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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 [12] Dec 13Official Minutes- EDA Board Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Economic Development Authority for the City of St. Joseph met in regulaz session on Wednesday, December 13, 2000 at 8:00 a.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Chair Kenneth J. Hiemenz. Board Members Ken Twit, Mike Deutz, Ross Rieke, and Bruce Gohman. EDA Director Chad A. Cazlson. Others Present• Al Rassier and Larry Hosch Auuroval of Minutes: -Twit made a motion to approve the minutes of October I1, 2000 meeting, seconded by Deutz. The motion passed unanimously. New Business A. County Road 133 Construction Update - Cazlson reported that County Road # 133 signal lights aze still scheduled for this year. According to the Assistant County Highway Engineer, the contractor stated the end of December for completion. However, she stated that we shouldn't put stock into the date due to the extreme cold weather we aze having. Cazlson further reported that the old crossing at CR #133 and HWY #75 will be barricaded shortly and east bound traffic will no longer be able to cross. The EDA Board had no comments. B. Proiect Summary Report -Carlson stated that there was a list of potential businesses in the packet. Cazlson addressed timing on the few of the projects and over the last two months the prospect activity has picked up. Two site visits aze scheduled next week prior to the holidays. T'he EDA Director is currently assisting with two purchase agreements. Deutz questioned the EDA Board recollection regazding commercial development in the Buettner Business Park. He stated that Mr. Buettner was only granted one 5 acre lot for commercial development. If the City is going to allow additional commercial development in the azea, the property fronting Highway 75 should be zoned commercial. Cazlson stated it was his opinion that most of the property that fronts on Highway #75 would become commercial in use and he has no concerns about rezoning the property. Typically, commercial property has a higher market value than industrial. Thus, the property taxes would be greater. Twit and Rieke concurred by stating that commercial development is inevitable in this area due to the improved intersection. Hiemenz stated that he has heazd the community is concerned that the Business District is being stretched out too far and should be more centrally located neaz the downtown. Gohman disagreed with that concept by stating accessibility drives commercial development. With the new intersection and road, commercial developers will be very interested in this azea. Deutz stated that the City should have zoned the lot fronting on Highway #75 commercial if the intention is to have commercial development. Carlson stated that during negotiations with Buettner, he requested 5 acres be zoned commercial He fully understood that if additional commercial development were to take place, rezoning of the property would have to occur. However, the light industrial classification of the pazk does allow for certain commercial development. Carlson stated he would welcome commercial development in this area. Twit questioned the status of the golf course project. Cazlson stated that the development is still moving forward depending on the outcome of the grant application for the improvements of CR #121. The project has been reduced to housing only, as the developers have taken out the golf course. We aze in a hold pattern until we here word on the grant application. Cazlson informed the EDA Board of Northland Addition Pive preliminary design. Cazlson stated that the developers aze looking for firt~aial assistance to ensure affordable housing can be built in the development. Deutz stated that j~ T1l make sure it makes financial sense for the City to assist with housing developments. Carlson stated that it will be the consultant's and his job to make sure it makes financial sense for the community and the purchasers of the lots receive the benefit of the program. Carlson stated that they are looking at using TIF for the cost of the lift station and other improvements. Hiemenz cautioned the EDA Board regarding affordable housing. The City has not adopted any plan and a committee has been established to develop a set of Ordinances for all five communities. Hiemenz stated that housing must pay for itself and cannot not become a burden to the community. Carlson stated that these homes will be in the market range of $100,000 to $135,000. These homes will not be the typical FMHA housing that the City currently has in other areas of the community. These homes will be very attractive and the purpose is to create housing that is affordable to working families. Carlson referred to a development in Sartell that was completed last year by the same developers. Strategic Plan Discussion -Carlson reviewed the EDA Strategic Plan and suggested that the EDA Board consider updating the plan for the coming years. Carlson stated that some of the objectives of the plan have been met and suggested that other items be prioritized. Twit stated that he agrees the plan needs to be reviewed but suggested that the EDA's accomplishments not be lost. He suggested that a summary of the accomplishments bemade. Carlson stated that they become a part of the year end report. Carlson is also suggested the EDA Board consider surveying the community regarding commercial and industrial development growth. What would the community like to see as far as services, jobs, etc. The EDA Board concurred but cautioned the new board regarding the results and response. Further discussion will take place at the next meeting. D. Annual Meeting_Date -Carlson requested the EDA Board set the annual meeting date for year ending 2000. The EDA Board selected February 14, 2001. Carlson stated the annual report will be presented at that meeting. E. Committee Reports -Carlson reported on the actions of the SW Metro Corridor Study, West Metro Corridor Study, Regional Parks and Trails Committee, the Partnership and the HCP. Public Comments to the Agenda. There were none. Adjourn - Gohman made a motion to adjourn at 8:45 am, seconded by Deutz. The motion passed unanimously. ~~~ Chad Carlson ---- EDA Director