EDC 06-15-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Northwest Refinery Director Fernelius reported the City and Ashland have been waiting for responses from MPCA on the draft compliance agreement that was forwarded to the State earlier this year. The City's environmental attorney has contacted the Attorney General's office and requested a response. The State will play a key role in trying to resolve the clean-up plan. The City has communicated a sense of urgency to keep the negotiations moving and not allow the process to stall further, especially now that Ashland is willing to accept some responsibility. Currently clean up requirement is up is to an industrial standard, not a residential standard. Fernelius reported currently the City does not have the required $5-6 million funding. Councilmember Phillips reported the City was unsuccessful in obtaining funding from DC earlier this year. Federal Funding Director Fernelius reported the City has made requests of $800,000 for a new pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks to Long Lake Regional Park; $2.4M for reconstruction of the Old Highway 8 bridge over I-694; and $1.5M for additional dump removal on Block E.. The environmental clean-up has been included on Sen. Klobuchar's list of projects for funding under the FY2011 appropriations process. Transportation Funding Director Fernelius reported the both of the transportation proposals were included in the House version of the transportation re -authorization bill. Councilmember Phillips described the proposed pedestrian bridge as more decorative, with a protected pedestrian path. General Development Activity Director Fernelius reported McDonald's USA, LLC received approval to re -build their store at 729 Long Lake Road. The project is expected to start this summer and take up to 13 weeks to complete. The existing restaurant will be closed during construction. Councilmember Phillips stated it is an improvement over the prior site plan. Brighton Unique Auto is a specialized after -market auto detailer. The business received a special use permit to begin operations in the multi -tenant building at 833 3rd Street SW, Suite #1. Scooter Central is a new business that will sell and service small motorcycles and scooters in the same building as Brighton Unique Auto. The company needs a special use permit for an automotive related use. The land use applications will be considered by the Council later this month. Building Permit Activity Director Fernelius reported year-to-date in 2010 the City has processed 442 permits city-wide. Total construction valuation is $2,862,363; with revenues of $85,100 for the year. It appears that activity is improving in terms permit volume, project valuation and revenue — at least on a year- to-date basis from 2009 to 2010. The average project value and average permit amount are improving from 2009 to 2010, but are still below the historical trend. One of the explanations behind these numbers is the down tum in commercial construction activity. Councilmember Phillips commented the range in permit revenue make the budget process difficult. Other Topics Town Hall Director Fernelius reported the City's 33rd annual Town Hall Meeting will be held on Saturday, May 22"d at the Family Service Center. The event will start at 8:30 a.m. and run until 12:00 p.m. The program will include presentations on Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and the Northwest Quadrant. In addition, the City and other community groups will have booth exhibits focused on variety of topics.