HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-21-07 EDC Meeting Minutes
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CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
February 21, 2007 7:30 A.M.
CITY HALL --1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96
Bruce Kunkel called the meeting to order at 7:42 a.m.
Those in attendance: Dale Beane, Nancy Kneeland, Jim Paulet, Rob Davidson, Chris Ashbach,
Mayor Harpstead. Staff: Community Development Director Karen Barton, City Planner James
Lehnhoff
Guests: Steve Wellington, Wellington Management
Absent: Ray McGraw, Ed Wemer
Approval of Minutes
January 17, 2007 minutes approved (no changes).
Ardeu Plaza Update
Mr. Steve Wellington of Wellington Management discussed proposed plans for the
redevelopment of Arden Plaza, located at Lexington and County Road E.
The three office buildings currently encompass approximately 50,000 square feet of office space.
The proposed plans would be to demolish the three buildings and replace them with three
buildings spaced on the site, with a shift to retail.
They are anticipating submitting a Planned Unit Development apPlication to the City in the next
few months and are looking to start redevelopment in the Spring of 2008.
I-Flex Zoue Discussiou
James Lehnhoff, City Planner, provided an overview ofthe B-2, B-3, B-4 and I-Flex zones. Mr.
Lehnhoff distributed a description of the sign standards and districts for the city as awhole.
Chair Kunkel suggested the EDC make recommendation to the Planning Commission regarding
Zoning Code and Sign Code modifications. Mayor Harpstead added Design Standards to be
included in the recommendation.
Rob Davidson made a motion to have staff draft and seek approval for administrative zoning
approvals for low- or minimal-impact changes to allow and encourage businesses to improve
their facilities. Nancy Kneeland seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
EDC Meeting
February 21, 2007
Page Two
• Business Retention
Jim Paulet noted that Boston Scientific had indicated they are not in a position to host our event
at this time,but would be interested in the future.
Rob Davidson stated that Anchor Bank can host the event on March 29 at 7:30 am or after 5:00
pm.
Karen Barton suggested we do a breakfast meeting.
The following agenda was proposed for the breakfast meeting on the 29th:
■ Introductions
■ Meet the Mayor
■ City/EDC Update
■ Business Spotlight—Anchor Bank
■ Networking
It was suggested that we invite the entire business list, have name tags, a sign-in sheet, and a
brochure for the Community Development Department.
Economic Development Strategic Plan
Mayor Harpstead stated that he would like the EDC to present the Strategic Plan priorities to
Council at a worksession in April.
Chair Kunkel noted that the EDC would need to have a special meeting to cull the priorities from
the Strategic Plan and move forward. A meeting was set for March 7 at 7:30 am.
Unfinished Business
Karen Barton gave an update regarding the current vacancy on the EDC, as well as a brief
TCAAP update. Mayor Harpstead provided a Council update.
Meeting Adjourned 9:15 am
Minutes approved'by:
Bruce Kunkel, Chair Karen Baon
Communi y Delop /tDirector
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