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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/13/2009 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY City of Apple Valley Dakota County, Minnesota October 13, 2009 Minutes of the special meeting of the Economic Development Authority of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota, held October 13, 2009, at 4:30 o'clock p.m., at the Apple Valley Municipal Center. PRESENT: President Severson; Commissioners Bergman, Goodwin, Grendahl, Hamann - Roland, and LaComb. ABSENT: None. Staff members present were: Executive Director Lawell, Secretary Gackstetter, City Attorney Dougherty, Public Works Director Blomstrom, Associate City Planner Bodmer, Associate City Planner Dykes, Finance Director Hedberg, City Planner Lovelace, and Community Development Director Nordquist. President Severson called the meeting to order at 4:32 p.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Hamann- Roland, approving the agenda for today's meeting as presented. Ayes - 6, Nays - 0. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS MOTION: of Hamann- Roland, seconded by Bergman, adopting Resolution No. EDA -09 -1 appointing 2009 officers of the Economic Development Authority as: President - Severson, Vice - President - Goodwin, Secretary - Gackstetter, Treasurer - LaComb, and Assistant Treasurer - Gackstetter. Ayes - 6, Nays - 0. MINUTES MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Hamann - Roland, approving the minutes of the special meeting of December 27, 2007, as written. Ayes - 5, Nays - 0, Abstain - 1 (LaComb). CEDAR AVENUE BUS RAPID TRANSIT PROJECT Mr. Lawell said the downtown will change with the Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit project. Staff is interested to know what changes the Economic Development Authority would like to see and would like the Board's help in guiding the change. He then talked about the cost of funding the improvements and enhanced streetscape. Mr. Nordquist gave an update on Transit Oriented Development (TOD) opportunities, including policy development, TOD projects within one -half mile of Cedar Avenue, and local funding ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY City of Apple Valley Dakota County, Minnesota October 13, 2009 Page 2 resources. He talked about creating a TOD Tax Increment Financing District, using Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Tax Increment Districts 1, 7, and 13, and updating TIF documents to provide more flexibility. The Board discussed the use of Tax Increment Financing. Mr. Nordquist stated staff is looking at properties which may be impacted by the improvements to Cedar Avenue and is trying to identify how many properties may become non - conforming. He then gave an update on the Central Village project and pointed out that with the completion of Founders Lane and 153rd Street improvements, the area is shovel ready. Commissioner Goodwin noted it is a great improvement. Commissioner Grendahl asked how much Founders Circle owes in assessments. Ms. Dykes responded that the amount is close to $4 million. Mr. Nordquist then commented about the redevelopment of the BP service station, Kwik Trip, Dunn Bros., and Grizzly's. He also talked about marketing vacant locations, including the Coldwell Banker building, Commons II, and the Ryan building. Commissioner Bergman asked the status of the White Castle and Dunkin' Donuts. Mr. Lovelace stated White Castle experienced a delay in the purchase of the property. He believes construction will start in Spring 2010. Ms. Dykes said staff contacted Dunkin' Donuts to express interest in a franchise coming to Apple Valley. Mr. Nordquist talked about Savers moving into Apple Valley Square and improvements to Time Square. Mr. Lawell added that staff has had multiple conversations with Mr. Bob Levine, owner of Time Square. Mr. Levine understands the property is in need of improvements. He added that Burger Jones has expressed interest in Apple Valley. However, they would like to be on the end of Time Square closest to Cedar Avenue. That would require the relocation of Liquor Store No. 1. The Board discussed possible options for Burger Jones and Liquor Store No. 1 as well as the renovation needed at Time Square. They also discussed TCF Bank and Warner Stellian. Commissioner Goodwin stated he is willing to be flexible regarding the location of the liquor store, but he does not want to negatively impact operations or sales. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY City of Apple Valley Dakota County, Minnesota October 13, 2009 Page 3 Commissioner Hamann- Roland stated she would like to see a Good Earth restaurant in Apple Valley and suggested the Cobblestone Lake development. Commissioner Bergman stated that when Time Square is renovated, the east side of the building should also look like a store front. The Board discussed various funding options for renovations at Time Square and other locations. Commissioner Grendahl asked if anyone has taken advantage of the Twin Cities Community Capital Fund (TCCCF) loans. Mr. Nordquist responded that no one has used the funds, and noted the economy is likely a factor. The Board then discussed the use of TIF for developments and improvements along Cedar Avenue. Commissioner Hamann -Roland noted economic development brings jobs, and it is important to send a message that Apple Valley is open for business. City Attorney Dougherty talked about expanding the Master Development District. President Severson asked if the taxing district could be amended if it was determined to be too narrow in scope. City Attorney Dougherty said it could be amended. The Board continued discussion regarding creating another TIF district and possible uses of the funds. CENTRAL VILLAGE PROJECT Mr. Nordquist then gave an update on The Seasons at Apple Valley. The developer will use the approved plans, required elements, and exterior materials of the previously approved Regent Senior building. However, they are making modifications to the interior of the building in terms of how the rooms function. Staff from Building Inspections, Public Works, Engineering, Planning, Fire, and Natural Resources is meeting with the development team weekly in order to accommodate the aggressive schedule and work through technical issues. The groundbreaking is planned for November. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY City of Apple Valley Dakota County, Minnesota October 13, 2009 Page 4 Mr. Nordquist stated a broker has expressed interest in learning more about Tuscany. He also provided updates on Village at Founders Circle, Legacy North, and Kelley Park. Commissioner Bergman asked the status of the Shops on Galaxie. Mr. Nordquist responded that Kami Japanese Steakhouse is trying to renegotiate its lease. The Board discussed various businesses in the Shops on Galaxie. Commissioner Hamann- Roland said considering the current land values, it may be an ideal time to look at expanding Kelley Park. She added that the Parks and Recreation Director and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee always wanted the park to be bigger. The Board discussed the cost of land and options for acquiring additional property. Commissioner LaComb encouraged staff to keep an eye on this while the economy is weak. She would not want the City to miss an opportunity to negotiate the purchase of property at a reasonable price. Commissioner Goodwin commented about the lack of parking near Kelley Park. Commissioner Bergman pointed out Kelley Park was originally designed as a local park. Commissioner Grendahl left the meeting at 6:00 p.m. The Board discussed the size of Kelley Park and parking. Commissioner Grendahl returned to the meeting at 6:04 p.m. President Severson suggested Parks staff come to a future meeting to present information to the Board regarding Kelley Park. Mr. Nordquist then briefed the Board on Business /Industrial Park priorities and activities at the Mixed Business Campus. He reviewed a chronology of Mixed Business Campus marketing initiatives and events. He also commented about the need for high speed communication/ technology infrastructure in the Business Park. Ms. Dykes said staff briefly met with XO Communications, which is a data communications company in downtown Minneapolis. They are not yet in Apple Valley, but staff is working with them. They work exclusively with businesses and government. Commissioner Hamann- Roland commented about Frontier's costs for fiber. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY City of Apple Valley Dakota County, Minnesota October 13, 2009 Page 5 Ms. Dykes stated competition brings prices down. Mr. Lawell said the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) ranked broadband in Dakota County fairly high. He added that Qwest applied to amend its Certificate of Authority for data communications in order to provide service to a business in the Business Park. Their request was approved. Mr. Nordquist described the interest by Clearwire, a WiMAX service provider, to locate in Apple Valley. Mr. Blomstrom stated Clearwire has submitted five applications to locate on the City's water reservoirs. Mr. Lovelace stated Clearwire is also looking to locate on monopoles or poles in four other locations, including parks. They will require a Conditional Use Permit. He noted some poles are in excess of 100 feet and there may be some resistance from neighbors. Commissioner Hamann- Roland said WiMAX is the new technology and the City has been awaiting this. The location of poles in the parks may create some challenges, yet she sees the importance of being competitive and positioning the City for the future. The Board discussed locating poles in the parks and possibility of resistance from neighbors. They further discussed Frontier and commented that Frontier does not appear to be keeping up. Commissioner Grendahl suggested the City bring Qwest in to learn what they can do to provide this technology throughout the City. Commissioner Hamann- Roland noted she regularly receives comments from the public regarding Charter Communication's rates. The Board discussed asking Tucker Carlson to attend an informal Council meeting to discuss rates and receive a status update on Charter Communications. The Board discussed the possibility of using franchise dollars to pay for improvements along Cedar Avenue. Mr. Nordquist spoke about general marketing, branding, displays, handouts, and conference participation. He also commented about Uponor and the recent sprinkler demonstration. Commissioner Bergman expressed concern that Uponor located its distribution center in Lakeville and hopes they will not relocate the offices. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY City of Apple Valley Dakota County, Minnesota October 13, 2009 Page 6 Commissioner Hamann- Roland stated Uponor's offices in Apple Valley are their North American headquarters. Uponor previously indicated that they see themselves growing in Apple Valley. Mr. Nordquist then gave updates on Enderes Tool, the Humane Society search, Valley Office Park, Venstar, 147th Street planning, Fischer Market Place, the McNamara property, and Midtown Village. The Board thanked staff for the comprehensive update and noted it was a lot of information to receive. Commissioner LaComb suggested staff provide the Board one -page summaries of on -going development on a periodic basis. MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Hamann- Roland, to adjourn. Ayes - 6, Nays - 0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:56 o'clock p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Pamela J. Gackstetter, Secretary Approved by the Apple Valley Economic Development Authority on 1-1G -10