HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 [04] Apr 20CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Meeting Minutes -Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Present: EDA Board Members Richard Carlbom, Ken Jacobson, Ross Rieke and Tom Skahen. Absent:
Bruce Gohman.
Also present: Joanne Foust of Municipal Development Group.
Chair Rieke called the regular meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at 3:07 p.m.
Agenda.
Chairperson Rieke introduced the agenda. Moved by Skahen seconded by Jacobson to approve the
agenda with the addition of item 6. c. calling for a special meeting. Motion carried 4-0.
Approval of Minutes.
EDA Chair Rieke noted the minutes from the March meeting were included in the packet.
Motion Skahen, seconded by Jacobson to approve the March 16, 2005 Regular EDA minutes as
presented. Motion approved 4-0.
EDA Accounts Payable and Financial Report.
Rieke introduced the topic. Foust provided an overview of the accounts payable for April 2005 in the
amount of $2,056.99.
Motion by Skahen second by Carlborn to approve EDA accounts payable for April 2005 and the April
financial report. Motion carried 4-0.
Update: Southern Collector Corridor Study
Rieke introduced the agenda item. Foust referenced a memo included in EDA packets regarding the
technical advisory committee (TAC) meeting held on April 13, 2005. The TAC participates in the corridor
study being facilitated by the engineering firm WSB. Foust noted a public input meeting has been
scheduled for Thursday April 28, 2005 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fire Hall. Various maps illustrating
options will be on display with comment cards available for public input. Foust encouraged EDA
members to attend. Commissioners requested Foust post a notice indicating a quorum of the EDA may
be present, and send notice to Commissioner Gohman of the meeting.
Market Study for Downtown.
Rieke introduced the topic. Foust reported that Strack had met with a development company on April 8,
2005 and toured the downtown to discuss future land uses and potential synergies with other partners in
the downtown. The Development Company questioned if a market analysis had been completed which
detailed the demand for mixed use facilities and types of retail venues which may be preferred.
Commissioners discussed the boundaries of the "downtown".
Mayor Carlborn noted he has had strong interest in a downtown committee. He also expressed his
support for a market study. Carlborn excused himself from the meeting at 3:25 p.m.
Rieke suggested information from the Design Team Visit be included in the May EDA packet, with a
summary of goals identified at that time and updates on whether or not they were accomplished by
design, e.g. creation of an EDA, or by chance or not yet accomplished.
It was the consensuses of EDA Commissioners to let the future Downtown Committee coordinate the
Market Study.
EDA Minutes -April 20, 2005 Page 1
Director's Report.
Prospect Activity Report. Foust referenced to the prospect list/activity report outlining communication
with various contacts that was included in the EDA packet. New leads were briefly discussed.
MIF Progress Report. Foust referenced a copy of the required annual report for the Minnesota
Investment Fund Grant the City/EDA received for the equipment loan which was provided to Vicwest
Steel. It was noted the required number of jobs have been created.
Special Meeting. Foust updated Commissioners on a pending request for tax increment financing
assistance from Midnight Haulers. She noted the company has requested a special meeting on May 4,
2005 to allow their project to proceed on a more expeditious schedule.
Motion by Skahen, seconded by Johnson to call for a special meeting for May 4, 2005 at 3:00 p. m. for the
purpose of reviewing an application for tax increment financing. With all in favor the motion carried 3-0.
Board Member Announcements.
Rieke noted he plans to attend the Initiative Foundation Economic Development Conference on May 3,
2005 in Little Falls. He noted if other Commissioners are interested in attending they should let City
Administrator Weyrens know.
Jacobson reported that Joel Sutherland of the River Bats have joined the St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce. He also noted the Chamber of Commerce is starting to have businesses outside of the
community request membership. The board is reviewing membership criteria.
Commissioners requested MDG, Inc. staff verify whether or not the Lighthouse building is available for
sale or lease and if so, at what price.
It was noted that Ace Hardware is adding a new log facade to their store and a 30 foot by 30 foot area for
landscape supplies and other products.
Adjournment
Motion by Skahen seconded by Ja obson to adjourn. Motion carried 3:0. Meeting adjourned at 4:14 p.m.
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