HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 [10] Oct 13CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AURTHORITY
Meeting Minutes —Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Present: EDA Board Members, Carolyn Yaggie- Heinen, Ken Jacobson, and Tom Skahen.
Absent: Al Rassier and Dale Wick.
Also present: EDA Director Cynthia Smith - Strack.
Vice Chairperson Jacobson called the Special EDA meeting of October 13, 2010 to order at 9:05 a.m.
Agenda.
Vice Chairperson Jacobson introduced the agenda.
Motion by Skahen, second by Heinen to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 3 -0.
EDA Participation in Gateway/Walz Concept Planning
Jacobson introduced the agenda item.
Strack noted Mr. Brian Schoenborn is requesting the EDA consider participating in concept planning for
the "Gateway" property and a portion of the "Walz" property both adjacent to the CSAH 2/1 -94
intersection.
The two property owners have assembled project descriptions/cost estimates as illustrated in the
attachment to the packet. The total cost of the project is $9,300 split nearly equally between the two
property ownership groups. Schoenborn is requesting the EDA consider contributing $3,000 toward the
development of concepts for the properties.
The scope of the project is itemized in the attached estimate and includes: project research and initiation,
a design workshop (with property owners, not public), refinement of preferred options (conceptual lot
lines, bldg locations, landscaping, site amenities, accesses locations, street/ROW layout, parking
locations), and character sketches /modeling.
The Board discussed the funding request and the nature of the project as it related to economic
development and existing funds available for capital projects. Concerns regarding the amount of EDA
participation in relation to the finished product were expressed. Board Members were interested in
assisting the two developments but felt obligated to be careful in how the project was approached.
Jacobson suggested offering the development groups a total of $1,000 for concept plan with an invitation
to request additional participation as the development and future projects moved forward.
Skahen suggested initial participation of $1,000 at the time of concept plan completion, an additional
$1,000 when /if the concept plan was accepted by the City Council, and a final $1,000 when a complete
preliminary plat application was filed with the City Administrator. Heinen supported the notion of
benchmarks to incent continued progress toward the creation of shovel ready lots and continued
investment by the development groups.
Board Members discussed the level of participation requested in the initial concept stage. Concerns
regarding forthcoming expenses relating to typical land development and the capacity of both
development groups satisfy capital needs required to move ahead with development plans.
EDA Board Members expressed an overwhelming interest in moving toward platting, installation of
utilities, and eventual sale of lots but also were concerned about participating in an initial project that may
not move toward the goal of end -user development. EDA members felt strongly that an end product that
did more than just sit on a shelf was needed to warrant the EDA's participation in funding at the level
requested.
Skahen suggested the EDA approve an initial $1,000 grant with the invitation for the development groups
to seek City Council approval for the remaining $2,000. The Board next discussed the potential view of
such an approach from a public standpoint as well as the perception of the City as 'developer friendly' vs.
not 'developer friendly'.
The Board discussed other projects and funding previously authorized by the EDA and how this project
potentially impacted those decisions. The EDA also discussed available funds for capital projects.
Motion Skahen, second Heinen to approve $1,000 for the project payable when the concept plan was
completed and an invoice was received providing the EDA had the ability use the material for marketing
purposes. Furthermore, the EDA would consider an additional $1,000 for the project at such time as the
concept plan was accepted by the City Council. Finally, the EDA would consider an additional $1,000 for
the project at the time a completed preliminary plat application was filed with the City Administrator for
either the Gateway or Walz property.
Motion carried 3:0.
Adjournment.
Motion Skahen, second Heinen to adjourn the EDA meeting. Meeting adjourned by consensus at 9:42
AM.
Cynthia Smith - Strack
EDA Director
EDA Minutes — October 13, 2010 Special Meeting