HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-7-12 EDC Packet Chair
Ed von Holtum 1245 W. Highway 96
Committee Members HILLSArden Hills, MN 55112
Dan Erickson � N 651.792.7800
Jim Huninghake www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us
Dan Altstatt Arden Hills
Vacant
Vacant Economic Development
Vacant
Vacant Commission
Vacant November 7, 2012
Council Liaison 8:00 am to 9:30 am
Ed Werner
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, andplay.
Agenda
Call to Order
1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
2. MINUTES
A. August 1, 2012
3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. EDC Appointment
B. City Video Tour
C. Economic Gardening
D. 2013 EDC Work Plan
4. UPDATES
A. TIF Policy
B. Gateway Signs
C. Holiday Inn Reuse Proposal
D. Commission Members
E. Council Liaison
F. Staff Comments
5. ADJOURNMENT
A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting.
'2�
EN HILLS
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
AUGUST 1,2012 8:00 AM
CITY HALL -- 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Ed von Holtum called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Ed von Holtum, Dan Erickson and Jim Huninghake.
Also Present: Council Liaison Ed Werner; City Administrator Patrick Klaers, and Community
Development Director Jill Hutmacher.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair von Holtum requested the item 3D, Website Redesign Project, be moved to first on the
agenda.
It was the consensus of the Commission to accept the agenda as amended.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was the consensus of the Commission to accept the May 2, 2012, meeting minutes as
presented.
3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
D. Website Redesign Project
Community Development Director Hutmacher presented the draft content for the business
section of the new City website. Commissioners reviewed the content.
Commissioner Erickson asked whether staff would be tracking the number of business calls to
the City to determine whether the website decreased the number of phone calls.
Community Development Director Hutmacher responded that this would not be the case in
Arden Hills as the City website essentially has two audiences: residents and businesses.
Although the website is intended to encourage residents to find information they need on-line,
EDC Minutes
August 1, 2012
Page 2 of 4
businesses already see and use the internet as the first source for information. For businesses,the
goal of the website is to provide the information they need in a format with which they are
already familiar and which is most convenient for them.
Community Development Director Hutmacher added that she will review the information that
is currently in the business packets to ensure that the information is included on the new website.
A. EDC 20 t 2 Work Plan
Community Development Director Hutmacher presented a status report on the approved 2012
EDC Work Plan. She stated that the Work Plan is consistent with the City Council goals that
were established in 2012. The EDC is on-schedule with the Work Plan.
Commissioner Huninghake asked whether the EDC had been informing the business
community of TCAAP issues as is stipulated in the Work Plan.
Community Development Director Hutmacher responded that the State of the City event
would have been the appropriate forum for that update, but the EDC recommended that the City
forego that event this year since there is currently no big issue that would draw attendance.
Hutmacher added that there is not much new information presently to give the business
community about TCAAP. If Ramsey County moves forward with acquisition of the property,
then some sort of update would be appropriate.
Chair von Holtum suggested that the description of the TCAAP Development Goal,
"Communicate TCAAP development issues with the business community," be revised in the
2013 EDC Work Plan.
Discussion ensued regarding the recruitment of new EDC Commissioners. Commissioners
remarked that they had approached individuals who had expressed frustration with how
government works. These individuals were unwilling to consider an EDC position due to their
feelings about government in general.
City Administrator Patrick Klaers stated that commission and committee members are
allowed to serve on multiple committees. He suggested that one or more members of the
Financial Planning and Analysis Committee (FPAC) might be interested in serving on the EDC
as well.
Chair von Holtum remarked that he believed that there was synergy between the goals and
mission of FPAC and the EDC, and he supported further consideration of overlapping
membership between these two groups.
B. Business Outreach
Community Development Director Hutmacher provided a progress update on the business
outreach goal in the 2012 EDC Work Plan. In addition to the objectives already underway,
Hutmacher asked whether the EDC had additional ideas for business outreach in 2012.
EDC Minutes
August 1, 2012
Page 3 of 4
Commissioner Erickson asked whether business visits were regularly made to new businesses.
Community Development Director Hutmacher replied that although staff makes regular
business visits, no special effort is made to visit new businesses. Hutmacher added that focusing
on new business visits was an excellent idea, and she would work with Buildings and Inspections
staff to identify new or significantly expanding businesses as priorities for business visits.
Discussion ensued on options to promote the City's new website and URL address,
www.cityofardenhill", to the business community. EDC Commissioners decided that they
would resume Commissioner business visits in 2013 to promote the new website.
Community Development Director Hutmacher noted that the City Council had directed staff
to research local options for an on-line city tour video that would not require advertising to be
placed on the City's website. After discussions with CTV, staff believes that a video tour could
be created primarily using the City's 100-hour annual CTV labor allotment. Because economic
development will be featured in the video, the EDC will be asked to consider the topic at a future
meeting as a business outreach opportunity.
C. B-2 Implementation Plan
Community Development Director Hutmacher updated the EDC on the City Council's July
30, 2012, discussion on the B-2 District Implementation Plan. Bolton & Menk, the City's
consultant for the Plan, attended the meeting and reported the findings from the individual
business meetings that had already been held. Marcus Thomas, Bolton & Menk, reported that
businesses saw a need for reduced vacancies and improved aesthetics along the corridor, but
were wary of making a large infrastructure investment without knowing whether it would attract
significant new development. Mr. Thomas recommended completing the individual business
meetings, and then considering an incremental approach to district improvements. Consensus
among the City Council supported this approach.
4. UPDATES
A. TCAAP
Community Development Director Hutmacher updated the EDC on the status of Ramsey
County's potential acquisition of the TCAAP site. Staff assisted Ramsey County in drafting an
application for DEED funding authorized by the State Legislature. The funding is very
competitive as grant requests are many times more than available funds. Final funding decisions
will be made by the Governor and announced in August or September.
Community Development Director Hutmacher added that the City Council had authorized
staff to obtain legal services to assist with negotiating and drafting an agreement with Ramsey
County that would outline each party's respective obligations and authority with respect to
TCAAP development. Staff is currently reviewing an outline of the document.
EDC Minutes
August 1, 2012
Page 4 of 4
B. TIF Policy
Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that the City Council had approved a
proposal by Ehlers & Associates to development a tax increment financing (TIF) policy that will
assist the City in determining how and when to provide TIF and will align the TIF Policy to the
City's development vision and goals.
C. Gateway Signs
Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that the City Council approved a
gateway sign on July 30, 2012. The sign will be located on the southwest corner of the
intersection of County Road E and Lexington Avenue.
D. Commission Members
None.
E. Council Liaison
Councilmember Werner reported that he had toured Fire Station #1 on Lake Johanna
Boulevard. Werner also noted that an open house for State Farm agent Jaci Meyer would be held
at her office in Arden Plaza on Thursday, August 2, 4:00 — 6:00 p.m. The open house was
organized by the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce.
F. Staff Comments
None.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Chair von Holtum adjourned the meeting at 9:35 a.m.
Ed von Holtum, Chair Jill Hutmacher
Community Development Director
-fiRZEN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 7, 2012 EDC Agenda Item 3.A
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director 1W
SUBJECT: Economic Development Commissioner Appointment
On Monday, October 29, 2012, the City Council appointed Dan Altstatt to the Economic
Development Commission. Mr. Altstatt's letter of interest and the staff memo to the City
Council are attached. Commissioner Altstatt will attend the November EDC meeting.
Attachments
A. Dan Altstatt—Letter of Interest
B. Staff Memo to City Council—October 29, 2012
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission November 7, 2012
Page 1 of 1
Attachment
Dan Altstatt — Letter of Interest
November 7, 2012, Economic Development Commission Meeting
To Whom It May Concern;
R.E. Letter Of Interest—City Committee
I am writing this letter of interest to highlight my desire for involvement with the City of Arden Hills. My
wife and I moved to Jerrold Avenue in Arden Hills a year ago from Minneapolis. We moved here to
become more a part of the community,and raise our children in an area with good education and strong
family values.
As a professional I am a commercial real estate advisor,recently joining the Colliers International
(Welsh) brand,and concentrate on assisting users and buyers of office property. Considering this, my
passion and impact on the community would likely match best with the Economic Development or
Planning Commission teams.
In the event the City is interested in discussing my background'and objectives further,I welcome an in-
person interview at your convenience.
Best,Regards,
7
Dan Altstatt
1921 Jerrold Avenue
Attachment
Staff Memo to City Council
October 29, 2012
November 7, 2012, Economic Development Commission Meeting
-i` EEN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 29, 2012
TO: Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers
Patrick Klaers, City Administrator
FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Economic Development Commission Appointment
Background
The City of Arden Hills has a nine-member Economic Development Commission(EDC). The
EDC advises the City Council on issues related to economic and business development. Since
the resignation of Rob Davidson in September 2012,the EDC currently has only three members.
An application for EDC Commissioner was received from Dan Altstatt, a resident of Arden Hills
since 2011. Mr. Altstatt lives at 1921 Jerrold Avenue and works as a commercial real estate
advisor.
Commissioner Appointment
Pursuant to City policy on appointments to the EDC,Mr. Altstatt was interviewed by the Mayor,
Council Liaison to the EDC, and the staff liaison to the EDC. The EDC Chair was unable to
attend the interview, but had an opportunity to speak with the applicant following the interview.
The interview committee was impressed by the applicant's professional experience,his
commitment to volunteer community service, and his well-spoken and intelligent demeanor. Mr.
Altstatt's work experience in the commercial real estate industry is particularly relevant to the
work of the EDC.
Mayor Grant asked that staff prepare a recommendation for the City Council to appoint Mr.
Altstatt to the EDC.
Recommendation
The City Council is asked to appoint Dan Altstatt to the Economic Development Commission.
City of Arden Hills
City Council Meeting October 29, 2012
Page 1of1
lt
,-AIQEN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 7, 2012 EDC Agenda Item 3.11
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director 11W
SUBJECT: City Video Tour
The City has been researching options for an on-line City video tour. Primarily using the City's
annual 100-hour labor allotment, CTV is able to create an approximately two-minute video that
showcases the City's attributes and amenities. Economic development will also be a key feature
of the video.
Discussion Questions
1. Would the EDC like to assist with the economic development portion of the video?
2. If so, what are the primary economic development strengths and opportunities that should
be conveyed?
3. What specific businesses, business districts, views, or locations should be filmed to give a
positive impression of economic development in Arden Hills?
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission November 7, 2012
Page 1 of 1
,- I��EN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 7, 2012 EDC Agenda Item 3.0
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director J N
SUBJECT: Economic Gardening
Background
Economic Gardening is an approach to economic development which focuses on "stage two"
businesses which are defined as businesses that are past the start-up phase, have 10 — 99
employees, and $1 to $50 million in annual revenue. Research has shown that most jobs are
created by stage two businesses. Economic Gardening specifically focuses on stage two
businesses which have high potential and steady growth and which sell goods and services
outside of the region (in other words,they bring new money into the region from elsewhere).
Pilot Programs
Staff recently attended an Economic Gardening meeting organized by Ramsey County. At the
meeting, representatives from Hennepin County described their recently completed and
successful pilot program. Hennepin County selected 15 stage two businesses to participate.
Each business received 50 hours of technical research assistance at no cost and attended monthly
round table meetings with CEOs from the other participating businesses. The research assistance
and the round table meetings were facilitated by the Edward Lowe Foundation, a non-profit
organization which focuses on economic development and entrepreneurship. Participating
businesses reported a high level of satisfaction with the program.
Staff from several Ramsey County communities were in attendance at the meeting with Edward
Lowe Foundation and Hennepin County staff and were intrigued by the economic development
processes and techniques presented. Ramsey County will be considering whether a pilot
program or cooperative program with Hennepin County could be organized. A Star Tribune
article describing Anoka County's pilot program for Economic Gardening is attached.
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission November 7, 2012
Page 1 of 2
Discussion Questions
1. If Ramsey County initiates an Economic Gardening pilot program, would the EDC
support participation by the City of Arden Hills?
2. Would the EDC support participation by the City in other Ramsey County economic
development efforts?
Attachments
A. Star Tribune article, August 14, 2012
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission November 7, 2012
Page 2 of 2
Attachment
Star Tribune Article
August 14, 2012
November 7, 2012, Economic Development Commission Meeting
Economic gardening grows in Anoka County I StarTribune.com Page 1 of 4
YOUR GUIDE TO THE TWIN CITIES Help. Subscriber Services Buy Ads Store
AWa n north Ynetro
News Local Sports Business Politics Opinion Lifestyle Entertainment Obituaries
North Metro west Metro South Metro East Metro Minneapolis St.Paul Your voices Bic
Home Local North Metro
Economic .gard.ening grows in Anoka County
Article by:PAUL LEVY, Star Tribune Updated:August 14,2012-11:00 PM
...........................................................................................................................
By spending $160,000 on a program for entrepreneurs, Anoka County hopes to bolster i
businesses and the community.
...._.........._........_................................._.._._..........................._ ....._... ............................
0 comments ®resize text Q print buy reprints Recommend i
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Anoka County wants to get into.the business of helping entrepreneurs more from north'mietro
grow their businesses. .. _:............. .............
Forklift has person pinned
It's a year-long process called "economic gardening,"and the at Lino Lakes business
program is designed to take businesses to the next level by ..............................
introducing entrepreneurs to other businesspeople who have gone. Bingo and a Big Mac?
through what they're about to experience and guide them along. McDonald's hosts weekly
"We show them how its done, make it work and then leave,"said games
Mark Lange of the Edward Lowe Foundation, the Florida-based
. ...................................................................................
operation that helped Hennepin County launch an economic Brooklyn center alms high
gardening.pilot program last year and recently began working with with roe center
Anoka County. "We educate, demonstrate and help communities
activate."
By dedicating $150,000- or approximately$10,000 for each of 15
businesses that qualify the county has launched a program in which
it is reaching out to the businesses we never hear from, or
businesses we only read about when they announce they're moving
to another area,"said Karen.Skepper,Anoka County's director of
community and government relations.
http://www.startribune.com/local/north/165876516.htm1 8/15/2012
Economic gardening grows in Anoka County StarTribune.com Page 2 of 4
There are no fees for businesses entering the county-sponsored
program. The idea is that the businesses, the county and potential
customers all will benefit.
The businesses must meet certain criteria to qualify, including having
99 or fewer employees.
"We bring the infrastructure so someone like Anoka County can jump
in,"said the Lowe Foundation's Lange. "The county pays for the
program and, in return, establishes a culture for entrepreneurial
growth.
"Anoka County is rewarded with job growth, tax revenues, increased
wealth. The companies give back and build the communities. The
payback spills to multiple levels."
From the ground up
Steven Daas,who owns the Maple Grove-based professional-
services firm Global Tax Network, recently completed Hennepin
County's 12-month pilot program. He said 15 CEOs of what he
describes as"Stage 2" companies attended monthly meetings in
which they discussed business issues and how each member settled
problems. Some entrepreneurs, such as Erik Saltvold (a.k.a. Erik the
Bike Man),talked about how they built their companies from the
ground up, Daas said.
The Edward Lowe Foundation offered.an e-mail list with 200 potential
contacts, many of them being other entrepreneurs who have survived
their own growing pains and can offer advice, Daas said. A
foundation.representative also offered tips concerning customer
relations and described ways of customizing companies'internal
systems, Daas said.
"I've been in two other CEO peer groups, but this one really meshed
well," Daas said. "All the companies were similarly sized, in the same
growth mode. The program was so focused on what we needed now."
The Edward Lowe Foundation, established 25 years ago, has an
Internet site, YourEconomy.org, that offers a subscription service with
tips from economic-growth professionals. The roundtable aspect of
the program was introduced last year In Hennepin County, Lange
said. Hennepin and Anoka counties are considered "program
pioneers."
The Anoka County program was introduced earlier this month at the
3M Championship at the TPC Twin Cities golf course in Blaine. Sixty
people attended a brief seminar.
"The hum of the business community was.very strong,"said Skepper,
who is meeting with city council representatives to spread word of the
program throughout the county.
"There are no catches to this," Skepper said. "We're not going to put
competing businesses together.The discussions are open and frank.
http://www.startribune.com/local/north/165876516.htnal 8/15/2012
Economic gardening grows in Anoka County StarTribune.com Page 3 of 4
"We're hoping entrepreneurs familiar with the program will spread the
word to their peers. It's a program that will help develop a sense of
loyalty throughout the community."
Paul Levy - 612-673-4419
...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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..........................._.........................--................................._ ....................................................................................................._...................I.......................
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http://www.startribune.com/local/north/165876516.htm1 8/15/2012
'Tit
,fi` I�)ENHILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 7, 2012 EDC Agenda Item 3.1)
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director J
SUBJECT: 2013 EDC Work Plan
The EDC must approve a work plan for 2013, which will need to be approved by the City
Council in January 2013. In addition to Council economic development goals, the EDC work
plan may include work tasks that Commissioners would like to undertake in 2013.
Discussion Question
1. If TCAAP development moves forward, what is the role of the EDC?
a. Would a presentation at a future meeting on the history and current status of
TCAAP be helpful?
2. What business outreach activities does the EDC want to pursue in 2013?
a. State of the City?
b. New and/or existing business visits?
c. Marketing new City website?
d. Economic development video?
e. Newsletter articles?
3. How would the EDC like to address business improvement, expansion, and retention?
a. Should the City reactivate the existing revolving loan program?
b. How can the City identify businesses considering expansion or at risk of leaving
the City? What should the City do in these situations?
c. How should the City identify businesses in need of exterior improvements? What
should the City do in these situations?
4. What else can the EDC do to support Arden Hills businesses?
Staff requests specific direction so that a draft 2013 EDC work plan may be brought forward for
consideration at the December 5 meeting.
Attachments
A. 2012 EDC Work Plan
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission November 7, 2012
Page I of I
Attachment
2012 EDC Work Plan
November 7, 2012, Economic Development Commission Meeting
,AVEN HILLS
Economic Development Commission
2012 Work Plan
TCAAP Development • Communicate TCAAP development Yearlong
issues with the business community
New Member Recruitment • Newsletter article Yearlong
• Bulletin notices
• Business visits
City Website Redesign • Research city websites and options January—March
Project promoting economic development on the
website
• Outline economic development pages April—June
Gateway Signs • Review staff reports and February—April
recommendations to the City Council
B-2 Implementation Plan • Review and comment on draft plan February—June
• Communicate with B-2 businesses
Tax Increment Financing • Review draft White Paper March—December
Policy • Work with FPAC to analyze TIF
captured tax capacity benchmark
• Work with EDA and City Council to
define development goals
• Consider role of TIF in implementation
of City development goals
Business Outreach • Plan and promote State of the City event June—September
• Use City newsletter to highlight local February—December
businesses
• Update and distribute business July—September
information packet
• Consider other business outreach
activities
Business Improvement, . Identify businesses considering October —December
Expansion and Retention expansion or at risk of leaving the City
• Identify businesses in need of exterior
improvements
• Investigate options for revolving loan
program
City of Arden Hills
1245 West Highway 96•Arden Hills Minnesota 55112
Phone 651.634.5120•Fax 651.634.5137
www.ci.arden-hills.nm.us
,-SRQEN�HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 7, 2012 EDC Agenda Item 4.A
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director:A
SUBJECT: TIF Policy
On July 16, 2012, the City Council directed staff to enter into an agreement with Ehlers to
develop a tax increment finance (TIF) policy that will assist the City in determining how and
when to provide TIF assistance.
At the August 20, 2012, City Council work session, Ms. Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers, requested City
Council feedback on public financing assumptions, relative priorities of development goals, and
potential TIF application scoring criteria.
Ms. Kvilvang received feedback which she will use to draft a TIF ranking matrix and policy for
further Council discussion.
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission November 7, 2012
Page 1 of 1
EN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 7, 2012 EDC Agenda Item 4.11
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director J q
SUBJECT: Gateway Signs
On July 30, 2012, the City Council approved a contract for the construction and installation of a
gateway sign to be located on the southwest corner of the Lexington Avenue/County Road E
intersection. The cost of the sign is approximately $10,100 plus costs for landscaping and
lighting. As required by the Arden Plaza/Walgreens development agreement, the owner of
Arden Plaza contributed $5,050 towards the cost of the sign.
Upon completion of the Walgreens development, the City concluded that the number of utility
boxes, underground utilities, and other signage on the southwest corner of the intersection
significantly limited the placement of the gateway sign. As a result, the City Council directed
staff to locate the gateway sign on the northwest corner of that intersection. Since a B-2 District
gateway feature on the northwest corner was contemplated by the B-2 Guiding Plan and
previously discussed with the property owner as part of development applications, moving the
sign to the northwest corner should pose little difficulty. Arden Plaza and Walgreens have
consented to the move as well. Installation of the sign will likely occur in 2013, or concurrent
with the reuse of the former Holiday Inn property, whichever occurs first.
Gateway signs on the triangle parcel and on the southwest corner of Lexington Avenue/Highway
96 are tentatively planned for 2013. Braun Intertec, on behalf of Presbyterian Homes,has filed a
leak site closure request with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for the triangle
parcel. The MPCA review process will take approximately two months. Early indications seem
to be that the leak closure request is likely to be approved, and the City may acquire the site and
construct a gateway sign and landscaping in 2013.
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission November 7, 2012
Page 1 of 1
EN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 7, 2012 EDC Agenda Item 4.0
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director v 4
SUBJECT: Holiday Inn Reuse Proposal
Staff will provide a verbal update.
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission November 7, 2012
Page 1 of 1