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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-10-13 EN HILLS CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION DULY 10,2013 8:00 AM CITY HALL -- 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Ed von Holtum called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Ed von Holtum, Dan Altstatt, Jim Huninghake, and Steve Heikkila. Also Present: Council Liaison Ed Werner, Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher, and City Planner Ryan Streff. 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was the consensus of the Commission to accept the agenda as presented. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was the consensus of the Commission to accept the May 1, 2013, meeting minutes as presented. 3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Oaths of Office Councilmember Werner administered the oaths of office to Steve Heikkila and Dan Altstatt. B. State of the City Community Development Director Hutmacher asked for Commissioner feedback on the proposed methods of advertising and promoting the State of the City event. Commissioners did not have additions and divided up the City, for the purpose of personally delivering invitations, as follows: EDC Minutes July 10,2013 Page 2 of 4 Chair von Holtum Businesses along Red Fox Road Commissioner Huninghake B-2 District south of County Road E; commercial building at I- 35W and County Road E2 Commissioner Altstatt Businesses along Grey Fox Road; Lindy's Commissioner Heikkila Round Lake/Gateway Business District Councilmember Werner B-2 District north of County Road E; Bremer Bank; Arden Woods/Gradient Center; Commercial Building at Cleveland/County Road E Since Commissioner Erickson was absent, it was decided that he would be asked to visit businesses along Dunlap in the Red Fox/Grey Fox business district. Postcards and/or a flyer will be available in mid-August. The Bulletin advertisements will occur in mid- and late-August. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the City Council would consider presentation topics for the 2013 State of the City at the July 15, 2013, City Council work session meeting. Commissioners responded that topics of interest to the business community included the TCAAP project, B-2 corridor improvements, current development projects, and transportation projects. Commissioners felt that businesses would be less interested in City management/budget or in parks/trails topics. Commissioners suggested that someone from MnDOT attend to respond to questions regarding transportation projects. Community Development Director Hutmacher noted that the event was originally planned to begin at 7:00 am. Hutmacher researched the 2011 event, however, and found that it began at 7:30 am. Commissioners agreed that 7:30 am was an appropriate starting time that would be convenient for most business people. C. 2013 Work Plan Update Community Development Director Hutmacher presented a progress update on the 2013 EDC Work Plan. She noted that significant progress has been made on the work plan despite the recent staffing shortages. The only significant item remaining to be completed is the City video tour. Hutmacher expected work on the video tour to begin in Fall or early Winter 2013. Commissioners asked how they would be asked to participate in the video tour. I Community Development Director Hutmacher responded that Commissioners would be asked to identify locations that should be highlighted for economic development, draft the outline, and edit the script. Hutmacher added that the video tour would be posted on the website and would be a tool for people considering buying a home or locating a business in Arden Hills. EDC Minutes July 10, 2013 Page 3 of 4 Commissioners asked about new business visits and whether the City knew when new businesses opened. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that most new businesses would need a building permit for interior improvements. Although some tenants may make very minimal changes that would not require a building permit, most businesses make significant renovations when occupying a new space. The Building Official has been asked to provide the names of any businesses that receive Certificates of Occupancy to the Community Development Director. In late Summer and early Fall, the EDC may want to schedule new business visits with Now Bikes and Fitness (which opened in the E Street Shoppes on July 1), the Gradient Center which is currently completing interior renovations, and a new chocolate store in Arden Plaza which is scheduled to open soon. Commissioners noted that they will plan to visit Now Bikes and Fitness in the coming weeks. 4. UPDATES A. TCAAP Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that the City Council approved the Public Involvement Plan for the TCAAP master planning process. The first two public events are a Development Panel and Public Engagement Workshop on July 30 and a public open house on September 17. Commissioners asked about meetings and interviews that staff have had with developers. Community Development Director Hutmacher responded that the meetings have been very positive and developers have shown great interest in the site. At this point, the City and County are primarily providing information on the demolition and remediation project, the master planning process, and the potential development timeline. Community Development Director Hutmacher added that the master planning project management team would be holding interviews with developers to gather insight into the opportunities and challenges of working with a public entity on a project such as this; how the master plan could encourage or facilitate private investment; and potential pitfalls that the City and County may want to avoid. B. Commission Members None. C. Council Liaison EDC Minutes July 10, 2013 Page 4 of 4 Councilmember Werner advised the Commission on several upcoming events including: July 16 Grand Re-Opening of Valentine Park July 23 Committees and Commissions Picnic July 30 TCAAP Developer Panel and Public Engagement Workshop August 6 Night to Unite Sept 12 State of the City Sept 17 TCAAP Open House Councilmember Werner also noted that the City Council approved Phase I of the Lexington Station project on July 8, 2013. D. Staff Comments Community Development Director Hutmacher suggested that the August EDC meeting be moved to August 14, 2013. It was the consensus of the Commission to move the August meeting to August 14, 2013. Community Development Director Hutmacher introduced Ryan Streff, the new City Planner. ADJOURNMENT Chair von Holtum adjourned the meeting at 8:55 a.m. Ed von Holtum, Chair Jill 1 tmacher Co imunity Development Director