Minutes

New Brighton Economic Development Commission

Regular Meeting - October 12, 1999

7:30 a.m.

Roll Call

Present:	Rakesh Agarwala, Mayor Bob Benke, Eugene Delaune II, Carol Frey, Ken Johnson, John Kaufhold, Mark Nelson, Maxine Pierson, Dean Tollefson

Absent:	Linda Harmon, Ann Hoffman

Also, Present:	Rebecca Yanisch, Ryan Companies

Kent Carlson, Ryan Companies

Stu Ackman, Grubb and Ellis

Jill Bishop, Economic Development Specialist

Kevin Locke, Director of Community Development

Call to Order

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

Dalco - TIF #26 Proposal

Kevin Locke outlined the location of the proposed site, which is immediately south of the treatment buildings in TIF #26, the former site of the MacGillis and Gibbs Company. Kent Carlson and Stu Ackman gave a short presentation on the background of their company and their proposal for the site. Dalco supplies janitorial products and equipment, employing approximately 140 people at facilities in La Crosse, Rochester, and Duluth. Dalco's metro location is the main office with sixty to eighty employees.

The proposed two-story structure would wrap around the existing treatment buildings and contain 20,000 square feet of office space, 3,000 square feet of training area, and 44,000 square feet of warehouse space. The environmental-sensitive area where the pond was located would be capped by the parking lot. The project is expected to cost $3 million. The possibility of a Phase II expansion to the south that could involve some Bell Pole property was also discussed.

Discussion issues raised by the EDC included:

•	More sensitive appearance on the streetscape side of the building

•	Enhanced exterior quality

•	Truck traffic and loading areas kept at the west side of the building

NW Quadrant Master Developer Agreement

Rebecca Yanisch, of Ryan Companies, explained the elements of the master developer agreement between Ryan Companies and the City. The agreement will be brought before City Council for their approval in November. The planning firm should be on board within the next month and will be present at the December EDC meeting. Yanisch was invited to speak on the project at the January 13, 2000, Chamber of Commerce Luncheon.

Motion by Tollefson, seconded by Delaune, to recommend approval of the concepts contained in the Master Development Agreement. The motion passed unanimously.

Jones Lake Projects

The new owners of the Jones Lake Apartments submitted an apartment site plan to add another building on the vacant site to the south. The proposal did not address several key issues on the site including the grades, garages, and landscaping. Some nonconformities concerning the existing structure currently exist on the parcel. Staff met with the architect and suggested several changes that prompted the owner to withdraw the submission for more review. The project has been resubmitted for October and the applicant will be requesting a nonconforming use permit for the 43-unit building.

Other Business

Ordway/Pratt Redevelopment Agreement Terms

The Redevelopment Agreement is essentially complete and will be brought before City Council in November. Two of the residential structures purchased earlier will be demolished this month. The City has reached an agreement with one of the remaining two homeowners. Tom Thumb has been meeting with the Main Street Village group and has expressed an interest in moving to that location.

New Brighton Post Office

The search for a new location for the New Brighton Post Office is continuing. The Post Office has rejected the location at the south end of Brighton Corporate Park III and is considering the site at the southern corner at the intersection of Old Highway 8 and Highway 96. The Post Office's goal is to keep both the sorting and retail functions together, if possible. Staff will continue to work with the Post Office in their search for a new location.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m.