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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-07-15,AREN HILLS CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OCTOBER 7, 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 Ed von Holtum, David Radziej, Dan Erickson, and Michael Hands. Also Present: Jonathan Weinhagen, Vice President, St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce; Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; and Deputy Clerk Julie Hanson. 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 August 5, 2015 meeting minutes as presented. 4. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Business Retention and Expansion Program Jonathan Weinhagen provided an update regarding the Business Retention and Expansion Program (BRE). He stated that the business site visits are nearing completion and the next phase will be the analysis phase, with a final report set to be provided in early January. Mr. Weinhagen also provided a table listing the businesses that have participated in a site visit, those that declined a site visit, and those that have a site visit pending. He also referenced the EDC Minutes October 7, 2015 Page 2 of 4 positive follow-up survey participation rate by those businesses that took part in the in -person visit as well as by several businesses that elected not to participate in the in -person visit. A discussion ensued about two or three companies with space needs, potential grant opportunities afforded to businesses through Ramsey County, and the need to retain growing companies in Arden Hills. Mr. Weinhagen stated that a consultant from Washington D.C. that had recently participated in an economic development workshop pertaining to Ramsey County had been hired to review the Arden Hills BRE program data and provide input for the final report. Commissioner von Holtum stated he received concerns from some members of the business community that are trying to expand. Chair Heikkila asked if there have been any surprises as a result of the site visits. Mr. Weinhagen stated there have been no surprises, but some themes are emerging. One theme is the need for local government and the business community to work as partners in creating an environment which fosters growth. He also stated this situation is not unique to Arden Hills. A discussion then ensued about space needs, vacancies, aging building inventory, walkability and how to facilitate business retention in general. Associate Planner Bachler indicated the expectation is that all pending visits will be completed within the next three (3) weeks. Mr. Weinhagen briefly outlined the components of the report and stated a draft of the report will be provided to the EDC at the beginning of January 2016 with the final report being provided to the EDA and City Council at the end of January 2016. Commissioner Radziej asked about the City of Minneapolis' proposed changes to paid time off and work schedule notifications. Commissioner von Holtum offered a personal perspective about how this change could affect an individual close to him as well as his past experiences in business. A short discussion ensued about the proposal and how the Working Family Agenda could potentially affect employees and businesses in general elsewhere. B. State of the City Report Associate Planner Bachler provided a recap of attendance (which was lower than last year) and anticipated associated costs for the State of the City events. He asked for feedback from the EDC on the State of the City events as well as for suggestions as far as the layout and content of the presentation. EDC Minutes October 7, 2015 Page 3 of 4 It was the consensus of the EDC that the State of the City events are worthwhile and should continue. Chair Heikkila stated that there was more interaction than in the past following the presentation at Flaherty's and indicated he provided contact information to one individual that expressed interest in joining the EDC. A discussion ensued about the various questions and concerns raised at the October 1 State of the City event. Commissioner Erickson suggested marketing next year's event as a networking type event to attract younger professionals, with a structured presentation initially followed by a networking breakfast at the end of the event. It was the consensus of the EDC to implement this format for next year's event, and also to consider a more modern venue (such as Land O' Lakes, Bethel University, Johanna Shores or the Tavern Grill). A short discussion ensued about the City Video tour, which recommendations for revisions provided by the EDC were made, and where individuals can access the video on the City's website. The option of having the video on YouTube was also discussed. Associate Planner Bachler stated that next year the EDC could meet earlier in the calendar year to discuss the State of the City events and that postcards and distribution maps for EDC members could be provided more in advance. 5. UPDATES A. Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP Update Associate Planner Bachler provided an update, stating the Met Council's Community Development Committee will review the Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) on October 19, 2015 and that final approval will be considered by the Met Council Board on October 28, 2015. The 60-day review period for the Met Council expires on November 1, 2015. Associate Planner Bachler indicated the City has received positive feedback from Met Council representatives on the CPA application. A short discussion then ensued regarding development of the site and Ramsey County's desire for more density (1700 units) versus the City of Arden Hills' proposal (1431 units). B. Commission Members Chair Heikkila stated he spoke to Beth Engum, Ramsey County Public Works, regarding the bridge at Hwy 96 and I-35W. The bridge will be completely shut down for two weeks beginning October 21, 2015, with November 4, 2015 as the target date to fully reopen to traffic. EDC Minutes October 7, 2015 Page 4 of 4 None. None. C. Council Liaison D. Staff Comments ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Commissioner Radziej moved and Commissioner Erickson seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0) C r Ste v Heikkila adjourned the meeting at 9:05 a.m. Steve Heikkila, Chair Jirmmunity tmacher C Development Director