Minutes

New Brighton Economic Development Commission

Regular Meeting – February 13, 2001

7:30 a.m.

Members/Liaisons Present:

Rakesh Agarwala, Bob Benke, Dennis Flahave, Linda Harmon, John Kaufhold, Steve Larson, Maxine Pierson.

Members/Liaisons Absent:

Eugene Delaune, Carol Frey, Ken Johnson, Mark Nelson, Char Samuelson.

Staff Present:

Kevin Locke, David Black, Patrick Boylan.

Others Present:

Phil Carlson.

Call to Order

Vice-Chair John Kaufhold called the meeting to order at 7:40 a.m.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the January 9, 2000 meeting were presented for approval. All approved.

Introduction

Locke introduced Patrick Boylan, who was recently hired as City Planner, replacing Cary Teague. Boylan has worked at several cities in the metropolitan area, mostly recently at Lexington, and received his Masters degree from Portland State University.

Northwest Quadrant Update

Master Development Plan: Black reported that market research on several housing types is being conducted. It is anticipated that Craig Rapp will have some detailed designs to show the commission at next month's meeting.

Acquisitions: Black reported that the environmental report on the Brighton Bowl is coming back with favorable news, and a closing is anticipated soon.

The Mayor and City staff members met with the owners of the Midwest Asphalt property and business on January 11th. Staff has been working since then to negotiate a right-of-entry agreement, without success. Benke asked whether the delays have been due to procedural considerations, or because the owners were objecting. Locke responded that all parties seemed to recognize the inevitability of City acquisition at last month's meeting. Larson noted that the company managers had told us that the piles of debris could turn over two times in a construction season. Kaufhold asked whether the size of the piles can be restricted. Locke indicated that the piles could only be restricted in the context of the purchase negotiations, that we have no other leverage to control material coming into the site.

Pre-Development Schedule: Black referred to a preliminary schedule for pre-development activities, which had been distributed. He explained the Alternative Urban Area-Wide Review (AUAR) process as an option which could aid the development planning, and provide early information to a potential developer. Carlson added that it was an alternative to an Environmental Assessment Worksheet or an Environmental Impact Statement process. Locke added that it would provide a framework for further environmental research.

Agarwala indicated that he appreciated seeing this type of schedule, and urged staff to work aggressively to keep the project on track. Larson added that it was important to show Dick Bury that the City was serious about proceeding with the acquisition, and that this type of schedule would add to the impression that the City was indeed moving ahead.

Brighton Village Planning Study

Carlson noted the strong turnout for the first public planning meeting. He received good input from the attendees, mostly residents from the surrounding area. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were summarized in a handout. One of the concerns expressed by the residents was that key decisions had already been made, and would not reflect their wishes. Carlson indicated that any development proposal must also reflect the marketplace and the surrounding areas. He would be applying sound urban design principles, taking into account the neighborhood concerns. He is currently interviewing many of the business owners, both in the center and nearby.

Harmon questioned the statement in the memo which indicated that "only marginal support for a grocery store" had been indicated by the previous market study. Carlson agreed that it would be more accurate to indicate that there was strong support for a grocery store, but at a level which would be on the margin of the type of store that is currently being built. Benke suggested that a "boutique" grocery store would be attractive to many residents. Pierson agreed, noting that Simon David has successfully operated several such stores in Texas. Harmon suggested that the study focus on what people want, i.e., a "small town" approach, not a "big box." Locke noted that the recommended plan would have to overlap both the community's and market's needs.

Other Business

Rice Creek Shopping Center: Black reported that a meeting of the adjacent property owners to review several traffic improvements had gone well, but that there were no commitments for support at this time. Kaufhold noted that there had previously been a clear sidewalk toward the Cub store from the north, which had eliminated by the new development. He also suggested placing some signage near the Snyders store to direct northbound traffic. Black thanked him for his suggestions and promised to include them in the discussions.

I-35W Corridor Coalition: The City of New Brighton will be hosting the first of a series of "institutes" highlighting major projects planned for the interstate corridor, on February 21st.

Carol Frey: Larson noted that Carol Frey's absence was due to her ongoing illness. Black mentioned that he had been told of her advancing ALS, and that she was planning to leave full-
time employment on March 15th. Harmon noted that Chamber plans were to work in an interim situation through the summer, and hire a new full-time president in the fall. Members wished her the best.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 a.m.