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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 [08] Aug 27CITY OF ST. JOSEPH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AURTHORITY Meeting Minutes -Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Present: EDA Board Members Carolyn Yaggie-Heinen, AI Rassier, Tom Skahen and Dale Wick. Absent: Ken Jacobson. Also present: City Administrator Judy Weyrens and EDA Consultant Cynthia Smith -Strack of Municipal Development Group. Chairperson Wick called the August 27, 2008 regular meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at 3:03 p.m. Agenda. Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda. Two changes were requested. First, the addition of a discussion item regarding issuance of an assessment bond for Phase I of Parkway Business Center. Second, a discussion regarding MDG's progress on 2008 EDA goals requested by Chairperson Wick. Moved by Skahen, seconded by Heinen to approve the agenda with two additions. Motion carried 4-0. Approval of Minutes. Chairperson Wick introduced the minutes from the July 23, 2008 regular meeting. Motion by Rassier, second by Wick to approve the minutes from the July 23, 2008 regular meeting. Motion carried 4-0. EDA Accounts Payable. Wick introduced the topic. Wick noted accounts payable for the month which totaled $2,255.52 for contracted services. Motion by Heinen, second by Skahen to approve the EDA accounts payable for the month of August 2008 in the amount of $2,255.52. Motion carried 4-0. Financial Report. Wick introduced the agenda item. Wick noted the packet included financial reports. Motion Heinen, Second Wick to approve the July 2008 financial reports as presented. Motion carried 4-0. BFA Grant Application: Kurt & Joanne Schneider. Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda topic. Strack reported The EDA has received an application for the Business Facade Architectural (BFA) Grant Program. The matching grant would be used for the development of concepts a new structure adjacent to Minnesota Street in Downtown. Strack reminded EDA members the BFA pilot program can fund up to five projects totaling $1,000 each. The EDA has previously committed to two projects, neither of which have requested reimbursement at this time. The EDA reviewed the BFA grant application and pictures of the existing structure. The property owner would like to demolish the existing structure and replace with a two story mixed use building similar to Mill Stream Shops and Lofts. Conceptual drawings would assist the property owners in deciding whether or not to move the project forward. Discussion regarding the concept of project 'completion' occurred. The EDA noted in this case the 'project' is drafting of concept plans. Motion Skahen, Second Heinen to approve a BFA grant for Kun` and Joanne Schneider. Motion carried 4-0. Parkway Business Center Assessment Project Wick introduced the agenda item. Weyrens presented a list of five 'development issues' identified by the owners of the Parkway Business Center property and requested input from the EDA regarding the issues. 1. Phased development. The Developers would like to install improvements in two phases. The first phase would include 11 lots and abut existing development within Whitney Wing. Phase two would include 15 additional lots west and south of Phase I. The EDA supports phasing of the development. Installation of Improvements. The Developer requests the City issue an assessment bond to fund installation of improvements. Phase I is estimated to cost $1.2 million; Phase II less than $500,000. The Developer is also requesting including capitalized interest within the bond sufficient to cover the first two years of the issue. The City's policy is to allow assessment bond issuance provided a letter of credit equal to 80% of the assessments is filed. The City has only capitalized interest for very short term periods (i.e. six to nine months). The EDA supports the issuance of an assessment bond provided the City's typical requirements, i.e. 80% letter of credit and short term interest capitalization are achieved/maintained. 3. Payment of Fees. The Developer requests trunk fees, availability charges, and park dedication fees be delayed until the issuance of a building permit. The City routinely allows WAC/SAC to be payable with building permit issuance but has not allowed fee in lieu of parkland dedication to be delayed until building permit issuance. The EDA recommends the Park Board examine the issue. 4. Tax Increment Financing. The Developer has requested TIF be available on the 'front end', subject to City approval. The EDA requests more information regarding the intent of the availability of TIF on the 'front end'. 5. Joint Marketing. The Developer requests the EDA partner with the Developer to market the resulting properties. The EDA fully supports the development of additional industrial lots and will continue to provide information to business prospects and vice versa as warranted. The EDA would like additional specific information regarding a proposed marketing agreement, including lot pricing, assessment distribution, and commissions. Weyrens will forward the input as appropriate. Downtown Project Wick initiated discussion on the topic. The EDA reviewed the facade line drawings created by Matthew Hall Lumber for 35 West Main Street and 19 College Avenue North. The EDA was pleased with the drawings and their future benefits. The EDA wishes to solicit reaction from property owners and review the invoice for drafting services prior to authorizing additional design meetings. MDG Progress on 2008 EDA Goals Wick introduced the agenda item. Strack noted Wick had sent an email to the City Administrator requesting a summary of progress by MDG on the 2008 EDA goals. A summary of goals and EDA Minutes -August 27, 2008 progress was distributed to EDA members. The EDA requested time to review the handouts. The agenda item was carried over to the September meeting. Director's Report Wick noted the report contained in the packet. Board Member Reports Skahen noted a layoff at Park Industries occurred earlier in the day. Wick inquired as to whether or not Strack was contacted by the Partnership regarding a few potential leads for the former Midnight Haulers property. Strack noted she was not contacted. Wick also reported the Partnership's annual golf outing was coming up in September and that a delegation from the Partnership would be touring the new public school facility in September. Adjournment. Motion by Skahen, Second by Rassier to adjourn the regular EDA meeting. Meeting adjourned by c nsensus at 4:03 PM. EDA Minutes -August 27, 2008