HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-01-14 EDC
Chair
Ed von Holtum
Committee Members
Dan Erickson
Jim Huninghake
Dan Altstatt
Steve Heikkila
David Radziej
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Council Liaison
Ed Werner
Arden Hills
Economic Development
Commission
October 1, 2014
8:00 am to 9:30 am
1245 W. Highway 96
Arden Hills, MN 55112
651-792-7800
www.cityofardenhills.org
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, and play.
Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
3. MINUTES
A. August 6, 2014
4. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Business Retention and Expansion
B. 2014 Work Plan Review and Discussion of 2015 Work Plan
C. State of the City Report
5. UPDATES
A. TCAAP Update
B. Commission Members
C. Council Liaison
D. Staff Comments
6. ADJOURNMENT
A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting.
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
AUGUST 6, 2014 8:00 AM
CITY HALL -- 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Ed von Holtum called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Ed von Holtum and Commissioners Dan Altstatt and David Radziej
Also Present: Council Liaison Ed Werner, Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher,
and Associate Planner Matthew Bachler
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 June 4, 2014, meeting minutes as
presented.
3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Business Retention and Expansion
Associate Planner Bachler provided a summary of the Business Retention and Expansion
(BRE) programs offered though the University of Minnesota Extension. He explained that the
BRE Strategies Package was the most comprehensive and in-depth program and included
extensive consulting services, a complete research package, and quarterly meetings in the first
year of implementation. In contrast, the BRE Tools program offers a scaled-down version of the
Strategies Package, allowing communities to choose from the specific services offered by the
Extension to create a customized program.
Associate Planner Bachler explained that based on prior discussions with the EDC, staff had
begun consulting with staff at the University of Minnesota Extension to develop a program
through BRE Tools that would be results-oriented and require fewer meetings. He discussed the
EDC Minutes
August 6, 2014
Page 2 of 4
recommended outline for the program, explaining that Extension staff would provide
approximately six training sessions to help the City plan their BRE program, organize the task
force team, and train volunteers to conduct business visits. A complete research package would
also be included, consisting of a customized survey, data tabulation and analysis, a research
report, and an implementation planning retreat. The total cost of the program would be
approximately $8,800.
Associate Planner Bachler commented that staff would like to make a preliminary presentation
to the Economic Development Authority on October 27 on the research completed thus far on
BRE programs and the discussions between staff and the EDC.
Commissioner Altstatt questioned what the City Council’s current feelings were on
implementing a BRE program.
Council Liaison Werner stated the City Council would need to consider the cost of the program
and the amount of staff time that would be required.
Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that the purpose of the
presentation to the EDA in October would be to provide general background information on
BRE programs and why communities implement this type of economic development initiative.
She added that a final decision on whether to launch a BRE program would likely not be made
until 2015.
Commissioner Radziej commented that 2015 would be a good time to implement a BRE
program as the City would be busy with the TCAAP redevelopment project and this type of
program would ensure that existing businesses are being engaged and their concerns addressed.
Commissioner Altstatt recommended that staff contact Jonathan Weinhagen at the Saint Paul
Area Chamber of Commerce to request additional information on the BRE program implemented
by the City of Shoreview.
B. 2014 State of the City
Community Development Director Hutmacher provided an update on the 2014 State of the
City event and explained that two separate events would be held this year in order to better
accommodate businesses’ and residents’ schedules. The first event will be held on September 18,
at 7:30 am at Flaherty’s Arden Bowl and the second event will take place on September 23, at
6:30 pm at City Hall. She reviewed the advertising and promotion methods staff would be using
and outlined possible topics that would be covered in the presentation.
Council Liaison Werner requested information on how the podium area would be set up for the
presentation.
Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that there were several issues that
came up at last year’s State of City event related to the audio-visual equipment and how the
EDC Minutes
August 6, 2014
Page 3 of 4
room was set up. She noted that staff was aware of these problems and that they would be
addressed.
Community Development Director Hutmacher requested that the Commissioners hand deliver
postcards for the event to businesses in the community. Staff will be providing the
Commissioners with maps and a list of companies in each business district. Each Commissioner
will be assigned a specific area of the City to visit.
Community Development Director Hutmacher requested feedback on the recommended
topics and the event format. She explained that the City Council would be asked to provide
direction on the presentation topics at the end of August.
Commissioners agreed that the recommended topics and event format were appropriate.
C. City Video Tour
Associate Planner Bachler provided an update on the City Video Tour currently being
produced by CTV. He reviewed the areas and sites in the City where CTV has filmed so far.
Associate Planner Bachler commented that CTV expects to complete the majority of their
filming within the next few weeks and staff will be reviewing the footage in late August. In the
upcoming months, staff will set up interviews with two or three different types of businesses to
include as testimonials in the video. The Mayor’s introduction and wrap-up will also be filmed
on-site at the triangle parcel park on County Road D and Lake Johanna Boulevard.
4. UPDATES
A. TCAAP Update
Community Development Director Hutmacher provided an update on recent City Council
action related to the TCAAP redevelopment project, stating that the master plan land use map
was approved on June 30 and that the Alternative Urban Areawide Review and Mitigation Plan
was approved on July 28. She discussed the regulations and policies component of the master
planning process and provided an overview of upcoming meetings with the City Council.
Commissioner Radziej requested additional information on the open space area located in the
central portion of the site.
Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that this was where the regional
stormwater treatment feature would be located.
Chari von Holtum questioned whether warehousing uses would be permitted in the Flex
Business district.
EDC Minutes
August 6, 2014
Page 4 of 4
Community Development Director Hutmacher noted that warehousing would likely only be
permitted as an accessory use and not as a principal use in this district.
Commissioners discussed the number of residential units and expected levels of density on the
TCAAP site.
Commissioner Altstatt questioned if there were any concerns about residential uses on the site
given the former use of the property for ammunitions manufacturing.
Community Development Director Hutmacher noted that the entire property would be
cleaned to residential standards and that the MPCA and EPA are monitoring the remediation
work currently being done on the site.
B. Commission Members
None.
C. Council Liaison
Council Liaison Werner discussed possible road improvements projects that may be completed
in 2015 in the Valentine Hills neighborhood and along Grant Road and Noble Road. He also
provided an update on bridge construction projects that will be completed in 2015.
Council Liaison Werner provided an update on the City’s transition to single-stream recycling.
He explained that the City would be issuing an RFP for a new recycling contract beginning in
March 2015 that would likely transition the collection service from bins to carts.
D. Staff Comments
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair von Holtum adjourned the meeting at 9:15 a.m.
__________________________ __________________________ _
Ed von Holtum, Chair Jill Hutmacher
Community Development Director
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 1, 2014 EDC Agenda Item 4.A
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Matthew Bachler, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Business Retention and Expansion Program
Requested Action
Review the Business Retention and Expansion Service Proposal submitted by the St. Paul Area
Chamber of Commerce (SPACC). Staff is recommending that the Economic Development
Commission (EDC) make a formal recommendation to the Economic Development Authority
(EDA) that the City contract with the SPACC to implement a Business Retention and Expansion
program in 2015. Any recommendation made by the EDC would be presented to the EDA at
their meeting on October 27, 2014.
Background
At the EDC meeting on August 6, 2014, City staff presented a preliminary proposal from the
University of Minnesota Extension for a BRE program in Arden Hills. This proposal was for a
scaled down version of the BRE Strategies Package, which is the most comprehensive service
offered by the Extension. The components of the customized program included a research
package consisting of a survey instrument, data tabulation/analysis, a research and summary
report, and a planning retreat, as well as six visits to Arden Hills by an Extension consultant to
assist with planning the program and training the Task Force team. The expected cost of this
program would be approximately $8,800.
Based on feedback provided by the Commissioners, staff has continued to research alternative
options for a BRE program that would require fewer meetings, offer a streamlined business
survey, and have an emphasis on tangible results. Staff has since met with Jonathan Weinhagen,
Vice President of the SPACC, and discussed the City’s goals in undertaking a BRE initiative.
After meeting with staff, the SPACC has developed a customized BRE program for Arden Hills.
The details of this proposal are included in Attachment A. The total cost of the project would be
approximately $5,000.
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission, October 1, 2014
Page 1 of 2
Discussion
The SPACC serves many communities in suburban Ramsey County, including Arden Hills, and
has a long history of providing BRE services. As a founding member of the Minnesota Chamber
of Commerce “Grow Minnesota!” program, they have helped contribute to more than 8,200
business visits which have resulted in direct assistance to over 1,200 companies. A significant
advantage to working with the SPACC versus the University of Minnesota is that the chamber
has an established relationship with many businesses and other stakeholders in Arden Hills and
will be better positioned to carry out the business outreach efforts.
The proposal from SPACC would implement several of the BRE goals and priorities identified
by the EDC. First, the chamber would be able to leverage its existing databases to compile a
comprehensive list of businesses in Arden Hills and prioritize companies to visit. A concern of
the Commissioners was the number of meetings that would be required of the Task Force
volunteer group. SPACC anticipates that it will be able to complete much of the Task Force
training in a single one-hour session. The BRE program would rely on a survey instrument
developed by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Greater MSP. This survey is relatively
short and direct in comparison to the one used by the Extension. Additionally, SPACC would be
able to compare the data collected on Arden Hills businesses with data collected by the
Minnesota Chamber and Greater MSP using this survey in other communities. A final important
component of the chamber’s proposal is putting in place a sustainable approach for on-going
BRE efforts after the first round of business visits. This will entail identifying “Landmark” and
“Emerging” companies in the City and developing a regular visitation cycle.
Requested Action
Review the Business Retention and Expansion Service Proposal submitted by the St. Paul Area
Chamber of Commerce (SPACC). Staff is recommending that the Economic Development
Commission (EDC) make a formal recommendation to the Economic Development Authority
(EDA) that the City contract with the SPACC to implement a Business Retention and Expansion
program in 2015. Any recommendation made by the EDC would be presented to the EDA at
their meeting on October 27, 2014.
Attachments
A. Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce – Business Retention and Expansion Service
Proposal
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission, October 1, 2014
Page 2 of 2
September 23, 2014
Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director VIA EMAIL
City of Arden Hills
1245 West Highway 96
Arden Hills, MN 55112
RE: Business Retention and Expansion Service Proposal
Dear Ms. Hutmacher:
As the State’s largest local chamber of commerce, serving the City of Arden Hills, the Saint Paul Area
Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) is committed to being a partner in advancing your Business Retention
and Expansion (BR&E) efforts. We believe that we are well positioned to lead this initiative and ensure
success.
We have a long history of providing Business Retention and Expansion services to communities
throughout the East Metro. As importantly, we have a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of each
community that we serve and their distinct needs. As such, we have developed a customized program
that we are confident will achieve your overall goal.
Please feel free to contact me at (651) 265-2770 at any time if you should have any questions.
Best Regards,
Jonathan Weinhagen
Vice President
2
Business Retention & Expansion Services
3
Contents
Organization Background .............................................................................................................................. 4
Our Team ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
Leadership ................................................................................................................................................. 5
Existing Support Staff ................................................................................................................................ 5
Business Community Profile ......................................................................................................................... 6
Major Employers ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Job Inflow/Outflow ................................................................................................................................... 6
Top 5 Industry Sectors .............................................................................................................................. 6
Our Approach ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Our Work Plan ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Phase I ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Engage City Council and City Commissions ........................................................................................... 7
Recruit BR&E Task Force ....................................................................................................................... 7
Identify Businesses ................................................................................................................................ 7
Engage and Train Task Force ................................................................................................................. 7
Business Visits ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Analyze Survey Results .......................................................................................................................... 8
Present Findings .................................................................................................................................... 8
Phase II ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
Project Cost and Proposed Timeline ............................................................................................................. 9
Contact Information .................................................................................................................................... 10
4
Organization Background
The Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) is a vital, dynamic force serving the business
community through the collective strength of its members. For more than 140 years, SPACC has
provided vibrant programs, powerful advocacy and results that foster member growth. With more than
1200 members, SPACC is the largest local chamber in Minnesota.
SPACC Team Members include:
- Matt Kramer, PhD – President/CEO
- Jonathan Weinhagen, MBA – Vice President
- Michael Belaen, JD – Director of Public Affairs and General Counsel
- Scott Beauchamp – Manager of Public Affairs
- Mollie Mitchler – Director of Communications
- SPACC has three member engagement specialists who provide outreach, two event experts and
three office administrators who provide clerical and office support as needed.
The SPACC has decades of experience engaging in Business Retention and Expansion efforts throughout
communities in the East Metro. As a founding member of the “Grow Minnesota!” program, SPACC has
helped contribute to the more than 8,200 visits that have yielded assistance to over 1,200 companies,
protecting over 16,000 Minnesota jobs.
The Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 nonprofit registered in Minnesota. The Saint
Paul Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is the charitable arm of the chamber and is a 501(c)3
nonprofit registered in Minnesota
5
Our Team
With the largest staff of any local chamber in the state, SPACC has a robust team of professionals with a
wide range of experience and expertise. The following staff members will play key roles in executing this
proposal.
Leadership
SPACC President and CEO
- Matt Kramer, PhD – PhD with years of executive experience in both public and private sectors,
including Governor’s Chief of Staff and Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic
Development Commissioner
SPACC Vice President
- Jonathan Weinhagen, MBA – Small business and economic development specialist with years of
business engagement and grassroots advocacy experience
Existing Support Staff
Public Affairs Support
- Michael Belaen, J.D. – Director of Public Affairs and Legal Counsel for the Saint Paul Area
Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining SPACC, Mr. Belaen was in private law practice where he
represented business clients in commercial, insurance defense, and construction litigation. Mr.
Belaen is a cum laude graduate of Hamline University School of Law.
- Scott Beauchamp – Transportation and communications expert specializing in business focused
engagement. Leads SPACC initiatives on Gateway Corridor and is a key member of our Ramsey
County Municipal strategy team
Marketing Support
- Mollie Mitchler – Strategic communications, webpage and graphic design specialist responsible
for creating and distributing SPACC newsletters that reach over 13,000 readers every week
6
Business Community Profile
The City of Arden Hills has a strong existing base of businesses and is home to many large employers
including Boston Scientific, Smiths Medical, Land O’ Lakes and Bethel University. The City has the unique
distinction of being a net importer of jobs that are spread across many industry sectors. Major industry
sectors include Manufacturing, Information and Educational Services.
Major Employers
Job Inflow/Outflow
Top 5 Industry Sectors
NAICS Industry Sector
Manufacturing 23.0%
Information 14.0%
Educational Services 12.8%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 8.7%
Management of Companies 8.7%
7
Our Approach
The Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) will deliver a set of Business Retention and
Expansion (BR&E) services that work to achieve the short-term and long-term goals established by the
City of Arden Hills. We propose delivering the following services:
Work to educate and inform City Council and Commissions on value of BR&E initiative
Guide the recruitment of a BR&E Task force
Conduct training on effective business interviewing for Task Force members and any additional
individuals engaged in BR&E visits
Help to identify businesses to be contacted for interviewing
Leverage existing survey instruments that feed into Grow Minnesota! and Greater MSP’s state
and regional databases
Deliver a summary report with recommendations
Develop a sustainable approach for on-going BR&E efforts in the City of Arden Hills
Our Work Plan
Phase I
Engage City Council and City Commissions
Present overview of Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program to City Council and Economic
Development Commission. This is an opportunity for dialogue that will help inform the process and
ensure the goals of the City are being achieved.
Recruit BR&E Task Force
Work with City Staff to recruit taskforce participants.
Identify Businesses
Using city, chamber and external databases, compile a comprehensive list of companies within the City
of Arden Hills. Prioritize companies that will be visited as part of the initial BR&E effort.
Engage and Train Task Force
Facilitate training of members of the BR&E Task Force as well as city staff and other stakeholders. We
anticipate being able to accomplish the program overview and training during the course of a one hour
session.
Business Visits
Work with city staff to assign visits to task force pairings. Anticipate successful completion of 25-50 visits
during the course of the initial BR&E effort.
8
Analyze Survey Results
Our team will aggregate the results of the survey and produce a final report that can be presented to
the City Council and community. This report will include suggestions for action as it relates to economic
development in the City of Arden Hills.
Present Findings
Our team will present the survey findings to the City of Arden Hills. We will work with city staff to
identify the appropriate venue. This could include separate presentations to the City Council, Economic
Development Commission and BR&E Task Force or a convening of all bodies.
Phase II
Using the information collected in Phase I, our team will work with city staff and the Economic
Development Commission to establish an ongoing Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) initiative.
We will leverage best practices including identifying “Landmark” and “Emerging” companies in the City
of Arden Hills and develop a visitation cycle.
9
Project Cost and Proposed Timeline
The duration of the project will be from November 1, 2014-September 30, 2015 with a total cost of
$5,000.
10
Contact Information
Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce
401 North Robert Street, Suite 150
Saint Paul, MN 55101
651.223.5000
www.saintpaulchamber.com
Jonathan Weinhagen Matt Kramer
Vice President President/CEO
651.265.2770 651.265.2771
jonathan@saintpaulchamber.com matt@saintpaulchamber.com
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission October 1, 2014
Page 1 of 2
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 1, 2014 EDC Agenda Item 4.B
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: 2014 EDC Work Plan Review and Discussion of 2015 EDC Work Plan
Requested Action
Provide direction on the 2015 EDC Work Plan.
Discussion
The Economic Development Commission approved the 2014 EDC Work Plan (attached) at its
December 4, 2014 meeting. The Work Plan was approved by the City Council at a joint meeting
with the EDC on January 27, 2014.
The EDC has made significant progress on its 2014 goals this year. Goals are divided into four
categories.
New Member Recruitment
EDC members continue to recruit new members.
Revolving Loan Program
Research on existing revolving loan funds completed.
Communicated with DEED to determine program requirements.
Met with several local commercial bankers and SBA loan providers.
Provided information to EDC and EDA.
Working with lenders to determine underwriting, program costs, and processes.
Business Retention and Expansion Program
Attended training offered by University of Minnesota Extension.
Met with several communities which have completed BRE programs.
Discussed program objectives and processes.
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission October 1, 2014
Page 2 of 2
Obtained quotes from University of Minnesota Extension and St. Paul Area Chamber of
Commerce.
Prepared recommendation for EDA.
Marketing and Outreach
Worked with Newsletter Committee to assign business-related newsletter topics.
Preparing a business inventory and contact list for the Red Fox/Grey Fox Business
District.
Planned and promoted State of the City events on September 18 and 23.
Drafted script for City video tour. Worked with CTV on filming locations and Mayoral
introduction/wrap-up.
Working with CTV on editing, voiceover, and scheduling testimonials.
Maintaining a list of new businesses and working to schedule business visits.
The EDC should approve a 2015 Work Plan at its December 3, 2015 meeting. Given on-going
TCAAP-related work and the number of potential 2015 development projects, staff recommends
that the EDC focus its 2015 Work Plan on the following core projects:
1. Recruitment of new members
2. Business Retention and Expansion Program
a. Work with consultant and volunteers to administer the program
b. Involve the business community
c. Communicate program outcomes to the EDA and community
3. Marketing and Outreach
a. Work with the Newsletter Committee on business-focused articles
b. Plan and promote State of the City events
c. Continue to expand and update business contact list
d. Track and visit new businesses
Commissioners are asked to review the potential work tasks and provide feedback. A 2015
Work Plan will be presented for EDC approval in December.
City of Arden Hills
1245 West Highway 96 ▪ Arden Hills Minnesota 55112
Phone 651-792-7800 ▪ Fax 651-634-5137
www.cityofardenhills.org
Economic Development Commission
2014 Work Plan
2014 EDC Goals Work Tasks Timeline
New Member
Recruitment
Promote membership at business visits Q1 – Q4
Contact Arden Hills business associates Q1 – Q4
Revolving Loan Program
Review and provide feedback on Revolving Loan
Program Q1 – Q2
Market Revolving Loan Program to banks in Arden
Hills and surrounding communities Q3 – Q4
Create promotional materials for the City website and
newsletter Q3
Business Retention and
Expansion (BRE) Program
Develop a business inventory and contact list for the
Red Fox/Grey Fox Business District Q1 – Q2
Research BRE programs in other cities Q1 – Q3
Consider costs and benefits of a BRE program Q2 – Q3
Consider priorities and goals of a BRE program Q2 – Q3
Present BRE research to the EDA and gauge interest in
the development of a BRE program Q4
Marketing and Outreach
Identify newsletter topics and assign articles to
Commissioners and staff Q1
Plan and promote State of the City event Q2 – Q3
Coordinate business outreach with Public Works
Department on Round Lake Road improvement
project
Q1 – Q3
Visit new businesses within 6 months of occupancy Q1 – Q4
Update City website with business news and other
information Q1 – Q4
Assist with City video tour on economic development
content Q4
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 1, 2014 EDC Agenda Item 4.C
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Matthew Bachler, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Report on 2014 State of the City
Two State of the City events were held this year, the first on September 18, 2014, at Flaherty’s
Arden Bowl, and the second on September 23, 2014 at Arden Hills City Hall. The purpose of
holding two events was so that one could be scheduled on a weekday morning to maximize
business turnout while the second could be held on a weekday evening and be more convenient
for residents. Councilmembers spoke on the TCAAP project, County Road E improvements,
current transportation and development projects, the recycling program, and the Arden Hills
Foundation. A representative from the Minnesota Department of Transportation provided
information on planned road improvement projects in 2015 and 2016.
The attendance for the event at Flaherty’s Arden Bowl was approximately 70 people and
attendance at the City Hall event was approximately 60 people. In comparison, the 2013 State of
the City at Flaherty’s Arden Bowl was attended by 75 people.
The approximate event costs were as follows:
Flaherty’s Arden Bowl $750.00
Arden Hills City Hall (Refreshments) $20.00
Shoreview-Arden Hills Bulletin $575.00
Citywide Postcard Mailing (Allegra Printing) $236.71
Total costs $1,581.71
This is approximately $50.00 less than the cost of the 2013 State of the City event, largely due to
a decrease in the cost of the rental and refreshments at Flaherty’s Arden Bowl.
City staff has begun to compile notes on advertising and promotion, event set-up, and
refreshments. Staff welcomes feedback from the Commissioners for future event planning.
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission October 1, 2014
Page 1 of 1
Page 1 of 3
DATE: October 1, 2014 EDC Agenda Item 5.A
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: TCAAP Update
Requested Action
None.
Regulations and Policies
The City Council has held two meetings with Gateway Planning, the zoning consultant. Drafts
of the TCAAP zoning ordinance have been discussed by the City Council, and further revisions
are anticipated.
City staff, County staff, and financial consultants have been meeting with commercial and
residential developers to get feedback on land values, absorption rates, and the draft zoning
document. Developers are being invited to attend work session meetings to allow the City
Council an opportunity to ask questions and have a direct dialogue with developers.
On September 8, Kent Carlson, Anderson Companies, and Todd Hanson, Cushman &
Wakefield/Northmarq attended the City Council work session. Much of the discussion centered
around how to ensure that commercial development was attractive and that it was a good fit with
other TCAAP development. The developers suggested that rather than limit the amount of space
used for storage, the City could consider some of the following criteria:
Requirement for Class A exterior finish including windows
Limits on the number of dock doors per thousand square feet
Maximum clear height of twenty feet
Requirement for berming and/or significant landscaping in front of buildings to soften
their appearance for residential drive-by traffic
MEMORANDUM
Page 2 of 3
These criteria would allow manufacturers and high-tech industries to locate at TCAAP but would
discourage distribution and warehouse users which would bring a large volume of trucks but
relatively few high-quality jobs. The developers believed that the site’s amenities including open
space, trails, and proximity to retail and services would be attractive to users that offer high-
quality jobs.
Additional work sessions with residential and retail developers are being scheduled. Developer
comments are being compiled and will be reviewed by the City Council at upcoming meetings.
Upcoming Meetings
Staff and consultants are scheduling work for the regulations and policies component of the
master planning process.
October 13, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
JDA Governance and Approval Process
Park Dedication Ordinance Discussion
Discuss Chapters 1-5
October 20, 2014, Regular Work Session at 5:00 pm, Council Chambers
Discuss Chapter 11 (Sign Standards)
October 27, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room (Note: EDA meeting at
6:00 pm – work session may be continued after regular meeting)
Water and Sewer System Update (Infrastructure)
Discuss Chapters 9-10 (Open Space Standards, Streetscape and Landscape
Standards)
November 3, 2014, Special Work Session at 6:00 pm, Council Chambers
Workshop with Gateway Planning
o Discuss Chapter 8 (Street Design Standards) and Attachments
o Discuss Cumulative Comments on TCAAP Zoning
o Discuss Revised Master Land Use Plan Map
November 10, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
Stormwater System Update (Infrastructure Team)
November 17, 2014, Regular Work Session at 5:00 pm, Council Chambers
Final Workshop with Gateway Planning
o Review entire document
o Provide direction on remaining comments
o Review complete Master Plan
November 24, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
Spine Road/County Road I/Thumb Road Update (Infrastructure)
Page 3 of 3
Final review of draft zoning document, future land use map, and Comprehensive
Plan amendment in preparation for public hearings at December 3, 2014 Planning
Commission Meeting
December 15, 2014, Special Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm, Council Chambers
Approve Final Master Plan
Approve TCAAP Zoning
Approve Future Land Use Map
Approve Comprehensive Plan Amendment
December 22, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Council Chambers
If necessary to review TCAAP zoning
December 29, 2014, Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm, Council Chambers
If necessary to approve TCAAP zoning
January 11, 2015, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
Preliminary Plat Review (Infrastructure Team)
January 25, 2015, Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm, Council Chambers
Receive Infrastructure Feasibility Report (Infrastructure Team)
It is anticipated that additional regular and special work session meetings will be scheduled to
discuss regulations and policies, the infrastructure study, and other TCAAP issues. Future
meeting topics will be defined as those dates draw nearer.