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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 [05] May 15 May 15, 2018 Page 1 of 2 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority met on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 5:00 PM in the St. Joseph Government Center. Members Present: Chair Dale Wick(arrived at 5:15 PM), Board Members Doug Danielson, Gary Osberg, Rick Schultz, EDA Director/Administrator Judy Weyrens Members Absent: Larry Hosch Others Present: City Engineer Randy Sabart Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Agenda Approval: Wick made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously by those present. Consent Agenda: 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 February 20, 2018. b. Financial Report-Accepted the Financial Report as presented. EDA Director Reports Hotel Study:Weyrens reported that staff continues to reach out to developers who may have interest in developing a hotel in St. Joseph. Recently a meeting was held with a company entitled Rebound who specializes in hotel in college towns or renovating historic buildings for lodging. In reviewing the hotel study that was completed in 2014, Rebound has an interest to continue pursuing the potential in St. Joseph; however they indicated that a new hotel study would be needed as the factors have changed. Specifically it was noted that the College of St. Benedict did not participate in the original study(have agreed to participate for new study), the Army Training Facility has been constructed; County Manor has completed a senior facility, the new athletic fields at CSB, along with the additional growth of the City. In addition, an analysis is needed to determine if the two new hotels in Waite Park will have an impact on occupancy in St. Joseph. The Board discussed the perception of commissioning a study as the City has completed various studies without much progress. Weyrens stated that if it is the goal of the EDA to attract a developer to construct a hotel that will not happen without the completion of the study. The City has to be able to show that a hotel is viable. The study before the Board, as submitted by HVS, has been divided into five phases, with phase four and five focusing on sites. Rebound discussed the options of locating a hotel in the downtown are through redevelopment or near 1-94. The study could help determine the best location. The total cost of the study is$ 12,000 with phase one through three$ 9,500. Regarding funding, Weyrens stated that a portion of the study could be funded through the Lodging Tax or St. Joseph CVB. The construction of a hotel would add to tourism and commerce. Schultz stated that he has had conversations with the CSB President, Dr. Mary Hinton and they are very supportive of the hotel and concurred it would be an asset for the conference center at CSB. Osberg questioned Weyrens if she has reviewed any of the references for HVS or if they are an acceptable study group. Weyrens stated that she has not, the company has been recommended by Rebound as they personal experience with their study and results. Weyrens stated that she will contact some of the references. Schultz made a motion to commission a hotel study, accepting the proposal of HVS in an amount not to exceed $ 12,500. The motion was seconded by Danielson and passed unanimously by those present. Industrial Park Update: City Engineer Randy Sabart was present to discuss the potential industrial park developments. Sabart updated the Board on the status of the DEED grant and that the City has submitted all the required information and are waiting for award. Staff at DEED has indicated that the project will be funded; however they are seeking some additional detail. Sabart presented the EDA with an overview the proposed industrial park which is adjacent to the existing industrial park on 19th Ave NE. May 15, 2018 Page 2 of 2 The project will be constructed with two phases. It is anticipated that the utilities will be installed in 2018 and depending on timing the streets could be constructed. The second development proposal includes a potential industrial park development west of CR 2 and north of Leaf Road. The proposed development is a distribution center. Water is readily available to the site, but sewer is more challenging. When the City was looking at providing sewer to the property adjacent to 194 known as the Gateway project, it was determined that the most economical and readily available option is by extending the sewer from 4th Ave NW. However this option was not the best for the long term sewer plan for the City. The long term plan would extend sewer west along CR 75 from the main lift station, crossing CR 75 east of the Watab creek and then extend over two property to reach CR 2 and MN St W. The developer has indicated that they would like sewer, but could wait a couple of years and utilize a septic in the short term. The developer is consider three sites and the City should know sometime in July where the development will be located. Sabart discussed with the Board the various plans and options for utilities and roads. Weyrens stated that at this time no action is required by the Board, it is information at this time. Adjourn: Danielson made a motion to adjourn at 6:26 PM; seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously. Judy eyr ns ^ Ad ' istrator