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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 [11] Nov 28CITY OF ST. JOSEPH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AURTHORITY Meeting Minutes -Wednesday, November 28, 2007 Present: EDA Board Members Carolyn Yaggie-Heinen (arrived at 3:05 -with holiday treats), Ken Jacobson, AI Rassier, Tom Skahen and Dale Wick. Absent: None. Also present: Cynthia Smith -Strack of Municipal Development Group Chairperson Wick called the November 28, 2007 regular meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at 3:00 p.m. Agenda. Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda. Moved by Skahen seconded by Wick to approve the agenda with the addition of item 6.5 relating to the date of the December EDA meeting. Motion carried 4-0. Approval of Minutes. Chairperson Wick introduced the minutes from the October 24, 2007 regular meeting. Motion by Rassier, Second by Wick to approve minutes from the previous meeting as presented. Motion carried 4-0. EDA Accounts Payable. Wick introduced the topic. Strack noted accounts payable for the month totaled $2,571.78. The accounts payable and check register differed due to the fact the check register report is calculated from mid-month to mid-month as opposed to month to month for accounts payable. Motion by Jacobson, second by Rassier to approve the EDA accounts payable for the month of November 2007 in the amount of $2, 571.78. Motion carried 4-0. Heinen arrived at the meeting. Financial Report. Wick introduced the agenda item. Strack noted the financial reports included in the packet were: revenue, expense, check register and fund balance. Motion by Skahen, second by Jacobson to approve the November financial reports as presented. Motion carried 5-0. McComb Market Study. Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda item and noted the presentation of information occurred on November 14th Strack noted the reformatted and updated study consists of the market research study and three appendices (CSB/SJU student survey, CSB/SJU staff survey and market share and sales potential for several categories of merchandise and services). A summary of the report recommendations and identified assets/liabilities uncovered in the study was referenced as being included in the EDA packet. In addition a summary of market share and sales potential was included in the packet for Board Member information. EDA Minutes -November 28, 2007 Strack noted the final market analysis report provides valuable information that helps the City identify high potential retail sectors and will be a convenient source of local economic information of interest to retail prospects. In addition, the market report has identified St. Joseph's commercial strengths, liabilities and unique needs the EDA/City should be able to use the information to develop more effective business recruitment materials showcasing market potential. Such materials can be both web-based and in print format. Strack requested discussion regarding the development of recruitment materials (updated web page, post card to local business owners, post card to commercial realtors, etc.) based on information included in the McComb Study. Discussion ensued regarding promotion of the McComb study in light of limited available commercial and industrial sites. Several long-term issues regarding future commercial and industrial development were identified: proactive participation in land use/local infrastructure planning in regard to the re-routing of CSAH 2; monitoring of `Southwest Beltway' arterial roadway corridor study; and, potential for neighborhood commercial nodes adjacent to intersections of collector and/or arterial streets. Board Members opted to place long-term issues identified within the 2007 EDA Annual Report to the City Council. In the short-term the following work items related to the McComb Study were identified: 1. Email the market study to all members of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. 2. Email to St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and other Chamber of Commerce Groups with a request for posting on their website. 3. Request study be posted on the SCAEDP website. 4. Email the study and attachments to the Anderson Center (SCSU) and the McNeely Center (CSB) request posting on websites and distribution as appropriate. 5. Email to alumnae associations of area colleges/universities with a request to make available to alumnae. 6. Update City website re: EDA and business recruitment site. On a related note, Chairperson Wick requested a map of non-conforming uses in business districts be compiled for review at the December EDA meeting. Annual EDA Report to City Council. Wick introduced the agenda item. Strack noted a draft report to the City Council of EDA activities in 2007 was included in the information packet. Following review of information contained in the report a discussion regarding 2008 EDA goals was requested. Chairperson Wick requested a discussion of the historic change in the ratio of commercial/industrial to residential tax base be included in the annual report. In addition a few typographical errors were noted for correction. Following review of the draft report the Board conducted discussion on 2008 EDA goals. The following additional items were identified as goals for 2008: 1. Proactive participation with the Planning Commission, Park Board and City Council in preparing for the County's construction of the CSAH 2 to CSAH 3 roadway segment in 2009. Proactive participation lead by the EDA may include, but is not limited to, discussions of the timing of extension of collector roadways and municipal utilities for servicing future commercial/industrial areas within the general area of the new roadway. 2. Examine how to proactively market St. Joseph opportunities within greater Minnesota. EDA Minutes -November 28, 2007 3. Proactively participate in activities espoused by the St. Cloud Area Economic Development Partnership. 4. Host listening/working sessions with business owners regarding opportunities provided by or available through the EDA. 5. Examine and advise the Planning Commission and City Council regarding future neighborhood commercial nodes adjacent to higher traffic intersections (i.e. intersections of collector and/or arterial streets) primarily servicing residential areas (e.g. near new school and adjacent to 20th Avenue). 6. Examine the feasibility of removing impediments to renewal efforts within aging portions of the CSAH 75 corridor. 7. Examine the potential economic impacts of four-year residency requirement at CSB/SJU and function as information resource regarding economic impact of four-year residency. 8. Work with City leaders and administration to form a study group whose purpose is twofold. First, the study group could establish to the best of their ability factual information regarding afour-year residency requirement and distribute such information to decision makers and the public. In addition the study group would encourage vibrant dialogue and provide a mechanism for sharing information between decision-makers and stakeholders. Board Member Reports. Wick and Rassier requested Strack contact owner of Kay's Kitchen regarding future plans for the restaurant. Wick noted the St. Cloud Area Economic Development Partnership specified the DBL/MCO site as a "SEED" site. "SEED" is an acronym for a new initiative proposed by Governor Pawlenty named the Strategic Entrepreneurial Economic Development. Governor Pawlenty is bringing the initiative to the state legislature when it convenes in February of 2008. As proposed SEED would make significant investments in Minnesota's rural communities by encouraging new business, growing existing business and strengthening rural communities. As proposed SEED would extend the JOBZ program by an additional ten to twelve years. Skahen noted change in name for Campus Villas apartments Adjournment. Motion Skahen, second Jacob on to adjou the EDA meeting. Meeting adjourned at 4:47 PM. r EDA Minutes -November 28, 2007