CCP 09-27-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Director Fernelius stated that the approach of hiring a broker and using a developer with non-exclusive rights is somewhat unique. Negotiations are nearly finished and staff anticipates agreements will be presented for Council consideration on June 28th. At that point, the parties will make an official announcement and then start marketing the site. Commissioner Potter questioned why an unusual approach is being utilized. Director Fernelius stated this approach is the best way to reach the largest audience. Commissioner Zisla questioned the price negotiations. Director Fernelius responded it is anticipated that Welsh will prepare the marketing materials; advertised prices will be $8-$12 per square foot. The expectation is that offers will be less than advertised prices and negotiations will then take place. Commissioner Zisla, questioned the screening process for potential development. Director Fernelius suggested the EDC be involved in the selection process, as well as developing criteria. Commissioner Potter asked how the decision was made to develop the east side. Director Fernelius responded it is the expectation that the west side would better suit residential development in the future. NW Refinery Update Director Fernelius reported the City, Ashland and the MPCA met on May 23rd to discuss the proposed clean-up of the former Northwest Refinery. Ashland and the MPCA signed a compliance agreement in April that calls for the company to clean-up the refinery piping, infrastructure, containment areas and petroleum-impacted soils to an industrial standard. The refinery closed down in the early 1960's, much of the contamination was left behind. In the 1990s the MPCA required Ashland to clean up the areas within Long Lake Park. Ashland cleaned up the area to an industrial standard. The City purchased the property, planning to cover and monitor the contaminated petroleum sites. Upon starting the project, a contractor subsequently found refinery piping in the ground in 2007. MPCA shut the project down. Currently the City of New Brighton is not part of the resolution. The State and Ashland are negotiating. Ashland must prepare a detailed work plan to the MPCA by mid-July and negotiate an access agreement with the City. Staff and the City's environmental attorney marked up a draft of the access agreement last week. So far there has been no response. New Brighton Exchange Marketing Director Fernelius reported that the City has now registered the New Brighton Exchange name and logo with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. This now protects the name for commercial and non- commercial use. Additionally the City has secured the web domain names with .com, .info, .net and .org extensions. The expectation is to create a special web site in the coming months to establish a new image and reinforce the New Brighton Exchange brand. Building Permit Data Building permit data in New Brighton seems to be showing some improvement year to date in 2011, compared with the same period in 2010. The main reason for the increased activity is the new View Apartment project. Otherwise, there were modest increases in single-family residential permits. The commission discussed the possibility of canceling the July meeting if there is a light agenda. Director Fernelius stated he will asses the agenda as the meeting date approaches. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:37 am.