Minutes

New Brighton Economic Development Commission

Regular Meeting - March 12, 1996

7:30 a.m.

Call to Order

Ken Johnson, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:40 a.m.

Roll Call

Present:	Jim Beran, George Gregori, Dennis Guldan, Ken Johnson,

Mike Olson, Jay Scott, Roger Williams

Absent:	Robert Benke, Maxine Pierson, Jeff Schopf

Also Present:	Kevin Locke, Director of Community Development

Jill Hanson, Economic Development Specialist

Paul Buschman, Planning Intern

Approval of Minutes

The Economic Development Commission approved the minutes of February 13, 1996 and February 21, 1996 as written.

Brighton Corporate Park

Locke provided an update on several issues concerning the Brighton Corporate Park. Staff met with US West to discuss options available concerning the fiber optic line running down 1st Street NW in the BCP II. The cost for moving the line is estimated at $600,000 plus. Staff will continue discussions with US West and, if possible, negotiate the costs on the moving of the cable, check on any grants or payment programs available for this type of issue, find out what our options are for dropping the cable or berming and the associated costs, and discover what would be our costs and options for changing the grades.

City Planner, Erny Mattila, presented several options for the redevelopment of BCP II. The Commissioners recommended that avoiding moving the cable if possible. To make the best possible use of the site, they would like to see a creative, cohesive approach for the entire site. Staff was instructed to meet with Industrial Equities and Opus to find out their interest in expanding the scope of their proposals to include the entire site. Staff will also meet with Donnatelle and Warner Industrial to see if there is still a way to meet their needs in New Brighton.

The Commissioners suggested that because of the shortness of time, if the information they requested could be obtained, they would be willing to meet in special session to discuss the proposals and make their recommendation to the City Council.

ZEOS Building

At tonight's work session, City Council will be discussing the acquisition of the building at 530 5th Avenue NW. The appraisal is being sent over from Western Bank, an estimate of costs for an asbestos survey was received and an estimate of relocation costs was obtained. It was suggested that a master plan of the entire site be considered as this project goes forward. A consultant to help us through the maze of issues including the railroad crossing and MacGillis and Gibbs will be considered.

Other Business

John Allen of Industrial Equities received an award of excellence for his new building in Lakeview Business Campus II.

Bids were received for the demolition of the D & T Trucking buildings. Herbst & Sons Construction was the low bidder at $34,400. Demolition will begin on or before April 15 and be completed within 30 days.

The Streetscape project for the downtown area is out for bids. Bids will be opened on March 29, 1996. Construction will commence this Spring.

The Town Hall meeting is scheduled for March 30 at the Family Service Center.

The closing was held for the Brost property located between McDonalds and Pletcher's Greenhouse on Old Highway 8. This purchase and the execution of the development agreement with Industrial Equities begins the process for acquisition of the remaining parcels. Two residential properties and a small portion of the back of Pletcher's Greenhouse will be acquired.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m.