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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDA MIN 03-02-15 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MARCH 2, 2015 IN CONFERENCE ROOM 1 The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Chair Peterson. Members Present: Bruce Nawrocki, Donna Schmitt, Gary Peterson, Bobby Williams, Marlaine Szurek, and Gerry Herringer. Newly elected Council Person John Murzyn was also present (not sworn in yet). Staff Present: Walt Fehst, Joseph Hogeboom, and Loren Wickham. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- RECITED 1.SWEAR IN MEMBERS- Gary Peterson, Donna Schmitt and John Murzyn took the Oath of Office. 2.ELECTION OF OFFICERS- Motion by Schmitt, seconded by Herringer, to elect officers as follows: President- Gary Peterson Vice President- Bobby Williams Secretary/Treasurer-Bruce Nawrocki All ayes. MOTION PASSED. 3CONSENT ITEMS . 1.Approve the Minutes from January 5, 2015. 2.Approve the Financial Report and Payment of Bills for December 2014 and January 2015 on Resolution 2015-03. Questions by Members: Commissioner Nawrocki requested that the Financial Report pages be numbered going forward. Motion by Williams, seconded by Szurek, to waive the reading of Resolution 2015-03, there being an ample amount of copies available to the public. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. Motion by Szurek, seconded by Williams, to approve the consent agenda items as presented. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. EDA MINUTES Page 2 March 2, 2015 EDA RESOLUTION 2015-03 RESOLUTION OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) APPROVING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR DECEMBER 2014 AND JANUARY 2015 AND PAYMENT OF BILLS FOR THE MONTHS OF DECEMBER 2014 AND JANUARY 2015 . WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (EDA) is required by Minnesota Statutes Section 469.096, Subd. 9, to prepare a detailed financial statement which shows all receipts and disbursements, their nature, the money on hand, the purposes to which the money on hand is to be applied, the EDA's credits and assets and its outstanding liabilities; and WHEREAS, said Statute also requires the EDA to examine the statement and treasurer's vouchers or bills and if correct, to approve them by resolution and enter the resolution in its records; and WHEREAS, the financial statement for the months of December 2014 and January 2015 has been reviewed by the EDA Commission; and WHEREAS, the EDA has examined the financial statements and finds them to be acceptable as to both form and accuracy; and WHEREAS, the EDA Commission has other means to verify the intent of Section 469.096, Subd. 9, including but not limited to Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, Annual City approved Budgets, Audits and similar documentation; and WHEREAS, financials statements are held by the City’s Finance Department in a method outlined by the State of Minnesota’s Records Retention Schedule, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority that it has examined the referenced financial statements including the check history, and they are found to be correct, as to form and content; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the financial statements are acknowledged and received and the check history as presented in writing is approved for payment out of proper funds; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this resolution is made a part of the permanent records of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority. Passed this 2nd day of March, 2015 MOTION BY: Szurek SECONDED BY: Williams AYES: All ayes __________________________________ President Attest By: ______________________ Secretary EDA Minutes Page 3 March 2, 2015 NEW BUSINESS 1.McComb Group Report- Jim McComb, president of the McComb Group, was present to review his market study of the Central Avenue corridor. McComb discussed the tenant mix along Central Avenue, traffic counts in the area, median household income, and employment data. Mr. McComb explained that Central Avenue represents a linear trade area that extends south into Minneapolis, and north to the Fridley/Blaine border. McComb went on to say that there is market potential within the Central Avenue trade area to add an additional 30,000 square foot grocery store. McComb explained that the grocery market is moving away from larger stores, and instead is trending towards smaller, more specialized stores. McComb does not believe that Central Avenue can support another 65,000 square foot store, similar to the former Rainbow Foods, as the corridor already hosts an Aldi’s grocery store and a Super Target. There is also an existing Cub Foods store within the trade area. McComb stated that he believes that positive things are occurring in the north and south ends of the Central Avenue corridor, including the redevelopment of the former Blockbuster Video building and the redevelopment of the Heights Gateway site. However, more investment needs to occur in the middle area of the corridor, including the vicinity around the Central Valu Center. Hogeboom stated that staff will meet with Mr. McComb to discuss McComb’s recommendations to the City and elaborate on them at the April meeting as part of the EDA’s goal setting discussion. EDA Minutes Page 4 March 2, 2015 Proposal by Dominium for Sr. Housing in Huset Park Development Area- 2. Hogeboom explained that Dominium Properties has proposed to construct two four-story attached th senior apartment buildings at the northeast corner of University and 37 Avenues. The total project would include 170 units. The project, which would be considered senior independent living, would contain mostly one-bedroom units, with additional two-bedroom units available. The proposed project would be located on the two undeveloped lots that are part of the final phases of the Huset Park development. Dominium Properties has also indicated interest in acquiring the final undeveloped Huset Park parcel located on the southwest corner of the Huset Parkway roundabout. That parcel would be held for future development. BNC Bank is currently the primary owner of all three undeveloped lots. Details for the proposed project, such as parking ratios, vehicular access points, stormwater retention and landscaping would be finalized through the City’s Site Planning process. Before that process would begin, the developer would need to seek approval of an amendment to the Private Development Agreement for Huset Park. The original proposal for this area included 51 additional townhomes to the north, and 230 units of multi-family housing, as well as approximately 11,000 square feet of retail space, to the south. Market conditions have prevented further development from occurring in the Huset Park area in recent years. However, Dominium believes that the area directly north of Northeast Minneapolis, along University Avenue, is underserved by independent senior housing and believes that the development will be very successful in this location. Dominium has developed similar projects throughout the Twin Cities area, including two projects located in the Silver Lake Village area of St. Anthony. Dominium has offered to organize a tour for EDA and th Planning/Zoning Commissioners through its project which is currently under construction along 39 Avenue in St. Anthony. Staff believes this project presents an opportunity to complete the Huset Park development with high- quality senior housing, while partnering with the developer to install an entry monument into Columbia Heights along University Avenue. Hogeboom explained that no action is required at this time. He then introduced Ron Mehl, representative from Dominium Properties, who was present to discuss the proposed senior housing development. Stacie Kvilvang, representative from Ehler’s, was also present to help address questions related to the financial impact of this proposed transaction. EDA Minutes Page 5 March 2, 2015 Presentation by Dominium: Ron Mehl and Eric Omdahl of Dominium Apartments told the EDA that they are interested in developing approximately 170 units of 55+, tax credit housing at the northeast corner of the University and 37th Avenues intersection. Mehl stated that this project would not qualify for Tax Increment Financing, so Dominium asks that the EDA consider waiving park dedication fees as well as sewer and water access charges. Commissioner Schmitt stated that she felt the proposal is positive for the community, but she would prefer to see a commercial element included at the intersection. Commissioner Szurek stated that she believed the project will offer an option for seniors in the area, and that she appreciates the layouts and storage spaces provided in the proposed units. Commissioners Murzyn, Peterson and Williams stated that they felt the proposal would be beneficial for the area. Commissioner Herringer stated that he believes Dominium has a positive reputation in the community and that he feels they would bring forth a quality product. Commissioner Nawrocki stated that he believes the project is too large for the site. Mehl stated that they would likely approach the EDA to amend the Huset Park Development Agreement to allow the project to move forward later in the spring. Following EDA approval, the project would require Site Plan Approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Branding Campaign Update- 3. Based on the feedback received after their last presentation Replace has designed a set of final logo designs Staff recommends the EDA select a preferred logo so Replace can complete for the City to consider. Phase 2 of their proposal. Questions/Comments from members: Commissioner Szurek stated that she likes the clock tower graphic, but suggests that the dots and other unneeded elements be removed from the graphic. The group concurred with Szurek. President Peterson stated that he prefers “Direction 1” in the handout, but that staff should re-evaluate the proposed tagline. The current tagline is “Rediscover the Heights.” Peterson suggested using a different term, such as “City of Peace.” Staff will bring a final proposal to the EDA in April that identifies the preferred brand direction and recommended taglines. EDA Minutes Page 6 March 2, 2015 OTHER BUSINESS 1.EDA Strategic Planning Guide Hogeboom reminded members that in early 2014 the EDA participated in a group planning process, facilitated by Ehler’s, in which a Strategic Planning Guide was created. The plan identified 5 goals as provided in the agenda packets. Staff would like to discuss the Strategic Planning Guide at the April EDA meeting. The next regular EDA meeting will be Monday, April 6, 2015 at City Hall at 6:30 pm. The meeting was adjourned at 9:12 pm. Respectfully submitted, Joseph S. Hogeboom Acting Secretary