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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-02-15 EDCCall To Order Approval Of The Agenda Minutes October 7, 2015 10 -07 -15 DRAFT EDC MINUTES.PDF Unfinished And New Business 2015 Annual Report MEMO.PDF 2016 EDC Work Plan MEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT.PDF Updates Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Update MEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT.PDF Commission Members Council Liaison Staff Comments Adjourn ADJOURN A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. Chair: Steve Heikkila  Commissioners: Dan Erickson  Michael Hands Ed von Holtum Kyle Lassen David Radziej   Vacant Vacant Vacant Council Liaison: Brenda Holden Economic Development Commission December 2, 2015 8:00 am to 9:30 am City Hall Address: 1245 W Highway 96 Arden Hills MN 55112 Phone: 651 -792 -7800 Website : 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 CALL TO ORDER 1. 2. 3. 3.A. Documents: 4. 4.A. Documents: 4.B. Documents: 5. 5.A. Documents: 5.B. 5.C. 5.D. 6. Call To OrderApproval Of The AgendaMinutesOctober 7, 2015 10 -07 -15 DRAFT EDC MINUTES.PDFUnfinished And New Business2015 Annual ReportMEMO.PDF2016 EDC Work PlanMEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT.PDFUpdatesRice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Update MEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT.PDF Commission Members Council Liaison Staff Comments Adjourn ADJOURN A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. Chair:Steve Heikkila Commissioners:Dan Erickson Michael HandsEd von HoltumKyle LassenDavid Radziej  VacantVacantVacantCouncil Liaison:Brenda Holden Economic Development Commission December 2, 2015 8:00 am to 9:30 am City Hall Address:1245 W Highway 96 Arden Hills MN 55112 Phone:651 -792 -7800 Website : www.cityofardenhills.org City VisionArden 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. AgendaCALL TO ORDER1.2.3.3.A.Documents:4.4.A.Documents:4.B.Documents:5.5.A. Documents: 5.B. 5.C. 5.D. 6. 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; 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 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 C. Council Liaison None. D. Staff Comments None. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Commissioner Radziej moved and Commissioner Erickson seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0) Chair Steve Heikkila adjourned the meeting at 9:05 a.m. __________________________ __________________________ _ Steve Heikkila, Chair Jill Hutmacher Community Development Director City of Arden Hills Economic Development Commission December 2, 2015 Page 1 of 1 MEMORANDUM DATE: December 2, 2015 EDC Agenda Item 4.A TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director SUBJECT: 2015 Annual Report Requested Action Approve the Economic Development Commission 2015 Annual Report. Discussion The Economic Development Commission approved the 2015 EDC Work Plan (attached) at its December 3, 2015 meeting. The Work Plan was approved by the City Council at a joint meeting with the EDC on January 26, 2015. This year’s EDC accomplishments are highlighted below. New Member Recruitment  Three new members have been appointed to the EDC in 2015. Business Retention and Expansion Program  Recommended to the EDA that the City obtain consulting services from the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce (SPACC)  Worked with SPACC to compile a list of all businesses in the City of Arden Hills  Created an interview questionnaire  Selected businesses to interview based on industry and job growth  Participated in BRE interviews  Monitored process of BRE program  Received the Leaders in Local Government Award from the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce in the category of Business Retention and Expansion Marketing and Outreach  Worked with the Communications Committee to assign business-related newsletter topics  Edited, finalized, and posted the City Video Tour on the City’s website and YouTube channel  Planned and promoted State of the City events on September 29 and October 1 City of Arden Hills Economic Development Commission December 2, 2015 Page 1 of 1 MEMORANDUM DATE: December 2, 2015 EDC Agenda Item 4.B TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Draft 2016 EDC Work Plan Requested Action Approve the 2016 EDC Work Plan. Discussion Staff recommends that the 2016 EDC Work Plan include the following core goals and tasks. Commissioner feedback on additional goals is requested. A joint meeting of the EDC and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) will be held on Monday, January 25, 2016, 6:00 pm. The EDA will consider approval of the 2016 EDC Work Plan at the joint meeting. 1. Recruit new members 2. Business Retention and Expansion Program a. Analyze outcomes of the BRE Program b. Communicate program outcomes to the EDA and community c. Work with the EDA to identify and complete action items 3. Revolving Loan Fund a. Reevaluate program goals b. Consider costs of underwriting and administration in comparison to program funds and goals c. Consider outcomes from BRE Program d. Make recommendations to the EDA 4. Marketing and Outreach a. Work with the Newsletter Committee on business-focused articles b. Plan and promote State of the City events c. Work with staff to plan additional small business outreach events d. Expand and update business contact list e. Track and visit new businesses Attachment  Draft 2016 EDC Work Plan 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 Draft 2016 Work Plan 2015 EDC Goals Work Tasks Timeline New Member Recruitment Promote membership at business visits Q1 – Q4 Contact Arden Hills business associates Q1 – Q4 Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program Analyze outcomes of the BRE Program Q1 Communicate program outcomes to the EDA and community Q1 – Q2 Work with EDA to identify and complete action items Q2 – Q4 Revolving Loan Fund Reevaluate program goals Q2 – Q3 Consider costs of underwriting and administration in comparison to program fund and goals Q2 – Q3 Consider outcomes from BRE Program Q2 – Q3 Make recommendations to the EDA Q3 – Q4 Marketing and Outreach Work with the Communications Committee on business-focused articles Q1 – Q4 Plan and promote State of the City events Q2 – Q3 Work with staff to plan additional small business outreach events Q1 – Q4 Expand and update business contact list Q1 – Q4 Track and visit new businesses Q1 – Q4 Page 1 of 1 DATE: December 2, 2015 EDC Agenda Item 5.A TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Update The Metropolitan Council approved the City’s TCAAP Comprehensive Plan Amendment on October 28, 2015. Ramsey County has announced that the demolition and remediation project is complete, and that the site has been cleaned to a residential standard. A Finance and Commerce article published on November 16, 2015, is attached. MEMORANDUM At last, TCAAP site ready for development By: Brian Johnson November 16, 2015 3:12 pm 0 Minnesota’s biggest Superfund site is finally fit for new development, now that environmental cleanup of the 427-acre former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant site in Arden Hills is a wrap. Ramsey County officials on Friday announced the completion of environmental cleanup and clearing of the sprawling former U.S. Army property, which is in the northeast quadrant of Interstate 35W and Highway 96. The milestone comes three years after the county agreed to buy the heavily polluted property from the federal government in hopes of revitalizing the site and getting it back on the tax rolls. The county paid $28.5 million for the land, which includes the $22.5 million cleanup cost. City and county officials have targeted the site for new development for decades. The site has been off the tax rolls since 1941, and is part of a larger 2,300-acre TCAAP site that also includes a U.S. Army Training Center, a trail and civic buildings. The federal government acquired the site in 1941 for small arms ammunition production. At its peak, 26,000 people worked at TCAAP before ammunitions operations ceased in 1976, according to the city of Arden Hills website. The site was placed on the Superfund list in 1983. Four years later, the U.S. Army began cleanup work with oversight from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to the city of Arden Hills website. The land was polluted with an array of contaminants, from PCB-contaminated soil to lead and chlorinated solvents. “I think a lot of people thought that the site would never get cleaned up,” said Heather Worthington, deputy county manager for Ramsey County. The end of environmental cleanup sets the stage for a redevelopment plan, known as Rice Creek Commons, which includes residential, commercial and office uses. Redevelopment proposals have come and gone, with ill-fated plans ranging from a proposed Ryan Cos. US Inc. mixed-used development to a new Minnesota Vikings stadium. Pollution has always been an obstacle. Between the cost of cleaning up the land and putting in the necessary infrastructure, private developers couldn’t make the numbers work, Worthington said. “This was such an unknown [for private developers] in terms of their financial liability,” Worthington said. “They had a difficult time wrapping their arms around what it would cost.” St. Paul-based Carl Bolander and Sons finished the cleanup work on time and on budget, Worthington said. How big of a job was it? Putting it in perspective, the county said Bolander removed 49 miles of material including 400,000 tons of concrete and asphalt, 43,700 feet of railroad track, 39,000 feet of fencing, and nearly 178,000 feet of piping, from gas mains to sanitary pipe. Building demolition at the site began in May 2013. Roughly 93 percent of the materials hauled off the site were recycled or reused, said Todd Planting, project manager for Bolander, which partnered with Wenck Engineering on the project. A significant portion of that is pavement, as well as concrete, steel materials and rebar from old structures. Heavy timber framing material included old growth Douglas fir, Planting said. “That was deconstructed and salvaged and it will be re-milled and incorporated into new construction,” Planting said. Worthington said the county was required to clean the property at least to commercial/industrial standards, but opted to spend an additional $1.5 million to get it to the higher residential level. “We wanted to make sure we made the development potential as flexible as possible,” Worthington said. Development is expected to play out in stages over nearly 10 years, but things could start to happen there in 2016 or 2017, Worthington said. For now, the county is working with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to verify the cleanup work, and it will then ask the agency to de-list the property as a Superfund site for soil contamination. Meanwhile, a number of area road improvements are just completed or in the works, including the $27 million County Road H/I-35W interchange project. Construction is expected to start this spring. The Minnesota Department of Transportation just completed an $11.7 million diverging diamond interchange at County Road 95 and I-35W in the TCAAP area. Worthington said it’s the first interchange of its kind in Ramsey County. Last month, the county agreed to acquire an additional 93 acres for a multi-use trail to serve the TCAAP site. Jill Hutmacher, Arden Hills’ community development director, said the completion of environmental work is “a huge milestone.” “We are very happy with the work Ramsey County and Bolander have done, bringing that site to residential level of completeness,” Hutmacher said. The county continues to draft a master developer solicitation for Rice Creek Commons. A master developer solicitation is expected to be out in 2016, Worthington said. A draft framework for the site envisions 151 acres for residential development, 168 acres for commercial, 25 acres for parks and green space, and 83 acres for a four-lane arterial road.