Engineer Levitt reported that the interest received in the last few weeks did not request a subsidy, so the City would like to pursue those additional options. Levitt stated that the Royal Business Consulting Corporation sent a letter of intent to submit a proposal and asked for more time. Economic Development Director Costello explained that she had directly contacted a hotel consultant and several developers on the low response to the RFP. EDA Member Jurgens made a recommendation that as we reach out to other companies, to ask if this site is too constrained and if there may be a better location in the community. He also inquired if there is a possibility to encroach further into the park. EDA Member Jurgens asked about TIF financing. Finance Director Roland stated that this is not a rede- velopment site and does not qualify as an economic development district. Mr. Kane with Goldridge Companies inquired on how long this process will take and when they would hear back regarding the City's further research. Community Development Director/City Engineer Levitt responded that she anticipated by the June EDA meeting staff would have their findings on hotel development. AJOURN EDA Member Westerberg made a motion to adjourn. EDA Member Cole seconded. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 a.m. (7 -to -0 vote). Respectfully Submitted, Kathy Dennis Planning Secretary