Minutes - Economic Development Authority - 09/19/2013

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Rigging is completing a 10,000 square foot expansion of their facility. He advised that Noble Roman's Pizza and Dollar Store will be opening in the Coborn's retail plaza and Metro Hydro Graphics will be opening in the former Allina building; in addition, Northgate Performing Arts and Worship Center will be opening this fall. He stated that Seasons of Ramsey, a 50 -unit townhome development, has made substantial progress and is expected to be complete this winter. He added that a groundbreaking has been scheduled for September 25 for Stoney River, a 72 -unit assisted living facility near Lord of Life Church. He provided an update regarding the Rum River Hills project and explained the project has gone to the Planning Commission with the next step being the public input session. He stated that Rum River Hills has been in contact with Premier Commercial Realty about finding someone to list the properties together and they are also working with developers, but they need to wait for the statement of goals to get through the Planning Commission and City Council before proceeding further. He suggested that the statement of goals be reviewed by the EDA before going to the City Council for final adoption. He stated that Rum River Hills is aware that the EDA wants to see something happen on the north side of this project and Rum River Hills's initial plan is to concentrate on the residential aspect of this project. Chairperson Steffen requested an update regarding Super America and McDonalds. City Administrator Ulrich advised the City received word that Super America is no longer interested in locating in The COR, adding that the corporation completed a market study for their proposed location and concluded it did not want to move forward. He stated that McDonalds is planning to close in October and break ground next spring. He then provided a City Council update and advised the City Council approved an RFP process for a real estate broker to represent shovel ready sites throughout the City excluding the Nordvick site based on the decision to prepare a master plan for this area before placing it on the market. He requested that EDA members forward any real estate contacts to staff so the RFP can be forwarded to those contacts. He reported that the City Council received a report from Ehlers regarding TIF District 14 and the report indicates this TIF District's property values continue to decline below the base level with no tax income coming to the City. He stated this TIF District is intended to pay for the City's infrastructure improvements and staff will be pursuing some modifications to the TIF District. He also reported that the Mayor and City Council are focusing on meaningful community engagement and will be working with residents on new river rules being proposed for the Mississippi River. He stated that Mn/DOT recently held an open house regarding Highway 10 and the access study being planned to address the pedestrian issues in this corridor. He indicated the Armstrong project was turned down for the Federal grant and the City hopes to close the $5 -10 million gap through legislative action. He stated the County awarded a contract for design work on the interchange to SRF Consulting and the bids were lower than anticipated. He reported the City Council made a decision to move ahead with a public hearing on October 8 regarding establishment of a franchise fee on utilities, adding that this franchise fee is intended to provide a dedicated fund for road construction. Chairperson Steffen stated he spoke with the Vision -Ease team at the golf tournament and they have offered to conduct a tour for EDA members. He requested that Assistant to the City Administrator Brama follow up on this to schedule a tour. Economic Development Authority /September 19, 2013 Page 4 of 5