Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 03/20/2008 - Special Meeting

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Member Kiefer noted the City has some in-house signage capability that would reduce the cost of sign age. He stated he would like the EDA to support what can be done in terms of the signage. In terms of the cost, he would be in favor of the EDA participating with the non-lit signage. He is not certain that he would be in favor of participating with the lighted signage, but he would be supportive of the activity. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan pointed out it would be a thin line for the Board to buy signage. He suggested that any participation of the EDA should be of a secondary nature, and that the onus be put on the ownership group to make the signs. He noted it is a distinct possibility that the signs will be temporary construction signs. Member Strommen suggested investigating what would be routine signage for MnDOT or the County to participate with, such as u-turn signs and temporary construction signs. She stated the importance of being provided with firm numbers in order to make a decision regarding the EDA's participation with the signage project. Economic Development Director advised if the EDA determines to fully fund the signage project it would be within the budget parameters to allocate the full $30,000 that has been estimated. The Board expressed support of the signage plan as proposed in concept by the Sunfish Commons ownership group, but that firm numbers on the signage plan are needed in order to make a decision regarding the EDA's participation with the signage project. Chairperson Riley commented that the increase in the existing pylon signage square footage does not seem to be a request related to the median. Member Strommen suggested waiving the conditional use permit application fee. She stressed the importance of being careful about precedent and the need to be clear about what the EDA would be paying for and why, even though this is a unique case. There was discussion of the timeframe associated with the process for approval of the signage plan, and that the next EDA meeting is scheduled in April. Mr. Gandel stated Gaughan Companies would like to proceed as soon as possible. They will begin today to engage a comprehensive signage plan to present to the EDA for review. Consensus of the Board was that the Sunfish Commons signage plan be presented to the EDA again with itemized costs and staff to determine how much the County and MnDOT would participate in the non-lit signage, and that a special meeting be scheduled if necessary to determine the percentage of ED A participation in the signage plan. Case #3: Consider Sale of Lot 1, Block 1, Gateway North Industrial Park Plat2 Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan reviewed that the City has been working with Tag Machine to locate a 10,000 to 15,000 square foot manufacturing facility to Gateway North Economic Development Authority/February 14, 2008 Page 5 of8 5