HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 [08] Aug 13Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Economic Development Authority for the
City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Wednesday, August 13, 1997 at 8:00 a.m. in
the St. Joseph City Hall.
Members Present: Chair Kenneth J. Hiemenz. Board Members Mike Deutz, Bruce
Gohman, Ross Rieke. EDA Director Chad Carlson. Recording Secretary Judy Weyrens.
Others Present: Ellen Wahlstrom
Industrial Pazk: Hiemenz reported that the City Council and Economic Development
Authority need to meet jointly to discuss issues relating to the development of the
Industrial Park. The Council has established September 9, 1997 as a special meeting
time to discuss the Capital Improvement Plan. The EDA could meet with the Council
on the same evening. Gohman requested that the Industrial Pazk Development issues
be placed first on the agenda.
Hiemenz reported that the City needs to be awaze of which costs are the responsibility
of the City and which are developer s responsibility. If the City authorizes a
topographical study of the azea the study and all documentation becomes property of
the City. If a developer or property owner wishes to receive the information they will
be charged accordingly. The Council and EDA need to discuss to what level the City
will be involved in the platting and developing.
Gohman encouraged the EDA to complete a topographical study of the entire Industrial
Park at one time instead of the proposed phasing. The only way he could agree to
phasing is with the assurance from the Engineer that all phases will tie together and
function property.
Hiemenz reported that he contacted Burlington Northern Railroad to discuss the
possible abandonment of the tracks. Hiemenz was informed that BN is getting ready to
sell the bed to a third party. When the bed is sold the Railroad still retains the
underground right-of--way. The third party buyer will most likely be MNDOT and
should happen within the next couple of weeks. It is anticipated that the process will
take approximately 180 days. The property should belong to MNDOT spring 1998.
Hiemenz stated that MNDOT has not been releasing any additional crossings. County
Engineer Doug Weizhaar and Hiemenz will continue to pursue this matter.
Deutz suggested if the existing crossing at County Road 133 could be exchanged for a
new crossing to service the realigned County Road 133. Those present responded that
the existing crossing is needed to serve the four businesses located at the current
intersection of County Road 133 and County Road 75. Hiemenz also stated that if the
needed ROW is not secured the County will restructure the existing intersection. Ellen
Wahlstrom stated the existing intersection
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needs major redesigning. When asked why County Road 133 is being redesigned,
Hiemenz responded it is part of the APO Transportation Plan to connect 12w Avenue SE
to County Road 133.
EDA/DTED Grants: Carlson reported that he contacted the Department of Trade and
Economic Development (DTED) to discuss funding alternatives. Funds are available on
a business to business basis and only applies to companies creating jobs. Funding
assistance cannot be used for utility improvements.
Competitive federal funding is available to communities that can show distress.
Gohman discussed the lack of employment opportunities in St. Joseph and this may
constitute a sign of distress. Carlson stated that he will work on the pre-application for
funding altematives and keep the Board informed. He reiterated that this funding is
extremely competitive and has matching requirements.
Gohman encouraged Carlson to research development cost of the Industrial Park
through other means than the City Engineer. Gohman stated the Engineer is very busy
and some of this information can be secured from other resources.
TIF Consultants: Carlson reported that he has been soliciting consulting fees for
establishing and managing a TIF District in St. Joseph. This matter will be discussed
further when proposals have been received. Funds for this service should be included
in the 1998 Budget.
1998 Budgcet_Cazlson presented the proposed budget for 1998. He stated the major
increase in the proposed budget is the upgrading of the salary portion for a full time, 12
month director position. He also discussed the need to budget engineering and legal
services. However, these costs are difficult to forecast because it will be driven by
development. Board Members requested the 1998 Budget to include the following:
$10,000 -Engineering Services
$10,000 -Consulting Services, TIF
$ 2,000 -Legal Fees
Gohman made a motion approving the proposed budget for 1998 at $66,607.
Additionally, the Board will supplement the budget with the levy power authorized
under State Statute if needed. The motion was seconded by Deutz. The motion
passed unanimously.
Development Updates: Carlson reported on the following development activities:
• Schroeder Sports -has completed a development application. Proposal would
includes the construction of a 20,000 squaze foot building, 10,000 squaze feet to be
used at present and 10,000 square feet for the future. Schroeder presently employs
nine employees and may expand to 11.
• Dorian Davis has expressed interest in developing a section of property near the
Fire Hall for an office building and developing a site for a furniture store.
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• Bob Brophy -expressed interest in developing multiple family housing units on the
former Lyman Hull property.
• Morning Star International Advertising Agency has requested assistance in finding
office space in St. Joseph.
• Hockey Arena - Carlson stated the College is looking at constructing a hockey rink
with a minimum of two (2) sheets of ice.
• Historical Grant Application -reported on Council action which authorized the City
to make apre-application for funding assistance in purchasing the former bank
building to be used as a City Museum.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:30 p.m.
y Weyrens
ording Secretary
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