HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-07-11 EN HILLS
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
DECEMBER 7, 20118:00 AM
CITY HALL -- 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Ed von Holtum called the meeting to order at 8:08 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Ed von Holtum, Commissioners Rob Davidson, Dan Erickson (8:15 a.m.),
and Jim Huninghake.
Also Present: Council Liaison Brenda Holden, City Administrator Patrick Klaers, Community
Development Director Jill Hutmacher, and City Planner Meagan Beekman.
• Absent: None.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Huninghake moved and Commissioner von Holtum seconded a motion to
approve the agenda as presented. The motion was approved unanimously 3 —0.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was the consensus of the Commission to accept the minutes as presented.
3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. 2012 EDC Work Plan
Based on discussion at the October 19, 2011, EDC meeting, staff presented a draft 2012 EDC
work plan. Commissioners discussed the need to identify commercial areas or specific
properties that are challenged or struggling. Commissioners would like to examine options such
as a loan or grant program to assist challenged properties. Staff explained that the City's
Economic Development Authority has an existing revolving fund with a current balance of
approximately $150,000. This fund could be utilized for a business loan program, but staff will
need to research the origins of the fund to determine what requirements might be placed on
expenditures from the fund.
EDC Minutes
December 7, 2011
Page 2 of 3
Commissioners also discussed the need to work with the City Council and the EDA to define
development goals and emphasized communications with the business community as a priority.
Staff suggested that the 2012 work plan be revised and brought back to the next meeting.
Commissioner Davidson moved and Commissioner Huninghake seconded a motion to table the
2012 EDC work plan until the January 2012 EDC meeting. The motion was approved
unanimously 4—0.
B. City Website Redesign Project
Commissioners reviewed the Brooklyn Park website for ideas on economic development
programs and website presence. Commissioners liked that Brooklyn Park used their website to
promote local businesses and economic development programs. Commissioners discussed
having a list of available commercial properties on the website. Staff explained that the
information must be provided by local brokers and may be difficult to keep updated.
Commissioners discussed the possibility of listing local businesses on the website or providing a
map that shows business locations. The new website should have more comprehensive
information on how to start a business in Arden Hills.
• In Arden Hills, as a small town, businesses and developers receive more staff attention and
assistance with the approval process than is typical in larger cities. Staff has received positive
feedback from developers and business owners about the relative ease of doing business in
Arden Hills. Commissioners and staff will think about how to promote the City's business-
friendly environment on the website.
The EDC will continue to review city websites at future meetings.
Commissioner Huninghake left at 9:00 a.m.
4. UPDATES
A. TCAAP & Stadium Development
Community Development Director Hutmacher updated the EDC on the current status of the
Arden Hills stadium proposal and summarized the Senate hearings held on November 29 and
December 6.
B. Commission Members
Commissioners agreed that each would bring one or two names of potential new EDC
Commissioners to the next meeting. Commissioners discussed the possibility of having a
EDC Minutes
December 7, 2011
Page 3 of 3
representative from Bethel University join the Commission, and noted that Bruce Kunkel, Bethel
University, was previously a commissioner.
C. Council Liaison
Councilmember Holden notified the EDC of recent grand openings and ground breakings on the
AHATS property. She also provided additional information on the stadium proposal.
D. Staff Comments
Staff updated the EDC on the Arden Plaza development project. The property owners are no
longer working with CVS Pharmacy and have signed a purchase agreement with Walgreens.
The City Council will discuss the project at the December 19, 2011, work session meeting.
Demolition of the pod office buildings is tentatively scheduled for the week of December 12.
5. ADJOURNMENT
• Commissioner Davidson moved, and Commissioner Erickson seconded a motion to adjourn.
The motion carried unanimously 3 —0. The meeting adjourned at 9:29 a.m.
Minutes approved by:
Ed von Holtum, Chair Jill u macher
C mmunity Development Director
•