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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 [01] Jan 14 ~ . Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Economic Development Authority for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Wednesday, January 14,1998 at 7:30 a.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Chair Kenneth J. Hiemenz. Board Members Ken Twit, Bruce Gohman, Ross Rieke, Mike Deutz (arriving at 8:10 a.m.). EDA Director Chad Carlson. Recording Secreta!)' Judy Weyrens. Others Present: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf, Ellen Wahlstrom Approval of Minutes: Rieke made a motion to approve the minutes of December 17, 1997 with corrections; seconded by Gohman. Ayes: Hiemenz, Rieke, Gohman Nays: None Abstain: Twit Gohman made a motion to approve the minutes of December 3, 1997 as presented; seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously by those present. Crossina Update: Hiemenz reported that he has not received any additional information regarding the securing of an additional rail crossing. ROW Acauisition: City Engineer Joe Bettendorf presented an illustration indicating ROW which needs to be purchased if County Rd 133 is to be realigned. ROW will need to be purchased from the following: St. Cloud Acoustics, Tammarack, Vic West Steel, Leo Buettner, Robert Koening, and W. Gohman Construction. If 1ih Avenue SE is to be extended, ROW will also need to be secured from Duncan/Neeser and the College of St. Benedict. . Bettendorf also stated that it appears the signal will be installed at the intersection of CR 75 and CR 133 when the road is reconstructed. County Road 75 is also designed to have another signal at the intersection of CR 75 and 4th Avenue NE. This signal will be installed when traffic justifies such. EDA Director Review: Hiemenz reported that he is working on a review form and will have it ready for the Februa!)' meeting. Office Space: Carlson stated he wished to clarify a quote in the St. Joseph Newsleader where they stated there is no available office space for prospective businesses. Carlson clarified that there are office suites available for rent, but they do not meet the needs of the prospective businesses. Industrial Park: Carlson reported that he along with the Mayor and Deutz met with Leo Buettner to discuss development alternatives for the Industrial Park. Carlson stated the lots are not salable at the prices Mr. Buettner is asking. Board Members requested the City Engineer to break down the cost of developing the Industrial Park to show which costs are related to the realignment of CR 133 and which costs are exclusive to the development of the Industrial Park. Bettendorf stated that in his opinion the City needs to TIF the entire Industrial Park Development if it is to succeed. The City will also need to determine what type of investment they wish to make for this project. Further, the EDA needs to approach this with a positive posture of how can we make this work. Bettendorf stated before presenting alternatives to the City Council considerable ground work needs to be completed. Carlson stated that it is his understanding that TIF can only be used when there is a business who wishes to develop and could not do so without assistance. Further he stated that TIF can only be used for the construction of improvements. - Board Members questioned whether or not a financial consultant should appear before this Board to ~ discuss using TIF and the effective management of such. Carlson will further pursue this matter and report back to the Board. January 14, 19,98 Page 1 of 2 Á' . Deutz and Twit left at 8:50 p.m. EDA Office Chanae: Carlson informed the Board that his office has been relocated to the City Offices. The original offices were not handicap accessible are were not conducive to conducting business. Development Policv: Carlson stated that he is in the process of drafting a Development Policy for the Economic Development Authority. The draft he is preparing is based on St. Louis Park's Policy. A Development Policy must be adopted by both the City Council and EDA. Carlson will present the draft to the Board in February. TIF Seminar: Eilers and Associates are sponsoring a Tax Increment Financing Seminar on February 5 and February 6, 1998. The cost of registration is $ 150.00. Rieke made a motion authorizing Carlson to attend the seminar and pay the registration and lodging fees. The motion was seconded by Gohman and passed unanimously by those present. Future Towns Subscription: Carlson presented the Board with a subscription for Future Towns. This publication contains businesses that are looking to relocate. Carlson indicated this would be a good resource for business leads for the EDA. The subscription is $120.00 annually. Gohman questioned if the same resource isn't available through the St. Cloud Area Development Partnership. Hiemenz supported Gohman and requested Carlson check with the Partnership to see if the requested subscription would be a duplication of selVices they provide. Carlson will research this matter and report at the February meeting. St. Joseph Zonina Ordinance Update: Carlson reported the Planning Commission is in the process of . revising the Zoning Ordinances. Any changes to the Commercial or Industrial classifications will be reported to the EDA Board. Adjourn: Gohman made a motion to adjourn at 9:05 a.m.; seconded by Rieke and passed unanimously by those present. c¡rt~5 Judy Weyrens e rding Secretary - - January 14, 1998 Pago 2 of 2