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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-01-17CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MARCH 1, 2017 8:00 AM CITY HALL --1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Erickson called the meeting to order at 8:09 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Dan Erickson, and Commissioners David Radziej, Liz Johnson, and Rob Williams Also Present: Council Liaison Dave McClung, Senior Planner Matthew Bachler, and Deputy Clerk Jolene Trauba The Oath of Office was given to Commissioners Radziej, Johnson, and Williams. 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 November 2, 2016 and January 4, 2017 meeting minutes as presented. 4. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Newsletter Topics Senior Planner Bachler noted that the Communications Committee is in need of topic suggestions for the City newsletter. Commissioner Johnson wondered if the Communications Committee could specify what information they want the Commissioners to provide for articles featuring local businesses. Chair Erickson suggested they try to highlight interesting things about the business, but not make the article into an advertising piece. EDC Minutes March 1, 2017 Page 2 of 4 Senior Planner Bachler mentioned that he had put together a one-page handout with City contact information that could be left with businesses. Commissioner Johnson asked for guidance on the types of photographs they should take while they are at the businesses. Council Liaison McClung suggested photos outside with the business sign, in the reception area or manufacturing area. Chair Erickson noted that the general consensus was that the article topics listed in the staff memo were good, with the addition of an article on the reuse of the Smiths Medical buildings. Council Liaison McClung commented that the Communications Committee was not asking them to write the articles at this time, but they may in the future. B. Business Retention and Expansion Program Senior Planner Bachler stated that the 2017 BRE visits would focus on the Red Fox -Grey Fox Business District. He suggested visiting at least 4-6 of the businesses on the list provided as an attachment. He noted the supplemental questions in the attachment would be asked in addition to the questions included in the BRE survey. Commissioner Williams wondered if these visits could also be an opportunity to gather information for the articles requested by the Communications Committee. Chair Erickson questioned why the EDC would not try to visit all eight businesses listed. He commented that the BRE visits should be scheduled in advance, but that the new business visits did not need to be scheduled. Senior Planner Bachler said that because they are using the same BRE survey used in 2015 he would not need to be at each meeting. He noted that he would bring the full survey, supplemental questions, business list and contact information, and a plan for how to set up the visits to the April EDC meeting. C. Higher Education Moratorium Study Senior Planner Bachler stated the City Council adopted an ordinance in October 2016 that temporarily prohibits land use applications for higher education uses in all zoning districts. The moratorium will remain in effect for 12 months during which time the City will complete a study of the benefits and impacts of higher education uses in the different zoning districts. WSB & Associates has been hired to complete the study and they will be meeting with the EDC in April and June to discuss topics related to the study. The final report from WSB will come in August. Discussion ensued regarding the Smith Medical buildings that are vacant and the University of Northwestern and Bethel College's needs and Campus Master Plans. EDC Minutes March 1, 2017 Page 3 of 4 5. UPDATES A. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Update Senior Planner Bachler explained the City's Option Agreememnt to purchase the 1.6 -acre Civic property on TCAAP. He stated the Option Agreement gives the City up to 7 years to purchase the property from the Master Developer. The City has an incentive to move quickly, however, because if they are able to decide on a plan for the site within two years of the Master Development Agreement being approved, the Master Developer will sell the property to the City for one dollar. Council Liaison McClung discussed the possible sale of the current City Hall property and the old City Hall property. There are approximately 6.5 acres on each site and the revenue from the sale of those properties, in addition to other funding sources, could become a part of financing the new facility. He mentioned a task force is being set up to consider what civic uses might be best for the TCAAP site and that two members of the EDC will be asked to participate in the task force. Senior Planner Bachler noted that the deadline for the RFP to assist the City with the planning process for the civic site is April 28. Staff will be updating the EDC once the City has more information on the task force and the appointment process. B. Commission Members Commissioner Radziej asked about the City Council's discussion on relocating City Hall. Council Liaison McClung noted that the City Council is willing to consider a new City Hall location, but no one has committed so far. C. Council Liaison Council Liaison McClung noted that Steve Scott is a new member of the City Council. He provided an update on the Joint Development Authority, noting that Jonathon Wicklund is now the chair, and that he and Mayor Grant are representing the City Council on the JDA. Council Liaison McClung mentioned that Roberts Management Group submitted a concept plan review for Phase 2 of Lexington Station and that final plans will be submitted soon. The Metropolitan Council recently visited with the City Council to discuss extending the A-line Bus Rapid Transit route. D. Staff Comments None. EDC Minutes March 1, 2017 Page 4 of 4 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:20 a.m. an Erickson, Chair JolVe Deputy