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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-29-02-02 City of Lakeville Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes October 29, 2002 Marion Conference Room, Lakeville City Hall 20195 Holyoke Avenue Members Present: Comms. Emond, J. Erickson, Pogatchnik, Schubert, Tushie, Smith, Brantly, Miller, Matasosky, Ex-Officio member Todd Bornhauser -Executive Director of the Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce, Ex-Officio member Robert Erickson - Ciry Administrator. Members Absent: None. Others Present: Staff: David Olson, Community & Economic Development Director; Ann Flad, Economic Development Coordinator. 1. Call Meeting to Order. Vice Chair Matasosky called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Marion Conference Room of City Hall at 20195 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, MN. 2. Approve August 27, 2002 Meeting Minutes. Motion 02.17 Comms. Smith/J. Erickson moved to approve the minutes of the August 27, 2002 meeting. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Strategic Plan Work Item: Inform residents about benefits of C/I Development: Scope of Services and Timeline for Communications Plan efforts with PR Firm Himle Horner. As requested by the EDC at the August 27, 2002 meeting, staff worked with Mr. Todd Rapp, Senior Director of the PR Firm Himle Horner to develop an engagement letter that defines the scope of services and compensation for the C/I Communications project, reported Mr. Olson. According to the engagement letter, the final work product for this project will be a Communications Plan that will be consistent with the Strategic Engagement Plan that Mr. Rapp presented to the EDC at the August 27, 2002 meeting. The plan will include key goals, suggested messages, a menu of strategies that can be implemented, and preliminary budgets and timelines for each strategy. Mr. Olson indicated that work on the Communications Plan is scheduled to begin in November, 2002, pending City Council approval of the engagement letter. It is anticipated that the final plan will be reviewed by the EDC and brought to the City Council for adoption by the end of February, 2003. The consultant will make every effort to complete the project earlier. Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes October 29, 2002 . Comm. J. Erickson suggested that representatives from the Economic Development Commission make presentations to the civic organizations in the community in order to inform them of the EDC's goals. Mr. Olson indicated that methods of building a broader coalition, including methods of engaging civic organizations in the process, would be included in the Communications Plan as is noted on pg. 5 of Mr. Rapp's Strategic Engagement Plan presentation. Mr. Olson reported that the City would be charged on an hourly basis for the work provided and directed by City staff, and will not exceed $4,000 in any one month according to the engagement letter. Mr. Rapp will be responsible for the project and will assign components to other Himle Horner staff as appropriate in order to reduce the expense of the project where possible. Comm. J. Erickson also stated that the $20,000 that the EDC has budgeted for this project seems expensive for informing and engaging the community on the benefits of commercial and industrial development. Mr. Olson noted that the proposed timeline for development of the plan is from November through February, and that four months of consultant time capped at $4,000 per month will result in a project cost of $16,000 or less depending on actual consultant hours. Comm. Pogatchnik stated that the informing and engaging the residents about the benefits of commercial and industrial development will take much longer and be much less effective if funds are not expended to develop a professional Communications Plan in a timely manner. Economic Development and Public Information staff have met with Mr. Rapp and provided him with additional information to assist in the development of the Communications Plan. Pending City Council approval of the engagement letter, the next step will be to schedule an additional meeting with staff from the Cable, Public Information and Community & Economic Development departments to gather input and reactions to preliminary plan components prior to the November EDC meeting. Motion 02.18 Comms. Erickson/Pogatchnick moved to recommend the City Council approve the letter of engagement with the PR Firm Himle Horner for the purpose of developing a Communications Plan to inform and engage residents about the benefits of Commercial and Industrial Development consistent with the Strategic Plan for Economic Development. Motion carried unanimously. z Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes October 29, 2002 . 4. Strategic Work Item -Investigation of critical business infrastructure. Update on Interchange Finance Study. Mr. Olson reported that progress continues towards implementing the Interchange Financing Study. A public meeting was held on September 25, 2002 at the City Water Treatment Plant to review the financing for the project. The meeting was attended by approximately 18 property and business owners in the vicinity of the CSAH 50 / I-35 Interchange area. Mr. Olson reported that SRF Consulting Group Inc. is in the process of completing the preliminary design of the CSAH 50 / I-35 improvements. This design process has resulted in identifying interim improvements that will not involve the complete replacement of the CSAH 50 / I-35 Bridge. There are indications that MnDOT and the Federal Highway Administration may approve these interim improvements, which are designed to serve the area for at least the next decade. In the second half of November, the City plans to meet individually with property owners that would be directly impacted by these improvements. It is anticipated that the preliminary design will be presented at a public meeting early in December. Mr. Olson reported that the City has also had a number of discussions and meetings with County staff to obtain the County's support of the strategies identified in the Financing Study. It is anticipated that the County will concur with the funding approaches identified • in the Financing Study. One component of the study is the recommended issuance of City Street Reconstruction Bonds to advance fund the right-of-way and construction costs associated with CSAH 50 / I-35 Improvements. City Administrator Erickson indicated that the City is waiting for a response from the County regarding an advance-funding request. Dakota County has already agreed to allow the City to manage the CSAH 50/I-35 interim interchange improvement project. City Administrator also indicated that City Engineer Keith Nelson has received information indicating the City will not have to complete an Interstate Access Modification Request for the I-35/CSAH 50 project, which would have delayed the project by one year. Design plans for CSAH 70/I-35 Interchange continue. It is the City's objective for the design plans for this interchange to be completed and approved so that the project would be ready to go in the event that state or Federal funding becomes available. 3 Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes October 29, 2002 • 5. Review of Manufacturing and Technology Week. Ms. Flad reported that the City Council and Mayor declared October 21-25, 2002 as Manufacturing and Technology Week in Lakeville at the October 21, 2002 Council meeting. This is the ninth year that Lakeville has participated in this statewide effort to recognize the contributions manufacturers make to the local and state economy. Comm. Emond and Ex-Officio Bornhauser were present at the City Council meeting to accept the official proclamation. Staff arranged for the Thisweek Lite & Times newspaper to carry atwo-page feature on Manufacturing Week in the October 19, 2002 issue of the newspaper, consistent with the EDC's goal to inform the community about the benefits of commercial and industrial development. The newspaper also solicited congratulatory ads from local businesses The Proclamation was posted on the public notice board at City Hall. Manufacturing & Technology Week will also be highlighted in the Fall issue of the Airlake Park News. A Manufacturer's Appreciation Luncheon was held at Progressive Rail, Inc. in Airlake Industrial Park. This is the first year this event has been held in the industrial park. Over 110 representatives from manufacturing companies attended the event. A copy of the Proclamation was provided to all businesses present at the luncheon, along with a personalized Certificate of Commendation from Governor Ventura. Companies that were • not present received their Proclamation and Certificate via mail. Dr. Ron Thomas of Dakota County Technical College gave the luncheon's keynote address and provided information on the programs that DCTC offers regarding the development of specific manufacturing skills. The event concluded with tours of Airlake Industrial Park on a Progressive Rail locomotive. Ryt-Way Industries expressed interest in hosting the event next year. 6. Update on Metropolitan Council's 2030 Blueprint and Elko/New Market Interceptor Sewer Project. City Administrator Erickson informed the Commission that the City Council has initiated legal action against the Metropolitan Council to challenge the Council's actions to begin designing and constructing a sanitary sewer interceptor for the cities of New Market and Elko. The suit was filed in Dakota County District court on Monday, October 28, 2002. The City Council is concerned that there are areas of Lakeville that are outside of the Metropolitan Urban Service Area that cannot get sewer service from the Metropolitan Council, yet the Metropolitan Council is proceeding to provide sewer service ten miles south of Lakeville. City Administrator Erickson indicated that the Metropolitan Council's purpose for extending the interceptor is to provide for the growth of an additional 3,300 housing units the area is projected to need by 2030. According to City Administrator Erickson, the City of Lakeville could accommodate the 3,300 housing units with little additional cost if areas currently outside of the MUSA were brought into the MUSA and 4 Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes October 29, 2002 allowed to receive urban services. City Administrator Erickson also indicated that the City • Council is concerned about the implications the Metropolitan Council's significant policy departure would have on the integrity of existing Lakeville Comprehensive Plans and other documents and policies implemented to accommodate the Metropolitan Council's existing Regional Blueprint. City Administrator Erickson reported that many residents of Lakeville have contacted the City Council to express their support of the City's position on the Elko/New Market Interceptor project. Additionally, five other organizations have taken issue with the Metropolitan Council's proposed Blueprint 2030, including ISD 194. Several of these organizations are anticipated to submit Amicus Briefs regarding the project's potential impact on their organizations. Comm. Matasosky inquired whether any other communities are facing a similar experience with the Metropolitan Council. City Administrator Erickson indicated that the Metropolitan Council has also proposed extending a sewer interceptor to St. Francis, however St. Francis does not want the extension. City Administrator Erickson also indicated that Dakota County's position on the interceptor extension to Elko and New Market is consistent with the City of Lakeville's position. Ex-Officio member Bornhauser inquired whether there are other communities with large tracts of undeveloped land in the seven-county Metro region. City Administrator Erickson • indicated that Lakeville has the largest amount of undeveloped land outside of the MUSA. Comm. Tushie questioned how a civil suit would impact Lakeville's reputation and ability to obtain assistance from the Metropolitan Council in the long term. City Administrator Erickson indicated that the City Council discussed this issue and determined that Lakeville is well respected in the region. Additionally, Mark Ulfers, Executive Director of Dakota County Community Development Agency, reported to the City that the CDA had recently received their largest grant ever for construction of affordable rental townhomes on the Gilb site near UBC Lumber in Downtown Lakeville. City Administrator Erickson also indicated that the City sent letters to all 180 communities in the seven-county Metro Region encouraging them to participate in the Blueprint 2030 process, and subsequent feedback from a number of communities indicated their appreciation of Lakeville's effort. Comm. J. Erickson questioned why the Metropolitan Council is changing their policy on services to rural areas. City Administrator Erickson indicated that the City Council is attempting to determine the answer to that question. Commissioners were provided with a copy of an Issues Summary on the Blueprint 2030 that was prepared by David Licht of NAC and approved the Planning Commission and City Council. This Issues Summary was submitted to Ted Mondale, Chairman of the Met Council on October 7, 2002. Representatives of the Planning Commission and City staff testified at Public Hearing held by the Met Council on October 16th and conveyed a . number of the points conveyed in the Issues Summary. The Met Council has indicated s Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes October 29, 2002 that it will take the testimony and feedback into account and will provide an opportunity for • comment on any changes made to the current draft of the Blueprint 2030. The current date for the scheduled adoption of the Blueprint 2030 is December 18, 2002. Comm. Matasosky questioned whether the Metropolitan Council is attempting to assume responsibility for a larger geographic area. City Administrator Erickson indicated that the Metropolitan Council has not pursued obtaining jurisdiction over an additional six counties, including two in Wisconsin. 7. Chair Vogel's resignation from the EDC; schedule for election of officers Mr. Olson reported that the City Council accepted Bob Vogel's letter of resignation from the EDC at the October 21, 2002 City Council meeting. Mr. Vogel has been serving the EDC in the capacity of Chairperson since 1997. Mr. Vogel's resignation leaves a vacancy on the EDC and a vacancy in the office of Chair. Mr. Olson indicated that according to the enabling resolution for the EDC, the City Council appoints new members to the EDC to fill any vacancies that occur. The enabling resolution also indicates that at the first meeting of the year, the Commission shall elect a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary from amongst its appointed members to serve for a term of one year. Mr. Olson recommended that Vice-Chair Matasosky act as Chair of the EDC for the remainder of the year, and that the Commission conduct an • election of officers at the first meeting of the year, consistent with the enabling resolution of the EDC. City Administrator Erickson also recommended that the EDC recognize Bob Vogel for his years of service. The City Council will be presenting Mr. Vogel with a plaque at the Advisory Committee Holiday Party on December 4, 2002. Mr. Olson reminded Commissioners whose terms are expiring to submit their letters by November 21, 2002 requesting reappointment to the EDC. 8. Director's Report Mr. Olson reported that the Spotlight on Business continues to be well received. Jim Emond introduced Norman Oberto of Imperial Plastics, Bob Vogel introduced Ron Theis of the Super 8 Motel and Jack Matasosky introduced Chris King of Qa1 Precision Product at recent City Council meetings. Copies of the City Council memos on the featured businesses are attached. The three businesses listed above contributed $234,634 in property taxes annually to the City, County and to School District 194 and provided over 216 full and part time jobs. No spotlight was held on October 2155 as the Manufacturing and Technology Week was proclaimed. No Spotlight will be held on November 4, 2002. Discussion ensued regarding the criteria for businesses that are asked to participate in the Spotlight on Business program. Mr. Olson also reported that the Board of Directors of the Dakota County Economic Development Partnership voted on September 12, 2002 to pursue negotiations to merge with • the Dakota County Workforce Council. The Board also authorized Board members Bill 6 Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes October 29, 2002 Lucking of Progress Plus, Mike Puppe of Merchants Bank, and Taud Hoopingarner of Dakota • County to represent the Partnership in these discussions. The goal is to examine the legal and organizational options available for this relationship and bring back a proposal for the Partnership Board and members to vote on by the end of the year. Mr. Olson reported on his participation in two Strategic Planning sessions for Dakota County Technical College (DCTC). The third and final Strategic Planning session is scheduled for November 7th. The "Designing the Future" Plan for DCTC will be completed in the next several months and will be provided to the EDC. DCTC is pursuing a Jobs Skills Partnership grant through the State of Minnesota to assist the development of a customized training program for ConAgra Store Brands that will assist the company in training employees on new automated equipment that is being installed at the Lakeville plant. Mr. Olson reported that the closing with Advanced Wireless Communications on the sale of the City-owned lot in Fairfield Business Campus took place in September as scheduled. It is anticipated that construction will begin on the new building in Spring of 2003. Work has been taking place for several weeks on the new fagade for the Ben Franklin Store downtown. The old facade has been completely removed the framing of the new facade is being completed. • Mr. Olson also provided Commissioners with a copy of the City Building Permit Report for the period through September 30, 2002, which includes a comparison to the permit report for the same period last year. The City has issued permits for a total of 427 residential dwelling units compared to 386 during the same period in 2001. The total valuation for all permits issued through September 30, 2002 is $114,262,549 compared to a total valuation of $105,632,741 during the same period in 2001. 9. Vice Chair Matasosky adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted by: Attested to: Ann Flad, Recording Secretary Bob Brantly, Secretary •