Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-05-15�r_ EN HILLS CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AUGUST 5, 2015 8:00 AM CITY HALL --1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Steve Heikkila called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Steve Heikkila and Commissioners David Radziej, Dan Erickson, and Ed von Holtum. Also Present: Council Liaison Robert Woodburn; City Administrator Patrick Klaers; and Associate Planner Matthew Bachler. 1. CALL TO ORDER This meeting was called to order by Chair Heikkila. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was the consensus of the Commission to accept the agenda as presented. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was the consensus of the Commission to accept the May 6, 2015 meeting minutes as presented. 4. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. 2015 State of the City Associate Planner Bachler stated that the State of the City events will take place on September 29 at 6:30 pm at City Hall and October 1 at 7:30 am at Flaherty's. The evening event is targeted generally to residents and the morning event for local businesses. He asked if the EDC supports the recommendations (as outlined in Agenda Item 4.A) and requested feedback regarding advertising, presentation topics, and suggested format of events. He stated these recommendations would be discussed with the City Council at their next work session meeting. Commissioner Radziej questioned advertising and promotion and whether these costs are included within the budget. EDC Minutes August 5, 2015 Page 2 of 5 Chair Heikkila and Commissioner von Holtum stated they approved of postcard distribution. Chair Heikkila suggested there be assignment of areas for delivery of postcards to local businesses. Associate Planner Bachler presented target area maps that included an itemized list of businesses. This information will be utilized for postcard distribution and advertising. Chair Heikkila asked for an explanation of topics that would be provided at the event. Commissioner Erickson asked for more information pertaining to the City video tour. Associate Planner Bachler indicated the video is four minutes in length and would be shown to the City Council at the next Work Session. He also stated the video would be shown later during today's EDC meeting. A short discussion followed regarding the video's subject matter and whether or not it is applicable to show at the State of the City events. A discussion then ensued regarding the Arden Hills Foundation (Foundation) and whether or not they should be presenting information at the State of the City events. Chair Heikkila indicated he would like an update and follow-up regarding the Foundation, their background and agenda. He also stated he would like to discuss ways the EDC and the Foundation could work together to promote economic development within the city. He said he has been contacted directly regarding attending a Foundation meeting and feels an EDC representative should attend. City Administrator Klaers suggested inviting the Foundation to attend an EDC meeting. He also stated that the Foundation is supported by the City Council. Council Liaison Woodburn asked who funds the Foundation and what their mission is. Chair Heikkila stated it is his understanding their mission is to promote economic development within the city and that he likes the idea of a Foundation representative attending a future EDC meeting. City Administrator Klaers provided copies of a brochure about the Foundation to the Commissioners. Additional discussion ensued regarding the Foundation, their origination and their methods. Associate Planner Bachler stated he would discuss reaching out to the group with Community Development Director Hutmacher. He asked if there were any additional recommendations and indicated the postcards would be ready within the next few weeks. The EDC members will stop by City Hall to pick up and distribute when ready. EDC Minutes August 5, 2015 Page 3 of 5 B. City Video Tour Associate Planner Bachler indicated the City Video Tour was created by CTV, the local public television provider, and that its cost was budgeted into the City's contract with CTV. He said after nearly a year in the making, the video is close to being finalized. The four minute video was presented and discussion ensued regarding length, content and format. Recommendations on how to make the video more welcoming and concise were discussed. Other items discussed were the selection of music playing in the background as well as the overall look of the video (specifically, the font and graphics used in certain segments). Suggestions regarding how to make the video shorter were also discussed. Commissioner Erickson questioned the choice of businesses that are highlighted in the video. Associate Planner Bachler stated that staff wanted to highlight certain well-known, fast growing businesses in the city but recognizes that some featured businesses will relocate, and the video will need to be updated in the future. Commissioner Erickson asked if the City has a YouTube channel and suggested the video also be provided using this avenue. City Administrator Klaers indicated the City's social media options are limited at this time but that links to the video could be provided on the City's website. Associate Planner Bachler agreed the video could be placed both on the City's main webpage and the Economic Development webpage. Commissioner Erickson stated he feels that a YouTube Channel should be a priority. Council Liaison Woodburn asked if we can track how many hits the website receives so we would know if the information is being viewed, and the answer was yes, this can be tracked. Associate Planner Bachler stated that suggested revisions to the video will be considered and the EDC's feedback will be presented to the City Council for further review. C. Business Retention and Expansion Program Associate Planner Bachler indicated there has been a delay in the BRE program getting up and running due to staff turnover at the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC). He stated seven appointments to visit local businesses are scheduled in August and September, and responses from businesses continue to be received by the SPACC. He indicated the analysis and final report are still on track to be completed by the end of the year. Discussion ensued regarding the visit to the Grotto Foundation, a local non-profit organization. Feedback from this visit was provided which included the Grotto Foundation's desire for a sit- down restaurant in the city for entertaining grantees/donors. Upcoming site visit dates for various businesses were also discussed. EDC Minutes August 5, 2015 Page 4 of 5 Commissioner Erickson asked if there were any issues with responses from businesses regarding scheduling appointments. Associate Planner Bachler indicated that the response rate from businesses was lower than hoped, as 10% declined to participate, 30% committed to participating, and 60% remained neutral so far. Timing could also be an issue due to summer vacations. Commissioner Erickson volunteered to reach out to businesses to set up appointments. Associate Planner Bachler stated he would speak with Jonathan Weinhagen of SPACC and indicated Commissioner Erickson may also contact Jonathan directly as well. Chair Heikkila asked if Jonathan could provide feedback at a future EDC meeting, possibly the September meeting. This visit will be coordinated by Associate Planner Bachler. 5. UPDATES A. Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP Update Associate Planner Bachler stated the City Council did approve the TCAAP Redevelopment Code and Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) for the TCAAP Master Plan at their July 13 meeting. He also stated this information has been provided to adjacent municipalities and other affected jurisdictions for their 60 day review as required by Met Council. The Mounds View School District, MnDOT, and the City of Mounds View have provided general comments but there were no major concerns. He outlined that following this 60 day review process, the document is provided to Met Council for their 60 day review process. Met Council is expected to provide their report in early November. Commissioner von Holtum questioned if there was any pushback or objections. Council Liaison Woodburn stated that there was some pushback and that in his opinion it will be a "rough go from here on out" as the County feels the project lacks density and is micromanaged. He feels the Met Council will not approve the Plan. City Administrator Klaers reiterated the City Council has approved the Master Plan (the TCAAP Redevelopment Code and Regulating Plan). Regarding the Comp Plan Amendment, this has received preliminary approval from the City Council and has been sent out for a 60 day review period to adjacent jurisdictions. Once received back, it will be submitted to the Met Council for their 60 day review period. Then, once received from the Met Council, the City Council will take final action. He stated there is a Comp Plan Amendment and a Master Plan and while clearly related, they are different. The Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) states that the Master Plan must be approved by the Council. If the County rejects the Master Plan, we could go to a formal dispute resolution process as stated in the JPA. Commissioner Erickson asked if the County or Met Council could limit funding. EDC Minutes August 5, 2015 Page 5 of 5 City Administrator Klaers indicated yes, the County could delay funding improvements which could then delay the redevelopment process. Commissioner Radziej left the meeting at 9:10 am. Chair Heikkila asked about the impact on County Road I and Shoreview. City Administrator Klaers stated other neighboring cities such as Shoreview and New Brighton may have comments but felt that this should not have a significant impact on the project, or on the CPA approval. Chair Heikkila questioned the genesis of the name (Rice Creek Commons) to which Associate Planner Bachler replied that the name was chosen by Ramsey County for marketing reasons. B. Commission Members Discussion returned to the City Video and whether TCAAP should be referred to as Rice Creek Commons. None. C. Council Liaison D. Staff Comments City Administrator Klaers mentioned that the Planning Commission would be reviewing a proposal for The Tavern restaurant at Arden Plaza at their meeting this evening. A short discussion followed regarding the project as well as expected signage. He also gave a brief update on the current road and bridge projects that are underway. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Commissioner von Holtum moved and Commissioner Erickson seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (3-0) r Ste a Heikkila adjourned the meeting at 9:23 a.m. Steve Heikkila, Chair Jill H macher Community Development Director