Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 [11] Nov 16 November 16, 2016 Page 1 of 2 Pursuant to due cali and notice thereof, the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority met on Wednesday November 16, 2016 at 5:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Chair Dale Wick. Board Members Doug Danielson, Gary Osberg, Rick Schultz, EDA Director/Administrator Judy Weyrens Members Absent: Larry Hosch Citv Representatives Present: Community Development Director Therese Haffner Others Present: None Chair Dale Wick called the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority meeting to order at 5:00 PM Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Aqenda Approval: Osberg made a motion to approve the agenda,seconded by Danielson and passed unanimously by those present. Consent Agenda: Danielson 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 September 21, 2016. b. Financial Report-Accepted the Sept/Oct 2016 Financial Reports as presented. EDA Director Reports Manpin4 Project: Weyrens shared that staff met with the St. Joseph Chamber Executive Committee who had concerns about the benefits of the map to its members and connected staff to Cohlab Digital Marketing. Staff met with Cohlab a couple of times. They proposed producing both a paper map and digital map. The paper map would include a small folded map and another flyer type map that could be sent out twice a year to residents with coupons on the bottom. The digital map would link to businesses and be tied to google. Weyrens stated Cohlab would present to the EDA and questioned about inviting the Chamber Executive Committee. Cohlab could also do a workshop at the future Government Center for businesses to register their business on google. Consensus was to schedule a meeting for Cohlab to present to the EDA and Chamber Executive Committee. Site Visits: Weyrens shared that the following site visits were conducted: Tanner Systems, Tamarak, Best Way Fabricating and Central Canvas. Central Canvas produces canvas boat covers and recently expanded to making bags. Danielson provided an update on the visits he participated in and reported traffic safety was brought up but all of the businesses were happy to be in St. Joseph. Weyrens said that the businesses said that the interaction with the City has been positive. Haffner shared that recruitment and health care costs were concerns that were brought up. Revolvinq Loan Fund: Weyrens provided an overview of the City's Revolving Loan Fund and 8usiness Fa�ade Grant programs. Osberg questioned how much interest the City charges. Weyrens responded it is typically in the three to four percent range. To help evaluate the funding request, Weyrens had staff prepare a summary of all the grant funds distributed since inception of the program. It can be noted that a number of signs were funded and that was never the intent. Wick concurred and stated it was for that reason that the program was redefined. Osberg questioned about window replacement for JR's Auto Repair as they have a broken window. Schultz stated the Fagade program was meant for adding fa�ade improvements not routine maintenance. Osberg questioned staff to reach out to JR's Auto Repair. Weyrens said she would follow up. Weyrens reqeusted input on the grant programs. Osberg questioned about the proposed Bed and Breakfast next to Bad Habit Brewing. Weyrens shared that property owner Cory Ehlert proposed amending the ordinance to allow for a Bed and Breakfast in the November 16, 2016 Page 2 of 2 downtown district which was brought forward to the Planning Commission who recommended allowing as a conditional use. A Bed and Breakfast is currently allowed in residential districts. There was discussion on the area identified as a redevelopment area within the City's Comprehensive Plan and that a Bed and Breakfast typically was for historical properties. There were concerns how this would impact the surrounding properties and block and that this was similar to spot zoning to benefit one property. Consensus was that a Bed and Breakfast doesn't fit the area. Danielson made a motion recommending to the City Council that they analyze and base their decision on consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and how this will impact the surrounding properties and block; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present. December Meetinq: The next meeting will be on December 14, 2016 at 5 PM. TIF Extension Request—Jon Petters, Bavou Blues:_Weyrens reported that Jon Petters, owner and developer is requesting an extension on the TIF for Bayou Blues. Petters anticipates construction of Bayou Blues to begin in 2017. The TIF Development Agreement called for construction to be completed by the end of 2016. There was discussion and consensus to have Petters provide an update at the next meeting. Osberg made a motion to table amending the TIF Development Agreement to extend the TIF; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present. Board Member Announcements: Osberg questioned about interest in the industrial park. Weyrens reported that there has not been interest recently. Weyrens said that Dave Gruenes, Stearns Electric said that once that first user is in there that Stearns Electric is willing to partner. Weyrens reported that she has also reached out to a number of hotels for the I-94 area. Osberg questioned whether staff tracks leads. Haffner reported that staff has not been documenting but can. Osberg requested that staff track leads. Adiourn: Danielson made a motion to adjourn at 5:43 PM; seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously. Therese Haffner Community Development Director