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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 [02] Feb 14Official Minutes- EDA Board Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Economic Development Autharity for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Wednesday, February 14, 200Q at 8:00 a.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Board Members Larry Hosch, Mike Deutz, Ross Rieke, Bob Loso and Bruce Gohman. EDA Director Chad A. Cazlson. Others Present• None Approval of the Agenda: Hosch made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Deutz. The motion passed unanimously by those present. Approval of Minutes: Deutz made a motion to approve the minutes of December 13, 2000 meeting, seconded by Rieke. Discussion: Deutz stated that Cazlson may have misunderstood his comments regazding the zoning of the Buettner Business Pazk. He requested that the minutes reflect that he didn't suggest that the entire business park be zoned commercial, rather the property that fronts Highway #75 The motion was approved with the correction by the following vote: Ayes.• Gohman, Deutz and Rieke Nays: None Abstain: Hosch and Loso New Business A. Appointment of Board Officers: Deutz suggested that the Board consider appointed Gohman as the Board Chair. Gohman has experience with the Board activities and it would give Mayor Hosch time to become familiar with the EDA functions. Gohman stated that he would accept the position and suggested that Rieke also be considered for the position of Board Chair. Rieke added that the Board appoints officers on an annual basis and the position could change next year if the Board chooses. Hosch made a motion to have the EDA Board approve the following appointments, Seconded by Rieke: Bruce Gohman -Chair Larry Hosch -Vice Chair Ross Rieke -Treasurer Bob Loso -Secretary The motion passed unanimously by those present. B. EDA Board Meeting Schedule: Cazlson gave a brief history of the EDA Board's action to hold bi-monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. Cazlson stated that scheduling the entire year seemed to work well and if additional meetings are needed, they were called. Loso suggested that the Board consider meeting in the afternoon or evening due to his work schedule. Gohman stated that he personally would not be able to attend the EDA meetings if they were held in the evening. Deutz suggested that late afternoon may be an alternative to evening meetings. Rieke added that the public may view the change in meeting time more accessible to them. The Public may become more involved and informed. Loso made a motion to approve the following EDA Board meeting schedule for 2001, with the meeting time at 4:00 p. m. in City Hall, Seconded by Rieke. 2001 Meeting Schedule February 14, 2001 April 11, 2001 June 13, 2001 August 8, 2001 October 10, 2001 December 12, 2001 The motion passed unanimously by those present. C. Annual Report: Carlson presented the 2000 EDA Annual Yeaz in Review to the Board members. Cazlson briefly outline the content of the report and stated that the public will be made awaze of the report by a summary that will be broadcast over the cable channel. Cazlson requested comments or questions regazding the report. Deutz suggested that the year in review should correspond with the goals of the strategic plan. Deutz further added that the job description of the Director be reviewed to reflect the duties currently being performed. Deutz suggested that this be a future agenda item. Loso stated that administration and public works employees have formed a union and aze currently in negotiations with the City. It is prematare to discuss changing the job description of the EDA Director until the contract is fmalized. Cazlson concurred that discussing this issue at this point is not appropriate. Gohman suggested that the Board consider removing Cazlson from the union and reorganize the EDA, including the Director's job description. There has also been a discrepancy on how the EDA functions with the City Council that needs to be resolved. Hosch suggested that each Board member receive a copy of the Director's job description prior to the next meeting for discussion. Hosch added that he will be conducting department head meetings quarterly. He will be discussing this item with Clerk/Administrator Weyrens and Cazlson in the future. Carlson again cautioned the Board that this should not be discussed until the union negotiations aze over and a contract is signed. Loso made a motion to approve the 2001 EDA Annual Year in Review as presented, Seconded by Hosch. Discussion: Loso suggested that future reports include the year's tax base created, tax base increased from the previous year (residential and commercial), and any other statistics. Gohman added that other information should include squaze footage of projects, employees created, and tax base from each specific project. Rieke suggested that it might be good for the EDA's image that a detailed summary of those items be accumulated back from 1997 when the EDA started. The motion passed unanimously by those present. Director Reports A. Prospect List: Cazlson presented the current prospect list. Carlson updated the Boazd on each project as an effort to get the new Board Members up to speed. Cazlson informed the Board that Spring Green Lawncare and Landscaping has purchased 2.6 acres in the Buettner Business Pazk and will be constructing a 4,500 squaze foot facility. The Board requested in formation regarding Company C. Carlson informed the Board that the current location no longer met their needs in St. Joseph. They are not leaving the community but have proposed options of expanding the building on site or relocation within the community. Deutz questioned the City Council's intention for the old City Hall, specifically the green administration building. Loso stated that the City should demolish the building and make the area available for public parking. Hosch stated that the City Council did discuss it briefly. There has been no decision made. Cazlson stated that he is still working with the Legion and there expansion project. Cazlson suggested that the building be sold to anyone that is interested. If the City provides public pazking, the property produces very little tax base and the City is responsible for maintenance of the pazking lot. Carlson stated that he will continue to work with the Legion or anyone who is interested in the property. B. Industrial Park Brochure: Carlson provided the EDA Board information on the industrial pazk profile being completed by the Partnership. In addition, the EDA Board has previously discussed the creation of a mazketing brochure specific to the industrial pazk. The community brochure was completed last year. The brochure would complement the community brochure. Cazlson stated that he has financial commitments from organizations that have partnered with the City in creating the park. A majority of the expense to produce and print the brochure would be covered by these organizations. The EDA has money budgeted for mazketing and advertising which will make up any shortfalls. Deutz suggested that the Board approve the expenditure and move quick to get the product completed by spring. If all the property sells in the industrial pazk before the completion of the brochure, then the EDA has wasted money. Cazlson stated that all the text work has been gathered, which will speed up the process. Gohman added that 30 to 60 days should be more then enough time to have a completed document. Rieke made a motion to have the EDA Director move forward with the creation of an Industrial Park Brochure in a timely fashion, with a spring completion date, Seconded by Hosch. The motion passed unanimously by those present. C. Strategic Plan Discussion: Cazlson reminded the Board that during the December meeting, the Board discussed revising the Strategic Plan adopted in 1997. Carlson suggested that the Board consider devoting the April EDABoard meeting to the revision. Cazlson further suggested that a third party facilitate the discussion, so everyone can participate in the discussion. Deutz stated that the EDA Board should focus on the annexation plan and start discussing annexation within these azeas. The Orderly Annexation area has very little tax base currently and should be annexed prior to any development. The agreement between the City and Township prorates the taxes after annexation. The City is providing all the services, but not receiving the revenues to support them. Gohman stated that all growing municipalities aze facing the same problem throughout the state. With Statutes and local ordinances, it is very tough to just annex property without being able to provide service. Gohman referenced the struggle between St. Cloud and St. Cloud Township. Hosch stated that Deutz has a good point and the City should behaving discussions with the property owners within the annexation area. Even if it takes five to ten years to accomplish, dialog should be happening. Gohman stated that this a good discussion item for the meeting in April and the Strategic Plan revisions. D. Committee Reports: None Board Member Annoudicements Hosch informed the EDA Board Seren Innovations (Astound) will start design and construction within the Industrial Park area around April 15`~ of this year. Hosch suggested that they become a partner with the creation of the industrial park brochure. Public Comments to the Atenda None Adjourn Rieke made a otion to adjo 9:20 am, seconded by Hosch The motion passed unanimously. G Chad Carlson EDA Director