Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 12/08/2011

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Public Works Director Olson continued by stating the impact if the City does nothing is that the road reconstruction is assessed 100% to the adjacent property owners. A 2.5 acre parcel would be assessed approximately $27,000. He continued that there are three options: 1. Do nothing and assess the adjacent property owners 2. Put on the property tax levy 3. Franchise fee Discussion ensued among the Commissioners regarding the franchise fee. This was for information purposes and no action was taken by the EDA. Case #2: Consider Master Plan Timeline for Commercial Node at 167th Avenue and Saint Francis Boulevard Senior Planner Gladhill presented the Staff Report that described the history of the area, the impetus for creating a master plan, and the proposed plan to achieve the goals. Member McGlone asked who will participate in the process. According to Senior Planner Gladhill the intention is to involve residential and business stakeholders in the area. Senior Planner Gladhill stated a direct mailing will be sent out to a determined radius, and it will be advertised in the Ramsey Resident. The public process will kick off in January of 2012. Member LeTourneau stated he thinks this is incredible and can't wait to see the process begin. He has a concern that property owners might not be in agreement with the plan, like as in 2004. Senior Planner Gladhill stated in 2003-2004 rumors and fears filtered through the area, and this time the first step will be to get with property owners one-on-one and get their feedback. We need to make sure we have land use that is flexible and set up this area for success based on what the property owners want. Chairperson Riley stated that he recommends EDA members take part in this process. Case #3: Water Main Project to Service Commercial Strip Mall at 167th Avenue Economic Development/Marketing Manager Backman presented the Staff Report that discussed the extension of the City's water main to the commercial property located at 5900 167th Avenue NW. Joel Buttenhoff, owner of the strip mall at 5900 167th Avenue NW, stated his company has invested over two million dollars in acquiring and renovating the commercial center. The property has its challenges, but he is not running from it. Hope Fellowship, his largest tenant, has been in the building for three years, but will have to move if the current Interim Use Permit expires and a fire suppression system is not installed. If he loses the church as a tenant there would be a real financial challenge for the property. He added that he is committed to resolving this issue. Economic Development/Marketing Manager Backman stated that on September 26th Mr. Buttenhoff provided a written proposal to the EDA. Under his option, if the City would pay for a water main Economic Development Authority/October 13, 2011 Page 3 of 5