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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] Minutes December 14, 2016 Page 1 of 2 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority met on Wednesday December 14, 2016 at 5:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Chair Dale Wick. Board Members Doug Danielson (arrived at 5:13 PM), Larry Hosch, Rick Schultz(left at 5:27 PM), EDA Director/Administrator Judy Weyrens Members Absent: Gary Osberg City Representatives Present: Community Development Director Therese Haffner Others Present: Jon Petters, Joe Prostrollo, Cliff Robbins, David Faust, Kim Poganski Chair Dale Wick called the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority meeting to order at 5:07 PM Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Agenda Approval: Wick added 7a Minnesota Street Market. Schultz made a motion to approve the agenda as amended,seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present. Consent Aaenda: Schultz made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present. a. Minutes-Approved the minutes of November 16, 2016. b. Financial Report-Accepted the November 2016 Financial Report as presented. TIF Extension Request—Jon Petters. Bayou Blues:Weyrens reported that Jon Petters, owner and developer is requesting an extension on the TIF for Bayou Blues. The TIF Development Agreement included a provision whereby construction would be complete by the end of 2016.Weyrens stated that she consulted the EDA's TIF consultant on the process to amend a TIF Agreement and was advised that it would only require a simple resolution. MN Statute allows five years for completion of a project so he is within the statutory guidelines. The EDA questioned Developer Jon Petters on the status of the project. Petters stated that he anticipates construction of project now entitled 24 College North, to begin in 2017. Petters shared a map of the area and said that he purchased an additional lot to the east and to the north and may purchase more. Petters said he was very committed to the project but wants to make sure it is solid and needs one more tenant on the ground level. Petters provided an updated rendering of the building and said it will match the architecture of the downtown. Schultz made a motion to amend the TIF Development Agreement to extend the TIF for two years, expiring on November 30, 2018; seconded by Wick; motion carried. Aye: Wick, Hosch, Schultz Nay: None Abstain: Danielson Motion Carried 3:0:1 Bed and Breakfast—29 MN ST E:Weyrens shared background on the request made by owner Cory Ehlert to convert the house at 29 MN ST E into a bed and breakfast. The EDA had voiced concerns at their November meeting that this was similar to spot zoning for the benefit of one property.Weyrens shared that an ordinance must be applied equally to all properties within a district. Joe Prostrollo spoke on behalf of the project who is working with Mr. Ehlert on the proposed Bed and Breakfast. Prostrollo shared that they are still in the stages of proposing a Bed and Breakfast in St.Joseph and voiced the economic benefits to the community.They are proposing converting into three suites on the second floor. Prostrollo questioned about parking downtown and shared that adjacent property owners may be interested in selling. Prostrollo said they may be interested in purchasing and in turn could sell to the city for parking.Wick questioned if this would go before the City Council.Weyrens said yes at Monday's meeting. Mapping Proiect: Weyrens stated that she and Community Development Director Therese Haffner have been following up on the re-creation of the 1998 artistic city map. She and Haffner met with the St. December 14, 2016 Page 2 of 2 Joseph Chamber Executive Committee to see if they would have an interest in partnering to re-create the map. The executive committee had concerns about the benefits of the map to its members and connected staff to Cohlab Digital Marketing.After meeting with Cohlab, it was decided to invite company representatives to the meeting and invite the St.Joseph Chamber to hear how they can assist the City. Cliff Robbins, CEO of Cohlab introduced himself and shared his background. Mr. Robbins said the goals were to engage the community,drive business, entice new business and attract consumers into the community. He suggested producing both digital and print maps. There would be two print maps. One being a small foldable pocket size map available at different businesses, such as gas stations with a map on one side and advertising on the other.The second map would be one that would be printed quarterly or twice a year where it would be sent out to residents.This would be a map with coupons and businesses would sponsor. The digital map would mimic the printed map while leveraging google places.The city could host training sessions where businesses would claim their business. Robbins suggested having an online event calendar on the city's website and the option of having an online garage sale portal. David Faust, St. Joseph Chamber Executive Committee questioned how people would get to the map. Robbins said it would be on the City's website as that is a trusted source. Kim Poganski, St.Joseph Chamber Executive Committee questioned if the City had an event calendar.Weyrens said yes and shared that the City will be redesigning their website with the latest version available. Faust questioned if Robbins could make a video of the training session for those who could not attend. Robbins said yes. Poganski questioned about management. Robins said it would be determined on the level of autonomy but recommended some sort of oversight.There was further discussion on selling advertising and who would be responsible for that. Robbins said that would need to be discussed further but said the Chamber would be a good fit since there are already volunteers.Weyrens suggested this be a partnership. Faust questioned what the cost would be.Robbins said they would need a budget to determine the plan and what would need to be done as they would be building the technology.The cost to determine the plan and provide an estimate would be$3,200. Hosch questioned if this would fit the Let's Go Downtown program.Weyrens said it would. Faust questioned for an estimated range of cost. Robbins said it would likely be around$40,000. Weyrens questioned about visiting with the area cities or Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation. Faust questioned about providing an estimate for training sessions as a first step. Robbins said he would provide that. Minnesota Street Market:Weyrens reported that she had a meeting with a Board Member of Minnesota Street Market regarding their operation and loan with the EDA.They are restructuring and will be hiring a new manager. During this time,they requested the EDA consider delaying the principal payment on their revolving loan fund for a period of six months. They have had their loan since 2011 and have always paid on time. Danielson made a motion to delay the next six months principal payment on the revolving loan fund with the Minnesota Street Market,adding the delayed payments to end of the payment scheduled; interest only will be charged for January through June 2017. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present. Adjourn: Danielson made a motion to adjourn at 6:16 PM; seconded by Hosch and passed unanimously. Therese Haffner Community Development Director