Minutes

New Brighton Economic Development Commission

Regular Meeting - November 9, 1999

7:30 a.m.

Roll Call

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

Absent:	Ann Hoffman, Dean Tollefson

Also, Present:	Steve Scriver, Kraus Anderson Companies

Tom Link, Abby Carpets

Neal Linnihan, Risdall Linnihan Advertising

Matt Fulton, City Manager

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.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the October 12, 1999, meeting were approved as written.

Brighton Village Update

Steve Scriver of Kraus Anderson discussed Kraus Anderson's efforts to fill the space previously occupied by Lunds in the Brighton Village . Lunds located in the Brighton Village Center when the center was built twenty-six years ago. Kraus Anderson had been looking for another grocer for the site, but has been unsuccessful to date. Scriver noted that they would be broadening the search to include other types of "big box" users.

The Commissioners strongly urged Kraus Anderson to conduct a market study for the site and to develop a master plan for the center. City assistance was offered in this process. Commissioners would like to see this opportunity maximized. Scriver indicated that a strategy meeting was being held Wednesday and he would carry the EDC's message to that meeting.

Gateway Proposal - RLA

Neal Linnihan of Risdall Linnihan Advertising discussed his growing company's desire to stay in New Brighton and to build a new office facility on the northern site of Old Hwy 8 and Hwy 96. The building will be approximately 20-25,000 square feet with Risdall & Linnihan as the sole tenant. They are currently negotiating with the property owner and have offered $4 per square foot. The stumbling block at this time seems to be estate planning issues. Commissioners responded positively to the project and Mayor Benke offered to talk to the property owner to encourage his cooperation.

NW Quadrant Master Developer Agreement

Kevin Locke announced that Rebecca Yanisch, of Ryan Companies, is contemplating a run for the U.S. Senate. Her decision to run will be made by January 15. Until that time, she will be on a leave of absence.

Other Business

Delaune Letter

Gene Delaune's letter requesting additional information about tax increment financing was discussed. An additional TIF handout from Minnesota Solutions was distributed. The Commissioners suggested that an upcoming project, such as the potential Risdall Linnihan Advertising project, be used as a tool for explain the tax increment process.

Adjourn

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