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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-15-99 - v CITY OF LAKEVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES June 15, 1999 Members Present: Brantly, Detjen, Emond, Erickson, Pogatchnik, Schubert, and Vogel Members Absent: Matasosky, Miller, and Tushie Staff Present: Robert Erickson, City Administrator; Michael Sobota, Community and Economic Development Director; Ron Mullenbach, Associate Planner; and Rita Erpelding, Economic Development Coordinator. 1. Call to Order. Chair Vogel called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. in the Administration Conference Room at Lakeville City Hall. 2. Approval of the April 27, 1999 Meeting Minutes. 99.08 MOTION: Comms. Detjen/Emond moved to approve the April 27, 1999 • meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Strategic Plan: External Analysis-Presentation and Discussion regarding the 2020 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Chair Vogel stated that he met with Mr. Sobota and Ms. Erpelding to determine what would be additional information needed to be gathered to assist in preparing the EDC for the Strategic Planning session in September. To date the EDC has been focused on gathering information on external factors such as labor force and technology that will impact economic development of Lakeville. The EDC has not yet reviewed the City's vision of future land uses and development staging. Chair Vogel stated that this evening's session would focus on examining the recently completed 2020 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update. The goal is that the EDC would understand the update and utilize the information to develop strategies to attract businesses that fit with the City's vision. Chair Vogel stated that after the presentation, the EDC will spend a moment summarizing the information on the flip-chart. Mr. Sobota stated that Mr. Mullenbach, Associate Planner for the City, has been invited to present to the EDC background information on the 2020 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Mr. Mullenbach stated that the Transportation Plan was the primary factor which • was taken into consideration when the City began determining the amounts and locations of land use types. Mr. Mullenbach stated that Lakeville is fortunate to Lakeville Economic Development Commission June 15, 1999 Meeting Minutes Page 2 • have I-35. Mr. Mullenbach also noted that the existence of the CP Rail line helps with the movement of freight. Mr. Mullenbach stated that the EDC has in past discussions stated that there is too much commercially zoned property in Lakeville. As a result of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update, the amount of commercially zoned land was reduced to about 1100 acres. The primary areas where the zoning will change are around Cedar Avenue and Dodd Boulevard where some additional commercial zoning was added and near the interstate where some previously zoned commercial land was changed to office park/business campus uses. The Office Park/Business Campus designation was first identified for the Fairfield Business Campus and is anticipated to have 2 zoning classifications: business campus and a new "office park" classification. The Office Park/Business Campus is more compatible with residential uses than industrial and can serve as a good transitional land use. The City has received positive feedback regarding the Fairfield Business Campus. Mr. Mullenbach identified the following six areas for office partc/business campus land uses on the 2020 Land Use Plan: 1. West and south of the existing Fairfield Business Campus extending north along Kenrick Avenue and east along County Road 70. One reason for the extension to the east is that the South Creek tributary flows through those properties and there is not enough depth for industrial use. The • designation was extended to the north because of access issues and the desire to reduce the amount of commercial traffic mixing with industrial traffic. 2. Northeast quadrant of the I-35/185`h Street interchange. City staff proposes that the development would be a corporate headquarters similar to the Gelco site in Eden Prairie. It is that type of development that one of the property owners in that area desires as well. 3. Queen Anne Mobile Home Park redevelopment site. This would be a redevelopment site in the long-term. The site would work well because of the level of accessibility to the area. 4. Along Ipava Avenue between County Road 50 and 205'h Street 5. Northwest and southwest quadrants of 185t" and County Road 50 intersection. The uses in these quadrants would be neighborhood services and would serve as a transition for the uses to the north. 6. North side of 165' Street, east of the freeway. This is the most contentious area. The property has had commercial designation for some time. The modification was made because there is poor visibility, a sharp drop in the elevation, and close proximity to residential uses. The intention is that this area would have neighborhood services type office space to the south and commercial frontage on the north. Comm. Emond asked whether there was already a building on the 165" street site. Mr. Mullenbach stated there was a daycare facility on the eastern end. • Comm. Brantly asked what a neighborhood service business would be. Mr. Lakeville Economic Development Commission June 15, 1999 Meeting Minutes Page 3 • Mullenbach stated that some examples would be a doctor, dentist, or chiropractic office. Mr. Mullenbach stated that the composition of commercial and industrial along County Road 70 and Interstate 35 can not be precisely defined. There are large portions of the parcels that will not be served by sewer until after 2015. The City will be better able to designate those areas once they enter the MUSA. At this time the area south of County Road 70 has been designated as light industrial and warehouse. Mr. Sobota stated that the City would like to maintain the heavier industrial base nearer to the core of Airlake Industrial Park. Comm. Erickson asked how many acres were left in Airlake Industrial Park. Mr. Sobota stated that there were approximately 400 acres owned by Airlake Development Inc. The amount of land within the MUSA is adequate for the near and mid term. The only issue regarding available land has been an inadequate supply of smaller lots. Airlake Development Inc. is in the process of platting Airlake Development 4~' Addition which would develop the 41 acres just south of County Road 50 into one and two acre parcels. Comm. Erickson asked whether the majority of the land is owned by Airlake Development, Inc. Mr. Sobota stated that most of the land within the MUSA is owned by Airlake Development Inc. The water and sewer pipes have been extended to just west of Highview Avenue and the railroad tracks. The • extensions will be phased in as projects occur to the west. To develop the parcels east of Cedar Avenue, the road, water, and sewer must be extended. Mr. Mullenbach directed the EDC to the tables which were included with their packets: 1. The first table provides the 1998 Land Use Breakdown. Mr. Mullenbach noted that commercial and industrial acreage is about 4% of the total. 2. The second table provides the 2020 Total Land Use Breakdown. Mr. Mullenbach stated that there is no definitive percentage for how much of a City's land should be devoted to a particular type of land use. Each City determines what is needed based on their individual characteristics and infrastructure. 3. The third table illustrates how much land will be available for development at each stage of the MUSA expansion. Mr. Mullenbach stated that the Comprehensive Plan will be updated again in 2010. The City anticipates that at that time the land use designations will be reevaluated based on the market conditions and adjusted. Those types of adjustments are easier to make for industrial and commercial than residential. Comm. Pogatchnik asked what the areas identified as "restricted development" were. Mr. Mullenbach stated that those areas can be developed but because of environmental conditions have to be more carefully planned. Some of those • conditions include wetlands, hydric soil, and tree cover. The designation was Lakeville Economic Development Commission June 15, 1999 Meeting Minutes Page 4 . utilized so that the property owner or developer would not have higher expectations with regards to the potential land use than is possible based on the environmental conditions. Mr. Sobota added that to develop those parcels the developer would need to meet more restrictive requirements. The City will take precautions in the development of those areas. One possible protective measure might be the development of greenbelts. Comm. Brantly asked if there is a timeline which identifies when specific infill developments should occur. For example, the northwest quadrant at 185'h Street and County Road 50 will be developed by this time and because of that development these other parcels are anticipated to be developed. Mr. Mullenbach stated that development of particular parcels is market driven. However, Mr. Mullenbach recognized that the EDC could identify specific target areas and develop strategies to assist business development. Mr. Sobota stated that the identification of specific target areas and strategies to encourage development could be part of the strategic planning process or activities of the next strategic plan. Mr. Sobota added that infrastructure is one of the influences on the market demand. Comm. Brantly asked whether there was a specific formula which guided the amount of various land uses in each MUSA expansion area. Mr. Mullenbach stated that there are no specific percentages that must be met in the • development of a land use plan. The primary consideration in planning is the transitions between different types of land use and that the City accommodate population projections. Mr. Sobota stated that in the development of the land use plan the Metropolitan Council's population projections were met. Comm. Brantly asked what spin-off benefits there are from various types of development. For example, will the development of Heritage Commons spur other types of development. Mr. Sobota stated that it was that type of question which prompted the recommendation that the City should hire a market research analyst to research the City and provide the EDC with a presentation outlining the likely staging of retail, commercial, industrial, and business campus development. Mr. Erickson recommended that another resource for understanding retail development would be Mr. Bany Johnson, the City Administrator for Woodbury. Woodbury has recently seen the development of Tamarack Village which has several hundreds of thousands of square feet of retail space. Mr. Johnson could provide a perspective of what strategies Woodbury utilized to encourage that type of development. Comm. Emond asked what stage the review of the 2020 Comprehensive Land Use Plan was at. Mr. Sobota stated that the 2020 Comprehensive Land Use Plan is at the Metropolitan Council for review and it is expected that the City may have • a response by August 1 S~. Comm. Emond asked whether the zoning would then Lakeville Economic development Commission June 15, 1999 Meeting Minutes Page 5 • be modified. Mr. Sobota stated that zoning will be modified to be in compliance with the plan. The 2020 Comprehensive Land Use Plan, under state law, supercedes the zoning map. Comm. Brantly asked about the plans for the interchange reconstructions. Mr. Sobota stated that the maps that were included with the packet are concept plans. The concept plans have been approved by the City Council and the City is now working on locating funding resources for the projects. Mr. Erickson stated that the City Council is taking a global approach to the interchange projects. The City Council has identified the 185"' Street and I-35 interchange as its first priority. The primary modifications will be the construction of two southbound ramps and the realignment of the frontage roads. The City Council intends that the 185th Street interchange will serve as the detour while the rebuilding of the bridge at County Road 70 is underway. After the County Road 70 interchange has been reconfigured then the County Road 50 project will begin. Mr. Erickson stated that the City does not expect much funding support from MnDOT because of the attention and importance being placed on light rail and transportation priorities within the 494 beltway. Comm. Emond asked whether there would be an opportunity for reimbursement. Mr. Erickson stated that in their discussions with MnDOT it seems that reimbursement has been done in the past and that they would consider it an option. Comm. Pogatchnik stated that it seemed that during the County Road 46 project, MnDOT was not willing at the beginning to fund the project, but once the project was started funding did become available. Mr. Sobota stated that the City's proactive planning efforts have been and continue to be a benefit when working with MnDOT. Mr. Sobota stated that the City of Lakeville often develops a solution and then asks for the funding, rather than expecting MnDOT to solve the problem as well as provide the funding. Comm. Emond asked whether the concept plans are likely to change in the future. Mr. Erickson stated that the plans are preliminary and need to be reviewed by Dakota County and MnDOT. Mr. Erickson added that the I-35 and County Road 50 interchange concept plan was sent to every property owner in the area and that they have heard little opposition to what is being proposed. Chair Vogel asked what the proposed timelines for the pro~ects were. Mr. Erickson stated that the City Council would like to see 185 h Street completed in 18 months, County Road 70 project in 36 months, and the County Road 50 projects in 60 months. Comm. Pogatchnik asked whether the City had received any feedback from businesses in the McStop area. Mr. Sobota stated that the businesses have been informed and that the City has not heard. many concerns. Comm. Pogatchnik asked whether the Park & Ride lot would be lost. Mr. Sobota stated that it may be • removed because of the reconfiguration of the intersection and access concerns. Lakeville Economic Development Commission June 15, 1999 Meeting Minutes Page 6 • Mr. Erickson stated that the truck wash on Kenrick Avenue has been purchased and redeveloped by Ron Furlough. Mr. Erickson added that Mr. Gary Thorsen has purchased the Mega Stop and is now in the process of remodeling it. As part of the remodeling process, Mr. Thorsen spoke with all of the major haulers and asked for their suggestions. Based on those recommendations, Mr. Thorsen has begun remodeling the interior. Mr. Sobota stated that the next phase of the external data gathering would be the presentation by the market research analyst and the City Administrator of Woodbury. These two presentations would take place in August and the strategic planning session would be in September. Chair Vogel stated that the market research presentation would assist the EDC in prioritizing the staging of development and what strategies could be utilized to encourage a specific type of development. Comm. Erickson asked how the decision of what areas would be brought in to the MUSA at what times was decided. Mr. Sobota stated that the MUSA staging was developed by City staff, Planning Commission, and City Council, and approved by the Metropolitan Council. The staging is based on having a five year supply of available land in reserve. The decision on what parcels would be brought into the MUSA in what order is based on the project location and • expansion of services, as well as the land use. Mr. Sobota stated that the MUSA staging can be shifted should market forces increase the speed with which the parcels are developed. Comm. Brantl~ asked why the section of land directly west of Interstate 35 and north of 205 Street was being brought into the MUSA in 2005, while the area just to its north was not until 2015. Mr. Sobota stated that the area near 205tH Street could be served by existing utilities and is part of the gravel pit that would be reclaimed at about that time. The more northerly area requires infrastructure like a lift station to be put into place prior to development. Mr. Erickson stated that Lakeville is well positioned to meet the increasing needs of its residents as it grows. Mr. Erickson noted that in 2010 the Comprehensive Land Use Plan will be updated again and the composition of land uses can be revisited. Mr. Mullenbach also noted that at some point the commercial areas may redevelop to a more intense use. Mr. Erickson stated that he has been told by representatives of Eagan and Woodbury that their high quality office development was the catalyst for the retail development. Mr. Erickson finds those statements interesting because historically Lakeville has been told that the retail development will spur the business campus type growth. It is likely that the true catalyst for the development is a combination of both retail and business campus. Mr. Sobota stated that the EDC meeting for July would be canceled and asked • the EDC about possible dates for the August meeting. The EDC tentatively Lakeville Economic Development Commission June 75, 1999 Meeting Minutes Page 7 • scheduled the meeting for August 24~'. It was requested that Ms. Erpelding check with Mr. Matasosky, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Tushie to confirm those dates. Mr. Sobota stated that Ms. Erpelding would be in contact with the EDC to determine dates for the September retreat. Chair Vogel worked with the EDC to develop the following summary of their discussion: USE-PRIORITIES-COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1. Constant monitoring of comprehensive plan to make sure it fits with market and vision. 2. Must measure plan against market forces. 3. Must be proactive in fostering proper-good land use. 4. Decide what comes first, corporate headquarters or commercial-what drives our goals-vision. 5. Time infrastructure improvements to drive priorities. 6. Should City advance road improvements (I-35) to spur plan and redevelopment. 7. If we are to infill or expand new uses we will have to concur with current MUSA. 8. Need market analysis and forecast~asier to go with the market rather than buck it. . 9. Can create a market if hidden potential is identified. 10. New technologies will drive new marketing opportunities. 4. Modifications to TIF District Number 8. Mr. Sobota stated that the EDC packet included a TIF plan modification for the Southfork District. The adoption of the plan would allow the City Council to negotiate for the purchase and redevelopment of the All Saints Campus into an arts center utilizing resources of the district. Staff believes that the proposal is consistent with the EDC's approach to downtown redevelopment and recommends approval of the TIF plan modification. Comm. Emond asked whether additional money would be spent as part of this project. Mr. Sobota stated that the funding for the acquisition and redevelopment of the All Saints Campus comes from excess increments from the Southfork District. Comm. Emond stated that the Southfork TIF District has funded a variety of projects. Comm. Erickson stated that he believed the redevelopment of the All Saints Campus as one of the best uses for the funds. Comm. Erickson hoped that the renovation of All Saints would assist in retaining the charm of the downtown area. Mr. Erickson stated that there is approximately $ 3.5 million left in tax increments from the Southfork District. One unique part of this proposal is that ISD 194 may Lakeville Economic Development Commission June 75, 1999 Meeting Minutes Page 8 • benefit from the project. There have been discussions with ISD 194 regarding developing an 8-room kindergarten center as part of the redevelopment. Comm. Detjen asked whether there were seven contiguous parcels. Mr. Sobota stated that All Saints had seven parcels and had never combined them. Comm. Erickson asked whether All Saints was to build a new school. Mr. Erickson stated that the All Saints Community was planning to build the school in part with the proceeds from the sale of the property. If this proposal is passed, the City is expected to begin negotiations with All Saints in July. 99.09 MOTION: Comms. Emond/Detjen moved to recommend the City Council adopt Tax Increment Finance Plan No. 8 South Fork Apartments -Modification No. 5. Motion Motion carried unanimously. Comm. Pogatchnik stated that this proposal is one of the few that he could endorse whole heartedly. Comm. Emond stated the project will assist with the viability of downtown. Mr. Sobota stated that the renovation of the All Saints Campus and the construction of the new senior housing project are positive steps in downtown redevelopment. Mr. Erickson shared with the EDC computer aided imagery • which depicts the new senior housing project across Holyoke from the All Saints Campus. The three images showed the existing buildings, a three story design, and a four story design. Mr. Erickson stated that the Dakota County HRA is in the process of determining the differences in costs for the three versus four story building. Comm. Emond asked how many square feet of retail would be available. Mr. Erickson stated that it would be about 8500 square feet. Comm. Emond asked whether a market feasibility study was being completed. Mr. Erickson stated that there was a feasibility study underway. In addition, last year representatives of the City and the HRA toured the recently completed senior housing complex in Shakopee. Through the tour and subsequent discussions, it has become apparent that the Shakopee facility may have too much retail space. The owners of the Shakopee facility have been leasing much of the space to office/service businesses instead of retail. Utilizing that information in the design process, the proposed Lakeville complex will have a portion of the retail space easily convertible into residential space. 5. Update on Strategic Work Plan Activities. Medical/Health Care Subcommittee Mr. Sobota stated that the minutes of the Medical/ Health Care Subcommittee were distributed in the packet. Since the minutes are confidential at the request • of the providers, Mr. Sobota asked that the EDC members return them to City Lakeville Economic development Commission June 15, 1999 Meeting Minutes Page 9 . staff at the end of the meeting. Mr. Sobota invited the subcommittee to share their thoughts regarding the subcommittee meetings. Comm. Erickson stated that both of the medical service providers are looking at expanding into Lakeville. Comm. Erickson stated that he felt both groups were also looking for information, as well as financial assistance from the City. Comm. Detjen stated that Trinity Hospital seemed to have a better idea of what they were planning to develop in Lakeville and that he has more confidence in their building a clinic in Lakeville in the short term. Comm. Detjen also stated that both organizations seemed to feel that there is sufficient demand for more than one clinic. Comm. Brantly asked whether the subcommittee felt that their discussions with the providers not only assisted the EDC but also provided the organizations with information which may move the process forward. Comm. Detjen stated that the meeting helped to provide information on demographics, income, etc. which could be brought back to the respective organizations and utilized in the planning process. Mr. Sobota stated that both organizations seemed very sensitive to the development direction of the City. The representatives wanted to know whether • the City was interested in the development of a clinic, where the City believed the best location would be, and what assistance the City could provide. The organizations seemed to be seeking assistance in gathering information, developing timelines, and potential sources of funding. Mr. Sobota stated that one location factor that was stressed was that the clinic needed to be easy for patients to find because the organizations believed that the clinic's service area would extend outside of Lakeville to the south. Mr. Sobota suggested that the subcommittee meet one more time to develop a strategic direction which could be utilized in the strategic planning process. Comm. Brantly asked what the City could do to assist either or both of the organizations. Mr. Sobota stated that providing information was the primary means through which the City could be of assistance. The City also would be able to provide assistance with site acquisition and infrastructure improvements. Comm. Emond stated that it seems that Lakeville will have a clinic, the only question is which provider will be here first. Comm. Erickson stated that Trinity Hospital has a clinic in Farmington, Lakeville, and Rosemount in their strategic plan. The main issue influencing timing is the availability of capital. Mr. Erickson stated that with the medical industry in a constant state of change, it is difficult to foretell what type of clinic will be developed in Lakeville. Comm. Emond added that staffing is and will continue to be a concern for both medical . providers should they go forward with building a clinic. Comm. Detjen added that Lakeville Economic Development Commission June 15, 1999 Meeting Minutes Page 10 • another factor which may influence the type of clinic that is built in Lakeville may be the distance from the hospitals. Certain types of specialists do not want to be located more than a specified distance from the hospital. Comm. Brantly suggested that one strategy may be to market Lakeville to medical professionals. Comm. Emond agreed stating it would be a similar strategy as the one which was employed for the owners, CEOs, and managers of businesses. Comm. Detjen agreed that the EDC may consider such a strategy and added that Mr. Knapp from Fairview Ridges lives in Lakeville and seemed to better understand why the existing clinics are not enough to serve the Lakeville population. Mr. Erickson stated that Lakeville's housing market and community characteristics should be a benefit when marketing to medical professionals. Comm. Detjen added that Fairview Ridges is planning to begin a hospital expansion in the next year and that it will take three years to complete. The expansion will add additional space to existing areas as well as add services such as oncology and cardiac care. Mr. Sobota stated that the results of the meetings will be a part of the strategic planning process. South Creek Trout Stream Mr. Sobota stated that over 20 landowners attended the April 8`" Airlake Industrial Park Landowners Meeting. The meeting was held to provide an opportunity for Airlake landowners to learn about the history and implications of the South Creek designation. Based on the positive feedback received from the landowners the Joint EDC/EAC South Creek Subcommittee recommended at their April 27~h meeting that the EDC and EAC adopt a resolution which requests the City Council to receive the Statement of Principles and Potential Alternatives, and to direct City Staff to develop a management plan for the South Creek Trout Stream. 99.10 MOTION: Comms. Pogatchnik/Erickson moved to adopt Resolution 99.01 which requests the City Council to receive the Statement of Principles and Potential Alternatives, and to direct City Staff to develop a management plan for the South Creek Trout Stream. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Sobota stated that since the meeting on April 8~' he has spoken with many Airlake landowners who have expressed appreciation for the City's effort in keeping them informed of the issue. The landowners stated that the meeting made them feel a part of the process. Mr. Sobota stated that it seems that the meeting really opened up communication with the landowners. • Lakeville Economic Development Commission June 15, 1999 Meeting Minutes Page 11 . Corridor and Gateway Design Study Mr. Sobota stated that the Design Guidelines were reviewed by members of the EDC, Planning Commission, and the community at the Guideline Review Meeting in May. Based on the comments and suggestions from that meeting, staff has been working with Barton-Aschman on the final Design Guidelines document. Mr. Sobota stated that the revised guidelines were presented to the Planning Commission at their June 3'd meeting. The most prevalent concern expressed by the Commissioners was the long-term maintenance of the landscape features. The Planning Commission recommended that the City Council receive and adopt the design guidelines as presented. Mr. Sobota stated that the Parks and Recreation Committee will be reviewing the design guidelines at their June 16'h meeting. Mr. Sobota asked the EDC to review the revised Design Guidelines and provide the staff with any concerns or suggestions that they may have. Mr. Sobota added that as the end of Phase I draws near, staff has developed a preliminary outline of the components for Phase II. Through the development process of the design guidelines it has become apparent that the Phase II should include priority setting, cost estimations, determination of funding sources, and the development of educational materials. Phase II will be funded in the 2000 budget. Funding is in • the 1999 Budget for the incorporation of the design guidelines into the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Sobota asked that the EDC make a recommendation to the City Council if there were no concerns regarding the current revision of the design guidelines. Comm. Emond stated that the long-term maintenance is critical to the success of the project. Mr. Sobota recognized the importance of maintenance and stated that during Phase II cost estimations will be developed for both installation and maintenance. 99.11 MOTION: Comms. Brantly/Pogatchnik moved to recommend the City Council receive and adopt the Design Guidelines of the Corridor and Gateway Design Study. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Erickson stated that the Design Guidelines have already been utilized on improvements throughout the community. One example will be the median along 202"d Street which will have dark brown stamped concrete with a paver design. The stamped concrete was utilized because grass can not be grown in the median since the median is being built over asphalt. Another example is a retaining wall that is being built along County Road 5. Utilizing the Design Guidelines, the City worked with the County to develop a modular block retaining wall that will be terraced and will become a standard in color for other such . retaining walls in the City. Lakeville Economic Development Commission June 75, 7999 Meeting Minutes Page 12 Comm. Brantly asked why a boulder rock retaining wall could not be utilized. Mr. Erickson stated that at this time there are no specifications for boulder rock retaining wall at the state (MnDOT) level. Since the County State Aid Highways (like 50 & 70) must be approved by the state, boulder rock retaining walls will most likely not be able to be utilized. Thus, City staff has worked with Barton- Aschman to develop an alternative should a boulder rock retaining wall not be feasible. Comm. Emond asked who was responsible for maintenance along the County Highways. Mr. Erickson stated that the City is responsible for any of the landscaping. It is for that reason that the City continues to pursue maintenance free plantings. Comm. Erickson suggested perennials as one type of plant materials. Mr. Erickson agreed that perennials should be more widely utilized and added that Mr. Michaud, Director of Parks & Recreation, was asked to increase the use of perennials in the City so as to reduce the labor costs for landscaping. Mr. Sobota stated that the City will also be looking to identify highly visible areas for landscaping so as to have the greatest impact Financial Incentives Policy Mr. Sobota stated that staff has developed a workplan and that is currently under review and will be shared with the EDC at the next meeting. Comm. Erickson • asked when the existing TIF districts would run out. Mr. Sobota stated that a summary of that information would be included in the next packet. 6. Staff Activities Report Ms. Erpelding stated that the City of Lakeville has seen increasing use of the Internet as part of their marketing program. The City of Lakeville, through the assistance of Peoples Natural Gas, became a member of the National Association of Manufacturers Site Selection Network. Ms. Erpelding also noted that the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development has just unveiled a new comprehensive site tracking and community profile system at their website. Mr. Sobota stated that the City of Lakeville is working with New Morning Windows and the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DYED) on finalizing the possible repayment of a portion of their grant. When New Morning Windows entered into the grant agreement in 1995, it was agreed that New Morning Windows would create 40 new jobs. As of June of 1998, New Morning Windows had only created 20 of the 40 required new positions. DYED is now requesting repayment of a portion of the loan. Staff will continue to work with DYED and New Morning Windows on a resolution and will report back to the EDC in August. • Lakeville Economic Development Commission June 15, 1999 Meeting Minutes Page 13 • Comm. Erickson noted that College City Homes has greatly improved the former Technical Engineering site in Airlake Industrial Park. Mr. Sobota agreed stating that College City Homes has also purchased the adjoining lot. Mr. Erickson stated that the new streetlights and the burying of the power lines along Hamburg Avenue will also visually improve the area. 7. Other Business. 8. Adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m. Respectively submitted by: ATTESTED TO: J ~ Rita Erpelding, Recor ' g Secretary .T. Brantly, Secretary •