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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.1 Meeting Minutes 2019-09-10 CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE E CONOMIC D EVELOPMENT A UTHORITY MINUTES EDA Meeting September 10, 2019 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a meeting of the Economic Development Authority was held at th Cottage Grove City Hall, 12800 Ravine Parkway, Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016 on the 10 day of September 2019 at 7:30 a.m. 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 Steve Dennis, EDA Vice President Dan Myers, EDA Member Rachel Smoot, EDA Member Eric Thiewes, EDA Member Ramona Westerberg, EDA Member Members Absent: Chris Carey, EDA Member Staff Present: Jennifer Levitt, EDA Executive Director/City Administrator Robin Roland, Finance Director Christine Costello, Acting Community and Economic Development Director Matt Wolf, Economic Development Specialist Others Present: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.1 Approval of the July 9, 2019 EDA Minutes EDA Vice President Dennis motioned to approve the July 9, 2019 EDA Meeting Minutes. EDA Member Westerberg seconded. Motion passed unanimously (6-to-0 vote) BUSINESS ITEMS 4.1 Economic Development Update/Business Inquiry Economic Development Authority – Minutes September 10th, 2019 Page 2 of 3 Economic Development Specialist Wolf gave an update on the new business and projects occurring in Cottage Grove. 4.2 Easement Termination – City of Cottage Grove/Muddy Cow Economic Development Specialist Wolf presented on the termination of a cross access agreement between the City of Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority and MC I Investors (Muddy Cow) in order to facilitate the sale of EDA owned land for the development of a Pizza Ranch. EDA President Bailey asked about sidewalks as part of the Pizza Ranch development. Economic Development Specialist Wolf stated that a 6’ sidewalk will run along the length of the property on Oak Park Drive and a 4’ sidewalk will connect off of Hardwood Avenue into the site. EDA Member Thiewes motioned to approve the termination agreement between the City of Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority and MC I Investors, LLC. EDA Vice President Dennis seconded. Motion passed unanimously (6-to-0) 4.3 Cottage Grove Bus Loop – Senior Bus Circulator Economic Development Specialist Wolf discussed the Cottage Grove Bus LOOP being implemented with DARTS; giving a presentation on the route, stops, schedule, costs and sponsors for the Bus. th EDA President Bailey asked if the commercial area on 70 Street and Hinton Avenue Corridor would be covered by the bus. Economic Development Specialist Wolf stated that the area is not within the ½ mile distance for on-demand pickups and drop offs, so it is not covered. EDA Vice President Dennis stated that eliminating some of the retail or grocery stops along the route would be beneficial and adding a medical stop to cover the need for riders who would like to use the bus for medical purposes would be beneficial. EDA Vice President Dennis inquired what was the expected ridership and how many does the bus carry. Economic Development Specialist Wolf stated the expected ridership will be small in the beginning given DARTS past experiences with these routes and that the bus carries around 18 people with wheelchairs. EDA Member Thiewes asked if their was a discount for kids. Economic Development Specialist Wolf stated he was not sure but would discuss with DARTS. EDA Member Westerberg asked if their was a punch card system or pass that could be purchased to ride the bus. Economic Development Specialist Wolf replied that DARTS was open to that idea and is something that is currently being determined. EDA Vice President Dennis asked why $3.00 for a fare was determined and not $3.50 or some other number. Economic Development Specialist Wolf stated that based on the community survey that was done, respondents supported that fare and that the Cottage Grove Bus Loop Advisory Committee wanted to keep the service as affordable as possible. Additionally, Economic Development Specialist Wolf stated that DARTS does not want riders or the bus drivers to deal with change as it is difficult for some seniors to manage and slows down the bus. EDA Member Westerberg motioned to support the Cottage Grove Bus LOOP as it relates to costs, route and schedule to start on October 15, 2019 and run through September of 2020. EDA Member Smoot seconded. Motion passed unanimously (6-to-0) Economic Development Authority – Minutes September 10th, 2019 Page 3 of 3 PUBLIC HEARINGS None OTHER BUSINESS 6.1 Calendar None 6.2 EDA Comments EDA President Bailey discussed the proposed Cottage Grove community center and that it will be going to referendum in 2020. EDA President Bailey also gave an update on the Transportation Advisory Board through the Metropolitan Council. 6.3 Response to Previous EDA Comments None WORKSHOP None AJOURN EDA Member Thiewes made a motion to adjourn. EDA Member Dennis seconded. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 a.m. (6-to-0 vote) Respectfully Submitted, Matt Wolf Economic Development Specialist