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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-12-11 EDC PacketChair Ed von Holtum Committee Members Rob Davidson Dan Erickson James Huninghake Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Council Liaison 2k1QEN HILLS Arden H i I Is Economic Development Commission January 12, 2011 8:00 am to 9:30 am 1245 W. Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112 651.792.7800 www.ci.arden hills.mn.us City Vision Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play. Agenda Call to Order 1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 2. MINUTES A. March 17, 2010 B. April 21, 2010 3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Introductions of City Administrator and Community Development Director B. Discussion of History, Role, and Purpose of EDC C. Draft Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Strengths (SWOT) Analysis 4. UPDATES A. TCAAP Other Projects B. Commission Members C. Council Liaison 5. ADJOURNMENT A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. Absent: None. AT- DEN HILLS CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MARCH 17, 2010 7:30 AM CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair von Holtum called the meeting to order at 7:40 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Ed von Holtum; Community Development Director James Lehnhoff; Council Liaison Stan Harpstead; Commissioner Members Rob Davidson; James Huninghake; and Dan Erickson. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2009 The minutes from the December 16, 2009, meeting were approved as printed. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Business Meeting Project Updates Updates from Commissioners Mr. Erickson reported he got through several more business meetings. Overall the meetings were very positive and businesses were interested in being on the City's website. Mr. Davidson had no update at this time. Mr. Huninghake met with several businesses and received positive feedback as well. The Business Park was largely vacant and felt the Commission should address these concerns. Council Liaison Harpstead indicated region -wide he was trying to meet with top executives of larger corporations with other local mayors. He met with the CEO of 3M and US Bank. At this time, there was an emphasis on the importance of the connections between the public and private sectors. He explained the connections being made by the Commission was just as important. Council Liaison Harpstead explained the City of Shoreview's EDC holds their monthly meeting at different companies, which would be another way to connect with local businesses. He encouraged staff to speak with Shoreview staff regarding these efforts. EDC Minutes March 17, 2010 Page 2 of 6 A. Business Meeting Project Updates Updates from Commissioners (continued) Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated he would be more than happy to arrange a meeting at a local business. He added that staff had several lists of local businesses that still needed contact from the EDC. He felt the time spent on this initiative was well spent. Mr. Huninghake suggested the owner of McDonald's be contacted to see if he was interested in serving on the EDC or hosting an EDC meeting. The Commission was in favor of this recommendation. B. Gateway Sign Selection Community Development Director Lehnhoff indicated the City has been discussing the idea of a gateway sign for some time now. The 2010 capital improvement plan includes $10,000 for the construction of a gateway sign. The prior location at Arden Plaza was on hold at this time until the developer has an established timeline for redevelopment of the site. Community Development Director Lehnhoff reviewed the sign proposal quotes and building materials. He recommended the proposal from SignArt which would be a four foot by eight foot sign with raised lettering. There would be a potential for two aluminum gateway signs each at $4,900. Staff then requested the EDC discuss and recommend potential locations for the gateway sign. Council Liaison Harpstead was in favor of the proposed aluminum sign as it would be moveable. Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated the easiest locations to place a gateway sign in at this time were: Cleveland Avenue and County Road D, Cleveland Avenue and County Road E2, Highway 96 across from gas station, Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue, or Highway 51 and County Road E. Discussion ensued regarding potential gateway sign locations. Council Liaison Harpstead suggested one sign be placed at County Road E and Lexington Avenue. As soon as the monument sign was completed, the aluminum sign could be moved to another location. The Commission was in favor of this suggestion. Community Development Director Lehnhoff suggested the EDC recommend a second sign location to the Council as well. Chair von Holtum suggested a sign be located across from Arden Manor. Council Liaison wondered if Lexington Avenue and 694 would be a good location. EDC Minutes March 17, 2010 Page 3 of 6 B. Gateway Sign Selection (continued) Community Development Director Lehnhoff asked if the Commission had considered locating a sign at Round Lake Road and Highway 96. This location would impact a number of local businesses. The Commission was in favor with this sign location. MOTION: Chair von Holtum moved and Mr. Davidson seconded, to recommend the City Council approve two gateway signs, one at the corner of Lexington Avenue and County Road E; and the other at Round Lake Road and Highway 96. The motion carried. C. TCAAP Update and Proposed Zoning Regulations Community Development Director Lehnhoff provided a TCAAP update to the Commission. He explained three parcels of land would be transferred to Ramsey County for use as trail corridors. The remaining 431 acres of the site were up for public auction and redevelopment. The auction was to be held in late June. The Council has reaffirmed the support for the 2030 Comprehensive Plan which calls for a mixed use development on the TCAAP site. At this time, the City is addressing the zoning regulations on the property to bring it into conformance with the mixed use vision. Community Development Director Lehnhoff explained the TCAAP site has several superfund sites which meant the potential buyer of the site could not take title of the land until the remediation was complete. The expense for the cleanup was unknown and would be worked through once a master plan for the property was finalized. Community Development Director Lehnhoff reported the City would be hosting a multi jurisdictional meeting on April 14, 2010 to provide an update on the property. He then began reviewing the proposed zoning regulations for TCAAP and asked for questions or comments from the Commission. Chair von Holtum asked if the City had received a bid packet from the GSA. Community Development Director Lehnhoff explained the City did not yet have this information. A draft should be available mid -April for the City to review. He noted a second bidder's conference would be held at the end of May. Mr. Erickson questioned what would happen if the public auction was unsuccessful in the sale of the property. Community Development Director Lehnhoff this would be a possibility, but the City is uncertain of the interested bidders. The City has spoken with the GSA about these concerns and the GSA does not have a specific process laid out for this scenario. Potentially, another auction could be held or the property would go up for sale again in several years. EDC Minutes March 17, 2010 Page 4 of 6 C. TCAAP Update and Proposed Zoning Regulations (continued) Chair von Holtum asked if the zoning regulations would limit the number of potential buyers. Community Development Director Lehnhoff felt the zoning regulations would guide buyers into the purchase of the site making them aware of what would be allowed on the site. He fully expected the buyer would petition for rezoning in several areas of the site to meet their own redevelopment needs. Mr. Davidson questioned why the City was opposing large retail within the TCAAP redevelopment. He felt this may hinder the retail development of the site. In the end the market would drive what would be placed on the site. He encouraged the City to be creative through the redevelopment process to invite new uses to the City. Mr. Erickson suggested the language be rewritten to allow for a certain percentage of big box retail to become anchors for the retail development. Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated the current state of the economy would effect the development and retail on the site. He explained that the TCAAP site may not be developed for three to five years. Council Liaison Harpstead indicated this would lead the planning process to plan for the long term in hopes of having a successful development for the next 50+ years. He challenged the EDC to review the document to provide feedback that would be in the best interests of the City. Chair von Holtum questioned how the property would be brought back onto the tax roles. Council Liaison Harpstead reported the City receives no revenue at this time due to the fact it is federally owned. After the deed transfers, the County would place a market value on it after all remediation was complete. Chair von Holtum suggested holding another EDC meeting in April to further discuss the zoning regulations. UPDATES A. TCAAP Other Projects Community Development Director Lehnhoff explained the Chamber of Commerce would be hosting an Economic Development Summit on April 6. 2010. He noted he would forward an informational email to the EDC. Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated the Arden Village proposal received approval from the City Council last Monday. This would create a 55 -unit workforce housing building in the City. At this time, the financing was still being worked on. EDC Minutes March 17, 2010 Page 5 of 6 A. TCAAP Other Projects (continued) Community Development Director Lehnhoff reported the Council had a concept review with Roberts Development at the last worksession meeting. Roberts Development has proposed renovating an existing building at 3920 Northwoods Drive into a 51 -unit senior apartment building. The overall response from the Council was encouraging. Additional comments will be taken from the EDC at the April meeting. Community Development Director Lehnhoff encouraged the EDC members to further review the zoning regulations and forward any comments or questions to him prior to the meeting. This would allow staff to bring all necessary information to the April worksession meeting. B. Commission Members There was nothing further. C. Council Liaison Council Liaison Harpstead reported economic development for the region was critical. He presented information on the initiatives of the Regional Council of Mayor's. This organization involved 35 metropolitan cities and works with the Department of Economic Development to gather information on the regions workforce and business types. Council Liaison Harpstead indicated the Itasca Project involves 30 -50 community leaders that look into the local jobs and economic development diving deep into data. He further reviewed the levers that make areas successful and how the City of Arden Hills rated in each area. The Itasca Project would continue to work on how to draw businesses into the area while addressing the necessary process changes to create vision and long term growth. In the end the region would like to increase jobs. Council Liaison Harpstead noted the Brookings Institution decided to look nationally at how to create relationships between the Federal Government and metropolitan regions. This has become a world of cities and not a world of nations. Council Liaison Harpstead indicated he would be willing to present the local business owners with this information if the EDC found interest. Mr. Davidson explained the recession has magnified the need for public and private sectors to work together to foster development and employment. OTHER BUSINESS There was nothing at this time. EDC Minutes March 17, 2010 Page 6 of 6 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:10 a.m. Minutes approved by: Ed von Holtum, Chair James Lehnhoff Community Development Director NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the EDC will be Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 7:30 a.m. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Van Holtum called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Ed von Holtum; Community Development Director James Lehnhoff; Council Liaison Stan Harpstead; Commissioner Members Rob Davidson; James Huninghake; and Dan Erickson. Absent: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION APRIL 21, 2010 7:30 AM CITY HALL 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 A. Business Meeting Project Updates �EN HILLS Approved: Mr. Huninghake reported he had a meeting and the business owner was curious about the B -2 zoning district subcommittee results. B. TCAAP Update and Proposed Zoning Regulations Community Development Director Lehnhoff handed out the most recent TCAAP zoning regulations to the EDC. He reviewed the changes to the Mixed Business portion of the document and asked for comment. Council Liaison Harpstead noted the Council was not in favor of numerous warehouse/ showroom businesses within TCAAP due to the questionable long -term viability. The Council would be interested in gaining feedback on how to build sustainable business districts. Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated the City fully expects that the developer will request amendments to the zoning codes based on market driven needs at the time of redevelopment. However, the City wants to prepare itself the best way possible before the public auction while still maintaining a level of flexibility. EDC Minutes April 21, 2010 Page 2 of 4 B. TCAAP Update and Proposed Zoning Regulations (continued) Community Development Director Lehnhoff explained the Council did consider the EDCs comment about commercial square footage and that a 100,000 square foot anchor would remain within the redevelopment language. Council Liaison Harpstead indicated some of the larger commercial retail spaces have created smaller footprint buildings and this would be allowed within the TCAAP redevelopment. Mr. Davidson stated these established square footages would set the tone for the commercial development on this site. He indicated the exclusion of larger square footage retail could hurt the development. Mr. Davidson asked if the Council had thought about allowing a retail mall. Council Liaison Harpstead noted the Council has not considered a retail mall development. Mr. Davidson indicated he would like to see the City remain flexible with the developer taking on the redevelopment of the site. Mr. Huninghake felt a large corporate campus would be ideal for the TCAAP site. Mr. Erickson stated he would rather see large corporate campuses on the site than trucking/ warehouse positions. Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated the Council was very interested in a corporate campus on the site. Council Liaison Harpstead indicated the City would have to guide and accommodate the planning to assure that there is a proper mix of uses on the TCAAP site. He explained a Vikings Stadium has been discussed and the Council would be willing to consider this, but would have to be incorporated into the rest of the redevelopment. Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated a purpose statement would have to be written into the code to allow for a larger regional important venue that could be accommodated on the property. Mr. Davidson felt the Vikings Stadium would be a great fit for the site, along with retail and housing. He suggested staff speak with representatives from the Vikings about this partnership. Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated the City has not been approached to date, but conversations are taking place. EDC Minutes April 21, 2010 Page 3 of 4 B. TCAAP Update and Proposed Zoning Regulations (continued) Council Liaison Harpstead noted the Council will continue to review this document, along with gaining input from the Planning Commission and Park Board. A public hearing will be held in June prior to Council approval. He explained the document could always be amended if issues were to arise in the future. Community Development Director Lehnhoff invited the EDC to attend the Planning Commission or Council meetings to provide additional input. He encouraged the EDC to forward any additional comments or questions to him after the meeting. UPDATES A. TCAAP Other Projects Community Development Director Lehnhoff asked the committee for their general comments B. Commission Members Community Development Director Lehnhoff asked the committee for their general comments C. Council Liaison Council Liaison Harpstead reported a position was offered to an individual for the City Administrator position. With the TCAAP transition last May, the City needed better leadership and negotiations continue at this point to fill the vacancy. Council Liaison Harpstead indicated the TH 10 and CR 96 approval process should come before Council in several months for final approval. The Council is concerned about how this area will impact the surrounding neighborhoods. In addition, MnDOT is interested in redoing bridges (seven total in Arden Hills) on 1-694 to the point they may break ground in 2011. The City will need to consider how these rebuilds affect the traffic flow throughout the City, especially along County Road E. The B -2 redevelopment may wait until the bridge rebuilds are complete. Council Liaison Harpstead reviewed detailed reconstruction MnDOT plans with the group. Council Liaison Harpstead suggested the links to the MnDOT plans be emailed to the EDC members. He anticipated that MnDOT would be bringing the plans before the City of Arden Hills in the next few months. Community Development Director Lehnhoff reported the Arden Plaza redevelopment was on hold indefinitely and they have not secured a contract with Walgreens to date. He anticipates an amended PUD to come before the City within the next month or so. EDC Minutes April 21, 2010 Page 4 of 4 C. Council Liaison (continued) Council Liaison Harpstead indicated the City negotiated adequate engineering services with the City of Roseville over the past month. An additional 800 hours of engineering services will be provided to assist the City in meeting the 2010 CIP work plan. OTHER BUSINESS There was nothing at this time. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:25 a.m. Minutes approved by: Ed Van Holtum, Chair James Lehnhoff Community Development Director NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the EDC will be Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 7:30 a.m. �EN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: January 12, 201 1 EDC Agenda Item 3.B TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Economic Development Commission History, Role and Purpose At the beginning of a new year, and with the appointment of a new City Administrator and Community Development Director, it seems appropriate to review the history, role and purpose of the Economic Development Commission (EDC). The City Administrator and Community Development Director would appreciate a discussion of: The history of the EDC including why and when it was created; Accomplishments; Work tasks; Challenges to the commission with regards to its structure and role; and Ideas for increasing the effectiveness of the EDC. Staff will be working with the City Council at an upcoming strategic planning retreat to set 2011 community and economic development goals. A discussion of the roles and structures of City commissions and committees is anticipated. EDC comments will be provided to the City Council prior to the retreat. City of Arden Hills Economic Development Commission January 12, 2011 Page 1 of 1 DATE: January 12, 2011 EDC Agenda Item 3.0 TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Community Development SWOT Analysis �R�N HILLS MEMORANDUM Attached is a draft SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) Analysis for Community Development in Arden Hills. The points listed in the analysis are compiled from conversations with Council and staff, demographic data included in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and my observations over the past two months. The City Council reviewed the draft SWOT Analysis at their December 20, 2010 work session. Council comments are incorporated into the attached document. The draft SWOT Analysis is not a complete or refined document, but is meant solely to serve as a starting point of an on -going discussion on community and economic development goals and priorities. Economic Development Commission feedback is requested. At an upcoming retreat, the City Council will work with staff to set 2011 Community Development goals and priorities. City of Arden Hills Economic Development Commission January 12, 2011 Page 1 of 1 . City of Arden Hills Community and Economic Development Draft SWOT Analysis January 2011 Neighborhoods, Housing Stock, and Housing Supply Strengths • High median housing value • Predominantly single family homes • Long tenure of residents ®l • Established, cohesive neighborhoods • Relatively few foreclosures I ' Weaknesses • Few life cycle housing opportunities • Limited pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between neighborhoods due to freeways and natural barriers Opportunities ,a • Redevelopment to provide additional life cycle housing • Private investment and upgrades to aging housing stock • Potential to work with Sheriff Bostrom on quality of life issues nm UI! • Potential to increase pedestrian access as intersections are reconstructed Threats • Single family rentals • Aging housing stock where there is no new investment and upgrades • Limited capacity of aging homeowners for maintenance and investment • Impact of foreclosed and/or poorly maintained homes on neighborhoods r t.,y Jobs, Employers, and Business Environment Strengths • • Large employee base relative to population Fd%rlvaac • Education attainment higher than area median • Close proximity to metro freeway system Boston,.C • Mix of office, retail, and industrial properties • Proximity to Medtronic Dgs St. Paul Cordial Weaknesses • Aging office/industrial stock that may be l`I I - ...,�. becoming functionally obsolete • Little communication and relationship-building with business community • City website does not have a page for business interests and issues • City does not use electronic communications as extensively as private sector businesses Opportunities • Improving economy t • Growing med tech sector • Strength and growth plans of corporate entities ow"�R SALE/LEASE • Strength and growth plans of Bethel University F�NANCiNG and Northwestern College LIRS` 651 �482�1811 N Threats • High office vacancy, particular in older buildings • Two large corporate employers hold large proportion of jobs • Reuse of corporate headquarter buildings can be difficult • MnDOT plans to reduce access to freeway system Table 2.9—Educational Attainment (2000) Arden Hills Mounds View New Brighton Roseville Shoreview Ramsey County 7-County Metro Those 18 and Over,High School Graduate 93% 88% 92% 91% 95% 81% 79% Those 25 Years and Over,Bachelors Degree or higher 51% 41% 2:ro 47% 34% 35% Source: US Census r • Development, Redevelopment, and Community Branding Strengths • B2 Plan adopted • TCAAP zoning adopted • Low level of property tax capacity in existing TIF districts Weaknesses • Very few greenfield development sites t "a • Little community identity in commercial areas • Limited progress made on implementation of B2 plan • New development will incur expensive redevelopment costs • No district plan for Red Fox/Gray Fox area t= • City website has no marketing/branding component Opportunities • Redevelopment in B2 and Red Fox/Gray Fox Districts • • Development in Traverse/Round Lake Business Park • Redevelopment of TCAAP Site • Redevelopment of Old City Hall Site • Redevelopment of scattered infill sites v iRNS-TERN Threats • Potential for delayed or failed TCAAP bid process -- • Slow pace of TCAAP cleanup and development : process • Slow projected recovery of office market • Reduced access to freeway system Fiquro 10 Streetscopo Cross Section I r • 1�-6+�I --B IAEf- 74WE AND SIDEWALK BOULEVARD BIKE DRIVE DRIVE N DRIVE DRIVE BIKE BOULEVARD SIDEWALK l{WUNE E E E ' 35, _ E4'