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MINUTES New Brighton Economic Development Commission Approved Regular Meeting—April 19, 2011 7:30 a.m. Members/Liaisons Present: Bob Benke, Bob Smith, Mike Murlowski, Terri Snell Marie Hansen, Dennis Flahave, D.L. Beach, Councilmember David Phillips Members/Liaisons Absent: Councilmember Bauman Staff Present: Grant Fernelius-Community Development Director; Katie Bruno- Office Assistant. Guests Present: Arne Cook, Mark Ruff, Al Potter Commissioner Smith recommended Commissioner Benke as Temporary Chairperson. Call to Order Commissioner Benke called the meeting to order Approval of Minutes Minutes from the March 15, 2011 meeting were approved, as well as the minutes from two special meetings, March 24, 2011 and March 29, 2011. Northwest Quadrant Report EDC Evaluation/Recommendation of Broker and Developer Teams Director Fernelius reported On March 24th and 29th the EDC participated in interviews of the developer and broker teams that are interested in working with the City to market/develop the commercial sites in the Northwest Quadrant. Since those interviews, staff asked EDC commissioners to complete evaluation forms, which have been tabulated. In addition, staff has been working with the two developer teams (Opus and Ryan) to firm up some of the details of their proposals. A key outcome of this meeting will be for the EDC to make a recommendation to Council on a broker and developer team. NAI Welsh and Northmarq are the two finalists for brokerage services. Each company is considered a "full-service"brokerage firm with land sale/office leasing services; marketing; market research; and financing capabilities. Both firms seem capable of handling this undertaking, although there were some distinctions between the cost-structure of the two proposals; the proposed land pricing; and the EDC perceptions of the presentations. It was reported that NAI Welsh had a more structured and better overall presentation than Northmarq. The evaluation forms completed by the EDC members judged NAI Welsh slightly stronger overall. Commissioner Benke commented that he feels the chemistry is stronger with NAI Welsh. Commissioner Smith agreed with Commissioner Benke, commenting NAI Welsh seems more proactive. Commissioner Murlowski commented he sees pros and cons to both, but likes the evaluation process. Commissioner Hansen agreed. Commissioner Snell stated she was impressed with NAI Welsh's preparedness. Arne Cook reported Northmarq does have conflicts of interest in the market; although that's not always a negative. Mr. Cook suggested he sees a better working relationship with NAI Welsh. There was discussion related to the varying assessments of land value. Director Fernelius reported a rudimentary analysis was completed. Northmarq pulled its comparisons from the north; while NAI Welsh looked to the south and east. Commissioner Benke noted historically the last few businesses to locate to New Brighton, have come from the south, east and west. Commissioner Flahave questioned if there is data on each of the brokers success. Mr. Cook suggested they would likely be equal. Councilmember Phillips noted that would be difficult to gauge.