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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-22-24 EDAPresident: David Grant Address: 1245 West Highway 96 Commissioners: "ENILLS Arden Hills MN 55112 Brenda Holden Emily Rousseau Phone: 651.792.7800 Tena Monson Agenda Thomas Fabel April 22, 2024 www. cityofardenhills. orgwes.org Economic Development Authority 5:30 p.m. 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 a s a desirable City in which to live, work, and play. Members of the public may attend a meeting in -person at City Hall or they may view the meeting remotely on the City's website using the below link. Meetings are also broadcast on Cable Channel 16 for those that live in Arden Hills. hLtps:Hcityofardenhills.org/320/Watch-City-Meetings CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. October 23, 2023 EDA 3. NEW BUSINESS A. Development Tools Discussion Dave Perrault B. Gateway Signs Discussion Jessica Jagoe 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5. EDA MEMBER COMMENTS 6. ADJOURN 'It DRAFT ,ARZEN HILLS Approved: April 22, 2024 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2023 5:30 PM CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, EDA President Grant called to order the Economic Development Authority meeting at 5:30 p.m. Present: EDA President David Grant; EDA Commissioners Brenda Holden, Emily Rousseau, Tena Monson and Tom Fabel Absent: None Also present: EDA Secretary Dave Perrault; Community Development Director Jessica Jagoe; Public Works Director/City Engineer David Swearingen; Senior Communications Coordinator Luke Cardona; and Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: EDA Commissioner Monson moved and EDA Commissioner Holden seconded a motion to approve the EDA meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. October 24, 2022 EDA MOTION: EDA Commissioner Holden moved and EDA President Grant seconded a motion to approve the October 24, 2022 Economic Development Authority Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 3. NEW BUSINESS None. 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 5. EDA MEMBER COMMENTS ARDEN HILLS EDA MEETING — October 23, 2023 2 EDA Commissioner Holden asked about the gateway sign locations that was referenced in the October 24, 2022 minutes, and whether or not a list of locations exists. EDA President Grant also asked if there was a list and if the list could be distributed. EDA Secretary Perrault stated there was an existing list, but there was not a new list. He noted an updated list would be part of the upcoming workplan of the Economic Development Commission (EDC). He stated that staff could provide the existing list. EDA Commissioner Fabel indicated that there were also questions about what the sign would look like and asked if that had been resolved. Chair Grant stated he didn't believe so. EDA Commissioner Monson asked if Council needed to give staff specific direction to bring that to the EDC. EDA President Grant stated he wanted to make sure the three new commissioners that haven't seen the list, get the list, as he assumes they have not seen it. EDA Commissioner Monson commented that it's been a year so she was assuming with the EDC up and running, this would be part of their agenda if it wasn't already. Community Development Director Jagoe confirmed this was on the EDC's agenda for discussion. EDA Commissioner Rousseau asked if there was an EDA levy every year or if one had been considered. EDA Secretary Perrault stated there has been an operating levy of $50,000 in the past but it was not geared towards specific EDA activities. EDA Commissioner Rousseau asked if this was just in the general fund then. EDA Secretary Perrault stated yes, the EDA fund, and mostly the funds were used for staff, the State of the City, and also gateway signs. EDA Commissioner Rousseau said that with the EDA, let's say one day there is a development of 427 acres and we are looking at adding new businesses, would this be an opportunity to consider a levy and try to encourage unique businesses to come in to that area or even offsetting rent for family owned businesses for that first year. EDA Secretary Perrault stated that the specifics as far as what could and could not be done by the EDA would have to be brought back. He stated he believes the reason most EDAs exist is because they do have powers outside of a typical City Council as far as spending of funds. He noted that cities will utilize EDAs to fund opportunities for programs, special projects, or incentives. EDA Commissioner Rousseau said she would be interested in having a conversation about this next year. She commented on the unique situation in that the locations of Pace, Arby's, and Big 0 are all ARDEN HILLS EDA MEETING — October 23, 2023 3 vacant as well as the unnamed grocery store location and that she doesn't have an understanding about how many businesses are vacant in the community. She wonders if this should be addressed under the EDA scope as well. EDA Commissioner Holden explained Pace wants a large amount of money for the property and said she is not willing to throw money after money just to pay someone the overprice for a piece of property. She noted there is a specific reason why the properties are vacant. EDA Commissioner Rousseau agreed and noted the environmental cleanup at Pace but stated she would like to use EDA time to have a discussion around this topic in the future. She said the last meeting talked about signs and asked when did the EDA produce anything of value? EDA Secretary Perrault stated the City participated in a business retention and expansion program previously. EDA Commissioner Holden noted multiple surveys had been provided to businesses and said that EDA members went out and talked to every business in the city. EDA President Grant said that the EDA facilitated installation of three gateway signs but didn't recall the years. EDA Commissioner Fabel said the last minutes of the EDA had just one discussion about signs. He asked if the City was in the process of trying to get the EDA going again and recruiting people to sit on it. EDA President Grant stated there are already five people on the EDA. EDA Commissioner Rousseau asked if EDA Commissioner Fabel meant the EDC instead of the EDA, and then said the EDC would have its second meeting coming up. She noted the various topics the EDC would be addressing and stated she had been in contact with Ramsey County's EDA as well as some of the City of Shoreview's EDC members in order to obtain recommendations. EDA President Grant said he and Director Jagoe had been talking about this over the past couple of months and noted the area is ripe for redevelopment. EDA Commissioner Monson stated the City could rezone that area and make it more attractive for businesses to come in. EDA Commissioner Holden stated there has been development over the past several years such as businesses like Dunn Brothers, Starbucks, Lexington Station Phases I, II and III and that it was not like they haven't done anything for years. She stated again that developers that have been trying to buy the Pace property can't afford it because an out -state Pace rents it from someone in New York. She said Pace is paying the lease and they aren't about to give it up until they can get a break from the owner. She said the detailer guy is making money hand over fist and that's a good business right now. EDA President Grant commented that the Welcome Back to Lexington program probably wasn't funded by EDA funds. ARDEN HILLS EDA MEETING — October 23, 2023 4 EDA Secretary Perrault stated that was funded by Twin Cities Gateway. A short discussion ensued about the Welcome Back to Lexington initiative. EDA Commissioner Monson commented that she didn't think anyone was saying the EDA hadn't done anything. She said that is not what anyone is trying to say, rather there are a lot of vacant businesses. She would like to make sure there is a plan and the City was trying to do something with these specific parcels. She said she's not talking about what was done in the past or about TCAAP, but having a good EDC and a plan about how to tackle the vacant buildings today, which is none of their faults. She wanted to find ways to draw businesses and said this is a good thing for the city. EDA Commissioner Rousseau said she would like to have a more detailed discussion about what is happening with other businesses such as were there other vacancies to be aware of. A short discussion ensued regarding the vacant Pace site and the other adjacent vacant properties in that area as well as strategies for the EDA and EDC. EDA Commissioner Holden noted there is a business retention and expansion whitepaper that has a lot of strategies in it. EDA President Grant asked EDA Secretary Perrault to send the BRE document and white paper out to the EDA and that could maybe be a jumping off point for future discussion. 6. ADJOURN MOTION: EDA President Grant moved and EDA Commissioner Holden seconded a motion to adiourn the Economic Development Authority meeting. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). EDA President Grant adjourned the Economic Development Authority meeting at 5:48 p.m. Julie Hanson City Clerk David Grant EDA President AGENDA ITEM — 3A ,-ARZEN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: April 22, 2024 TO: EDA President and Commissioners FROM: Dave Perrault, City Administrator SUBJECT: Development Tools Discussion Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: Funding Source: N/A N/A N/A EDA President and Commissioners Should Consider The EDA President and Commissioners should discuss and provide direction on the use of development tools available to the EDA and City. Background Both the EDA and City have a variety of tools available to assist or spur development and re- development within the City. The EDA and City may consider whether or not it wants to use any of its tools from time to time on large scale City projects or more targeted projects. Currently, Staff is in the process of an RFP for an ordinance update, as well as, working on a variety of other development and zoning projects in the City. Staff believes it does not have the bandwidth for additional large-scale projects but could undertake more targeted projects that may need development assistance. One such project would be the Pace Site at 3737 Lexington Avenue and 1133 Grey Fox Road. This site has seen a number of proposals in recent years, but for one reason or another has not seen redevelopment. These two parcels fall under the B-3 Zoning District. In the Comprehensive Plan, it notes this area should have a small area plan developed to facilitate future development. As Staff mentioned, there is not the resources to work on a small area plan this year, but if the EDA wanted to look at the Pace site specifically Staff could begin to have preliminary conversations on what potential redevelopment would look like on the site. If the EDA wants to take a proactive approach to the Pace Site, Staff would recommend the EDA direct Staff to work with the site owner's representative and the City's financial advisor on what could be done on the site and what tools would be available. The EDA may want to designate one or two members to also work with Staff to provide any preliminary EDA insight/guidance. Page 1 of 2 Budget Impact Any future impact on the budget will be determined by what, if any, financing tools would be used on the site for redevelopment. Attachments N/A Page 2 of 2 AGENDA ITEM — 3B ,-ARZEN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: April 22, 2024 TO: EDA President and Commissioners Dave Perrault, City Administrator FROM: Jessica Jagoe, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Gateway Signs Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: N/A N/A EDA President and Commissioners Should Consider Funding Source: N/A The EDA President and Commissioners should discuss and provide direction to City staff on next steps for the potential future installation of gateway signs. Background At the October 24, 2022 meeting, the EDA President and Commissioners discussed the future installation of gateway signs. Initially in 2018 there were six potential locations for gateway signs with Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue being identified as the priority location. A conceptual design and cost analysis was prepared by WSB for this location (Attachment E). During the 2022 meeting, the President and Commissioners discussed possible locations and added Lake Valentine Road at 35W to the list of potential locations. Staff was given direction to conduct a comprehensive review of potential locations and bring back a list of sites to the EDA for further discussion. Included with this memo are maps that identify existing, previously identified, and potentially new gateway sign locations (Attachment B). It should be noted that with some of the previously identified and new locations that the City may not have sufficient right-of-way for placement of a gateway sign. The City would need to acquire additional right-of-way or obtain an easement from the Property Owner for installation. These are merely potential locations selected at a high-level for consideration. Based on the EDA's direction, an analysis for feasibility would need to be conducted. The 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan has benchmarks for the construction of gateway signs in 2025 and 2027 (Attachment A). Based on this information, staff seeks direction from the EDA on handling gateway signs. Page 1 of 2 Discussion• Staff requests direction from the EDA on gateway signs. One reason for this discussion is that the EDA discussed a large gateway sign at the corner of Highway 96 and Lexington, opposite the existing Shoreview sign. This is a large expense, $270,000, in the CIP and will have implications for the budget if the EDA wants to pursue this or not. Should the EDA decide the Highway 96 gateway sign is no longer a priority, or other gateway signs, the EDA could look to repurpose these funds. Budget Impact N/A Attachments A. 2024 CIP B. Gateway Sign Maps C. October 24, 2022 EDA Minutes D. 2018 EDA Memo E. WSB 2018 Concept Design Page 2 of 2 Capital Improvement Plan City of Arden Hills, Minnesota Project # 25-EDA-001 Project Name Gateway Signs TCAAP No Attachment A 2024 thrtt 2028 Department Economic Development Contact Community Devl Dir Type Improvement Useful Life Category Economic Devl Improvement Priority n/a Description I Total Project Cost: $310,000 Install gateway signs at major entry points to the City. Potential locations for signs include: (1) Highway 96 at Round Lake Road, (2) Highway 96 it Lexington Avenue, (3) Lake Valentine Road at 35W, (4) County Road E at Lexington Avenue, (5) Lexington Avenue at County Road F, (6) exington Avenue at County Road D, and (7) County Road E at Highway 51. Potential sign locations are not listed in order of priority and are ,ubject to change. are three existing gateway signs in the following locations: (1) County Road E2 at I-35W, (2) County Road D at Cleveland Avenue, and (3) Johanna Boulevard at the Roseville border. for the completion of an additional eatewav sien in 2026 at a location to be determined. Justification kdvance the economic development goals in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Implement the Guiding Plan for the B2 District. Work to better dentify the entrance points to the City for businesses and visitors. Foster civic pride and community identity. Expenditures 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Total Construction/Maintenance 270,000 40,000 310,000 Total 270,000 40,000 310,000 Funding Sources 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Total EDA General Fund 270,000 40,000 310,000 Total 270,000 40,000 310,000 maintenance costs for sign cleaning and care of landscaping is estimated by the Public Works Department at $500 per sign annually. Produced Using the Plan -It Capital Planning Software 121 Gateway Signs Attachment B 0 Parcels City Mask • Existing Gateway Signs • Identified Gateway Sign Location New Potential Gateway Sign Location EN HILLS 1:35,430 N A April 11, 2024 wsb Gateway Signs - North of Highway 96 ✓ayj 96 1:35,430 0 Parcels Existing Gateway Sign City Mask • Identified Gateway Sign Location N New Potential Gateway Sign Location A April 11, 2024 HELLS ws b �' ► Attachment C --AI�EN HILLS Approved: October 23, 2023 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING OCTOBER 24, 2022 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Grant called to order the Economic Development Authority meeting at 7:56 p.m. Present: EDA Chair David Grant; EDA Commissioners Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Steve Scott and David Radziej Absent: None Also present: EDA Secretary Dave Perrault; Community Development Director Jessica Jagoe; Finance Director Gayle Bauman; and City Clerk Julie Hanson 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: EDA Chair Grant moved and all EDA Commissioners seconded a motion to approve the EDA meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. October 25, 2021 EDA MOTION: EDA Commissioner Holden moved and EDA Commissioner Holmes seconded a motion to approve the October 25, 2021 Economic Development Authority Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 3. NEW BUSINESS None. 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Gateway Signs ARDEN HILLS EDA MEETING — October 24, 2022 2 Community Development Director Jagoe stated that staff was looking for direction on scheduling a future EDA meeting to discuss Gateway signs. She noted this was brought to the City Council in conceptual format in 2018 and six locations were identified, with the Highway 96/Lexington Avenue location being the priority. Commissioner Radziej asked if the EDA had decided on one style or design for the signs and what the associated costs would be. A discussion ensued regarding styles that have been debated in the past, the potential costs, and the locations of existing Gateway signs. Commissioner Holden stated the City received multiple proposals for a sign at Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue but it is a problematic site because the Shoreview sign is so huge. She thought the location on Lexington Avenue and County Road D near the Dairy Queen was an important location as people do not realize that is Arden Hills. Commissioner Holmes agreed but felt it would be difficult for a sign to be at that location due to being residential properties versus commercial properties. She thought this would be awkward. A discussion ensued regarding the southern portion of Arden Hills, particularly near Lexington Avenue and County Road D. EDA Chair Grant noted that the locations previously discussed were all entry points into Arden Hills. EDA Secretary Perrault said that the intent at the meeting this evening was to gain insight if the EDA wanted to meet more regularly in 2023 or 2024 to talk about these projects. He noted he wanted to make sure that Community Development Director Jagoe has good direction. Commissioner Holmes stated that Council previously indicated it wanted to wait regarding a sign at Highway 96 until TCAAP starts moving and perhaps businesses could contribute. She said she would like to see a schematic of a potential sign for the Lexington Avenue and County Road D location. A discussion ensued regarding the properties located near the Lexington Avenue and County Road D location. Commissioner Radziej noted he would like to see the same style of signage throughout the city, regardless if the size varies. EDA Chair Grant recommended staff look at the current signs to determine if they have been durable or have any issues. The EDA Commissioners concurred. Commissioner Holmes suggested a sign near Lake Valentine Road and Mounds View High School as many people do not know that the high school is located in Arden Hills. ARDEN HILLS EDA MEETING — October 24, 2022 3 Commissioner Holden thought Community Development Director could take a look at locations and bring fresh eyes and ideas to the table. She noted how expensive the signs can be. Discussion further ensued regarding the list of potential locations that was created by the EDC. They concurred they would await recommendation from Director Jagoe. 5. EDA MEMBER COMMENTS None. 6. ADJOURN MOTION: EDA Commissioner Radziei moved and EDA Commissioner Holden seconded a motion to adiourn the Economic Development Authority meeting. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). EDA Chair Grant adjourned the Economic Development Authority meeting at 8:13 p.m. Julie Hanson City Clerk David Grant EDA Chair Attachment D 'It ,fi` DEN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: January 16, 2018 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers Dave Perrault, City Administrator FROM: Matthew Bachler, City Planner Sue Polka, Public Works Director/City Engineer SUBJECT: Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue Gateway Sign Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: N/A Council Should Consider N/A AGENDA ITEM 11 Funding Source: N/A Review conceptual plans for the Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue gateway sign and provide direction to staff. Background The adopted 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan includes $80,000 for gateway sign construction in 2018. At their work session on June 19, 2017, the City Council discussed using the funds budgeted in 2018 for a gateway sign at Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue. In August 2017, staff began working with WSB & Associates on a concept design plan and cost estimate for the gateway sign. Staff from WSB will be in attendance at the work session on January 16, 2018 to present the concept design plan. To date, gateway signs have been installed at the following locations: • County Road E2 at Cleveland Avenue County Road D at Cleveland Avenue County Road D at New Brighton Road/Lake Johanna Boulevard (Triangle Property) The approximate cost of the signs for these past projects has been $10,000. The project at the Triangle Property included additional landscaping and irrigation improvements, and staff has estimated the total cost of this project (including the sign) at between $30,000 and $45,000. Staff had anticipated the cost of the gateway sign at Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue to be more than these previous signs due to the larger scale of the project. Page 1 of 2 Discussion Location Staff evaluated the feasibility of locating a gateway sign in the northwest or southwest corner of the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Highway 96. The southwest corner was selected due to a significant grade change at the northwest corner from the road to a wetland. WSB completed a topographical survey of the area to locate curb lines, walkways, lights, utilities, trees, and right- of-way. The sign would be located in Ramsey County right-of-way and coordination with the County would be required. Concept Design WSB prepared a concept design for the gateway sign for the City Council to consider (Attachment B). Staff provided information on past design plans so that the sign is consistent in style with other monument signs. The plans took into consideration the following: • Travel speed • Size of sign/text for readability • Setbacks from roadway curb and walkways • Viewing orientation • Constructability The sign would be oriented towards the intersection to maximize visibility and would be setback approximately 30 feet from the public trail along Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue. The sign would have a curved face running 40 feet in length with a height of 10 feet. A perennial planting bed is shown in front of the sign and a mix of aspen and coniferous trees and shrubs behind the sign. Electrical service would be provided to illuminate the sign lettering. Cost Estimates WSB has provided an estimate of the construction cost in Attachment C. The estimate includes the cost of the sign itself, site preparation, landscaping, and electrical service. This subtotal cost is estimated at $193,150. With contingencies and construction administration included, the estimated total is $260,753. WSB has identified two potential cost reduction items: replacing the proposed stone veneer with simulated concrete stone, and reducing the length of the sign from 40 feet to 22 feet. The associated cost savings with these changes are included in Attachment C. Potential add -on items include sign wing walls (shown in the concept plan rendering), uplighting, and irrigation. These items are not included in the current estimated total. Attachments. A. Aerial Map B. Concept Plan C. Cost Estimate Page 2 of 2 W Z (7 J W W a j W ¢ w Z o Z w °' LEXINGTON AVE N J in m a c~i) } J Z J J >2 > Q 0 = Z Q W Z Q Z W 0 O Z m LU � C7 D W C7 a:Y U) Z Z CC Z O Q a:Z OU w 32 a 3 (n a(n w o m 2 n n Q CA CD t c CA E E X W City Monument Sign Concept One Estimated Construction Cost WSB Project #010661-000 December 14th, 2017 By: SF Base Items ESTIMATED Item Description CITY COST 1 Mobilization 1 $ 9,200 2 Earthwork and erosion control 1 $ 25,500 40' long by 10' high masonry monument sign 3 including central wall with veneer on front face only, 1 $ 110,000 sign lettering, lighting of lettering 4 Electrical service 1 $ 15,000 5 Sodding 1500 $ 12,000 6 Concrete edging 215 $ 6,450 7 Tree, shrub and perennial planting 1 $ 15,000 Subtotal $ 193,150 Recommended Contingency (20%) $ 38,630 Estimated Design through Construction $ 28,973 Administration (15%) Estimated Total $ 260,753 Potential Cost Reduction Items Replace stone veneer with simulated stone pattern concrete wall resulting in a RED.1 cost reduction of $16,000. Reduce size of sign wall to 22' long by 10' high and replace stone veneer with RED.2 simulated stone pattern concrete wall resulting in a cost reduction of $46,600. Potential Add -On Items ADD.1 Monument Sign Wing Walls with veneer on front face only 1 $ 63,000 ADD.2 Uplighting 1 $ 10,000 ADD.3 Irrigation System 1 $ 15,000 Note: This estimate is based on concept planning level design work for the purpose of budgeting. It should be anticipated that cost the estimate will need to be refined as the design progresses with greater detail. 12/14/2017 K:1010661-000\Quantity\Preliminary1010661-000 City Monument Sign at Hwy 96 & Lexington