01-26-15 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS EDA JOINT MEETING WITH EDC—JANUARY 26, 2015 6 Mr. Weinhagen stated that he believed that a BRE program could have helped with this situation because it would have established a relationship between Smiths Medical and the City of Arden Hills. It was his hope that after the BRE plan was in place, the first call for companies in need of additional space would be to the City and not to a broker. Further discussion ensued regarding the Smiths Medical situation, and he noted that relationships play a major role in where companies decide to locate. Commissioner Heikkila stated that the $5,000 cost for the BRE plan was quite small when compared to the loss of an Arden Hills business. Commissioners Erickson and Radziej stated their support for undertaking the BRE program in 2015. EDA Commissioner Holden wanted to see the information gathered for the plan remain secure in the City for years to come. MOTION: EDA Commissioner Holden moved and EDA Commissioner McClung seconded a motion to approve the Business Retention and Expansion Service Proposal submitted by the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC). The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. 2015 EDA Work Plan Secretary Klaers stated that last year the EDA met four times. In January, the EDA met jointly with the EDC to review the activities undertaken the previous year and to review the upcoming work plan. In April, the EDA discussed the EDA Budgets and the Revolving Loan program. Also in April, the EDA discussed having fewer EDA meetings while the City Council concentrates on and dedicates time to the TCAAP redevelopment project. In September and in December,the EDA considered the 2015 EDA budgets. Secretary Klaers commented that, with the April 2014 EDA discussion in mind, he was looking for EDA input on an acceptable 2015 work plan. Items that could be included are as follows: TIF District 42 — This District is scheduled to be decertified in 2015. Staff will monitor this District and recommend EDA action as necessary to be in compliance with State law. TIF District #3 — This District is for the Cottage Villas project. This District has up to $500,000 that can be used for qualified housing projects. The EDA should consider options for how to best use these funds. The District is scheduled to be decertified in 2019. EDA General Fund Operating Budget — The 2016 EDA budgets will need to be reviewed and approved. A sustainable revenue source needs to be identified to finance EDA operating expenses. These operating expenses are mainly: staff time and overhead, supplies, and contracts for services.