HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 Annual Report
I Attachment: Yes or N~
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
DATE: February 11, 2004
EDA
ORIGINATING DEP AR TMENT DEPARTMENT APPROVAL
AGENDA ITEM
EDA annual report.
PREVIOUS ACTION
None.
RECOMMENDED BOARD ACTION
For review and approval.
FISCAL IMP ACT
N/A.
COMMENTS/RECOMMENDA TIONS
EDA annual report offered for your review and approval.
CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
www.cityolstjoscph.com
Date: February 11, 2004
Administrator Memo To: Mayor Hosch
Council Members
Judy \\:'Ieyrens City Administrator Weyrens
Mayor Memo From: Joa'~~~\ Foust and cyn~~ik ~mith-Strack, Municipal Development Group
Larry 1II00ch RE: Annual Report of EDA - 2003
Councilors
AI Rassicr Background:
Ross Rieke Attached is a report of annual activities of the St. Joseph EDA for calendar year 2003 with
CllrY Utsch adjustments as described at the last meeting.
Dale ~/ick
Action:
Following review and comment a MOTION to accept the report is in order,
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2003 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ST. JOSEPH EDA
The following activities and events occurred during the calendar year of 2003.
2003 APPOINTMENTS:
The following appointments to offices were made at the February 20, 2003 EDA meeting:
Chair: Mike Deutz (At-large representative, term expires 2005).
Vice Chair: Larry Hosch (Mayor, term expires 2005),
Treasurer: Ross Rieke (Council Representative, term expires 2006).
Secretary: Bruce Gohman (At-large representative, term expires 2006).
Member at Large: Tom Skahen (At-large representative, sworn in February 19, 2003; term expires
2007)
Former Council Member Bob Loso diligently served as the Council Representative to the EDA from February,
2001 through December, 2002. Mr. Loso decided not to seek re-election in 2002,
MEETING DATES:
The 5t, Joseph Economic Development Authority met 17 times during the year 2003. The meeting dates were
as follows:
January 22, 2003 May 12, 2003 (Special) August 20, 2003
February 19, 2003 May 21,2003 September 17, 2003
March 19, 2003 June 18, 2003 October 15, 2003
April 16, 2003 July 16, 2003 November 19, 2003
April 22, 2003 (Special) July 30, 2003 (Special) December 17, 2003
May 8, 2003 (Special) August 6, 2003 (Special)
MISSION:
The mission of the EDA is to provide a professional management program which assists industrial and
commercial development activities that minimize impacts to the environment, transportation system, municipal
water and sewer and financial resources for the City of St. Joseph.
2003 PROSPECTS/TECHNICAL ASSIST ANCI:/COORDINA TION
The EDA members and their staff/consultants worked with a number of commercial and industrial businesses
during 2003, Twenty-four (24) new business contacts were made during 2003, and seventeen (17) contacts
from previous years were followed up with, Of the prospects approximately 43% were commercial/service
businesses while 57% were industrial or manufacturing businesses.
Following is a summary of the various contacts. Businesses have been identified with a project number to
protect the confidentiality of the company, which is sometimes a concern while they explore expansion
opportunities.
Project 01-A:
This project was finalized in 2003 with the construction completion and lessee occupation of a 67,000 square
foot production facility in the Buettner Business Park. The project included assistance from the Minnesota
Investment Fund in the form of a $42,000 grant to the City of St. Joseph which was, in turn, loaned to the
company for purchase of equipment. A St. Joseph revolving loan fund has been established in conjunction with
the MIF grant,
Project 01-E:
This project involves the expansion of an existing service business in the community. MDG has continued to
remain in contact with the business on a regular basis over the past 2 1/2 years.
City of St. Joseph EDA 2003 Annual Report 1
Project 01-F:
This project involves the locating of a fast food restaurant in the City of St. Joseph. Follow-up discussions
occurred on numerous occasions throughout the past 2 1/2 years with assistance in locating potential sites and
information regarding the status of individual parcels. MDG, Inc. continues to update the prospect on proposed
residential and commercial/industrial expansion within the community,
Project 01-J:
This developer owns a commercial subdivision in St, Joseph, MDG has provided information on the available
sites to prospects over the past two years. Two structures have been constructed in the subdivision with a third
proposed to begin in Spring, 2004.
Project 01-N:
MDG, Inc. has been in contact with this prospect for the past 2 1/2 years. This prospect has purchased a
commercial lot in the Indian Hill Subdivision with construction planned for 2004.
Project 02-E:
This company contacted the City in February, 2002 regarding commercial sites Yz to 1 acre in size for a 5,000
square foot commercial enterprise. MDG, Inc, continues to be in contact with this prospect, who has indicated
the project is still being considered, however, it is on-hold pending an upturn in the economy.
Project 02-G:
Construction of an approximately 13, 000 square foot facility was initiated in 2003,
Project 02-H:
MDG, Inc. continues to forward building and leasing information regarding this facility located in the B-2
Highway 75 Business District to prospects.
Project 02-L
This company contacted the city regarding potential space for the construction of a office/warehouse and office
facility. The prospect is constructing a 12,800 square foot multi-tenant building in Buettner Business Park, with
plans to expand to a total square footage of 32,000.
Project 02-P:
This prospect was forwarded to the EDA staff by a City staff member. The staff member indicated the company
was looking for expanded space to either lease or purchase, EDA staff continued to remain in contact with this
prospect regarding potential lease/purchase opportunities within the city throughout the first half of the year,
The project is currently inactive.
Project 02-V
This company contacted the City in the fall of 2002. MDG, Inc. followed··up and met with the owner to discuss
sites, zoning, covenants and incentives. Follow-up on the project continued throughout the 2003, the project is
currently inactive.
Project 02- Y
This prospect contacted MDG in the fall of 2002 indicating he had met with City representatives a few years ago
regarding new construction in the Buettner Business Park. Although development plans are in initial stages at
this time, MDG continues to remain in contact with this prospect,
Project 02-Z
This company contacted the MDG regarc ing relocation of their current commercial facility in the fall of 2002,
MDG, Inc. worked with the prospect and a local landowner to negotiate the transfer of a subject parcel to the
prospect for redevelopment/rehabilitation. The project was closed when the prospect was unable to secure
financing,
Project 02-AA
This prospect closed on a 3.0 acre parcel in Buettner Business Park in February, 2003. Construction of a 6,000
to 10,000 square foot facility is expected to occur in 2004.
City of 51. Joseph EDA 2003 Annual Report 2
Proiect 02-CC
This prospect contacted MDG in late fall, 2002 regarding available acreage within the Buettner Business Pari\.
MDG continued to follow up with the contact throughout the year. The prospect ultimately purchased acreage in
a township industrial park.
Project 02-EE
This developer met with MDG in December, 2003 regarding construction of a 6,000 square foot restaurant. The
project is proceeding with opening expected in 2004.
Project 02-FF:
This prospect phoned the City in late December, 2003 inquiring about a specific lot in the Buettner Business
Park. MDG, Inc. remains in contact with the prospect,
Project 03-A:
MDG, Inc. has been working with representatives from this project throughout the year. The property owners
are interested in a highway commercial development in an area not yet annexed into the City,
Proiect 03-B:
This business contacted the city in January 2003 inquiring about availability of 1 to 1 ~ acres of industrial land,
MDG followed up with the contact and industrial property owners, The prospect ultimately secured a parcel in
the City of Richmond.
Proiect 03-C:
This prospect contacted the City in January 2003 regarding 2,000 s.f. of short-term commercial lease space,
MDG, Inc. met with the prospects and followed up on subsequent occasions. The prospect secured short-term
lease space in an existing building in Waite Park.
Project 03-D:
St, Cloud Area economic development contacts were invited to a presentation at the St. Cloud Area Economic
Development Partnership in January 2003 where two entrepreneur's shared their interest pursuing project
involving processing plant which would flavor pre-dressed poultry for distribution to the home replacement meal
market. Follow up phone calls, meetings and discussions occurred with the prospect on numerous occasions
over the next few months. The prospects narrowed the field of potential locations to St. Joseph and St, Cloud
and ultimately chose St. Cloud due to the size of the City,
Proiect 03-E:
This prospect met with MDG in February 2003 to receive information on lots in the Buettner Business Park.
MDG provided the prospect with site information, assessment and covenants and followed up on several
occasions thereafter, The prospect decided to expand at their current location in the St, Joseph Industrial Park
rather than purchase land in the Buettner Business Park.
Project 03-F:
This prospect phoned the City requesting information on industrìal zoning requirements and covenants for the
Buettner Business Park. MDG, Inc. forwarded information as requested. Follow up calls revealed a firm
commitment on the part of the prospect to building a pole building.
Project 03-G:
This prospect contacted the City via fax requesting information on industrial acreage, zoning requirements and
Buettner Business Park covenants. MDG, Inc. forwarded information and followed up on several occasions,
The prospect decided to purchase acreage in the Industries West Business Park.
Project 03-H:
This company purchased 4.0 acres in Buettner Business Park and is currently constructing a 30,000 s.f, facility.
Project 03-1:
This lead contacted the City in search of 5,000 s,f. of retail space to lease, MDG, Inc. remains in contact with
this prospect.
City of 81. Joseph EDA 2003 Annual Report 3
Project 03-J:
This company contacted the City regarding leasing of warehouse space in the Spring of the year. The company
submitted an offer to lease an existing facility within the City, however the offer was declined. The company
decided to expand in its current location in Avon.
Proiect 03-K:
This prospect contacted the City in May 2003. The prospect was in the very initial stages of researching the
establishment of a retail business within the community. The prospect is currently searching for available
acreage and/or lease space. MDG, Inc. remains in contact with this prospect.
Project 03-L:
This contact phoned the City in the Spring to inquire about the availability of lots within Buettner Business Park.
MDG, Inc. has remained in contact with the prospect who did not wish to have contact information released to
any other parties. The contact indicates construction is one to 1 1/2 years away.
Project 03-M:
Prospect 03-M contacted the City in May 2003 to inquire about commercial facilities available for lease, The
prospect was seeking facilities meeting specific guidelines. Although MDG, Inc. has remained in contact with
the prospect, the project is inactive at this time.
Project 03-N:
This project involved the purchase of industrial land for the construction of a 10,000 to 20,000 s.f, facility. The
project stalled as the prospect could not reach an agreement on the purchase of property, The project has been
inactive since July of this year.
Proiect 03-0:
MDG, Inc. assisted this business owner by researching various programs which may provide grant assistance to
culturally significant projects.
Project 03-F':
A commercial construction company approached the City on behalf of a client interested in purchasing industrial
acreage. Information regarding available acreage, services available, financial assistance for qualifying
projects, zoning standards, covenants and contact information for the appropriate real estate representative
were forwarded to the commercial construction contact person. MDG, Inc. followed up on several occasions.
The prospect ultimately purchased acreage in a different community,
Proiect 03-Q:
A real estate representative forwarded information regarding this project to the City. MDG, followed up on
several occasions with the realtor who has indicated the business decided to expand in Sartell.
Proiect 03-R:
This prospect phoned the City regarding available industrial acreage to purchase. The prospect was interested
in acreage below the minimum lot size within the Buettner Business Park, MDG, Inc. remains in contact with
this prospect on a bi-monthly basis.
Proiect 03-S:
MDG, Inc. has been meeting with representatives of an estate which includes several acres of land guided for
future industrial development. MDG, Inc. has met with representatives on several occasions and continues to
work actively on the project,
Proiect 03- T:
MDG, Inc. received a call from a realtor representing a client interested in purchasing a small amount of
commercial acreage. MDG, Inc. continues to work on the project.
City of St. Joseph EDA 2003 Annual Report 4
Project 03-U:
Inquiry forwarded to MDG in October regarding a commercial development in St, Joseph, MDG, Inc. continues
to be in contact with the prospect.
Project 03-V:
This prospect left a message for the City Administrator in October regarding expansion of an existing
commercial enterprise to the City of St, Joseph, MDG attempted to follow up on a number of occasions, The
prospect has entered into a purchase agreement for a facility within the City, the establishment is expected to
open in Mayor June 2004.
Project 03-W:
This prospect phoned the City in October requesting information on the Highway 75 Business District
requirements. MDG, nc forwarded information and followed up on several occasions, The contact has
indicated the project is in limbo at this time.
BUILDING PERMITS: 1998·2003
Following is a five year comparison of building permits let for commercial and industrial projects in the City of St.
Joseph:
1998 Sunset Mfging $250,000,00
1998 MCO Addition $300,000,00
1998 Borgert Products $725,000,00
1998 Kittridge Truck Storage $80,000,00
1998 Tamarack Addition $51,000,00
1998 Caseys $500,000.00
Subtotal $1,906,000.00
1999 Comm/rental $175,000.00
1999 Storage $60,000.00
1999 Bank $1,200,000.00
Subtotal $1,435,000.00
2000 Vicwest Remodel $21,000.00
2000 Vet Clinci $270,000.00
2000 Gas & Bait Expansion $16,500.00
2000 Lemmer Commercial $54,000.00
Subtotal $361,500.00
2001 Spring Green $143,000,00
2001 Autobody 2000 $280,000,00
2001 Ministorage $90,000,00
2001 Sunset Mfging $80,000.00
Subtotal $593,000.00
Year Project Permit Amt.
2002 Essilor $20,000.00
2002 Scherer Trucking $26,530.00
2002 Tanner Systems $350,000.00
2002 Bill Nelson $650,000.00
2002 Vicwest $2,500,000.00
2002 American Manufacturing $210,000,00
2002 St. Joseph Business Ctr, $148,000.00
2002 Knight Builders $225,000,00
City of 81. Joseph EDA 2003 Annual Report 5
2002 Borgert Products $99,000,00
2002 Deutz $350,000,00
2002 Deutz $108,900,00
Subtotal $4,687,430.00
2003 Mn. Home Improvements 132,000.00
2003 DM Partnership 400,000.00
2003 OMS/MAC 1,409,000,00
2003 Lemmer Trucking 25,000,00
2003 North Central Truck Accessories 1,058,300.00
2003 BTL Properties 400,000,00
2003 DM Builders 4,895.00
2003 Midnight Haulers 2,500.00
2003 Midnight Haulers 30,000.00
Subtotal $3,461,695.00
TOTAL $12,444,625.00
DIVERSIFICATION OF THE TAX SASE:
The following summary and chart indicate the progress toward the EDA's goal of diversifying the tax base:
City of St. Joseph - Historical Commercial & Industrial
Constru ctio n
1997 $895,000.00
1998 $1,906,000.00
1999 $1,435,000.00
2000 $361,500,00
2001 $593,000.00
2002 $4,687,430,00
2003 $3,461,695.00
Total $12,444,625.00
-- ------- -,------- --- --- --- ---- ---- -- ~
Historical C/I Market Value Increase
3: $5,000, 000 ........~.~~~_.~-~.~~---~------~----~~-~-:
:g ~ $4,000,000 I
ì
; 'õ:~ $3,000,000- -1
~ t) $2,000,000 ¡
=Is; I
'; "' $1,000,000 j
I
> $0 ' --.-,--11, i
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 i
Yea I'
- ---- -
City of St. Joseph EDA 2003 Annual Report 6
Estimated Annual* Increase in Taxes
For All Jurisdictions
lYear City County School State Mise
1997 $ 5,591.88 $ 4,905.49 $ 5,500.44 $ 6,302,59 $ 245.43
1998 $ 16,241,82 $ 14,248.16 $ 15,976.22 $ 18,306.09 $ 196,37
1999 $ 12,995.39 $ 11,400,22 $ 12,782.88 $ 14,647,05 $ 43.96
2000 $ 2,909.47 $ 2,552.34 $ 2,861,89 $ 3,279,25 $ 69,68
2001 $ 4,611.19 $ 4,045,17 $ 4,535,78 $ 5,197.25 $ 636,83
2002 $ 42,143,93 $ 36,970,81 $ 41,454.76 $ 47,500.25 $ 476.41
2003 $ 31,528,04 $ 27,658.00 $ 31,012.47 $ 35,535,12 $1,753,17
ITOTAL $116,021,72 $101,780.18 $114,124.45 $130,767,6C $3,421.85
. Based on laxes payable 2004 (Le. cily lax rate 48.31; counly tax rate of 42.38; school lax rate of 47.52; slate lax rate of 54.45 and misc. lax rate .73%
and lax capacily rates for commercial properly of 1.5% for firsl $150,000 in value and 2.0% lhereafter.
----- - -- --- ----------- --------- -- ---
ESTIMATED NEW MUNICIPAL TAXES
Total '~"'""""""'~r-w'""'''''' ................... r....··~..·.... .." ~....
il$116,022
2003
2002
", 2001
ctI
Q) 2000
>- l~J
1999
1998
1997
$0 $50,000 $100,000 $150,000
Amount
--- --- ---- ---- ---- ----
ADDITIONAL PROJECTS:
The St. Joseph EDA actively pursued other projects during 2003,
Marketin!:1 Outreach
The EDA created and distributed a survey to over forty business contacts. The purpose of the survey was to
gauge the level of service offered by the City to the business community and potential commercial/industrial
businesses, A limited number of responses were received with results varying widely,
EDA staff compiled and have on file a commercial/industrial property site inventory and summary of available
parcels, Staff have also compiled a comprehensive list of business owners within the City.
Revolvin!:1 Loan Fund and MCCF Participation
One of the goals of the EDA since its inception has been to form a local revolving loan fund to assist local
projects with below market rate loans, In 2002 a revolving loan fund was established, principal and interest
payments from a MIF grant/loan have been building the fund, which has a current balance of $9,282,00.
City of St. Joseph EDA 2003 Annual Report l
The City of St, Joseph, upon EDA recommendation, has also opted to participate in the Minnesota Community
Capital Foundation (MCCF), The MCCF became operable in February of this year, EDA staff have distributed
information to several development prospects regarding the fund, Through the MCCF the City is able to offer up
to $250,000 to qualified projects for a variety of uses (including working capital) on reoccurring basis, To date
the MCCF has an estimated 62 participants.
COMMISSION PARTICIPATION:
St, Joseph EDA representatives participated in the Stearns County Economic Development Partnership, In
addition to regular economic development activities the EDA also participated in:
~ Worked with local telecom providers to provide for the extension high-speed data lines to the
industrial portions of the City,
Ii Review of development plans as requested by the City Council and as authorized by the Buettner
Business Park covenants.
iii Began working with property owners for the development of future industrial acreage.
II The EDA issued a $700,000 lease revenue bond in conjunction with the construction of a public
maintenance facility. The City will make lease payments to the EDA to make the bond payments,
The EDA held several special meetings in conjunction with this project and change orders related to
facility construction,
l!I The EDA created a proposed budget for approval by the City Council for the following funds: Fund
150 (EDA Fund); Fund 155 (TIF 1-3); Fund 156 (TIF 1-4); and, Fund 250 (RLF),
GOALS FOR 2004:
Following are proposed EDA goals for 2004. The first set of goals involve participation directly by the EDA (i.e,
the EDA's Work Plan), the remaining goals apply to community development in general but do not require
specific action by the EDA.
EDA Work Plan:
Recommendations relatino to technology:
1. Research the establishment of a low interest loan through state and regional sources or local tax levies
to support commercial/industrial technology upgrades.
~ Implementation: St. Joseph Economic Development Authority and City Council.
Recommendations for Downtown Commercial (Re) Development:
1. The EDA should continue to promote rehabilitation of substandard properties and/or preservation of
structures for rehabilitation in the Downtown. Uses should be centered on activities dependent on
pedestrian traffic.
~ Implementation: St. Joseph Economic Development Authority.
2, The EDA should gauge business interest in participating in a commercial rehabilitation program and if
strong interest exists, consider the application for funding to the Small Cities Development Program,
~ Implementation: The St, Joseph Economic Development Authority and City Council.
3, The EDA should work with the College of St. Benedict and the Chamber of Commerce to proactively
and consistently promote a downtown atmosphere that projects an image and ambiance associated
with St. Joseph's history and its association with higher education as a means of creating a distinct
identity for the City's downtown,
~ Implementation: St, Joseph Economic Development Authority, College of St, Benedict and
City of St. Joseph EDA 2003 Annual Report 8
Chamber of Commerce.
4. Sponsor or work with community organizations and the Minnesota Green project to sponsor downtown
landscape and holiday light displays which reflect the interdependence of the City and the College.
);> Implementation: St. Joseph Economic Development Authority.
Recommendations for Hiqhway Commercial Developments:
1, Continue to encourage and promote efforts to achieve commercial redevelopment.
);> Implementation: Economic Development Authority.
Recommendations for Industrial Development:
1. Existing industrial uses should be retained and new industrial development should be encouraged to
locate in existing industrial parks and industrially zoned areas.
);> Implementation: Economic Development Authority and City Council.
2, The EDA should continue to work with property owners to develop future industrial areas adjacent to
current industrial zoned land, to assure an adequate supply of industrial land is available for
development in the future.
);> Implementation: Economic Development Authority.
3. The Economic Development Authority should promote industrial development that maximize the return
on city investments in public facilities and services, expand the tax base, provide quality employment
opportunities and compliment existing services.
);> Implementation: Economic Development Authority,
4. Industrial activities complementary to existing uses should be identified and the development of such
industries should be promoted and facilitated.
);> Implementation: Economic Development Authority and City Council
5. The Economic Development Authority should work with developers of new industrial parks to develop
covenants which provide for aesthetically pleasing and quality developments,
);> Implementation: Economic Development Authority.
Overal/: The City should focus on providing a balance of industrial growth to support the community's tax base
and to provide jobs, commercial growth to provide services to employees and residents and housing
development to provide housing opportunities for al/.
Community Development Goals:
Recommendations relatinq to the presence of the colleqe and university in the area:
1. The City and College of St. Benedict should explore cooperative ventures to provide cultural activities
for the community.
;.. Implementation: College of St. Benedict, City's Community Education.
City of 81. Joseph EDA 2003 Annual Report 9
Recommendations relatinÇJ to historic preservation:
1. The City Council should appoint a committee to identify the image desired for the downtown commercial
district and the desirability of adopting design standards which address items such as the exposure of
original architectural features, colors, awnings, construction materials and historic preservation. If
determined design standards are desirable, it is recommended the City assist through the establishment
of a low interest revolving loan fund to financially encourage and support such changes. Application for
a commercial rehabilitation small cities development grant may assist in the fund development,
., Implementation: City Council to appoint a committee.
Recommendations for Downtown Commercial (Re) Development:
1, Governmental and semi-governmental services and buildings including the City offices and the post
office impact the vitality of the downtown business district. These services should be encouraged to
remain (City Hall) and permitted (Post Office) in the downtown business district. The City may wish to
work with the Postal Service to extend the carrier delivery service area and post office hours,
., Implementation: City Council and Postal Service,
2, To further accommodate downtown (re) development the City Council should consider appointing a
committee to review downtown commercial district standards or design guidelines including construction
materials, colors, restoration of original architectural features, signage and awnings and/or establishing
a low interest revolving loan fund to assist with the implementation of these goals.
., Implementation: City Council.
3, Traffic circulation and congestion concerns should be addressed through volume analyses and origin-
destination studies to determine causes of problems and effects if not resolved, and potential benefits to
be derived by proposed solutions.
., Implementation: Police Department, Public Works Department, City Engineer and City
Council.
4, The City should consider ways to alleviate the parking shortages in the downtown through the use of
signs to limit specific spaces to two hours or less parking as well as signage to direct customers to the
municipal parking lot.
., Implementation: Planning Commission and City Council.
5, New single-family housing within the downtown core area should be prohibited due to compatibility
concerns. Housing more appropriate in this type of setting is of a multiple family type, such as senior
housing in which residents may walk to nearby services. Adequate off-street parking and open space
should be provided for residential uses.
., Implementation: Planning Commission and City Council,
6, The pedestrian circulation system should be enhanced by improving sidewalks, street furniture, and
mitigate conflicts with traffic and street intersections by providing proper separation and signage control
and enforcing such signage regulations.
., Implementation; Public Works Department and City Council with enforcement by the Police
Department.
Recommendations for Highway Commercial Developments:
City of St. Joseph EDA 2003 Annual Report 10
1, Commercial developments along County Road 75 and County Road 2 should be complimentary to
commercial and service uses of the Downtown,
~ Implementation: Planning Commission and City Council through the identification of
'permitted uses' within the highway and general commercial areas in the zoning ordinance,
2. Commercial developments along 1-94/County Road 2 and County Road 75 should be of a specialized
nature exhibiting the unique needs associated with major highway access and visibility.
~ Implementation: Planning Commission and City Council through the identification of
'permitted uses' within the highway commercial areas in the zoning ordinance,
3, A plan to extend lighting along County Road 2, from the Interstate 94/County Road 2 intersection into
the community should be developed and implemented,
~ Implementation: Public Works Department, City Engineer and City Council.
4, The City should encourage Stearns County to proceed with the right·,of-way acquisition for the County
Road 2/ County Road 3 extension with concern given in support of businesses within the downtown.
~ Implementation: City Council and Stearns County Highway Department,
5. Commercial and service centers should be developed as cohesive, highly interrelated and coordinated
units with adequate off-street parking and appropriate regulated points of access,
~ Implementation: Planning Commission and City Council, through the zoning ordinance and
site plan approval.
6, Commercial maintenance codes may be enacted and enforced to help insure that the commercial
development maintains community character on an ongoing basis.
~ Implementation: Building Inspector and City Council.
7, Safe and convenient pedestrian movement should be considered within all service and commercial
districts, including research on the feasibility of an overpass or underpass for bicycle/pedestrian traffic
over or under County Road 75.
~ Implementation: Street Commissioner, City Engineer and City Council.
Recommendations for Industrial Development:
1 . Traffic generated by industrial activity should be prohibited from penetrating residential neighborhoods.
~ Implementation: Planning Commission and City Engineer through site plan approval and
long range transportation planning.
2, Existing industrial uses and new industrial development should not cause pollutants or contaminants to
be emitted into the surrounding environment (including air, soils, ground water, drainageways, sanitary
sewer and storm sewer) in excess of State and Federal regulations.
~ Implementation: Building Inspector and Planning Commission.
3, Industrial areas should be adequately screened and appropriately landscaped and designed according
to City standards. For both existing and new industrial development, regulations should be maintained
with criteria regarding: building appearance and materials; screening of outside storage areas;
screening of off-street parking facilities; use of landscaping; and proper handling of environmentally
sensitive areas.
City of 51. Joseph EDA 2003 Annual Report 11
~ Implementation: Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority and City Council.
4. Efforts should be undertaken to limiting heavy/noisy industry to a specific area within current and future
industrial zoning districts to reduce the impact of these industries on residential areas,
~ Implementation: Planning Commission and City Council,
5. Due consideration should be given to all potential physical implications and services and facility
demands (i.e" traffic generation, sewer and water demands, etc) of any proposed industrial
development, Extension of utilities and annexation of areas about to become industrial in nature should
occur prior to the issuance of building permits for the industrial construction,
~ Implementation: st. Joseph Public Works Department, City Engineer, Planning
Commission and Council,
6. The City should work with the Stearns County Highway Department to redesign County Road 133 to
increase the weight limits from 9 ton restrictions to 10 ton weight restrictions or to waive the restrictions,
~ Implementation: Public Works Department, City Engineer and City Council.
City of 81. Joseph EDA 2003 Annual Report 12