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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04] MinutesCITY OF ST. JOSEPH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Meeting Minutes — Wednesday November 27, 2013 Present: Board Members Doug Danielson, Steve Frank, Larry Hosch, Gary Osberg, and Dale Wick. Absent: None. Also present: EDA Director Cynthia Smith - Strack. Call to Order. Chairperson Wick called the November 27, 2013 meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at 5:00 p.m. Agenda. Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda. Motion by Frank, second by Danielson to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0. Public Comment. None. Approval of Minutes. Chairperson Wick introduced the minutes from the October 23, 2013 regular EDA meeting. Wick noted he was not in attendance at the October meeting, and noted the minutes should so reflect. Motion by Osberg, Second Frank to approve the October 23, 2013 minutes with those absent being changed to reference Wick. Motion carried 4 -0 with Wick abstaining citing he absence from the meeting. Accounts Payable and Monthly Report. Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda items. Frank inquired as to whether any notable items were apparent. Strack noted the healthy capital projects balance as it could impact future discussion at the meeting. Motion by Frank, Seconded by Hosch to approve the accounts payable and financial reports as presented. Motion carried 5 -0. Hotel Study RFP. Wick introduced the agenda item and summarized a meeting held with representatives from Walz Properties, LLC and GTI. Strack noted that the EDA had postponed action on hotel study proposals to the November regular meeting to allow discussion at the meeting Wick referenced. Strack stated that representatives from both GTI and Walz Properties expressed interest in moving forward with sewer extension to properties adjacent to 1 -94 but stopped short of committing to platting the properties. GTI appears to support a more aggressive timeline while Walz Properties prefers to secure end -users prior to extending sewer. Both groups did agree to installation of force main along 4th Avenue NW in conjunction with a planned improvement project for Park Terrace which is scheduled for construction in 2014. Walz Properties, GTI, and City representatives agreed to meet again on December 3`d to discuss a timeline for sewer extension. Wick noted the City would likely hold an initial public hearing regarding improvements in mid - December so the timeline discussion was important. Frank spoke about several associated issues including a need to clearly communicate to residents of Park Terrace that their expenses will not be increased if sewer main is extended to the Gateway property. In addition Frank noted that the City is working with a financial consultant to keep debt at a stable level so timing of future capital expenditures is important. November 27, 2013 EDA Meeting Page 1 3 The Board reached consensus to seek input regarding funding participation at the next scheduled development meeting (i.e. December 3`d). Real Estate Round Table Event. Wick introduced the agenda item. Strack referenced the take -away notes in the packet memorandum. Approximately 15 people attended the round table and discussed a variety of topics including pros and cons of living in St. Joseph. Lot pricing was an apparent key issue at the present time with tax forfeited properties having definite advantage or market rate development lots. Strack noted a list of tax forfeit lots was sent to those attending the meeting and the City Administrator was working on tabulating assessments applicable to each tax forfeit parcel. In addition, those attending the round table discussed the fact the first time home buyer program through the USDA/Rural Development was expiring. The program expiration was due to the higher than average annual income for persons in St. Joseph as calculated in the 2010 Census. Some discussion about a per lot incentive from the City/EDA was entertained. St. Cloud School District 742 seemed to be a definite drawback to living in St. Joseph as was distance to discount retailer locations and family activities. Those in attendance noted seniors are the age group most likely to leave St. Joseph. Frank noted he attended the round table and characterized the discussion as productive. Danielson noted he tried to listen to what guests had to say and that the message he received was a need to define what positives draw people to St. Joseph and what characteristics lead them away. His perception was those attending viewed St. Cloud Schools as a negative, expiration of first time home buyer program was a negative, and that Sartell was thought to be the preferred residential destination. Frank asked Danielson why he thought Sartell was viewed favorably. Danielson noted the Sartell /St. Stephen School District had a very positive reputation as evidenced by its capping of open enrollment. Frank opined a review of development procedures was also likely warranted. Osberg voiced a need to market St. Joseph's strengths. He referenced Kennedy Community School, CSB, SJU, the Wobegon Trail, and a pedestrian friendly downtown as strengths. He suggested engaging an advertising agency that had a proven record in branding communities. He also noted those attending could have not only listened but taken notes as a means of illustrating interest in what those attending had to say. Wick stated it was up to Frank and him to take input from the meeting regarding the fee structure and development process to the City Council for review. Danielson stated that incentives for new home buyers would be very beneficial. The EDA by consensus agreed meetings with realtors, loan officers, and builders should occur regularly in the future. Downtown Properties. Wick introduced the agenda items and noted the City Council had brief discussion at a workshop regarding a residential parcel at Ash /1st Ave NE. He noted the property owner inquired as to whether or not the City would be interested in purchasing the property at a reduced rate. The Council would be considering the proposition at a future date. Strack noted she met with Dale Schneider the owner of property at 117 and 121 West Minnesota Street. Discussion was productive and open. Hosch noted he had chatted with Schneider after Strack met with him. Hosch indicated Schneider may benefit from additional information regarding redevelopment of his property. November 27, 2013 EDA Meeting 1 1 Page 2 —I Danielson inquired as to for what purpose properties, if purchased, would likely be used. Regarding the property at Ash /1st Street NE specifically Danielson noted the property was on a side street well away from the heart of downtown and, as such, probably not attractive for retail /service business. Frank stated the property could be used for City purposes, parking, future police department structure or any number of uses. Wick provided an update on efforts to upgrade the city office building. Wick noted the facilities committee had made a final recommendation to the City Council regarding a new City Hall. The EDA would be asked to issue lease revenue bonds for the project if the approval is given. The EDA issued similar bonds for purchase of the current City Hall and the Public Works facility. Business Development Report. The report was acknowledged. Board Member Announcements. None. Move Next Regular Meeting Date to December 18, 2013. Motion by Hosch, Second by Osberg to change the next regular EDA meeting to December 18, 2013 from December 25, 2013. Motion carried 5:0. Hosch exited the meeting. Adjournment. Motion by Osberg, Seconded by Wick to adjourn the EDA meeting at 6:17 pm. Motion carried 4 -0. November 27, 2013 EDA Meeting Page 3 a