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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 [02] Feb 15CITY OF ST. JOSEPH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Meeting Minutes -Wednesday, February 15, 2006 Present: EDA Board Members Ross Rieke (3:05) Richard Carlbom, Bruce Gohman, Ken Jacobson and Tom Skahen. Absent: None. Also present: Ms. Carolyn Yaggie-Heinen and Cynthia Smith-Strack of Municipal Development Group. Vice Chairperson Carlbom called the February 15, 2006 meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at 3:03 p. m. Agenda. Vice Chairperson Carlbom introduced the agenda. Moved by Gohman seconded by Skahen to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 4-0. Approval of Minutes. EDA Vice Chairperson Carlbom noted the minutes from the January 18, 2006 meeting were included in the packet. Motion by Skahen, seconded by Jacobson to approve the January 18, 2006 regular EDA minutes as presented. Board Member Gohman noted an error in the minutes relating to those absent from the January meeting. Gohman noted "Carlbojm" should be "Rieke". Motion amended to include change, approved 4-0. EDA Accounts Payable. Carlbom introduced the topic. Strack noted accounts payable for the month included invoice for contract services in the amount of $2,095.01. Motion by Skahen, second by Jacobson to approve EDA accounts payable for the month of January 2006 in the amount of $2, 095.01. Motion carried 4-0. Financial Report. Carlbom introduced the agenda item. Strack noted the January financial reports were contained in the packet. Reports presented included: revenue, expense, check register and fund balance. Motion by Gohman, second by Skahen to approve the January financial reports. Motion carried ~h0. Rieke joined the meeting at 3:07 p.m. Future Land Use - 20th Avenue South Corridor. Rieke introduced the agenda item. Strack noted that the City Council is considering the need to update the future land use map contained in the Comprehensive Plan for various areas including that adjacent to the southerly projection of 20th Avenue South. The area is currently guided toward single family residential development, however, 20th Avenue South will likely be a collector or arterial roadway which would be incompatible with residential development, especially directly abutting the major roadway corridor. EDA Minutes -February 15, 2006 Page 1 Strack referenced a map being distributed for conversation which depicts an area adjacent to the projection of 20th Avenue which could theoretically be zoned B-3 and serviced by backage roads with limited access points onto 20th Avenue South. The theoretical commercial area contained 50 developable acres not including the 120-foot 20`h Avenue right of way. The linear strips represented were 660' deep and extended from the current terminus of 20'h Avenue southward approximately 4,900 feet. The Board discussed various land use scenarios including commercial, office and retail facilities and associated potential densities. The EDA specifically spoke of the potential demand for development in this area. Strack alluded to ongoing discussions with a large retailer and land speculators regarding the future corridor. The Board Members discussed the potential for discount retailers to be attracted to the area. It was the consensus of the Board to recommend the corridor for such uses in addition to new car dealerships, medical and office facilities. Board Members expressed a desire to let the commercial/real estate markets dictate the actual type and pace of development in the area. The Board also reached consensus regarding the level of architectural/aesthetic quality desired for the corridor. The Board recommends an emphasis be placed on landscaping, fencing, screening and pathways/sidewalks. Strack noted the current B-3 district requirements would need to be revised to accommodate the Board's vision for the corridor. Jacobson left the meeting (3:30 p.m.) Railway Service to Industrial Areas of the City Rieke introduced the agenda item. Strack noted that the City Administrator and MDG had met with representatives from the Northern Lines Railway (NLR) regarding rail service to existing and future industrial properties. Strack reported that it appeared an opportunity for service to additional properties and/or a joint service point could be possible. Prior to the EDA meeting and as a means of exploring the issue further, MDG has mailed a letter to 28 industrial property owners to gauge interest in holding an informational meeting with NRL representatives. Strack reported insufficient interest from industrial property/business owners regarding an informational meeting with NRL representatives. The EDA Board discussed the importance of rail service to existing and/or potential industries within the City of St. Joseph. Gohman noted existing demand seemed low but a shared terminal could be an asset in marketing new industrial lots. Rieke inquired as to who would bear the cost of extending a rail spur and creating a joint terminal facility. Strack stated NLR leases the rail lines from BNSF Railway and extension of any line required approval by BNSF. Property owners are responsible for all costs associated with rail line extension from right-of-way acquisition to installation of rail lines meeting BNSF specifications. The Board discussed their level of interest in participating in rail line extension. EDA Board Members reached consensus in noting the Board did not have resources available to participate in rail line extension at this time, however, they did support individual businesses extending rail service to enhance their operations. Buettner Business Park Covenant Enforcement Rieke introduced the agenda item. Strack reminded the Board that the EDA is a party to protective covenants in place in the Buettner Business Park and that for a period of twenty years after initial date of execution of the covenants, the EDA is responsible for administering the covenants. The covenants cover a wide range of issues from building facade materials to landscaping and parking lot screening. Over the previous few months MDG, Inc. has been receiving a large amount of calls from property owners within the park. Most of the calls amount to complaints regarding other properties within the business park. As a means of furthering communication, understanding and good-will between property owners Strack requested the EDA discuss/approve of the convening of a meeting with property owners in the park and the EDA. The purpose of the meeting would be to review covenant standards with property owners and address individual complaints/issues in a democratic, confidential and congenial manner. MDG and the City Administrator have discussed the issue, the City Administrator supports such a meeting Rieke expressed a need to approach the meeting in a manner that did not further exacerbate potentially non-productive relationships between property owners. Rieke suggested a neutral location and an agenda which encourages property owners/tenants to talk about the covenants and how they are enforced since eventually the property owners would be responsible for covenant implementation. In EDA Minutes -February 15, 2006 Page 2 addition Rieke suggested an approach to the meeting which allows property owners/tenants to get to know each other and work out a few issues in a friendly atmosphere. The Board embraced the suggested approach and directed Strack to schedule a lunch meeting for March 15`h, 2006. Strack will mail letters to all tenant/property owners within the Buettner Business Park industrial area. CSAH 75 Corridor in Vicinity of College Avenue Rieke introduced the agenda item. Motion Carlbom, second Skahen to Table this Agenda Item until the March 15"', 2006 EDA meeting. Motion carried 4:0. Recognition of Service to EDA: Bruce Gohman Rieke introduced the agenda item. Strack noted that Mr. Bruce Gohman has dutifully tended to and fulfilled his responsibilities as a member of the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority since 1997. Strack inquired as to whether or not the EDA wished to recognize Mr. Gohman's commitment to service to the EDA. Motion Carlbom, Second Skahen to authorize/direct Strack to purchase a leather plaque from Shamrock Leather in appreciation for Gohman's service to the EDA. Motion carried 3:0 with Gohman abstaining. Perimeter Curbing Requirements -Industrial Zoning Class Rieke introduced the agenda topic. The City Administrator has requested the EDA review zoning requirements relating to the installation of perimeter curbing in the Industrial District. Currently, Section 52.34-7 (Industrial Zoning District) requires all parking lots meet the requirements of this section and Section 52.10 (Off Street Parking). Section 52.10.-5 of the City Code requires the installation and maintenance of necessary curbs or other protection against damages to adjoining properties, streets and sidewalks. The City has historically required the installation of high-back curbing within all industrial parking areas even those surfaced with materials other than concrete or bituminous. The curbing in addition to providing protection from damage to adjoining property the curbing also assists in directing the flow of stormwater. Occasionally the City has received requests for variance to the curbing standard. The City is looking to the EDA for a recommendation on the appropriateness of the standard. Gohman noted that in most situations the high back curbing was probably a good idea. In certain situations however, Gohman noted a better way of directing stormwater/protecting, Gohman referenced an example of a lot designated with sheet drainage and how high back curbing could interfere with said drainage. The EDA reached consensus noting the high back curb requirements seem quite restrictive for all applications and suggested providing for some exclusion from the requirements. Director's Report. Rieke introduced the topic. Strack noted the Director's Report was included in the packet. Board Member Announcements. EDA Board Member Rieke reported on the St. Cloud Area Economic Development Partnership meeting held earlier in the day. Rieke noted receipt of an orientation packet and discussions regarding a bio-tech initiative. Rieke noted associate membership in the SCAEDP was increasing. Strack reminded EDA members of a joint meeting including representatives from the EDA, Planning Commission, City Council and City staff regarding future transportation scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22nd /' ~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~~~~v~ EDA Minutes -February 15, 2006 Page 3 Adjournment Motion by Carlbom, seconded by Gohman to adjourn. Motion carried 4:0. Meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m. EDA Minutes -February 15, 2006 Page 4