Agenda

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 7:30 a.m.

Room 218

New Brighton Family Service Center

MEMBERS:	COUNCIL LIAISON:

______ Rakesh Agarwala	______ Ken Johnson	______ Steve Larson

______ Bob Benke	______ John Kaufhold	______ Char Samuelson

______ Gene Delaune	______ Mark Nelson	(alternate)

______ Dennis Flahave	______ Maxine Pierson	CHAMBER LIAISON:

______ Linda Harmon	______ Jeanne Smith

I.	Roll Call

II.	Approval of May 8, 2001 Minutes

III.	Brighton Village Redevelopment

A. Planning Recommendations and Community Response

B. Redevelopment Proposal

IV.	NW Quadrant

A. Legislative Deliberations

B. Master Development Plan

C. Acquisitions and Studies

V.	Other Business

VI.	Adjournment

If you can't attend the meeting, please contact:

David Black, (651) 638-2060

NEXT MEETING - July 10, 2001, 7:30 a.m.

Room 218, New Brighton Family Service Center

NOTES TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA

June 12, 2001

III. Brighton Village Redevelopment

A. Planning Recommendations and Community Response

The third and final Community Planning Forum was held on May 17th. Over 100 people attended this one, many of whom had not attended either of the previous public meetings. Much of the information from the earlier meetings was reviewed for the benefit of those who had not been present, and many of the same concerns about increased traffic and the possibility of a hotel were raised.

In meeting with planner Phil Carlson before the meeting, we decided to present a series of design principles for consideration, rather than a definitive site plan. In this way, we could have a basis for reviewing the anticipated submission by the developers, without dictating a specific arrangement that may not be suitable. In a broader sense, we would hope that the principles will lead to the development of an attractive community "gathering place" which was a high priority of the residents attending the planning meetings. This set of principles is enclosed herein.

Many of the attendees seemed to be confused by the principles, as if they expected to come away with a more specific idea of what would be constructed on the shopping center site. There was a lively discussion about the merits of having buildings located generally along the interior streets, with many being more familiar with the "suburban" model with a large parking area directly accessible from the street.

Carlson will present his recommendations and the rationale behind them. The Commission will be asked to review the principles and make a recommendation which will be forwarded to the City Council.

B. Redevelopment Proposal

Staff and the consulting planner met with Dan Engelsma and Scott Schmitt of Kraus-Anderson, prospective hotel/senior housing developer Paul Sentman, and architect Kathy Anderson of KKE Architects on June 1st. The group had reviewed the proposed principles, and concluded that there was no way that they could fit their plans within the parameters we had discussed. But they didn't offer an alternative which might have accomplished much of what we are trying to achieve.

Schmitt told us in a subsequent conversation that K-A is continuing to work with the architect on a proposal which includes many of the same elements. They expect to have something to share with staff in the next week or so.

IV. NW Quadrant

A. Legislative Deliberations

At this writing, the House and Senate conferees are still trying to work out the details of most of the year's important legislation. Some of the proposals would have substantial, detrimental effects on our ability to redevelop the NW Quadrant:

•	Compression of class rates would reduce the revenue available for TIF to repay the costs of development.

•	Further limitations on TIF could reduce the ability of the City to use proceeds from earlier districts.

•	Narrowing of the definition of "blight" could make it difficult or impossible to include certain properties in a TIF district.

In addition, the legislature is proposing to pay for the enhanced state role in K-12 education financing by reducing aid to cities. This would require New Brighton to raise its municipal levy substantially in order to keep the budget flat, let alone deal with increased expenses or new initiatives.

Since we don't know the rules under which we will have to operate, a revised financial plan cannot be prepared. We hope to have the work completed several weeks after the legislature completes its work, whenever that is.

B. Master Development Plan

Wally Case of DSU is fine-tuning several areas of the concept plan: using our newly-
completed survey to refine the building sizes and locations, and exploring elimination of several interior streets that could provide locations for a few additional housing units. Craig Rapp is contacting several proposed builders to refine the footprints of their unit plans. Ryan is working to detail possible sites for Signergy, Beisswenger's, and Keys.

Staff hopes to present the development plan and the financial plan to the EDC and the Council at the same time, as early as possible.

C. Acquisitions and Studies

Midwest Asphalt investigation continues. Barr indicates that its environmental Phase II report will be available the first week of July. Real estate and equipment appraisers expect to complete their work by about the same time.

Real estate and fixture appraisals have been completed on Keys, and a proposal to the owner is being prepared. We have all appraisals completed on Beisswenger's, and are awaiting the completion of the site plan by Ryan. Appraisals have been ordered on Mengelkoch.

The owners of the Clinch-On building and Dahlke Trailer both have called us, wanting to discuss a sale. We anticipate that new appraisals will be needed on these properties as well.

V. Other Business

Marketing Task Force. Two months ago, staff suggested that the City would benefit from looking at coordinating its various marketing efforts, in order to promote a positive, consistent City image. The effort is alive, but must involve various City departments. For example, Parks and Recreation has numerous brochures and mailings promoting its recreation programs, Family Service Center membership and facility rental options, etc.

Matt Fulton is establishing a short-term task force, with representatives from all departments. It would seem to me that once this effort is completed - probably in a few months - we will have a good basis for looking at any specific marketing initiatives. At that time, the Commission may be asked to consider strategies for marketing our redevelopment properties, promoting our existing businesses, attracting new residents, and the like.

Business of the Year. The Chamber's annual Business of the Year awards luncheon was held on June 7th. Two of the five recipients were from New Brighton: PJW Automotive (Business of the Year) and the late Arly Gunderman (Community Treasure).