HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 [05] May 28CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AURTHORITY
Meeting Minutes -Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Present: EDA Board Members Carolyn Yaggie-Heinen, Ken Jacobson (arrived at 3:05), AI
Rassier, Tom Skahen and Dale Wick.
Absent: None.
Also present: EDA Consultant Cynthia Smith -Strack of Municipal Development Group.
Chairperson Wick called the May 28, 2008 regular meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at 3:00
p. m.
Agenda.
Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda. No changes were requested.
Moved by Skahen, seconded by Heinen to approve the agenda as presented. 4-0.
Approval of Minutes.
Chairperson Wick introduced the minutes from the April 23, 2008 regular meetings.
Motion by Heinen, second by Skahen to approve the minutes from the April 23, 2008 regular
meeting. Motion carried 3-0 with Rassier abstaining due to absence at previous meeting.
EDA Accounts Payable.
Wick introduced the topic. Wick noted accounts payable for the month totaled $2,424.36 in the
memo but the MDG invoice was $2,349.96 and not $2,302.74 bringing the total to $2,471.58.
Motion by Heinen, second by Skahen to approve the EDA accounts payable for the month of May
2008 in the amount of $2,471.58. Motion carried 5-0.
Financial Report.
Wick introduced the agenda item. Wick noted the adjustment in budgeted revenue from previous
meetings was exhibited in the expenditure report but not the revenue report. Rassier questioned
why interest balances in the revenue report were negative. Strack explained that while interest is
included the 2008 annual budget as anticipated revenue for Fund 150 but not the TIF funds.
Interest revenue from 2007 is illustrated in the current revenue report as presented. The negative
does not mean a negative balance but a departure from what interest revenue was anticipated.
Strack noted she would ask the Finance Director to attend the next EDA meeting to comment on
revenue report and audit findings.
Motion by Rassier, second by Wick to postpone approval of the May Financial Reports pending
information from the Finance Director. Motion carried 5-0.
Comprehensive Plan Update -Future Land Use Map.
Wick introduced the agenda item stating that the CPU process was continuing. Strack referenced
the map contained in the packet and noted an alternative version illustrating the Planning
Commission's recommended changes will also be produced.
Wick stated major differences between the Planning Commission's ideas and the map included in
the packet were: (1) the presence of additional highway commercial use adjacent to major
arterials and collectors, (2) additional moderate density residential adjacent to CR 121, and (3)
reflecting what's existing (industrial) north of CSAH 75 and east of 20th Avenue.
Rassier stated he did not support treating all arterial and/or collector streets alike in terms of
greenways/transportation overlays since each roadway in each area was different. Additional
discussion about implementation of the transportation overlay and density transfers under
planned unit development occurred.
Considerable discussion regarding the volume of commercial areas needed to accommodate
future development occurred. Additional material contained in the information packet relating to
reinventing strip development was reviewed. The concept of clustering commercial nodes
adjacent to high functioning intersections was preferred.
The EDA will revisit this issue at the June meeting when the alternative future land use plan is
available.
Downtown Revitalization Priority Survey Results
EDA Chair Wick introduced the agenda item and referred to the memo included in the packet.
Strack noted a downtown project work plan prioritization survey was mailed to all revitalization
work group participants. Survey results were included in the packet. The top short term priority for
those surveyed is to install benches, planters, and new banners in the downtown. The long term
priority for those responding to the survey is to work on the addition of a water feature/kiosk within
the Downtown.
Strack noted authorization to pursue funding and approval for the installation of planters and
secure new banners for street lights adjacent to College Avenue and Minnesota Street was kindly
requested.
Jacobson asked if the downtown business owners were involved in the project. Strack stated
some were, the majority were not. Jacobson stated business owners should commit to the project
and not just benefit from others' activities.
Discussion regarding the focus of the downtown corridor was held. Strack reported the Planning
Commission, through the comprehensive plan update, indicated a preference for focusing
beautification/streetscape efforts adjacent to College Avenue North between Minnesota Street
and the Wobegon Trail Center. In addition, the Planning Commission envisioned the entire
central business district as comprising the downtown. This change would lead to additional
discussion regarding parking within the downtown.
The Board focused on the concept of meeting with representatives from the Church of St. Joseph
to discuss the possibility of developing a modest visual amenity such as a water feature, urban
park amenity area, a paver area filled with donated bricks, or something similar. The area could
be used for community activities, taking pictures, etc. The EDA directed Strack to reach out to
Church representatives.
Discussion then turned to the project's guiding document -the redevelopment plan created in
2005. Strack noted the project was lagging and it may be time to change course from the four
work groups to a singular entity charged with accomplishing work list items.
The EDA renewed their support for the revitalization project and directed Strack to continue with
the project.
Advertisement in St. Joseph Visitor's Guide
Wick introduced the agenda item and noted the EDA had been notified of publication of the
annual visitor's guide by The Newsleaders. The EDA was invited to renew placement of an
EDA Minutes -May 28, 2008 2
advertisement in the guide. Strack noted she had not been told the advertisement generated any
contacts and that the EDA as an advertiser did not receive a copy of the visitor's guide.
Motion Jacobson, second Heinen fo decline renewal of advertisement in the St. Joseph Visitor's
Guide. Motion carried 5-0.
Business Subsidy Reports
Wick introduced the agenda item and noted required business subsidy reports were completed
and filed with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Strack
noted a copy of the report was included in the packet and that the only applicable reporting
required was for TIF 2-1. Strack noted the 'benefit date' had been established in conjunction with
issuance of a certificate of occupancy in March of 2008. This means jobs required under the
business subsidy agreement must be created by March of 2010.
Board Member Reports
Wick requested a monthly report regarding contacts and outreach efforts be filed with the EDA
Strack distributed a monthly report for Board review.
Wick requested a discussion item be added for the to EDA meeting. Wick wishes to discuss St.
Joseph fees as compared to fees from Avon, Albany, and Cold Spring. Wick stated Well's
Concrete decided to locate in Albany due to lower fees, especially storm water fees.
Wick noted the Partnership has developed a list of items that business prospects are seeking;
Wick suggested the EDA create a similar list.
Adjournment.
Meeting adjourned by con nsus at 4:20 PM.
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