EDC 03-16-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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bonding bill. The Legislature convenes on February 4`h, but the session is expected to be shorter given the fact that this is a non -budget year. The City's request would be used to do clean-up . activities beyond what is anticipated by Ashland Oil. The MPCA indicated this week that it expects Ashland to have a draft compliance agreement ready by early February. It should be noted that the parties met in mid-October to discuss a compliance agreement and path forward to de -list the site. Beach asked what percentage the MPCA would be responsible for. Femelius responded that Ashland would be the responsible party, and they will be asked to do a negotiated level of cleanup. Murlowski questioned if this is the final area of the NWQ to be cleaned up. Femelius confirmed. Federal Funding Update Fernelius reported staff has been working with Lockridge, Grindal & Nauen for the fiscal year 2011 Appropriations Budget. At the recent council worksession, it was decided to prioritize requests. The City was successful in including a new pedestrian bridge along with the reconstruction of the Old Hwy 8 Bridge over I-694 in the transportation high priority project list. These requests were made by Congresswoman McCollum on behalf of the City. The Senate is still debating the transportation re -authorization bill, but has not sought requests from constituents. Additionally a request for some type of clean up will be made. Requests are submitted through two Senators and Congresswoman McCollum's office, deadlines are in March. Presentation by Risdall Marketing on Northwest Quadrant Rebranding Director Fernelius reported council hired Colliers to conduct a market study of the Northwest Quadrant last year. It was recommended from that study that the City consider a new image and • name for the Northwest Quadrant. The City has been working with Risdall Marketing for about one year. John Risdall introduced Mike Risdall and Heather Wamcke. Ms. Wameke gave an overview of the process leading up the decision of the three top names. Three phases were completed including the Discovery, Strategy and Identity phases. The Discovery phase included discussions with the City Council, and a 10 question telephone survey with 7-10 developers. Three names were proposed, as two were thought to be too limiting, and more than three can be too many. Flahave questioned what the consensus was as to if the area should be developed as business, residential or a combination. Ms. Warneke reported a combination was favored. The following three names were presented: Newgate on Old 8 - Open Space. Convenient Place. Infinity on 8 (Infinity on Old 8) - Endless Possibilities. Available Immediately. Larkspur Crossing - Where the future can grow today. There was an opportunity for the commissioners to share their thoughts on the three designs. Councilmember Bauman asked why there was so much focus on "Old 8", and not on "New Brighton?" The consultants stated it is beneficial to include a location identifier in the name. Other Development Activity Sale of 389 Old Highway 8 NW Director Femelius reported this property was acquired by the City in 2003, the building was removed in 2005. At the direction of Council, staff began marketing the property in the fall of 2009. An adjacent property owner to the north expressed interest in purchasing the property. The closing is scheduled for March 15, 2010. Commissioner Flahave questioned the cost of the initial purchase. Councilmember Bauman responded the purchase was for 140,000. Fernelius reported there was an Old Highway 8 Corridor plan, which identified that area for possible redevelopment. The Compass Commercial Real Estate Market Report