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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-10-13 EDCDan Altstatt -- Vacant www.cityofardenhills.org Vacant Vacant Ed Werner 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, and play. CALL TO ORDER Minutes 3.A.13 Minutes Documents:13 MINUTES.PDF Unfinished And New Business 4.A.Oaths Of Office Documents:MEMO.PDF 4.B.State Of The City Documents:MEMO.PDF 2013 Work Plan Update Documents:MEMO.PDF,ATTACHMENT.PDF Updates 5.A.TCAAP Update Documents:MEMO.PDF 5.B.Commission Members 5.B.A.New Member Recruitment Council Liaison Staff Comments 5.D.A.City Planner Introduction 5.D.B.August Meeting Schedule 5.D.C.Upcoming Events A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MAY 1,20138:00AM CITY HALL --1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Ed vonHoltum called the meeting to order at 8:16a.m. ROLL CALL Present:Chair Ed von Holtum,Dan Altstatt,Jim Huninghake, and Dan Erickson. Also Present:Council Liaison Ed Werner,Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher, and Community Development Intern Matthew Bachler. 1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was the consensus of the Commission to accept the agendaas presented. 2.APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was the consensus of the Commission to accept the April 3, 2013,meetingminutes as presented. 3.UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A.State of the City Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that, at the last EDC meeting, Commissioners had directed staff to research potential locations for the 2013 State of the City event.Staff researched several options including Flaherty’s Arden Bowl, Bethel University, Northwestern College, North Heights Lutheran Church, the Marsden Room at the Ramsey County Public Works Facility, the U.S. Army Reserve, and the Minnesota National Guard. The U.S. Army Reserve and the Minnesota National Guard declined the request for security reasons. Staff eliminated the Marsden Room due to the lack of catering and the availability of several reasonably-priced options that offer catering. Staff recommended against Northwestern College dueto its location at the far southeastern edge of the City. EDC Minutes May 1, 2013 Page 2of 5 Commissioners discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each location. Commissioner Huninghake stated that North Heights Lutheran Church would not be his preferred choice for 2013 due to the closure of Highway 96 and the difficulty of driving to the north part of the City. Councilmember Werner suggested that one advantage of Flaherty’s is that it is located in the B-2 Business District. Chair von Holtum added that Flaherty’s is a long-time local business and he likes the idea of supporting a local business. It was the consensus of the Commission to hold the 2013 State of the City event at Flaherty’s Arden Bowl. Community Development Director Hutmacher asked whether Commissioners had a preference for the date of the event. It was the consensus of the Commission to schedule the State of the City event for Thursday, September 12, 2013, 7:00 to 9:00 am. Commissioners suggested that possible presentationtopics include TCAAP, the B-2 District Improvement Plan, the Lexington Station development project, and road construction. Commissioners suggested that it might be helpful to have a MnDOT representative speak. B.Commercial/Industrial Property Analysis Community Development Intern Bachler stated that the Community Development Department has begun an analysis of the City’s commercial and industrial property. He identified the sources for the data used in the analysis and reviewed the data and preliminary findings. Commissioner Erickson inquired about the purpose of the analysis. Community Development Director Hutmacher replied that as the City considers reinstating or revising the Economic Development Authority Revolving Loan Program, establishing a business expansion and retention program, or commencing area plans for any of the business districts, it would be helpful to have better information on the strengths and weaknesses of the City commercial and industrial real estate market. Community Development Intern Bachler noted that the City’s overall vacancy rates were consistent with vacancy rates in the northeast quadrant submarket. Vacancy rates for specific uses or within certain business districts, however, vary from the submarket rates. For example, thevacancy rates for industrial property in the Gateway Business District is only 2.8%, compared to 20.7% in the Red Fox/Grey Fox District. The office vacancy rate in the B-2 District EDC Minutes May 1, 2013 Page 3of 5 of 37.8% is largely driven by vacant buildings located at 1200 and 1210 County Road E and available sublease space at Country Financial. Commissioner Altstatt stated that the buildings located at 1200 and 1210 County Road E were owned by a real estate investment trust which likely had specific profitabilitytargets for new leases which make it difficult to subdivide the buildings and lease to smaller, “mom and pop” users. Commissioner Altstatt added that CEOs or CFOs touring the building may view the surrounding district less desirable than other leasing options due to the condition of the road, sidewalks, and bridge. He noted that the Carroll’s Furniture vacancy may also be seen as a negative by potential tenants. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that staff would continue work on the analysis and bring it back to the EDC for review prior to presentation to the Economic Development Authority or City Council. C.Economic Gardening Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that Hennepin, Carver, Scott, and Ramsey Counties are collaborating on an economic gardening initiative. She provided background information on economic gardening. She noted that recruitment efforts would be targeted to growing businesses with $1to $50 million in revenue, 10 to 100 employees, and that sell products or services outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Community Development Director Hutmacher added that participating businesses would receive 50 hours of business research assistance at no cost. Participating CEOs must commit to working directly with the research consultants for 10 to 12 hours, as well as attending monthly CEO round table meetings. Discussion ensued on typical research projects, feedback from business participants in the economic gardening pilot program, and business recruitment strategies. Commissioner Huninghake stated that he thought it was a great idea to assist existing businesses so that they can grow and create jobs in the community. 4.UPDATES A.TCAAP Community Development Director Hutmacher reportedthat Ramsey County closed on the purchase of the TCAAP property on April 15, 2013. Bolander and Sons, Inc. has already begun work on the demolition and remediation contract. Erosion controls are being installed, and EDC Minutes May 1, 2013 Page 4of 5 hazardous building materials are being removed in preparation for demolition which should begin within two weeks. Ramsey County is holding a public meeting to provide information on the demolition and remediation project. The meeting will be held at the Marsden Room of the Ramsey County Public Works Facility on Tuesday, May 7, 5:00 to 7:00 pm. B.Revolving Loan Fund Chair von Holtum suggested that, due to time constraints, the Revolving Loan Fund discussion be postponed until the following meeting. C.Commission Members Chair von Holtum stated that an interview with an EDC candidate was scheduled for immediately following the EDC meeting. He added that he believed the candidate’s professional experience would be an asset for the EDC. Commissioner Altstatt requested that, at a future meeting, Commissioners discuss the qualities and experience that are desired in candidates for the EDC. It was the consensus of the Commission that this topic would be brought forward at a future meeting as Commissioners continue to recruit for the vacant EDC positions. D.Council Liaison Councilmember Werner stated that, on April 29, 2013, the City Council approved a contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates for the TCAAP Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR), Master Plan, and Regulations & Policies. At the same meeting, the City Council also approved a contract for the repainting of the South (Red Fox Road) water tower. The tower will be painted tan, and two City logos will be added to the tower. Councilmember Werner added that City Planner Meagan Beekman had resigned. Her last day will be May 10, 2013. Councilmember Werner shared the results of a report on residential sales prices in Arden Hills that indicated that the average 2012 sales price of Arden Hills homes was $366,100, up from $276,000 in 2011. He acknowledged that sales price data was affected by sales in the new Fox Ridge development which were generally in the range of $450,000 to $550,000. Chair von Holtum thanked Councilmember Werner for providing the report and asked that copies be distributed to the rest of the Commission. EDC Minutes May 1, 2013 Page 5of 5 E.Staff Comments Community Development Director Hutmacher suggested that the June EDC meeting be cancelled due to staff workload concerns as a result of the resignation of the City Planner. She also asked whether Commissioners are available to meet on the regularly scheduled July 3, 2013, EDC meeting date. Chair von Holtum agreed that the June EDC meeting could be cancelled. He suggested that the July meeting be moved to July 10, 2013. It was the consensus of the Commission to accept the revised June and July 2013 meeting schedule. 5.ADJOURNMENT Chair von Holtum adjourned the meeting at 9:35a.m. _____________________________________________________ Ed vonHoltum, ChairJill Hutmacher Community Development Director  MEMORANDUM DATE:EDC Agenda Item 4.A July 10, 2013 TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Oaths of Office Dan Altstatt was appointed to the Economic Development Commission by the City Council on October 29, 2012. Steve Heikkila was appointed to the Economic Development Commission by the City Council onMay 13, 2013. Both Commissioner Altstatt and Commissioner Heikkila should take their Oath of Office and receive their Certificate of Appointment. City of Arden Hills Economic Development Commission July 10, 2013 11 Page of  MEMORANDUM DATE:EDC Agenda Item 4.B July 10, 2013 TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director SUBJECT: State of the City Based on the EDC recommendation, the City Council approved the State of the City event to be held on Thursday, September 12, 7:30 to 9:00 am at Flaherty’s Arden Bowl. Notice of the event has been posted on the Business News section of the City website. Staff recommends the following advertising and promotion efforts: News item on the City’s homepage 30 days prior to the event Advertisementsin Shoreview Arden Hills Bulletin(2) Post card mailingsto all Arden Hills businesses(2) City newsletter announcements Email notice to businesses for which addresses are available Commissioner visits to local businesses The City Council will discuss the State of the City event at the July 15, 2013, work session meeting. The Council will be asked to provide direction on presentation topics. The EDC may want to recommend the following topics: TCAAP Redevelopment Project Demolition and remediation o Master Planning Process o B-2 District Improvements Feasibility Study results o Schedule of improvements o Highway 51/Snelling Avenue Bridge o Development Projects Lexington Station o E Street Flats and Shoppes o Arden Village o Transportation Improvements City of Arden Hills Economic Development Commission July 10, 2013 12 Page of U.S. 10/Highway 96 o I-694 o Lexington Avenue/County Road F o Parks and Trails City Budget and Management In 2011, the format for the event was as follows: 7:30 amRegistration, breakfast, and networking 8:00 amCity Council presentations 8:45 amQ&A 9:00 amEvent ends Discussion Questions: 1.Does the EDC support the staff recommendation for advertising and promotion? Does the EDC have additional suggestions? 2.What presentation topics should the EDC recommend to the City Council? 3.Does the EDC have suggestions regarding the event format? City of Arden Hills Economic Development Commission July 10, 2013 22 Page of  MEMORANDUM DATE:EDC Agenda Item 4.C July 10, 2013 TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director SUBJECT: 2013 Work Plan Update The EDC approved the 2013 Work Plan onDecember 5, 2012. The Work Plan was approved by the Economic Development Authority on January 28, 2013. At the mid-point in the year, it is appropriate that the EDC review its progress on 2013 work tasks. Attachment 2013 Work Plan Update City of Arden Hills Economic Development Commission July 10, 2013 11 Page of  MEMORANDUM DATE:EDC Agenda Item 5.A July 10, 2013 TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director SUBJECT: TCAAP Update Ramsey County held a ground-breaking for the demolition and remediation project on June 7, 2013. Speakers included Mayor David Grant, County Commissioner Raphael Ortega, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, and Senator Amy Klobuchar. Following the speeches, a portion of the Administration Building was demolished and theIrondale High School Band played during a fireworks display. City and County staff have had several requests for informational meetings with developers and brokers. City and County staff have been meeting with developers together and separately, as time and schedules allow. In July, the master planning project management team will be holding one-on-one interviews with several developers to gather insight on the challenges and opportunities of working with a public agency; how the master plan can influence private development decisions; and specific features that may make the TCAAP site more appealing for private investment. The City Council and the Joint Development Authority haveapproved a Public Involvement Plan (PIP) for the master planning process. The PIP is a “living document” and will continue to evolve throughout the planning process.The City is currently planning two public involvement events. Commissioners are encouraged to attend one or both events. Development Panel and EngagementWorkshop The event will be held on Tuesday, July 30, from6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Marsden Conference Room.The event will begin with a panel discussion followed by a question and answer period. Following the panel discussion, small break-out groups willhold facilitated discussion on the following topics: Transportation and Access Commercial and Residential Development City of Arden Hills Economic Development Commission July 10, 2013 12 Page of Active and Passive Open Space Energy and Sustainability This is a public event, but RSVPs are required so that the City can adequatelyplan for the number of tables, facilitators, and notetakers that will be needed for the break-out groups. A notice has been posted on the City’s websiteand announcements are being made at City Council meetings. This is not an “open house” event, and attendees will be asked to commit to the entire two-hour time period. Public Open House The open house has been tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 17, from5:30 to 7:30 pm in the Marsden Conference Room.Because this event will be structured in the “open house” style, attendees may arrive at any time that is convenient for them.Additional details on this event will be available in August. TCAAP Public Hearings In addition to the public events described above, the City Council will hold a public hearing on TCAAP at the first Council meeting of every month. Residents are invited to attend the public hearings to offer their thoughts and opinions on TCAAP development. City of Arden Hills Economic Development Commission July 10, 2013 22 Page of