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MINUTES New Brighton Economic Development Commission Regular Meeting—May 9, 2006 7:00 a.m. Members/Liaisons Present: Gina Bauman, Bob Benke, Gene Delaune, Dennis Flahave, Lisa Harreld, John Kaufhold, Mark Nelson, Jim Sculthorp, and Gary Stang. Members/Liaisons Absent: Linda Harmon, Bruce Nustad, and Steve Larson. Staff Present: Matt Fulton, Grant Fernelius, David Black, Judy Goepel, and Jennifer Lavandowska. Call to Order Mark Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. Approval of Minutes The minutes of the April 11, 2006 meeting were presented for approval. All approved. Northwest Quadrant Report Property Acquisitions Black reported that the City has closed on the southern six acres of the Midwest Asphalt site. A topsoil pile was left on the site; according to the purchase agreement Midwest Asphalt will be allowed to move the pile if its price is competitive. The pile will be moved by June 10. Fernelius added that working twelve hours a day, they will move 3,000 cubic yards per day. Kaufhold inquired if it could be used to fill in the dump. Fernelius replied that the MPCA requires that all topsoil and fill be tested to make sure it is clean. Black indicated that the topsoil has not been tested and due to the logistics, it does not appear that it can be used within the development. Black reported that the owner of the post office building has been unwilling to negotiate on the price for the building. Fulton added that staff would be going before the Council to ask them to consider using eminent domain to gain control of the property. Stang asked what would happen if the post office was left. Fulton replied that leaving the building is not an option; it would impact the whole development. Bauman inquired if the owner was given a deadline. Fernelius replied that he would be notified soon that the City is considering using eminent domain. Black reported that the U. S. Postal Service had contacted the City recently asking for a higher contribution to move. Kaufhold inquired if the eminent domain process could be started with a federal tenant. Fernelius replied that the land owner could be condemned, but not the tenant. Fulton added that Mayor Larson recently met with Senator Coleman to discuss the post office and transportation issues. Kaufhold asked why the Postal Service has asked for such a high contribution. Black replied that if the Postal Service was to relocate to a new building now, the price difference would be significantly higher than it was a year or two ago.