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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 [12] Dec 14Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Economic Development Authority for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on December 14, 1998 at 8:00 a.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Chair Kenneth J. Hiemenz. Board Members Bruce Gohman, Mike Deutz, Ken Twit. EDA Director Chad Carlson. Recording Secretary Judy Weyrens. Others Present: Cory Ehlert, Ellen Wahlstrom Approval of Minutes: Deutz made a motion to approve the minutes as presented; seconded by Gohman and passed unanimously by those present. Old Business St. Joseph Business Park: Carlson reported that the Planning Commission reviewed the Buettner Industrial Park Preliminary Plat and recommended City Council approval which has since been granted. The final plat will be presented to the Planning Commission in January 1999. The Commission has also recommended the Council approve the request of Leo Buettner to rezone one parcel General Business. The Commission will also be reviewing alternative zoning districts for the Highway 75 corridor. Business Park Development: Board Members discussed the cost of improving the Business Park. Carlson stated that he has discussed this matter with Financial Advisor Monte Eastvold who indicated the EDA should be able to complete the project using TIF and assessments as a revenue source for debt retirement. The anticipated cost of improvements to the Industrial Park is approximately $ 525,000, of which $ 294,887 will be funded with USDA and Stearns Cooperative Association. Carlson further clarified that the development of Lots 1 & 2 in the Industrial Park will pay for the improvements to Lots 4 & 5. Deutz questioned the financial impact to the City if Vic West Steel does not locate in the Business Park. Carlson stated that the USDA money is contingent upon location of a business. If Vic West Steel does not locate hopefully another business will. Joseph Street: Carlson reported that he has been meeting with Joe Bettendorf to discuss the improvements to Joseph Street. The project is anticipated to cost $851,000. As soon as the numbers are available they will be forwarded to the Board. Planning_Commission Update: The Planning Commission will be reviewing proposed changes to the Industrial, General Business Ordinances as well as the creation of a Highway 75 Corridor Ordinance. Carlson stated that he has modified ordinances from Waite Park and Sartell to present to the Planning Commission. Deutz requested the Commission consider a Downtown District Ordinance if one of the goals of the City is to keep the downtown alive. Citv Hall: Carlson reported on the activities of the City Hall task force. The major focus at this time is the purchase of the current bank building. At this time the task force has requested an appraisal of the First State Bank building and are researching financing alternatives. Borgert Development Agreement: The City Council has authorized the execution of the Developer's Agreement for SKN Properties, DBA Borgert Products. New Business Year End Financial Statements: Carlson presented the preliminary year end financial statement which was reviewed by the board. December 14, 1998 Page 1 of 2 AdMark Resources: To assist in determining the types of housing needed in the City of St. Joseph, Carlson has requested AdMark Resources to make a presentation to the City Council on the services they provide. They are in the business of completing housing studies which includes inventory of existing and projection of future needs. This presentation has been scheduled for January 10, 1999. AdMark Resources works with the Central Minnesota Initiative Fund and the Central MN Initiative Fund will fund 50% of said study. Nominations -Board Officers: Hiemenz stated the Board needs to establish the Officers for 1999. The Board requested this matter be placed on the January 1999 so the Council can make the appointments before the election of officers. Hiemenz stated that the term has expired for Mike Deutz. Deutz as well as any other interested resident is encouraged to make application to serve on the Board. Twit made a motion establishing that Board Officers will be elected in January of each year. The motion was seconded by Gohman and passed unanimously by those present. Future EDA Meeting Dates: Hiemenz questioned Board Members as to how frequently they would like to meet. It appears as the Board could meet every other month with special meetings as needed. The Board agreed to reconsider this matter at the January 11, 1999 meeting. Public Comments to the Agenda Ellen Wahlstrom questioned the Board as to their intentions for development of the downtown area. She stated that in her opinion the Board is devoting 100% of their efforts towards the development of the Business Park and no one cares about the downtown area. Hiemenz stated that for the Board to be effective, they need to concentrate on specific areas. At this time the Board is working on improving the Business Park. Carlson stated that he feels that the downtown area will revitalize itself with the improvement of a City Facility. Wahlstrom stated that in her opinion downtown is suffering because of the following: - Current Zoning Ordinances make it difficult for new businesses - The process is cumbersome for developing in the downtown area - No one is willing to resolve issues in the downtown area - The downtown area does not have a common theme and is being developed as piecemeal - No one is willing to work on the downtown problems Wahlstrom also expressed concern that development along Highway 75 could hurt the businesses in the downtown area. She stated that the downtown area could not compete with larger businesses. Hiemenz stated that the City cannot stop development and competition is part of being in business. Carlson stated that it is his opinion that the downtown area is far better than other cities of similar size. Hiemenz stated that he would like to reorganize the Star City Commission to assist the EDA with business development and retention. Adjourn: Deutz made a motion to adjourn at 9:10 a.m.; seconded by Twit and passed unanimously by those present. ~~ ~%'~sl~j%~i2~ Judy Weyrens ecording Secretary December 14, 1998 Page 2 of 2