EDC 01-15-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES New Brighton Economic Development Commission Not Approved Regular Meeting—November 20, 2012 7:30 a.m. Members/Liaisons Present: Chairperson Paul Zisla, Commissioners Mike Murlowski,Al Potter, Marie Carrell,Vivian Neumann-Walker, Bruce Knight, Linda Zelm, D.L. Beach and Councilmember Mary Burg Members/Liaisons Absent: None Staff Present: Grant Fernelius-Community Development Director, Katie Bruno-Office Assistant. Guests Present: Shane Shipman-API Group and Craig Lien, and Ted Gonsior representing Colliers and Casey Hankinson representing Ryan Co. Call to Order Chairperson Zisla called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Murlowski to approve the minutes from the August 21, 2012 meeting. Approved 8-0 Report from Council Liaison Councilmember Burg reported that the Council has been working on the 2013 Budget, the meeting for Public Comment will be Tuesday, December 4th at 6:30 pm. New Brighton Exchange Follow-up Discussions of APi Group Expansion Plans Shane Shipman reported that APi operates about 40 businesses, of which 50% are in the life safety division, the other 50% are industrial. APi acquires 6-8 additional businesses annually. Because of this fast rate growth, APi has expansion needs. It was explained the Block K was originally planned to be a 9,000 square foot building; it was noted that 9,000 square feet would not accommodate the overall needs of the growing company. APi has looked at various sites in the New Brighton Exchange area; specifically Block G because of it's proximity to their current campus. APi would propose starting construction in 2014 of a three story 45,000 square foot building to house a Training Center, a National Service Group and IT Services. A second building is proposed for about three years later. Commissioner Murlowski questioned if APi's interest in the second site is definite. Mr. Shipman stated that provided the market conditions remain unchanged they would be interested. Mr. Shipman stated that APi hosts several training events annually, and it would be desirable to have the training facility close to their Corporate Headquarters. Commissioner Zelm suggested a Training Center would require an abundant parking area. Mr. Shipman noted that the majority of trainees would be shuttled over form Hilton Homewood Suites. Chairperson Zisla clarified that the APi proposal changes the original land use category from residential to office use, and suggested the commission address that. Commissioner Knight questioned the reason Block A is not desirable to APi. Mr. Shipman commented that they prefer their employees not be required to cross Old Highway 8 NW. Director Fernelius explained that a pedestrian access structure would not be a favorable economic solution, in addition to Old Highway being a County Road.