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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 11 2019 EDA Minutes Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245 / www.cityofpriorlake.com 4646 Dakota Street SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 Economic Development Authority Meeting Minutes February 11, 2019 1. CALL TO ORDER PRESIDENT CHROMY called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Present were Chromy, Boucher-Hoese, Sheehan- Kerber, Braid and Briggs. Also present were Executive Director Plante, Frank Boyles, Community Development Director McCabe and Planner Schwabe. Guests present were BEC members Tommy Hesch, Kim Prchal, Wade Larson, Steph- anie Carroll, Tim Marco, Nicole Schmidt of Bolton and Menk, and representatives of Mana Brewery. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION BY BRIGGS, SECONDED BY BOUCHER-HOESE, TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. Ayes by Chromy, Briggs, Boucher-Hoese, Sheehan-Kerber and Braid. The motion carried 5-0. 3. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES A. January 14, 2019 MOTION BY BRAID, SECONDED BY CHROMY TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 14, 2019 MEETING MINUTES. Ayes by Chromy, Boucher-Hoese, Braid, Sheehan-Kerber and Briggs. The motion carried 5-0. 4. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION BY BRIGGS, SECONDED BY SHEEHAN-KERBER TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. Ayes by Chromy, Boucher-Hoese, Sheehan-Kerber, Braid and Briggs. The motion carried 5-0. A. Development Update (01/31/2019) MCCABE provided a summary of residential and commercial activity for the month of January. 5. REMOVED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS None 6. PRESENTATIONS None 7. PUBLIC HEARING No Public Hearings 8. OLD BUSINESS A. Construction Customer Attraction Assistance Contract MCCABE provided an overview of the recent BEC and EDA actions related to the construction customer attraction efforts, including the formation of a subcommittee and development of activity/event ideas. He stated that the pur- pose of the subcommittee would be to assist with the management of the construction customer attraction events and expenditures. MCCABE summarized the proposal from Neon Lizard Creative totaling $47,500. He shared that this proposal in- cludes the development of marketing materials and activities in the Downtown and South Lake Village area. He explained that the BEC is also requesting approximately $2,500 to host construction information events in 2019. These events would be in lieu of a bi-annual business mixer. Nicole Schmidt, Project Communication Specialist with Bolton and Menk will be assisting with the construction information event. 2 PRCHAL explained that the Chamber of Commerce is considering producing a passport style booklet to encourage traffic to the Downtown and South Lake Village area. She shared that additional discussion is needed regarding who would be purchasing the passport and how it would be promoted. BRIGGS questioned if the EDA could request a portion of the allocated city space in the Prior Lake American. CARROLL offered to post information on the area mother’s group Facebook site as it is a resource for many resi- dents. CHROMY questioned Schmidt on what type of communication she anticipates offering to community/business mem- bers. SCHMIDT stated that she is scheduled for two community meetings (tentatively scheduled for April 4, 2019 – Stag- ing, What to expect, Timeline) and at the end of construction (October 2019 – Round about Rodeo). She shared that Bolton and Menk will be operating a phone hotline and email hotline as well as email updates throughout the construction to subscribers. SHEEHAN-KERBER stated having communication in one consistent location would be best for all involved. BRAID stated that encouraging people to go to the designated paper features, website, social media sites, etc. for up-to-date information is important. He shared that in regard to the Neon Lizard Creative proposal, communication should be more prominent with the proposed events as a supporting effort. CARROLL questioned if there was a slogan/campaign identified for use during the construction activities. MCCABE shared that the BEC was considering utilizing “Worth the Wait” as the primary motto. PRCHAL stated that she does not often hire marketing firms and is looking for feedback on the costs identified in the proposal. BRAID stated that the proposal is consistent with other marketing proposals he’s viewed and its more of a question of prioritization of what we feel is most important. CARROLL questioned if events in the proposal could be changed as construction progresses. MCCABE stated that one of the purposes of the proposed subcommittee would be to monitor the events and ex- penditures. BRAID requested the proposed events list be further pared down and return to the EDA for further discussion. MCCABE shared opportunities for reducing the event costs and stated that the EDA could also approve a lesser not to exceed dollar amount if inclined. MARCO questioned if there is a mobile app available that residents, business owners, and visitors could utilize. SCHMIDT stated that she is not aware of an app of that nature but that she could check with her team. MOTION BY BRAID, SECONDED BY BOUCHER-HOESE TO APPOINT A SUBCOMMITTEE TO OVERSEE THE CONTRACT AND EXPENDITURES RELATED TO DOWNTOWN CUSTOMER ATTRACTION EFFORTS. Ayes by Chromy, Boucher-Hoese, Sheehan-Kerber, Braid and Briggs. The motion carried 5-0. BRIGGS stated that the BEC could request additional funding if needed. 3 BRAID requested that the subcommittee review the proposed events/activities and return to the EDA with a list that is more focused on communication. MCCABE stated that entering into a contract of a lesser amount would allow marketing efforts to begin with the subcommittee reviewing the proposal and returning to the EDA in March to amend the contract to allow for additional expenditures. MOTION BY BRAID, SECONDED BY SHEEHAN-KERBER APPROVING A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CON- TRACT WITH NEON LIZARD CREATIVE IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,000. Ayes by Chromy, Boucher- Hoese, Sheehan-Kerber, Braid. The motion carried 4-0 (Briggs absent). Discussion followed regarding consideration of reducing or eliminating permit fees for events. BRIGGS stated that the city has committed to supporting efforts in the Downtown and South Lake Village area. PRCHAL suggested stating that the EDA would be open to considering fee reductions so long as certain criteria and a threshold is met. B. Advisory Committee Appointments MCCABE shared that at the last meeting, the EDA discussed appointing two liaisons to the BEC. Staff reviewed bylaws and determined that City Council action was necessary to allow the EDA to amend their bylaws. He ex- plained that on January 22, 2019 the City Council approved a motion authorizing the EDA to amend bylaws to allow for the appointment of two BEC liaisons. BRAID shared that Technology Village is becoming a more county-wide initiative and that the Fast Track Business Challenge received the EDAM Business of the Year award. He stated that he is willing to serve again if no one is interested. SHEEHAN-KERBER stated that her expertise would be best served on the BEC. BRAID stated that the Technology Village Board will be meeting on Friday mornings. MOTION BY CHROMY AND SECOND BY BRIGGS APPROVING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 5.5 OF THE EDA BYLAWS TO ALLOW FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO BEC LIAISONS. Ayes by Chromy, Boucher-Hoese, Sheehan-Kerber, Braid and Briggs. The motion carried 5-0. MOTION BY BRAID AND SECOND BY BRIGGS APPOINTING CHROMY TO SERVE ON THE TECHNOLOGY VILLAGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2019 AND APPOINTING SHEEHAN-KERBER AND BOUCHER-HOESE TO SERVE AS EDA LIAISONS TO THE BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR 2019. Ayes by Chromy, Boucher-Hoese, Sheehan-Kerber, Braid and Briggs. The motion carried 5-0. 9. NEW BUSINESS A. Joint EDA/BEC Discussion Topics i. Community / Business Construction Informational Mixer Events MCCABE shared that the CEC will be at the EDA meeting in March and will be looking for construction updates. He continued by restating that the BEC was interested in hosting a construction information event in partnership with Bolton and Menk at a business in the South Lake Village area to provide information regarding construction phasing, outreach, communication plans, etc. SCHMIDT offered to prepare an agenda that could be distributed and stated that the specific commu- nication efforts (e.g. card, magnets, etc.) are still being finalized. CHROMY questioned how the communications would coincide with other construction projects in the area. 4 SCHMIDT stated that Bolton and Menk would be coordinating with the other projects also. PRCHAL reminded the group that April 4, 2019 is Spring Break for the Prior Lake/Savage School District and would recommend considering another date if possible. MCCABE stated that the largest concern he’s received from business owners is them wanting to know when their specific business will be impacted by the construction projects. BRAID questioned how signage is addressed by Bolton and Menk. SCHMIDT stated that directional signage for business access is written in the specs. While not specific to each individual business the signs will indicate how to get to downtown, through street closures, etc. She shared that Bolton & Menk is currently working on a staging video that will be hopefully be com- pleted at the end of February. PRCHAL recommended information be provided to BEC members via dropbox so liaisons can have access to information for distribution to their liaison areas. CHROMY questioned if the BEC felt three meetings would be sufficient. PRCHAL stated that having too many meetings can reduce the effectiveness; however, three meetings total (Spring, Summer, Fall) would be good. SCHMIDT suggested considering conducting a meeting around when staging areas change. CARROLL recommended having the Bolton & Menk marketing and Neon Lizard marketing prepared for distribution on or before the first communication meeting. The EDA directed Schmidt to consider hosting the first communication meeting at a business in the Downtown or South Lake Village area. ii. Downtown Redevelopment Opportunities and Commercial Project This item was not discussed. B. Downtown Development Proposal MCCABE introduced the representatives of Mana Brewing and share that the group is interested in developing a brewery on edge of downtown Prior Lake at the southwest corner of the West Avenue/Eagle Creek Avenue inter- section. The intent of this item tonight is to consider a proposal from the Mana Brewing group for assistance from the EDA. The representatives explained that there is an anticipated cost of $2.15 million for property acquisition, re-platting and associated city fees, as well as construction costs associated with the exterior and interior build-out for an approximate 7,000 sq. ft. building. They shared that the soil conditions of the westerly portion of the property are less than adequate for footings and would require 5-8 feet of soil corrections and a deeper Class 5 base. The preliminary soil remediation and alternative foundation system costs associated with this project are approximately $200,000. They explained that they have had a geotechnical report completed for the site. SHEEHAN-KERBER questioned if soil corrections information from the neighboring building which was recently constructed was shared. Mana Brewery representatives stated that the soil conditions for the easterly property were more suitable. CHROMY questioned the City’s re-platting/fee requirements. 5 MCCABE shared that the property has a metes and bounds description and the fees associated with re-platting the property would only be required if they were to subdivide. CHROMY asked if park dedication funds could be utilized as part of this proposal if the parking were to be shared by users of the nearby parks and trails. Mana Brewing representatives indicated that they would like to be open by the end of 2019, if possible. BRIGGS shared that he likes the idea and would be interested in getting more information regarding the geotechnical and alternative foundation reports which detail the necessary soil corrections. CHROMY stated that the EDA is always excited to have new businesses in town. BRIGGS stated that any dollars allocated to a project come from taxpayers, therefore, the EDA needs as much information as possible when considering a request for assistance. Mana Brewing representatives indicated that the primary hindrances with the property are the soil conditions and land costs. MCCABE explained that if the EDA and/or City Council wanted to proceed, the city could purchase a portion of the property for use as a parking lot/trailhead. If the EDA wasn’t interested in owning that, perhaps another source (e.g. tax abatement) could be considered or a cost share agreement. The purpose of this item tonight is to get feedback from the EDA regarding their comfort level with financial assistance. BOYLES stated that a specific amount would need to be requested for further consideration by the EDA. The EDA directed Staff to continue to work with Mana Brewing to explore contribution options and return to the EDA at a future meeting. 10. OTHER BUSINESS A. Staff Updates i. None B. Commissioner Comments i. BRAID shared that he and Boucher-Hoese attended the Minnesota Vintage Snowmobile Show (MVSS) event on January 26, 2019. He stated that they had a conversation with an MVSS representative regarding the history of the event and future plans. He shared that he has a meeting set up with a representative from the SMSC to discuss their appetite for a partnership. SHEEHAN-KERBER stated that the potential for the event is exciting and would like this topic to be explored further. 11. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY BRIGGS, SECONDED BY SHEEHAN-KERBER TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. With all in favor, the meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. Ayes by Chromy, Boucher-Hoese, Sheehan-Kerber, Braid and Briggs. The motion carried 5-0. ___________________________ Michael Plante, Executive Director