HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-1-12 EDC Packet •
�-/kRREN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 1, 2012 EDC Agenda Item 3.A
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director r W
SUBJECT: 2012 EDC Work Plan
At the October 19, 2011, Economic Development Commission meeting, Commissioners
reviewed potential 2012 work plan items. Commissioner feedback was incorporated into the
draft work plan, and discussed at the December 7, 2011, EDC meeting. At the December 7
meeting, Commissioners discussed the following:
• Identifying commercial areas or specific properties that are facing challenges;
• Utilizing the City's existing revolving fund for a business loan program to assist
challenged properties;
• Working with the City Council and the EDA to define development goals; and
• Prioritizing communications with the business community.
The first two items above have been added to the draft work plan under the heading, "Business
Improvement, Expansion and Retention." Under the heading, "Tax Increment Financing
Policy,"the EDC will be working with the City Council and EDA to define development goals.
Business communications are already incorporated into Business Outreach, but will also be a
very important component of the City Website Redesign Project. The website redesign project is
a high priority for the City Council and staff. Staff will be devoting a significant amount of time
to the new website in 2012. The website should also be a very high priority for the EDC. While
many cities do not offer financial assistance or other programs for businesses, nearly every city
provides information on its website that promotes the city as a place to do business and provides
businesses with information and links to resources. The City of Arden Hills does not currently
provide economic development information on its website, but has an opportunity in 2012 to
dramatically improve businesses communication and outreach through the website.
Recommendation
Approve the 2012 Economic Development Commission Work Plan.
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission February 1, 2012
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-AIREN jiILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 1, 2012 EDC Agenda Item 4.A
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director J 1.'
SUBJECT: TCAAP and Stadium Development Update
On Thursday, January 5, Governor Dayton sent a letter to Rafael Ortega, Chair of the Ramsey
County Board of Commissioners, setting a deadline of 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, for
the submission of Ramsey County's final stadium proposal. A similar letter was sent to R.T.
Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis. Proposals were submitted for sites in Arden Hills, Minneapolis,
and Shakopee. Since the January 12 deadline, the Basilica (Linden Avenue) site has been
eliminated from consideration for the time being due to concerns raised by the Basilica of St.
0 Mary.
Last week, Governor Dayton announced that the only site that remained feasible for a stadium
deal during this legislative session is the Metrodome. Some legislators support, and some
legislators dispute that conclusion.
On January 29, seven of thirteen Minneapolis Councilmembers expressed opposition to Mayor
Rybak's funding plan for a new stadium. Councilmembers explained that they cannot support a
plan to contribute more than $300 million to a stadium in Minneapolis without a referendum.
Rybak's current proposal would need a legislative override of a city charter amendment passed
in 1997 that requires a citywide vote to approve any expenditure of city resources over $10
million for a professional sports facility.
• City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission February 1, 2012
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-AIwEN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 1, 2012 EDC Agenda Item 4.B
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director JIf
SUBJECT: Gateway Signs Update
At the December 19, 2011, work session, the City Council gave direction to staff regarding
gateway signs. The priority locations for 2012 will be the triangle parcel at the intersection of
Lake Johanna Road and County Road D, and at Arden Plaza at the intersection of Lexington
Avenue and County Road E. Both signs will have brick masonry bases to complement
development occurring at Presbyterian Homes and Arden Plaza, respectively.
Staff will work with the City Council to define potential landscaping and amenity improvements •
on the triangle parcel. According to the development agreement with Presbyterian Homes, the
parcel should be transferred to City ownership by June 30, 2012.
The City Council will consider the development agreement for Walgreens at Arden Plaza on
January 30, 2012. If the Council approves the development agreement, construction is expected
to be underway fairly soon. Walgreens has already applied for a grading and erosion control
permit, which will be issued subject to City Council approval of the development agreement.
The installation of the gateway sign at Arden Plaza will be concurrent with development.
City of Arden Hills •
Economic Development Commission February 1, 2012
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