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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 [06] Jun 24CITY OF ST. JOSEPH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AURTHORITY Meeting Minutes -Wednesday, June 24, 2009 Present: EDA Board Members Carolyn Yaggie-Heinen, Ken Jacobson, and Dale Wick. Absent: AI Rassier and Tom Skahen. Also present: Residents Ellen Wahlstrom and Margy Hughes and Dave DeMars, St. Joseph Newsleader. Chairperson Wick called the June 24, 2009 regular meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at 3:00 p.m. Agenda. Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda. Moved by Jacobson and seconded by Heinen to approve the agenda with the following corrections: remove item 3b, minutes from May 27~" special meeting; move item 5b, Updates - Downtown up to immediately following agenda approval. Motion carried 3-0. Updates: Downtown LandscapelStreetscape Design 8~ SCSU Study Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda; Strack introduced guests attending the meeting - Margy Hughes and Ellen Wahlstrom. Strack noted Ms. Hughes and Ms. Wahlstrom were representing a community political action committee (group) commonly known as the "PAC Group - Preserving Special Places" which is interested in not only preserving but rehabilitating the downtown area. Strack noted the effort by the PAC seemed to provide an opportunity for collaborating/partnering on the "Let's Go Downtown" program introduced by the EDA. Strack noted she and the PAC Representatives had met three weeks ago and had a very productive meeting where a great deal of information was shared. Strack requested the PAC Representatives describe their efforts to the EDA. Ms. Wahlstrom addressed the EDA noting the PAC was very interested in assisting with Downtown revitalization efforts. Wahlstrom noted she and Ms. Hughes had met with a plethora of property and business owners within the Downtown (Minnesota Street). All business owners welcomed an effort to invest in the immediate area of their business. Wahlstrom stated that business owners in the Downtown seemed to think the effort begun by the EDA in 2005 had stalled. In addition, Wahlstrom noted the business owners seemed to feel disconnected from the EDA and that the College of St. Benedict was hosting several special events this summer on which business owners could capitalize. Wahlstrom stated that she and Ms. Hughes were planning on continuing a dialogue with Downtown business owners and that she would let Ms. Hughes review the PAC Group goals for Downtown. Strack noted the continuing dialogue could be helpful in further implementing the "Let's Go Downtown". Strack indicated the project was on-going and updates on past successes of the project were posted on the City website and included: a $3 million dollar private development within the Downtown, establishment of design guidelines, a Business Fagade Architectural Grant Program, a list of short/long term priorities, and an allowance for banners within the Central Business District. Strack suggested that in future meetings, PAC Representatives could encourage Downtown business owners to form a merchant's association to provide for joint marketing and progressive events such as those held on campus. Jacobson stated that several businesses in the Downtown had applied for the BFA Grant (as been awarded) and that the EDA had met with two different property owners/representatives and a `Design Team' to design potential fagade enhancements. Wick noted that the Downtown was included in a redevelopment TIF district and that all property owners had the same financial incentives available to them. Wick suggested Hughes review PAC Group goals. Ms. Hughes stated that the PAC had developed an 'idea list' and that work was assigned to different group members and was underway. The following were identified with comments: ^ Changing sign language for downtown & allow outdoor dining (outdoor dining language being reviewed; sign ordinance recently amended). ^ Low interest loan for sprucing up store fronts &streetscape (BFA program). ^ Work on greenspace, flowers, shrubs (soliciting donations for design work by Scenic Specialties). ^ Create/place historic plaques on buildings (Historical Society is working on this). ^ Advertise Historical Society & Haehn Museum. ^ Promote "green" Kennedy School. ^ Advertise a bar that sells burgers (Says has, Midway has grilled chicken, Teli's has burgers with beer from LaPlayette) ^ Capitalize on main street concept with general store. ^ Add bike racks to downtown (PAC applied for Stearns Electric grant -not authorized by the City). ^ Put aused-goods (not consignment) store in the Linneman Building (PAC working on this). ^ Encourage CSB to introduce college merchandise, local authors, bakery items, art, greeting cards, etc. in their retail shop at Millstream Shops/Lofts. ^ Install hanging baskets or window boxes (await design by Scenic Specialties). ^ Have a popcorn cart or sell popcorn on the street (working with Legion on this). ^ Display art in windows of Linneman Building (Kidstop this is happening). Wick thanked Wahlstrom and Hughes for attending the meeting. Strack inquired as to what the PAC Group was seeking from the EDA. Wahlstrom and Hughes indicated continued sharing of information and updating on the "Let's Go Downtown" project status. Wick noted the agenda item also included an update on the land/streetscape design effort and the SCSU Study. Strack stated the EDA request before the Stearns Electric Round-Up Program Board would be acted on later in the month and that she had forwarded a request to the Chamber to Mike McDonald. Strack further indicated she had a draft of the SCSU study and would be meeting with Dr. Edwards and the other project funder CSB prior to the next EDA meeting to develop talking points. The study will be presented to the EDA at the July meeting. Approval of Minutes. Chairperson Wick introduced the minutes from the May 27th, 2009 regular meeting. Motion by Jacobson, second by Heinen to approve the minutes from the May 27, 2009 regular meeting as presented. Motion carried 3-0. EDA Accounts Payable. Wick introduced the topic. Wick noted accounts payable for the month which totaled $2,611.40. Motion by Heinen, second by Jacobson to approve the EDA accounts payable for the month of June 2009 in the amount of $2, 611.40. Motion carried 3-0. EDA Minutes -June 24, 2009 Financial Report. Wick introduced the agenda item. Strack noted the May 2009 year to date Treasurer's Report illustrates expenses of $19,571.81 as of the close of May, year to date revenue for 2009 is $21,005.00. Wick noted the City Council authorized a transfer from the general fund to Fund 150 at its previous meeting. Motion Heinen with a second by Jacobson to approve the financial reports as presented. Motion carried 3-0. 2009 Business Retention 8~ Expansion Program Business Builder Breakfast Wick introduced the topic and began with a review of the previous days event. Wick noted the event was useful and that more should be scheduled although different times of the day may be helpful, like a lunch meeting or an after-hours event. Jacobson noted persons at his table had questions about fees and processes. He indicated a future meeting could perhaps address specific issues such as fees or permits or why some businesses were leaving. Heinen stated she felt the meeting was a success and the turn-out was what was expected. She suggested additional meeting in the future. The EDA suggested information be more readily available on the City's website. Board Member Reports None. Adjournment. Motion to adjourn by Heinen, second by Jacobson. Meeting adjourned by consensus at 4:00 PM. ~.~.«a~~~~~F Cynthia Smith-Strack EDA Director EDA Minutes -June 24, 2009