EDC 10-16-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES New Brighton Economic Development Commission Not Approved Regular Meeting—August 21, 2013 7:30 a.m. Members/Liaisons Present: Chair Paul Zisla, Commissioners Mike Murlowski, Linda Zelm, D.L. Beach, Kevin Peck, Al Potter, Bruce Knight Vivian Neumann-Walker and Councilmember Paul Jacobsen Members/Liaisons Absent: None Staff Present: Grant Fernelius-Community Development Director, Katie Bruno-Office Assistant. Also Present: Casey Hankinson-Ryan Co., Craig Lien and Ted Gonsior-Colliers, Mark Ruff-Ehlers 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 June 18, 2013 meeting. Approved 8-0 Report from Council Liaison Councilmember Jacobsen reported that the Council has been spending time on establishing an Urban Farming Task Force; 26 applications were received. The Council intends to interview ten applicants, and appoint six in addition to one member from the Planning, Public Safety and Parks, Recreation & Environmental Commissions. Councilmember Jacobsen reported that the Council has began reviewing the 2014 Budget, noting that the State has mandated cities not increase their levy from 2013 (New Brighton had a 0% levy in 2013.) New Brighton Exchange Update from Colliers and Ryan Co. on Marketing Activities Craig Lien, representing Colliers provided a market update, noting that in the past three years, nine office buildings were constructed in the metropolitan area. It was also reported that many companies are cost conscience and have decreased their standard square footage per employee by 25-30%. Casey Hankinson, representing Ryan Co. explained that many current vacancies are older and lack parking facilities. Hankinson described the location of New Brighton Exchange as fantastic. It was suggested that the EDC and City Council consider possibly combining sites, as well as flexibility in land pricing. Chairperson Zisla commented that the initial vision was for mixed use development. Hankinson and Lien confirmed that they will work towards the City's initial goal of mixed use, noting it may take a long time. Hankinson reported that customers report New Brighton Exchange has a great location, ok access and not many amenities. Fernelius commented that typically convenience retail would follow development. Hankinson stated that possibly a business may want all 25 acres to develop a corporate campus. Fernelius reported that there may be limited flexibility due to infrastructure. PCA Update Director Fernelius reported that the PCA recently approved the City's submitted workplan addressing the methane detected around the boundry of Block E. Recently the PCA has instituted a policy limiting construction of schools on former dump sites; it is unknown of that limitation will be applied to other construction projects.