HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 [07] Jul 24Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Economic Development Authority for the
City of St. Joseph met in special session on Thursday, July 24, 1997 at 8:00 a.m. in the St.
Joseph City Hall.
Members Present: Chair Kenneth J. Hiemenz. Board Members Bruce Gohman, Ken
Twit, Ross Rieke, Mike Deutz. Recording Secretary Judy Weyrens. EDA Director Chad
Carlson
Others Present: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf, Leo Buettner.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Industrial Park and alternative
Transportation and Utility Plans for servicing the area.
City Engineer Joe Bettendorf presented a drawing of the proposed transportation
network for the Industrial Park. The network illustrates the re-designing of County Rd
133 as well as arterial roads for the Park. Bettendorf stated the City may be required to
pick up some additional right of way for the re-alignment, but he will check on this
matter further. Bettendorf also stated that at this time the railroad is not willing to
release any additional crossings.
The Board discussed the need for 12~ Avenue SE to extend north to County Road 133.
Gohman stated that if this link is not completed, the City has not increased the
ingress/egress to the Industrial Park. After considerable discussion as to the need for
the connection Gohman made a motion requesting the City Council proceed with
securing the necessary right-of-way to extend 12~ Avenue SE north to County Road
133. This ROW should be secured at the same time the design of County Road 133 is
completed. The extension of 12~ Avenue SE would provide for better traffic flow, ease
traffic congestion, and increase access to the Industrial Park. The motion was seconded
by Rieke. The motion passed unanimously.
The Board discussed the lack of adequate ingress/egress to the Northland Addition. In
reviewing the proposed transportation network for the Industrial Park, existing
Gumtree Street in the Northland Addition appears to be a natural connection to Elm
Street in the Industrial Park. This access would not require an additional release of rail
crossing and would provide the much needed relief for Northland. The extension of
Gumtree would require the purchase of ROW from the Wamert farm. The Board
discussed the large amount of wetland on the Warnert farm presenting the need for a
topographical layout to aid in planning. Rieke made a motion to facilitate the
connection of existing Elm Street through the Industrial Park to Gumtree Street East in
the Northland Addition to provide relief to the residents living in Northland Addition.
The motion was seconded by Deutz. The motion passed unanimously.
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The Board discussed the plat for the Industrial Park and the process involved. Leo
Buettner requested to leave parts unplatted to provide for multiple size lots. When lots
are purchased they can be platted. Beuttner also requested the Board consider moving
proposed 15~ Avenue NE west to allow for multiple size lots for development.
Bettendorf stated that he will be reporting to the City Council on platting options at the
August 7, 1997 Council meeting. Carlson, Buettner and Bettendorf will continue to
work on this issue. Deutz made a motion to move proposed 15~ Street NE in the
Industrial Park to the west to accommodate the property owner, allowing for multiple
size lots. The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously.
Buettner requested to exclude up to four (4) acres of his property abutting County Road
75 and the realigned County Road 133 from the proposed TIF District. He stated that
he would like to leave the property out to accommodate a small commercial project
such as fast food or convenience store. Twit stated that he is not in favor of spot zoning
if that is the request of Buettner, and without conducting the necessary hearings the
City cannot affirm a specific zoning classification. Carlson clarified that at this time
Buettner is requesting the four (4) acres to be left out of the TIF District. Deutz made a
motion to honor the request of Buettner and leave up to four (4) acres out of the TIF
District. The property is located at the intersection of County Road 75 and the realigned
County Road 133. The motion was seconded by Gohman. The motion passed
unanimously.
The Board also discussed the future extension of Elm Street on the eastern edge of the
Industrial Park. This extension is not included in the current improvement plan of the
Industrial Park. Deutz made a motion to extend the Transportation Network of the
Industrial Park to include the extension of Elm Street on the eastern edge of the Park.
The motion was seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously.
Adjourn: Twit made a motion to adjourn at 10:25 a.m.; seconded by Gohman. The
motion passed unanimously.
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dy Wey/tens
ecording Secretary
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