Minutes

New Brighton Economic Development Commission

Regular Meeting – October 9, 2001

7:30 a.m.

Members/Liaisons Present:

Eugene Delaune, Ken Johnson, John Kaufhold (7:45 am), Steve Larson, Mark Nelson, Char Samuelson.

Members/Liaisons Absent:

Rakesh Agarwala, Bob Benke, Dennis Flahave, Linda Harmon, Maxine Pierson, Jeanne Smith.

Staff Present:

Matt Fulton, Kevin Locke, David Black.

Others Present:

Kent Carlson.

Call to Order

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

Approval of Minutes

Since a quorum was not present, the minutes of the September 11, 2001 meeting were not were approved.

Bell Pole/DeLaria Trucking Proposal

Carlson distributed a copy of a letter indicating the general terms for discussion of a potential partnership between Ryan Companies and Bell Pole that would redevelop the Bell area. Ryan has worked with Bell over the past several years to develop 100 acres in Barron, Wisc. The company would relocate to this site over the next 36-60 months. As a first phase, parcels to the north of Bell Pole, including DeLaria Trucking, would be acquired, allowing Bell to move its operations currently on the east side of the railroad tracks. The City would enter into a Master Developement agreement, assisting on costs and, if necessary, with acquisitions.

Locke noted that the Old Highway 8 Corridor Plan called for light industrial or business park uses in this area. The key to the area is Bell Pole leaving; as the largest land holder, redevelopment of the Bell parcel can set the tone for the area. Carlson noted that the pole yard is a low-intensity use, which provides opportunities for substantial tax increment to be captured.

Samuelson asked whether the Bell-owned parcel to the south of 1st Avenue NW would be included. Locke indicated that this parcel hadn't been discussed, but that Bell would no longer need it upon relocation out of the area. Fulton asked whether the construction would be similar to Brighton Corporate Park III. Carlson indicated that they would be similar, single-story, office-
warehouse buildings. Fulton asked whether other uses could be provided in the area, especially commercial, if a 5th Street crossing could be negotiated. He noted that federal policy was that a crossing would have to be eliminated in order to add one here, and that might be difficult. Delaune asked whether the crossing should be tackled in the early phases. Fulton replied that it should, since a crossing could add potential value as well as change the possible mix of uses. Larson suggested that the City should work to add the proposed railroad "wye" as well, which would take the coal trains off the north-south line.

Fulton noted that money for master planning was included in the budget for 2002. Johnson expressed his excitement at the prospects of redevelopment here, suggesting that the area north of 5th Street be included as well. Locke suggested that the commission supported the concept, indicating that the letter would be brought to Council; if approved, the staff would be directed to work on this project. Kaufhold questioned how many large projects could be handled at once. Locke noted that the Master Development Agreement wouldn't involve just planning, that the City would be relying on Ryan to complete much of the acquisitions work as well. Carlson noted that only the Bell piece could be committed now, but suggested that success here would build momentum for later projects.

Brighton Village Task Force

Black noted that the first meeting of the task force was held on September 20th. Another meeting would be held this week, with summaries from the consultants previously working on the project, and a presentation by Kraus-Anderson. Delaune suggested that the future of the Firstar Bank property would be important in developing a plan for the area, and that the Mayor should be willing to contact bank officials to learn of the plans, if necessary.

Northwest Quadrant

Black reported that the purchase of the purchase of Keys restaurant had been closed; this is the fifth property in the district now owned by the City. He showed a revised concept plan for the housing on the west side of Old Highway 8. With housing extended south all the way to the freeway, there are now 651 units, with a good balance between townhouses and other multi-
family (condominium, cooperative, and/or rental) units.

Black also presented a revised schedule for planning, acquisitions, and early-phase redevelopment. A key element is that an agreement is negotiated with Midwest Asphalt for the company to phase out of its New Brighton operations during the 2002 season. Beisswenger's would build a new facility just north of Highway 96. Signergy would build along I-35W at 14th Street, where Mengelkoch and part of Darling are now. With these moves, the west side of Old Highway 8 could be cleared in time for housing construction in spring 2003.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 a.m.