Minutes

New Brighton Economic Development Commission

Regular Meeting - May 11, 1999

7:30 a.m.

Roll Call

Present:	Eugene Delaune II, Linda Harmon, Ann Hoffman, Ken Johnson,

Maxine Pierson, Mark Nelson, Dean Tollefson

Absent:	Rakesh Agarwala, Bob Benke, Carol Frey, John Kaufhold

Also Present:	Matthew Fulton, City Manager

Jill Bishop, Economic Development Specialist

Kevin Locke, Community Development Director

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:37 a.m.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the April 13, 1999, meeting were approved as written.

NW Quadrant Redevelopment Update

The process for the redevelopment of the NW Quad was discussed at length. Bishop reported that the Planning Commission agreed with the EDC and favored selecting a master developer to work with through the master planning process. Because of the strategic significance of the site, the EDC suggested that the City designate a City staff member to work exclusively on the project. A process outline showing dates and the responsible person will be presented to the City Council. The concept will be brought before Council at the May 24 meeting for their input, approval, and authorization to proceed. Staff will prepare a list of criteria for the EDC to use in the interview process. The Commission suggested adding a communications plan to update local businesses and residents on the project.

BCP III

Scholar & Miles Property Purchases

The Scholar property purchase was approved by Council last month. The Miles property will be brought before Council at tonight's meeting. Negotiations are also underway with the Alano Society. Staff met with their building committee to discuss the Alano Society's relocation options.

E-Z Mini Pond Update

The storm sewer pipe is in place across the Hypro property; no complications were encountered in the process. The construction of the pond on the E-Z Mini Storage property is underway and on schedule.

Other Business

Business Grid Meeting Results

The New Brighton Mounds View Chamber of Commerce joined Mayor Benke and Matt Fulton to host a grid meeting for the business community. Transportation and traffic issues were discussed. Accessing Old Highway 8 at 1st Street SW, as well at the intersection at Old Highway 8 and 5th Ave NW, at peak traffic hours has become very difficult. The extension of the Old Highway 8 streetscape was also suggested for the area between 8th Avenue NW and 1st Street NW.

Caldwell Pet Hospital Property

The property at 609 Old Highway 8 NW is currently listed on the market for sale. Because the parcel is adjacent to the City's Public Works garage, the underutilized site was carefully looked at as a possible expansion area for the Public Works garage yard and to provide a possible second exit to the north. A site plan will be developed to make the best use of the site while addressing future needs for the Public Works Department. Any remaining area of the 1.34 acre site would be reconfigured and placed back into the private sector for redevelopment.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 a.m.