HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-27-11 EN HILLS --
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION -
JULY 27, 2011 8:00 AM
CITY HALL -- 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair von Holtum called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Ed von Holtum and Commissioner Jim Huninghake.
Also Present: Council Liaison Brenda Holden, City Administrator Patrick Klaers. and
Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher. -
Absent: Commissioners Rob Davidson and Dan Erickson:.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was the consensus of the EDC to accept the agenda as presented.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was the consensus of the EDC to accept the June 22, 2011, EDC minutes as presented.
3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. State of the City Event
Discussion took place regarding the State of the City event. Chair von Holtum remarked that the
task outline for the event looked complete. Community Development Director Hutmacher noted
that staff was on schedule with event preparation and marketing. "Save-the-date" postcards will
be mailed to businesses the week of August 1. Marketing efforts will be focused on the business
community.
EDC members discussed presentation topics and suggested that presentations on the stadium
proposal, road and transportation improvement projects, implementation of the B-2 District Plan,
and City finances and management should be included. The City Council will discuss the State
of the City event at the August 15, 2011, work session meeting. At that time, the City Council
will finalize the program and presenters.
EDC Minutes
July 27,2011
Page 2 of 3
B. City Website Redesign Project
Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the City is beginning a website
redesign project. Staff will spend the next few months in a "discovery phase" to identify good
examples of city websites, speak to staff in those cities about vendors and process, and identify
the City's needs in a new website. EDC commissioners are asked to review the City's current
website and other city websites. Feedback on what is desired from a business perspective can be
given to the Community Development Director.
4. UPDATES
A. TCAAP & Other Projects
The stadium proposal was discussed. City Administrator Klaers stated that the City Council has
not adopted an official position on the proposal. The City Council would like to better
understand the proposal and the risks to the City prior to adopting an official position.
Chair von Holtum said that this may be the best opportunity to have the TCAAP site remediated
and redeveloped for many years. With a big project such as this, the City may need to make a
decision to support the project before every detail is known.
A stadium open house will be held on Thursday, August 4, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Marsden
Conference Room at the Ramsey County Public Works Facility. EDC members are encouraged
to attend if they are available.
B. Commission Members
Commissioner Huninghake asked about the B-2 District Implementation Plan. Community
Director Hutmacher responded that staff has prepared a draft scope of work for the
implementation plan. A meeting is scheduled with a potential consultant to discuss the scope of
work and previous projects. City Administrator Klaers added that the implementation plan is
being timed so that planning and design work is finished prior to the reconstruction of the
County Road E bridge over Highway 51 (Snelling Avenue). Although bridge reconstruction is
currently planned for 2015, the City hopes that the project can be moved up to 2014. Streetscape
improvements should coincide with the bridge reconstruction to limit the duration of
construction activities along County Road E. The City plans to hire a consultant for the
implementation plan in early 2012. The plan should take 12 to 18 months to complete.
C. Council Liaison
None.
EDC Minutes
July 27, 2011
Page 3 of 3
D. Staff Comments
The next EDC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 17, 2011, at 8:00 a.m. in the
Council Chambers.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 a.m.
Minutes approved by:
Ed van Holtum, Chair Jill tmacher
C munity Development Director