Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 [05] May 16CITY OF ST. JOSEPH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AURTHORITY Meeting Minutes -Wednesday, May 16, 2007 Present: EDA Board Members Richard Carlbom, Ken Jacobson, Tom Skahen, Dale Wick and Carolyn Yaggie-Heinen. Also present: Cynthia Smith -Strack of Municipal Development Group. Chairperson Carlbom called the May 16, 2007 meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at 3:00 p. m. Agenda. Chairperson Carlbom introduced the agenda. Moved by Skahen seconded by Wick to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0. Approval of Minutes. Chairperson Carlbom introduced the minutes from the April 16, 2007 meeting. Motion Skahen, Seconded Heinen to approve minutes from the previous meeting. Motion carried 5-0. EDA Accounts Payable. Carlbom introduced the topic. Strack noted the correct invoice amount was $2,242.43 and that accounts payable for the month totaled $2,492.20. Motion by Wick, second by Skahen to approve the EDA accounts payable for the month of April 2007 in the amount of $2, 492.20. Motion carried 5-0. Financial Report. Carlbom introduced the agenda item. Strack noted the April financial reports were contained in the packet. Reports presented included: revenue, expense, check register and fund balance. Motion by Wick, second by Jacobson to approve the April financial report as presented. Motion carried 5-0. Downtown Work Group Urban Environs Draft Design Guidelines: Carlbom introduced the agenda item. Strack noted the Urban Environs Work Group was tasked with developing design guidelines, standards and goals addressing the urban space development & redevelopment and streetscape design elements. Included in the EDA packet is a report from the UE Work Group which is a culmination of several months of work. It includes eight sections and several attachments. The report is being initially released to the PC and the EDA at this time. The document is in DRAFT form and the purpose of this agenda item is to: summarize different sections of the report; to highlight potential impact on the existing zoning ordinance; and; to establish what entity will solicit public input (i.e. joint representation from PC, UE Committee, EDA, CC). The goals of the draft document are to preserve small-town, unique character of St. Joseph; complement what is existing especially historic architecture; enhance pedestrian experience downtown; help ensure design standards coincide with community 'vision' for downtown; consider sustainable design; and protect property values. The guidelines/standards are proposed to apply to new building construction, exterior building improvements & signage that require a building permit and construction of parking lots greater than 5 spaces. The UE Work Group made a conscious and deliberate decision to pursue guidelines to provide a framework for building architect/designer to operate within and not to propose the City prescribe additional standards within zoning ordinance. EDA Minutes -May 16, 2007 Proposed guidelines within the draft document apply to: store front building materials; windows/floors; building setbacks; parking; utility screening; landscaping; signs; lighting; building maintenance; rear entry/egress; awnings; building height; fencing; roofs; color; franchise architecture and sidewalks/streetscapes. Heinen inquired about potential findings which may be contained in the forthcoming McComb Group market study. Specifically, Heinen noted Jim McComb stating business owners would need to have three story buildings in downtown to be able to cash flow development. The UE draft guidelines call for tying building height and scale to adjacent buildings. Strack noted the current ordinance doesn't allow three story structures in Downtown and that such structures would not be sympathetic to the existing scale of development. Jacobson asked whether increased residential densities in the 'greater" Central Business District could lead to more complaints about incompatible development such as noise, traffic and the like. Carlbom questioned whether the EDA should be concerned about what were essential land use issues within the Downtown. Strack noted the UE report was on the agenda for EDA information as the Board is financially invested in the Downtown Revitalization project and for discussion about how to approach downtown business owners about the draft guidelines. Jacobson recommended the draft be mailed as soon as possible to property/business owners within 'downtown' and that additional information be included in the mailing such as an introductory letter and a list of funding/technical resources offered by the EDA. Wick stated it would be important to let the business owners/property owners know that the document was in draft form and not approved by the City Council. Heinen suggested a summary and answers to potential questions be included in the mailing as well. Motion Skahen, second Heinen to authorize mailing of document to downtown business and property owners. Motion carried 5:0. Collegeville Development Group -Mill Stream Shops/Lofts Ground-Breaking: Carlbom introduced the item noting the ground-breaking was set for the end of month. In addition he noted the property owner had phoned each member of the City Council to compliment the City and staffs handling of the process. Strack noted the City Council had held a public hearing on the TIF Plan and unanimously approved the project on May 3~d. A PUD plan/plat (including site plan) were also approved at that meeting. Strack noted a concept plan for another site within the Downtown had also been received. The EDA could potentially receive a request for financial assistance in conjunction with that project as well. Advertisement in St. Joseph Visitor's Guide Carlbom introduced the topic. Strack stated that the EDA received an inquiry from the St. Joseph Newsleader regarding a 1/8 page advertisement in the annual Visitor's Guide. In the previous issue the EDA placed a 1/8 page advertisement consisting of a business card (generic). Rates for 2007-08 Visitor's Guide are $71 for an eighth of a page. The Visitor's Guide will be distributed to 3,600 homes and businesses in the St. Joseph area. Board members discussed where the visitor's guide would be distributed. Board members also suggested the previous advertisement be updated to reference the City website and the "EDA". EDA Minutes -May 16, 2007 Jacobson stated that other communities seem to be more involved in marketing. For example, he noted in Willmar many locations have give-away items like pens/pencils which welcome you to Willmar. Jacobson suggested the EDA and the community could become more active in marketing St. Joseph as a destination. Motion Skahen, Second Heinen to approve placement of 1/8 page advertisement in the Visitor's Guide. Motion approved 4:0, with Jacobson abstaining. City of St. Joseph Audit Carlbom introduced the agenda topic. Strack stated that at the previous EDA meeting the Board requested information on when the 2006 audit would be complete. Strack noted the audit had not yet been released but was expected to be completed by the end of May. Board Member Announcements. Mayor Carlbom introduced the topic. Wick asked whether or not any additional movement in the platting of the former Feld farm by Redwood Development had occurred. Strack noted EAW complete but plat review application had not been submitted. Skahen noted the apartment units known as "Campus Villas" had changed but ownership was the same. In addition Skahen asked if an update had been received regarding rodent control at the former feed mill. Strack noted the Building Official had requested corrective action and that the property owner had complied. Carlbom announced with regret plans to resign as Mayor of the City of St. Joseph effective May 17~h. The resignation was a result of Carlbom leaving the City to take a new job. Carlbom reported his decision was an agonizing one but at the same time one he felt he needed to make. The Board Members congratulated Carlbom on his new employment position and thanked him for his support and leadership in the past. Adjournment. Motion Skahen, second Wick to adjourn the EDA meeting. Meeting adjourned at 3:55 PM. EDA Minutes -May 16, 2007